Sarah Jane Pethybridge

Sarah Jane Pethybridge is an Associate Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, specializing in the Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section. Based at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY, her research focuses on soilborne disease management in vegetables, integrating quantitative epidemiology and decision theory to optimize pesticide use and improve agricultural sustainability.

• Education: PhD and BAgSc (First Class Honors) from University of Tasmania

Her extension work employs Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory to enhance grower adoption of durable disease management strategies. Research spans fungal genetics, fungicide resistance, and agronomic decision-making frameworks.

Recent projects include UV light applications for beet disease control (2024) and collaborative efforts like the ECOBEAN initiative for organic dry bean production. Awards include the Schwartz Research Fund Travel Award (2018) and American Phytopathological Society Syngenta Award (2010).

• Key Techniques: Leaf Doctor app for disease quantification
• Teaching: Co-instructor for Field Plant Pathology Course (PLPA/ENTO 4190)