Margery Daughtrey

Margery Daughtrey serves as a Senior Extension Associate in Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section. Based at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Riverhead, NY, she has dedicated over 50 years to advancing disease management solutions for New York's floriculture industry since joining in 1978.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Master of Science from University of Massachusetts (1978)
• Bachelor of Science from College of William and Mary (1975)

Daughtrey's research centers on critical pathogens threatening ornamental crops, with emphasis on foliar diseases (powdery mildew, downy mildew) and root-rotting organisms (*Pythium*, *Phytophthora*, *Thielaviopsis*). She pioneers integrated approaches balancing environmental safety and efficacy for greenhouse operations near populated areas, addressing emerging threats like boxwood blight and impatiens downy mildew through cultural controls, biocontrols, and reduced-risk chemicals.

Her publication record reveals consistent focus on pathogen emergence and management innovation, particularly for ornamental systems. Key trends include diagnostic advancements for *Calonectria pseudonaviculata*, viral disease monitoring in vegetables, and resistance mitigation strategies that address offshore production challenges and recirculating irrigation systems.

Recognition for her impactful work includes:

• Award of Merit (2017) from the American Phytopathological Society's Northeastern Division
• Three Dynamic Women in Horticulture (2015) by Farmingdale State College
• Cornell CALS Outstanding Extension Award (2014)
• APS Fellow designation (2012)
• Suffolk County Legislature service proclamation (2008)

Daughtrey's extension program delivers actionable guidance through national collaborations with AmericanHort and APS, plus direct grower engagement. Her outreach spans:

• Workshops for arborists and Master Gardeners on oak wilt and boxwood blight
• Technical support for offshore cutting producers to prevent pathogen introduction
• Development of IPM protocols for flood-irrigation systems

She leads diagnostic and research initiatives at Cornell's Long Island facility, leveraging partnerships with the U.S. National Arboretum's Boxwood Collection and national disease task forces to address evolving threats to ornamental horticulture.