Dr. Guohong Cai studies all aspects of soybean diseases. Current focus is on two diseases with serious economic consequences in the Mid-West region: Phytophthora root and stem rot and sudden death syndrome. Phytophthora root and stem rot is caused by two oomycete pathogens: Phytophthora sojae and P. sansomeana. Soybean death syndrome is caused by the fungus Fusarium virguliforme in North America. In South America, additional Fusarium species cause the same disease. Dr. Cai uses multi-faceted approach, from pathogen genomics, genetic, and population, their interaction with soybean, greenhouse and field screening, and microbiome to identify economically sound disease management strategies. Dr. Cai also coordinates the Northern Uniform Soybean Tests, which screen publically developed soybean lines in more than 10 states in Northern USA and provinces in Canada and at approximately 50 locations. These tests screen soybean lines for agronomic performance, disease resistance and quality traits. They provide the information required by public breeders to accurately assess a line’s ability to produce prior to its potential release, while eliminating the constraints of individually conducting trials in numerous locations and across multiple states.

Selected Publications