Professor
630 West North Street
Dept. of Plant Pathology
NYS Ag Experiment Station
Cornell University
Geneva, NY 14456
Phone: 315-787-2388
FAX: 315-787-2389
Email: rcs4@cornell.edu
Web: http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pp/faculty/seem/

Bob's program specializes in the epidemiology, biology, and control of fruit and vegetable diseases with emphasis on the development of decision support systems ranging from simple models of disease to sophisticated simulation models. Investigations often focus on the role of the abiotic environment on disease development and management including the application of new weather forecasting and information management techniques. Special emphasis has been place on surface wetness duration theory and measurement. Recent research activities include the refinement of DMCast, a forecast model for grape downy mildew based on studies defining ontogenic resistance and spore viability. A mesoscale weather forecast model is also being enhanced to allow for regional estimates of disease risk at a spatial resolution of 200-300 m.