Ruth Dill-Macky

Ruth Dill-Macky serves as a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, based at Stakman Hall and Borlaug Hall in St. Paul, MN. She maintains an active research program focused on cereal crop diseases with USDA Agricultural Research Service funding, collaborating directly with wheat, barley, and oat breeding initiatives to develop resistant varieties.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in Botany-Plant Pathology from University of Queensland, Australia (1993)
• BS in Botany-Plant Pathology (Honours, First Class) from University of Queensland, Australia (1984)
• BS in Botany and Biochemistry from University of Queensland, Australia (1983)

Professor Dill-Macky's research centers on economically devastating diseases of small grains, particularly Fusarium head blight, stem rust, and bacterial leaf streak. Her program develops resistance screening techniques, analyzes inheritance patterns of resistance traits, and conducts epidemiological studies on pathogen spread under varying environmental conditions. She prioritizes translating molecular insights into practical breeding solutions for Minnesota growers.

Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal intensified focus on molecular characterization of Fusarium resistance mechanisms and Ug99 stem rust threats, alongside emerging bacterial disease challenges. Her work integrates genomics, field trials, and germplasm screening to address yield impacts from pathogens like Xanthomonas translucens, with strong emphasis on developing deployable resistance strategies for cereal production systems.

Scientific awards:

• No specific awards documented in the provided materials

She has secured 67 grants as Principal Investigator, primarily through USDA Agricultural Research Service, with active projects extending to 2026. Current work includes molecular characterization of Fusarium head blight, stem rust evaluation in oats, and bacterial leaf streak management. Her program has generated 96 research outputs and one major barley genomics dataset.

Professor Dill-Macky leads a multidisciplinary research team collaborating with breeders and USDA scientists, operating field nurseries and molecular labs focused on pathogen virulence and host resistance mechanisms in cereal crops across Minnesota's agricultural landscape.