Almendra Astete Farfan — Currently a Ph.D. Student studying pathogen dynamics within tree production systems. Her research focuses on the aerobiome of propagation facilities, seedborne pathogens in commercially important Christmas tree species, and seed-to-seedling microbiome succession. Her work aims to understand how pathogens are introduced, persist, and spread through propagation systems and how environmental conditions, management practices, and seed origin influence these microbial communities. Ultimately, her research will contribute to early pathogen detection and improved disease management in nurseries, conservation, and forest restoration.
Almendra completed her Master’s degree at CSU with Dr. Andrew P. Norton and Dr. Jane E. Stewart (2021–2024). Her thesis, “Investigating Ecological Factors Involved in the Incidence and Severity of Puccinia punctiformis Infection in Cirsium arvense”, examined the weed biocontrol potential of the rust fungus Puccinia punctiformis against creeping thistle.
Almendra received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco in Peru, where she studied the population structure of the potato late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans in collaboration with the International Potato Center. Her research experience encompasses plant pathology, molecular biology, microbial ecology, and disease management. She has collaborated on studies of plant–pathogen interactions involving Phytophthora capsici, crop resistance to P. infestans and papaya ringspot virus, and the identification and evaluation of blueberry endophytic fungi for their biocontrol potential against Botrytis cinerea.
Originally from Peru, Almendra enjoys mentoring students, sharing science through outreach, learning about different cultures and communities, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.