Welcome to the Schmale
Laboratory at Virginia Tech!
One of
the goals of the Schmale lab is to understand how
microorganisms are transported over long distances
in the atmosphere. Members of the Schmale lab have
developed technologies with autonomous unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs) to sample microbes tens to
hundreds of meters above the surface of the earth.
Another goal of the Schmale lab is to develop
strategies to detect, monitor, and control
mycotoxins (fungal chemicals that are harmful to
domestic animals and humans) in feed and food
products. Members of the Schmale lab use gas
chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to detect
and quantify mycotoxins in small grains and barley
ethanol co-products. Research in the Schmale
Laboratory cuts across traditional boundaries
of scientific disciplines, blending advanced
technologies in the fields
of aerobiology, plant pathology, engineering, and
molecular genetics.
Education and outreach in the Schmale Laboratory
impacts commercial
growers and producers of agricultural commodities
and improves the
retention of students and agricultural professionals
in science and
engineering.
plant pathology dept
VACAS
where we are located
molecular plant sciences
DON testing
Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
lab phone: (540) 231-0733
fax: (540) 231-7477
email: dschmale@vt.edu