Dr. Gregory Martin to Receive Award for Excellence in Molecular Plant Pathology

Gregory Martin, Ph.D., has been named the recipient of the Noel T. Keen Award for Research Excellence in Molecular Plant Pathology by The American Phytopathological Society (APS). The award recognizes an outstanding research scientist in the field of plant molecular pathology and was established in honor and memory of Noel T. Keen for his major contribution in bringing biotechnology to agriculture. Dr. Martin is a research scientist at The Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research and holds The Boyce Schultz Downey Chair. He is also Professor of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology at Cornell University.

Dr. Martin and members of his laboratory study the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis, plant disease susceptibility, and plant immunity. Most of his research focuses on bacterial speck disease which is caused by the infection of tomato leaves with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. This is an economically important disease that can decrease both the yield and quality of tomato fruits.

The APS is dedicated to high-quality, innovative plant pathology research. APS members represent a broad range of specialties, from pushing frontiers in the accuracy and speed of field diagnosis, to increasing our understanding of plant pathology through laboratory research. Members, located in nearly 100 countries, represent a broad section of the scientific community and are employed in professional areas such as teaching, research, industry, government and private consulting. Dr. Martin will receive the award at the APS annual meeting in August in Charlotte, North Carolina.