Mana Ohkura

Cornell University New York State Agricultural Experiment Station

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Mana Ohkura
Graduate Research Assistant

E-Mail: mo92@cornell.edu

2005-present Ph.D. student, Plant Pathology; Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University.

2005 B.S. Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, June 2005.

Graduate advisor: George Abawi

Research Focus

My research focuses on root rot of beans caused by Rhizoctonia solani and other related fungi. I am interested in developing a cost-effective control method through an IPM perspective. Previously, growers used a grain crop rotation to suppress the disease, however; recently growers in New York State have reported that the grain crop rotation is no longer effective. In order to develop a new strategy to control the disease, we will start by characterization of the pathogenic Rhizoctonia strain. We hope to develop a molecular probe to use as a soil indexing tool for the dominant strain. Next, we hope to develop an effective crop rotation sequence and soil management strategy for the farmers. Finally, we would like to collaborate with an on-going project in Ecuador to screen for a bean germplasm that is resistant to the dominant strain of Rhizoctonia in the New York region.

Professional Experience

2005	Teaching Assistant, PLP 40 Mushroom Cultivation, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis.
2004-2005	Undergraduate Research Internship, with Dr. Tom Gordon, University of California, Davis. Evaluating the potential for the Pitch Canker Pathogen, Fusarium circinatum, to compete for natural substrates as a saprobe.
2004-2004	Undergraduate Research Internship, with Dr. Mike Davis, University of California, Davis.. Exploring differences in ectomycorrhizal fungi above and below ground using molecular techniques. Analyzing molecular data using taxonomic computer programs.
2003-2005	Laboratory Assistant, Plant Pathology Lab, University of California, Davis. Conducting lesion readings, inoculations, soil dilutions and vegetative compatibility tests. Assisting with DNA extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis. Preparation of species selective media and buffers.
2004	Mushroom Cultivation, Dragon Gourmet Mushrooms, Sacramento, CA. Packing and inoculating oyster mushroom growth media for spawn run.

Awards and Honors

2003	Edward Kraft Prize
2004	James and Lela Fulmor Scholarship
2005	Cornell Graduate Fellowship
2001-2005	Dean’s List, University of California

Professional Societies and Working Groups

Phi Kappa Phi
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
American Phytopathological Society

New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, 630 West North Street, Geneva, New York 14456
Telephone: 315.787.2011

Last Modified: February 6, 2008
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