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Professor of Plant PathologyB. S., Literature, University of Texas Permian Basin, 1974 |
Texas A&M AgriLife Research
6500 Amarillo Blvd W
Amarillo, TX 79106
Phone: (806)354-5804
Cell: (806)678-9984
Email: CRush@ag.tamu.edu
Texas A&M AgriLife Research Plant Pathology Program – Amarillo
Report of Assigned Activities
Dr. Charles M. Rush directs the research program in plant pathology at Texas A&M AgriLife Research – Amarillo. The plant pathology position in Amarillo is listed as 100% research, with no time officially budgeted for administration, teaching, extension, or service activities. Although these are often necessary to meet professional obligations and regional needs, and to take advantage of opportunities that advance the plant pathology program.
Research
Dr. Rush’s faculty position in plant pathology in Amarillo was established for research on ecology, epidemiology, and management of economically important plant diseases, with emphasis on wheat, sorghum, and sugar beet. Dr. Rush has focused on diseases caused by plant viruses and soilborne fungal pathogens. Program objectives address not only applied problems but also fundamental aspects of Phytopathology, which will lead to new and significant information.
Service Activities
Each year, Dr. Rush’s project provides numerous services beyond assigned research responsibilities. These include presentations at field days, crop tours, commodity research meetings, and growers meetings. Lab personnel routinely give tours to various groups such as scouts, elementary and high school classes, visiting scientists, etc. We provide disease diagnostic services to local producers, ag industry personnel, and crop consultants. We also provide technical assistance and diagnostic materials and supplies for detection of BNYVV and BSBMV to scientists around the world. We help kids with science fair projects and frequently serve as judges at local school science fairs. Following hurricane Katrina, lab personnel picked and delivered over 1000 pounds of cantaloupes, corn and tomatoes to local charity groups caring for evacuees.
