Raymond W. Schneider
Professor

302 Life Sciences Bldg.
Address 2: Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: (225) 578-4880
Fax: (225) 578-1415
E-mail: RSchneider@agcenter.lsu.edu  

Education/Training
B.S. in Biology/Chemistry, University of Alabama - 1969
M.S. in Plant Pathology, University of Illinois - 1971
Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, University of Illinois - 1973

Areas of Specialization/Research
Research program is centered primarily on soybean pathology with responsibility to provide short- and long-term disease control strategies for this important crop. Several diseases and control strategies are currently being investigated. Cercospora leaf blight, caused by Cercospora kikuchii, has been a minor disease, but in recent years it has become the most important disease in the state. Current research programs include evaluation of fungicides and times and rates of application for optimal disease control. A more basic thrust utilizes molecular techniques to examine genetic diversity in populations of the pathogen in order to determine if new races or biotypes are arising. Soybean germplasm accessions are being screened for resistance, and a project on genetics of resistance is being initiated. Ultimately, these projects will lead to the identification of molecular markers for disease resistance and attempts to clone resistance genes. Other projects include development of yield loss forecasting models that will be incorporated into crop growth and economic models for use in risk analysis.

Another research program involves the development of aerial seeding technology for smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora. This plant is the predominant species in coastal marshes and is responsible for stabilizing the soil in these sensitive areas and protecting them from erosion. Louisiana continues to lose thousands of acres of salt marsh each year, and preservation and restoration of these areas is now a national priority. Ongoing projects include seedling nutrition and investigations into the cause of the so-called brown marsh syndrome in which thousands of acres of smooth cordgrass suddenly died.

Teaching Experience
PLHL 4000 General Plant Pathology
PLHL 7082 Soilborne Plant Pathogens
PLHL 4014 Diseases of Economic Crops (Section of soybean diseases)

Research Experience

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Publications | Curriculum Vitae