Meet the Faculty

James Wrather

Professor
Division of Plant Sciences

Phone: 573-379-5431
Fax: 573-379-5875
E-mail: WratherJ@missouri.edu
Address: MU-Delta Center

P.O. Box 160
Portageville, MO 63873

Education
B.S., Biology/Chemistry, Central Methodist College
M.S., Plant Pathology, Purdue University
Ph.D., Plant Pathology, University of Missouri

Description
Soybean production in Missouri averaged 164 million bushels per year from 1998 to 2000. Unfortunately, production was reduced by diseases each year, and 2000 yields were cut 13.9 million bushels. Soybean disease losses declined in Missouri from 1974 to 2000 due primarily to introduction of disease-resistant varieties. Increased research is needed to further reduce soybean losses to diseases. James Wrather's research focuses on integrated disease management in soybean. His current research interests include the effects of tillage, planting dates and cultivars on disease incidence and severity, and on soybean yield losses caused by diseases both nationally and internationally. He is also responsible for extension programs in cotton, rice and grain sorghum disease management.