Dr. Andres Sanabria-Velazquez and his team focus on the epidemiology and management of bacterial and soilborne diseases affecting vegetable crops, with particular emphasis on tomatoes, cucurbits, and cole crops. His program integrates field-based research, microbiome analysis, and bio-based management practices such as anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD), grafting, and the use of biological amendments to promote soil and plant health. Dr. Sanabria-Velázquez is committed to developing sustainable and data-driven disease management strategies that support growers across Ohio and beyond, contributing to more resilient and productive vegetable systems. Through his extension and teaching efforts, he engages growers, students, and collaborators to translate research innovations into practical solutions for real-world challenges.
2025 Lab, left to right: Angie Nanes (Research Assistant), Raven Schaffter (Research Assistant), Andres Sanabria-Velazquez (Assistant Professor and State Extension Specialist), Karina Garcia-Serna (Graduate student), Catherine Mwanjisi (Graduate student).
Contact Us:
The Ohio State University Wooster Campus
Department of Plant Pathology, Selby Hall
1680 Madison Ave
Wooster, OH 44691
Andres D. Sanabria-Velazquez, Ph.D. – Email: sanabria-velazquez.1@osu.edu
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In 2025, the OSU Vegetable Pathology Lab led an integrated research and extension program addressing several major areas in vegetable disease management. Research on soilborne disease management continued through the evaluation of anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) and bio-based amendments, including agricultural residues and hydrochar, to promote soil health and reduce pathogen pressure. Field trials on cabbage disease management were conducted to identify effective and sustainable alternatives for controlling foliar diseases under Ohio conditions. The lab also maintained statewide efforts on cucurbit downy mildew monitoring through sentinel plots and spore trapping, supporting early detection and regional disease forecasting. Additional projects explored air microbiome studies to understand the ecology and movement of bacterial pathogens. Complementing these research activities, the team engaged in educational and outreach initiatives to translate scientific findings into practical tools and to enhance public understanding of plant health and sustainable agriculture.