Program Overview
The Plant Pathology Program provides applied research and outreach to support agricultural production across Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego counties. This tri-county region encompasses a wide diversity of crops and growing conditions—from the desert-irrigated systems of Imperial Valley to the coastal microclimates of San Diego—making plant disease management a complex and dynamic challenge.
The program focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and management of plant diseases affecting field crops, fruit crops, horticultural crops, and vegetables. It offers support to growers, pest control advisers (PCAs), and industry stakeholders by delivering timely, science-based disease identification and management recommendations. The advisor actively monitors both emerging and recurring plant health issues and helps connect clients with the latest research-based solutions.
In addition, the program supports education and outreach through workshops, field visits, and extension publications, helping stakeholders make informed, cost-effective, and sustainable decisions for managing plant diseases.
About Plant Pathology Advisor: Ana M. Pastrana
Ana M. Pastrana joined UC ANR on January 16, 2024, assuming the role of Plant Pathology Advisor for Imperial, Riverside, and San Diego counties. Before this position, Dr. Pastrana contributed her expertise as a Research Scientist in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Seville, Spain, from 2022 to 2024. During her time there, she not only conducted valuable research but also shared her knowledge by teaching a graduate-level Plant Health course. From 2020-2022, Ana played a significant role as a Research Scientist-Plant Pathology at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Canada.
Dr. Pastrana earned her Ph.D. in 2015 from IFAPA, Spain, and subsequently advanced her research during post-doctoral studies at the University of California, Davis, USA.
With over a decade of experience, Ana's work has focused on investigating the etiology, epidemiology, and management of plant diseases within agricultural ecosystems.
She is excited about her new role as Plant Pathology Advisor based in Southern California. The varied and intense crop cultivation in this area requires focused research to address disease management challenges and efficient outreach programs to engage a diverse audience. With my background and enthusiasm for community service, I believe I am well-equipped for this role, and I am excited to connect with local growers and PCAs.