The University of Illinois Extension is looking to collaborate with local farmers in order to conduct research on multiple crop diseases.
Commercial Ag Extension Coordinator Dr. Chelsea Harbach is looking to research soybean pathology, specifically cyst nematodes. Cyst nematodes are a species of roundworm that is “tricky”, with 30 per cent observable yield loss without any signs of symptoms.
Dr. Harbach is also looking to research plant parasitic nematodes.
Dr. Harbach says she has ideas for her research and reiterates the need to collaborate with local farmers:
“I’ve got ideas for programming, research, and hopefully some collaborative, on-farm research. So, if there are any farmers out there that are interested in cover crops and soybean cyst nematodes, that’s in my wheelhouse. I would love to talk to you more about collaborating or see what your specific interests are in that area.”
Farmers who are interested in collaborating with Dr. Harbach can reach her by email at harbach2@illinois.edu.
