Dr. Peter Cotty
Research Plant Pathologist
Agricultural Research Service
USDA
Division of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Adjunct Professor

Marley Building, Room 341B
Phone: (502) 626-5049
Email: pjcotty@email.arizona.edu
 

Visit these web-sites to learn more about Dr. Cotty and his research

 
   
Background and Interests
 
Research: Aflatoxin contamination of crops is a severe problem in many parts of the world. Over the next five years we hope to develop improved methods for limiting aflatoxin contamination. Our research is directed at developing solutions to aflatoxin problems through both practical field based studies and fundamental investigations into the physiology, genetics, and biology of aflatoxin producing fungi. Field based studies emphasize industry collaborations in Arizona, Texas, and California. A key aspect of the lab's work is development of novel biocontrol strategies through close collaborations with the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council including development of commercial scale processes for producing biocontrol material at a grower-run facility in Phoenix. Fundamental aspects include regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis and it's interaction with morphogenesis, divergence of aflatoxin producing fungi, hydrolase production by aflatoxin producers, identification of adaptive fungal characters, characterization of host-fungal interactions that dictate extent of contamination, epidemiology of aflatoxin contamination, and population biology of aflatoxin producers. For over a decade the laboratory has been involved in characterizing the diversity of aflatoxin producers, clarifying the etiology of contamination, describing geographical and physiological divergence among strains. This work continues and interests in both vegetative incompatibility and intra-specific competition within Aspergillus flavus remain an emphasis.

 
Selected Publications
 

Cotty, P.J.. Feb 1987. Evaluation of cotton cultivar susceptibility to Alternaria leaf spot. Plant Disease, 71:1082-1084

Misaghi, J.J., Cotty, P.J., Matyac, C.A.. Oct 1986. Soil applications of sulfureous compounds to control tipburn of head lettuce in the field. Plant and Soil, 94:297 - 299

Cotty, P.J.. Feb 1986. Alternaria tagetica on marigold in New Jersey. Plant Disease, 70:1159

Cotty, P.J. and Misaghi, I.J.. Aug 1985. Effect of Light on the Behavior of Alternaria Tagetica in Vitro and in Vivo. Phytopathology, 75:366-370

Cotty, P.J. and Misaghi, I.J.. Feb 1984. Zinniol production by Alternaria species. Phytopathology, 74:785-788

Cotty, P.J., and Alcorn, S.M.. Feb 1984. Alternaria raphani on turnip in Arizona. Plant Disease, 68:732

Cotty, P.J., Misaghi, I.J., and Hine, R.B.. Apr 1983. Production of Zinniiol by Alternaria tagetica and its Phytotoxic Effect on Tagetes erecta. Phytopathology, 73:1326 - 1328

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