Peter DiGennaro

Peter DiGennaro serves as Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, where he leads research on molecular mechanisms of plant-nematode interactions. His program integrates genomic, biochemical, and AI-driven approaches to address agricultural challenges posed by root-knot nematodes.

Education:

• B.S. in Biochemistry, State University of New York at Geneseo (2007)
• Ph.D. in Functional Genomics, NC State University (2013)

Research Focus: Dr. DiGennaro's laboratory investigates root-knot nematode pathogenesis with emphasis on nematode signaling molecules (particularly C-terminally Encoded Peptides) that manipulate plant nitrogen assimilation and form specialized feeding sites. His team employs temporal transcriptomics to map diurnally regulated gene networks during infection and develops monoclonal antibody diagnostics for field applications. Recent work increasingly incorporates deep learning for nematode identification in complex samples and examines climate change impacts (elevated CO2) on nematode-plant interactions.

Research Trends: Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals three converging trajectories: (1) Molecular dissection of nematode effectors influencing plant nutrition, (2) AI/bioinformatics integration for nematode diagnostics and management, and (3) Expansion into zoonotic nematode systems (e.g., Trichinella, Pseudoterranova) with food safety applications. His work consistently bridges fundamental mechanisms with agricultural solutions, particularly for tomato and cowpea systems.

Educational Impact: Dr. DiGennaro actively engages students through Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) and developed the university's online DNA Day program, which significantly improved high school students' science perceptions. His outreach extends to rural Florida high schools through plant health career initiatives and the Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic's public services.

Laboratory Infrastructure: Based in Russell Laboratories, his research leverages UW-Madison's Plant Pathology core facilities for genomic sequencing, proteomics, and nematode culturing. Collaborations span entomology (parasitoid genomics), plant breeding (cowpea diversity), and data science teams to address complex nematology challenges.