Dr. Alison E Robertson

I have statewide responsibility for management of diseases of field crops. I coordinate and provide leadership for corn and soybean disease diagnosis and management information, and education programs for corn and soybean farmers and agribusiness professionals throughout Iowa. Through my Extension activities, I strive to increase the plant pathology expertise of my clientele in order to facilitate more effective disease management and thereby increased net returns for farmers. My research program addresses current issues in disease management of corn and soybean production and directly supports my Extension efforts.

Background

I graduated with a BS in Plant Pathology in 1991, from the University of Kwazulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. During my freshman year, in a general class on Agriculture, Professor Fritz Rijkenberg introduced me to Plant Pathology, and I was hooked. After my undergraduate degree, I worked as the Extension Plant Pathologist at Kutsaga Research Station in Zimbabwe. It was there I developed my interest in working with farmers and agricultural professionals. I came to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a PhD in Plant Pathology at Clemson University, SC, and started working at Iowa State University in May 2004.

Area of Expertise: Disease Management, Field Crops