Plant Pathology
The Plant Pathology Program at the NDSU Williston Research Extension Center is a leading regional resource for pulse and cereal crops disease research. Our work focuses on economically significant diseases like root rot of field peas, lentils, and chickpeas, as well as Fusarium Head Blight (scab) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) management in durum and spring wheat.
In addition to the core emphasis on root rot and scab, the program also addresses critical disease challenges affecting barley, canola, soybeans, and spring wheat. We collaborate closely with scientists across other Research Extension Centers, NDSU’s main campus, and private industry partners to deliver research-driven solutions that benefit growers in the region and beyond.
Contact us:
email: edson.ncube@ndsu.edu
phone: (701)-774-4315
Research Updates
2026
- Planting date impacts disease progression and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) grown in the Northern Great Plains. Plant Disease.
2025
- DON (vomitoxin) Levels in Durum Wheat Across North Dakota Variety Trials (2023 - 2024). NDSU Williston Research Extension Center & MSU Eastern Agricultural Research Center Joint Annual Research Report, p. 55-56.
- Previewing CruiserMaxx® Vibrance Elite Seed Treatment for Pythium Control in Field Pea. NDSU WREC & MSU EARC Joint Annual Research Report, p. 65-67.
- Effect of Rhizobia Inoculation Rates on Soybean Yield in Western North Dakota. NDSU WREC & MSU EARC Joint Annual Research Report, p. 73-75.
- Effect of seed applied fungicide on nodulation, disease management and crop yield in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Plant Health Progress 26:499-506. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-01-25-0013-RS
2024
- Optimizing nodulation in chickpea for enhanced nitrogen fixation. NDSU WREC & MSU EARC Joint Annual Research Report, p 57-61.
Crop Disease Photos
Ascochyta blight in chickpea
Fusarium Head Blight (scab) in durum wheat
Fusarium root rot in field pea
Aphanomyces root rot in field pea
Septoria Brown Spot in soybean
