Loren Giesler was named head of the Department of Plant Pathology effective Sept. 1, 2018. Prior to serving as department head, Dr. Giesler provided statewide leadership for extension plant pathology programs in alfalfa, soybeans, ornamentals and trees. Soybean in Nebraska was where Dr. Giesler spent most of his effort. His research projects in soybean included Bean pod mottle virus, Soybean Cyst Nematode and Phytophthora root and stem rot. Other projects included annual rose fungicide trials for black spot management and other ornamental diseases as they emerged. He is also previously worked on injection studies in pine to manage Pine Wilt Nematode with Dr. Mark Harrell of the Nebraska Forest Service.

Soybean pathology: Disease surveys on soybean viruses and Phytophthora sojae races in Nebraska. Management studies on soybean viruses and germplasm evaluations to find tolerance to Bean Pod Mottle Virus. Efficacy trials for soybean seed treatment fungicides and development of an integrated management program for Phytophthora sojae. Soybean rust fungicide application studies with USDA and national leader for identification of soybean rust. Toured South America rust fungicide efficacy trials in 2004 and 2005. Coordinator for national soybean rust sentinel monitoring efforts. My program also is working on several studies on soybean cyst nematode to improve management programs for this significant pest of soybean.

Turfgrass pathology: Fungicide efficacy trials for various diseases affecting turfgrass quality on golf and landscape turfs.