Björn Andersson

Plant pathology as a scientific discipline is by definition closely linked to appliance. A strong and close connection between plant pathological research and applied agriculture is important to both SLU and the agricultural sector. A diseased crop will reduce the income for the individual farmer. The farmer must run an effective and profitable business, and at the same time handle public demands and political aims of reducing the use of pesticide. A new factor in this is also the effect of climate change on plant pathogens. How to best protect the crops from pathogen attacks is a complex issue, and one that needs input from different sides.

I also work as a researcher in different projects. My main interest in plant pathology is late blight in potato (Phytophthora infestans) where I have and have had a number of projects concerning everything from fungicide efficacy trial to epidemiological modelling and population studies based on molecular methods. At present I am also involved in several other projects concerning different aspects of fungal diseases in oils seed, wheat and potato.