Santiago X Mideros Mora

Santiago X Mideros Mora is an Associate Professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly in maize and wheat pathosystems. He investigates fungal pathogens like Fusarium graminearum, Setosphaeria turcica, and Phytophthora sojae, with emphasis on resistance mechanisms and host-pathogen genetics.

His work combines genomic approaches (comparative genomics, transcriptomics) with physiological studies to understand pathogen virulence and crop defense strategies. Key areas include host-specificity genes in Exserohilum turcicum, quantitative resistance in wheat against Fusarium, and temporal dynamics of Phytophthora sojae resistance genes.

Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding ethylene's role in maize resistance mechanisms and global patterns of resistance gene efficacy in soybean pathogens. His research bridges field-based epidemiology with molecular biology to address agricultural challenges posed by infectious agents.