Dr. Hehe Wang is an Assistant Professor and a plant bacteriologist located at Edisto station of Clemson University. She has extensive experience in studying bacterial pathogens in multiple crop production systems. In recent years she has worked closely with Dr. Guido Schnabel, SC peach growers, and Extension agents on bacterial disease management in peach. In this project, she will lead the development and evaluation of sustainable tree spray programs on disease and pest management, coordinate team efforts, and prepare progress reports and publications.
Dr. Guido Schnabel is a Professor of Plant Pathology at Clemson University. He has a nationally and internationally recognized Research and Extension program for peach diseases and very close connection with stakeholders in the peach industry. He is well-known for his innovative extension tools, such as the widely used MyIPM smartphone app, and his regional outreach efforts on fungicide resistance monitoring.
Dr. Juan Carlos Melgar is an Associate Professor of Pomology at Clemson University. His research focuses on increasing orchard sustainability and profitability through the optimization of nutritional and water management and the addition of soil organic carbon (compost, mulches, biochar), and assessing the effect of biotic and abiotic stresses in physiological responses of peach and other fruit crops. In this project, he will lead the analysis of tree physiological responses and co-lead the soil health trial
Dr. Rongzhong Ye is an Assistant Professor of Soil Biogeochemistry at the Pee Dee REC of Clemson University. He runs an extensive soil health program focused on soil biogeochemical processes that underpin soil functions and soil productivity. In this project he will lead the investigation of treatment impacts on biological, chemical, and physical soil health indicators.
Dr. Churamanin Khanal is an Assistant Professor of Nematology at Clemson University. He runs Nematode Assay Lab and conducts research to understand plant-nematode interactions and to develop nematode management programs. In this project he will lead the analysis of pathogenic and beneficial nematodes in the soil health trial.
Dr. Michael Vassalos is an Associate Professor of Agribusiness at Clemson University. His research mainly focuses on farm/agribusiness management and production economics. He will lead the economic analysis in this project.
