Barry M Pryor

Biography

The Pryor lab is engaged in both applied and basic mycological research, spanning diverse disciplines including plant pathology, fungal systematics and diversity, fungal-mediated respiratory disease, and sustainable mushroom production.  Our programs are dynamic in focus and are often student driven, embracing the passions of each lab member as they explore their specific areas of research interest.  We incorporate classic mycological methods with modern molecular techniques as we explore species concepts in asexual fungal lineages (the genus Alternaria), fungal diversity in unique native ecosystems, etiology and epidemiology of vegetable, tree, and field crop diseases, the effects of fungal aeroallergens on childhood asthma, and the development of gourmet and medicinal mushroom production as components of sustainable food systems.  An emerging area of research explores the use of ligninolytic fungi in microbial fuel cells for novel industrial and biotechnological applications.

Degrees

• Ph.D. Plant Pathology
• University of California, Davis, California
• “Management of carrot black rot in California, and molecular detection and characterization of Alternaria species.” Dissertation Director: Dr. Robert L. Gilbertson.
• M.S. Integrated Pest Management
• University of California, Davis, California
• “The occurrence of Alternaria radicina on carrot seed and in soil”. Thesis Director: Dr. R. Michael Davis.
• B.S. Biology/Plant Science
• University of California, Santa Cruz, California

Awards

• David E. Cox Faculty Teaching Award, 2013
• University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fall 2013