Neil McRoberts is a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis, and Director of the Western Plant Diagnostic Network. His research focuses on plant disease epidemiology, systems modeling, and bio-economic analysis of plant diseases. He investigates strategies for managing invasive pathogens, optimizing disease detection methods, and understanding the socio-economic dimensions of agricultural disease management. McRoberts has contributed extensively to studies on Huanglongbing (citrus greening), grapevine leafroll disease, and spinach downy mildew, emphasizing collective action challenges in plant health provision. His work integrates molecular diagnostics, spore trapping, and behavioral economics to address both technical and institutional barriers in disease management. His research spans multiple scales from molecular diagnostics to global crop health assessments, with a focus on translating scientific insights into actionable policies and practices. McRoberts collaborates with growers, policymakers, and international organizations to develop sustainable solutions for crop disease challenges. Notable contributions include frameworks for optimizing phytosanitary thresholds and evaluating the economic impacts of disease management strategies. His lab (QBELab) emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining epidemiology, modeling, and social science perspectives. Key Areas: Disease forecasting, collective action in agriculture, citrus disease management, spore dispersal modeling Affiliations: Western Plant Diagnostic Network, UC Davis Plant Pathology Department Methodologies: Systems modeling, economic analysis, citizen science surveillance McRoberts' recent work highlights the critical role of volunteer networks in early disease detection and the importance of aligning economic incentives with sustainable agricultural practices to combat invasive pathogens effectively.
