Research Plant Pathologist
Ph.D. – University of California, Berkeley, 1984 M.S. – Texas A&M University, 1979 B.S. – Texas A&M University, 1977
9611 South Riverbend Avenue Parlier, California 93648-9757 (559) 596-2865 jgerik@fresno.ars.usda.gov
My research interests include soilborne diseases of crops.  I have been involved in several cropping systems including cotton, fruit trees, vegetable crops, sugarbeet, and ornamentals.  Diseases I have studied include Verticillium & Fusarium wilt diseases, Phymatotrichum, Pythium and Phytophthora root rots, seedling diseases, Cylindrocladium and Sclerotinia crown rots, crown gall, and diseases caused by various soilborne viruses and nematodes.   My current research at the SJVASC is concerned with finding methyl bromide alternatives for the cut flower and ornamental industry in California to control soilborne diseases, and weeds. Crops studied include calla lily, snapdragon, iris, freesia, myrtle, rhamnus, stock, larkspur, liatris, solidago, and aster.