Ray Hammerschmidt, Ph.D.

Ray Hammerschmidt

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Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology
Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

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Degrees:
B.S., Purdue University, Biochemistry
M.S. Purdue University, Plant Pathology
Ph.D., University of Kentucky, Plant Pathology

Overview of current program:

Plants are subjected to infection and attack by many different pathogens. However, the evolution of multiple defenses has allowed plants to effectively defend themselves against many of these attacks. Although many potential constitutive and induced defenses have been identified, the specific role and contribution of each to defense have been defined in only a few cases. Current research is involved in elucidating the nature and role of these defenses in several plant-pathogen systems using cytological, chemical, biochemical and molecular techniques. The major goals are to determine which mechanisms of defense are most important in the expression of resistance. Specific projects include the chemistry and role of phytoanticipins in periderm tissues of Prunus spp. as part of passive defense,  the biochemical nature of defense against potato tuber pathogens,  the role of natural and wound-induced periderm and suberin in potato tubers, and the uptake of chemicals by plants from the environment.

Selected Professional Affiliations, Awards and Honors:

  • American Chemical Society
  • American Phytopathological Society
  • Sigma Xi
  • CERES
  • Fellow, The American Phytopathological Society (2007)
  • USDA NIFA Partnership Award for Innovative Program Models (2010)
  • Cherry Industry Distinguished Service Award, Cherry Marketing Institute (2016)
  • Distinguished Service Award, NC Division of the American Phytopathological Society (2017)
  • Outstanding Extension Specialist, Michigan State University Extension (2017)
  • Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, Michigan Potato Industry Commission (2021)

 

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