The Eskalen Lab focuses on the biology, ecology, and management of fungal pathogens affecting perennial crops, with an emphasis on grapevine, tree fruit, and small fruit crops. Our research integrates field diagnostics, molecular detection, and applied fungicide and cultural trials to manage trunk diseases, fruit rots, and emerging canker pathogens. We work closely with growers and industry to deliver practical disease management solutions through cooperative extension, training, and rapid-response diagnostics.
Current Projects
-Investigating the etiology, epidemiology and management of Aspergillus vine canker and summer bunch rot (sour rot) of grapevine |
Grapevine Trunk Diseases are the most prevalent diseases of grapevine throughout all grapevine growing areas in California. They reduce the lifespan of vineyards and increase the cost of winegrape production. Our lab has been working on epidemiology and integrated pest management strategies for pathogens that cause grapevine trunk diseases in California |
Investigating the etiology, epidemiology and management of branch canker diseases of apple and pear in California. |
Investigating the Cause of Sudden Vine Collapse in California. https://americanvineyardmagazine.com/uc-davis-experts-investigate-cause-of-sudden-grapevine-collapse/ |
-Investigating the cause of golden kiwi wilt in yuba county |
-Understanding the biology and epidemiology of leaf blotch caused by Zythia fragaria on strawberry in California. |
-Investigating the effect of soil inoculum density of Fusarium wilt and Charcoal rot of strawberry. |
-Pear scab fungicide efficacy trial |
-Investigating the cause of branch canker diseases of Pear |
-Investigating the cause of leaf blotch and fruit spot of Apple in California |
Fruit Crop Fungicide trials use conventional/novel programs to treat powdery mildew, Botrytis bunch rot, summer bunch rot (sour rot) of table grapes and pear scab, |
In vitro Fungicide Screening Using Spiral Gradient Dilution Method |
-Host range testing of Fusarium dieback-invasive shothole borers on tree fruit crops in California. |