Overview:

A major focus of our lab is understanding and managing disease in Colorado’s fruit tree industry, particularly the peach orchards of the Western Slope. Our work centers on Cytospora canker, a perennial and economically damaging disease caused by Cytospora plurivora, which threatens the long-term productivity and survival of peach trees across the region.

Through a combination of field trials, population genetics, and applied management studies, we investigate the epidemiology of Cytospora canker and evaluate strategies, including canopy sprays and irrigation practices, to reduce disease incidence and severity. This research has spanned multiple graduate projects in the lab, building a growing body of knowledge aimed at giving growers practical, science-based tools to protect their orchards.

Our goal is to support the resilience of Colorado’s fruit tree industry by bridging fundamental plant pathology research with real-world orchard management.

People:

Cytospora Canker has been the focus of many projects in the Stewart Lab including current work by Dr Lexi Hager, Pavan Silva, and Dr. Shankar Gaire. Past projects include work by Sal Greenburger, Dr. Stephan Miller, Dr. Sean Toperek, and Sean Wright.