| Job Description: |
Agronomic Data Collection:
Collaborate with a team to collect agronomic data at different stages (Seedlings, Stage I, II, III and IV) of the sugarcane cultivar development program to make genotype selections at each stage. Collect data on sugarcane growth, cane yield and sugar yield. Collaborate with a team on calibrating sucrose data collection instruments such as Cane Presentation System (CPS) and MicroNIR as needed.
Disease Symptom Rating:
Rate disease symptoms in field on naturally infected plants and in inoculated tests using standardized rating scales. Collaborate with the Plant Pathologist to evaluate and document disease symptoms, including disease severity, spread, and impact on plant growth and yield.
Conduct visual assessments of plant symptoms, including leaf spotting, defoliation, and stunting. Take photographs and collect plant tissue samples for further analysis.
Perform disease screens and inoculations in Cultivar Development Program for sugarcane diseases such as brown rust, smut, and mosaic disease. Conduct inoculations in controlled environment chambers, greenhouses, and field settings.
Document and record inoculation procedures, plant responses, and disease symptoms. Modify existing methods of artificial inoculations with disease pathogens (e.g., fungal isolates, bacterial cultures) and rate plants for symptoms in consultation with the Plant Pathologist. Driving to field location will be required.
Sugarcane Research:
Plant, map, maintain, and develop populations of sugarcane for research purposes, including clone selection, field layout, and data collection.
Collect agronomic and disease evaluations on individual clones (genotypes) for the CP program, including planting density, row spacing, and irrigation management. Drive state vehicles to worksites as required to collect data and conduct field experiments.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
Tabulate, maintain, and analyze data for pathology programs, including disease incidence, severity, and spread. Ensure data accuracy and completeness using data management software. Collaborate with the team to modify and implement new data analysis methods and techniques. Present data and research findings to the team and stakeholders. Prepare reports and create scientific documents, including research papers, abstracts, and posters.
Other duties as assigned.
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| Preferred: |
Degree in an appropriate area of plant biology or more specialized area dealing with plant breeding, agronomy and plant pathology. Prior experience in agronomic row crops, agrochemicals, conducting field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments preferred.
Computer skills (word processing, spreadsheet, statistical software).
Efficient communication skills (both oral and written).
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