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Northern Research Station
11 Campus Blvd., Suite 200
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 557-4017
(610) 557-4132 TTY/TDD

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Scientists & Staff

[image:] Michael E. Ostry Michael E. Ostry

Title: Research Plant Pathologist
Unit: Biological and Environmental Influences on Forest Health and Productivity
Address: Northern Research Station
1561 Lindig Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 651-649-5113
E-mail: Contact Michael E. Ostry

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Education

  • PhD, Forestry, University of Minnesota
  • MS, Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota
  • BS, Forestry, University of Minnesota

Civic & Professional Affiliations

Society if American Foresters, American Phytopathological Society, IUFRO, International Poplar Commission

Current Research

How forests are managed and what purposes/uses they are managed for can inadvertently result in conditions more conducive to the development of damaging diseases than under previous management systems. Many forests in the Midwest are undergoing natural successional changes as well as silvicultural changes that influence populations of pathogens. We are researching these interactions and developing new management guides to minimize the incidence and severity of disease. Exotic pathogens causing white pine blister rust and butternut canker continue to have serious impacts on their hosts, and we are working to develop management, conservation, and restoration guides to manage these ecologically important forest tree species

Why is This Important

Native fungi and diseases are natural components of healthy forests that have many beneficial roles, however, under certain conditions periodic disease outbreaks can interfere with management objectives. Exotic pathogens have had profound effects on forest ecosystems and methods for the conservation and restoration of tree species impacted are needed.

Future Research

We are beginning to use GIS tools in developing and studying local and regional models to explain and minimize disease outbreaks in native forest ecosystems and plantations.

We have limited knowledge on the distribution of many endemic fungal species and a poor understanding of their ecological role and importance in forest systems. These organisms and their interactions with other biotic organisms and abiotic factors need to be studied either to maintain their functions or prevent their undesirable effects.

Featured Publications

Additional Online Publications

Last Modified: 02/15/2012