Eric is a Ph.D. candidate in Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology. His thesis focuses on management and biology of Rhizoctonia root rot using both conventional strategies and microbiome-based approaches. In particular, Eric is interested in how the fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani, and fungicide applications affect microbial communities in the beet rhizosphere and surrounding soil. His enthusiasm for research and Extension began on his family’s fruit and vegetable farm in Alexandria, Minnesota. Prior to starting at Cornell in 2018, Eric received a B.S. degree in Plant Science from the University of Minnesota. Eric looks forward to a career in public-sector research and Extension, where he can enhance and support regional agriculture and food production.
Also, check out this recent feature on Eric’s graduate studies: https://cals.cornell.edu/news/2023/03/graduate-student-eric-branch-hes-got-beet
