Veronica Ancona, PhD

I am an Assistant Professor of Citrus Pathology at the TAMUK-Citrus Center Department of Agronomy and Resource Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. My research experience includes investigating the molecular mechanisms regulating virulence of the vascular pathogens Erwinia amylovora and Xylella fastidiosa.  In addition, I have experience in analyzing and developing pest management strategies for exotic plant pathogens and emerging plant diseases.  

 

My current research program follows three major lines of investigation.  The fist area of research focuses on Phytophthora foot rot disease in Texas. This research includes the epidemiological aspects of the disease, biological aspects of the pathogen, chemical control and the discovery of potential biocontrol agents against the pathogen. The second area of research focuses on Huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus. This research includes the characterization of the effector proteins produced by CLas in Texas and the evaluation of antimicrobial compounds against the disease.  The third area of research includes the evaluation of the interaction between Phytophthora and HLB disease in Texas.