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Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

Dr. Natalia Peres

Professor of Plant Pathology

Dr. Natalia Peres conducts basic and applied research on important diseases affecting strawberry production in Florida.

The goal of her program is to develop a better understanding of the etiology of the diseases and the environmental factors affecting their development, and to provide more effective disease control recommendations.

Dr. Peres also works closely with the strawberry and the ornamental breeders on developing cultivars with some level of disease resistance and oversees the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic.

Peres Plant Pathology Lab

  • Research

    The goals of Dr. Peres' research program are to develop a better understanding of strawberry disease etiology and the environmental factors affecting their development as well as to develop effective and sustainable disease control methods that will help reduce fungicide applications and lower grower costs.

    In one of my major research projects, disease prediction models have been evaluated and compared to the standard program of protective fungicide applications.

    A web-based system to predict the risk for anthracnose and Botrytis fruit rot epidemics was then developed, enabling strawberry growers to reduce the number and properly time fungicide applications without compromising disease control.

  • Extension

    Strawberries are one of the most valuable crops in Florida. However, diseases, such as Botrytis and anthracnose fruit rots, often threaten the production of this high-value crop.

    Some other diseases, such as powdery mildew, angular leaf spot, crown rot and root diseases, can also be limiting when environmental conditions are favorable.

    The Extension program provides the research results on developing sustainable and more profitable strategies for managing strawberry diseases to commercial growers, Extension agents, industry personnel, and other scientists.

  • Peres Plant Pathology Lab

    Peres Lab

Contact

Rm. 161
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
14625 County Road 672
Wimauma, FL 33598
813-419-6602
nperes@ufl.edu

  • Education

    Education:

    • Ph.D. Plant Pathology, São Paulo State University, Brazil, 2002
    • M.S. Horticulture, São Paulo State University, Brazil, 1998
    • B.S. Agronomy, São Paulo State University, Brazil, 1995
  • Publications
  • Professional Service and Awards
    • UF/IFAS, High Impact Research Publication, 2013
    • American Phytopathological Society, Senior Editor for Plant Disease, 2013–2015
    • University of Florida Research Foundation Professor Award, 2011
    • University of Florida, GCREC Faculty Award, 2011
    • University of Florida, Excellence Award for Assistant Professor, 2010
    • American Phytopathological Society, Associate Editor for Plant Disease, 2009–2011
    • American Phytopathological Society, Associate Editor for APSnet Education Center, 2009–2011
    • UF/IFAS, Richard L. Jones New Faculty Research Award, 2008
    • American Phytopathological Society, Chair Pathogen Resistance Committee, 2008
    • UF/IFAS, International Achievement Award, 2007
    • UF/IFAS, Junior Faculty International Educator of the Year. 2007
    • American Phytopathological Society, William Boright Hewitt and Maybelle Ellen Ball Hewitt Award for Young Scientist Outstanding Contributions, 2007