Research (Adjunct) Assistant Professor of Ecology
Research interests: In general, I am interested in how biotic and abiotic factors affect interactions between plants and their enemies (pathogens, insects, competitors).
Symbionts are an important but often overlooked factor in determining how
plants respond to enemies. Plant-microbe symbioses are common constituents of
both natural communities and agroecosystems. Such intimate associations can
reduce or enhance the effects of a stressful environment experienced by a host
plant. I am interested in how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affect
plant-enemy interactions and how abiotic factors shape the effects of these
symbionts.
Although my research centers on basic questions concerning mechanisms and effects of mycorrhizae on plant-enemy relations, most of the plants I have worked on are agriculturally-important species. I am also interested in applications of mycorrhizal fungi to sustainable production.
Address -
4120/Department of Biological Sciences
Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120
Phone - (309) 438-5208 FAX - (309) 438-3722
e-mail - vaborow@ilstu.edu
Education:
Ph.D. Ecology (1986), The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
M.S. Zoology, (1981), The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
B.S. Science & Environmental Change - Biology, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 1977.
