The S​ociety of Irish Plant Pathologists 

Research Interests

Pathology, epidemiology, diagnostics and control of fungal , viral and bacterial diseases of the cultivated mushroom
Mushroom substrate utilisation
Mushroom genomics
Horticultural and Forest plant pathology

Current Projects

A genomic approach to understanding and improving compost utilisation (DAFM-RSF funded)
Characterising lignocellulose degradation in mushroom substrate by Agaricus bisporus strains (Teagasc funded)
Genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of A. bisporus strains showing some resistance/tolerance to mushroom virus X (Teagasc and industry funded).
Assuring the safety of mushrooms by the introduction of novel processes to reduce Listeria monocytogenes biofilms and environmental contamination in mushroom production facilities (DAFM-RSF funded)
Alternative crops for the cut foliage sector (DAFM-RSF and industry funded)
Forest management research (DAFM-RSF funded)

Education

1992, PhD, University College Dublin
1985, H Dip Ed, Trinity College Dublin
1983, DÉA, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France
1982, MSc, Trinity College, Dublin
1980, BA (Mod) Nat Sci, Trinity College Dublin

Professional Membership

BASIS Professional Register
British Society of Plant Pathologists
International Society of Mushroom Science
Society of Irish Plant Pathologists