Dr. Lina Rodriguez-Salamanca is a diagnostician and extension plant pathologist with the Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic (clinic.ipm.iastate.edu), a member of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN, www.npdn.org).
Lina’s responsibilities in the clinic include plant problem diagnosis of diseases (plant pathogens identification) and abiotic problems, accurately and rapidly with a focus on ornamental, horticultural plants/crops and tree samples submitted to the clinic. She implements plant pathogen molecular detection methods. She develops protocols to conform to the laboratory quality management system. Manage and supervise lab assistants.
As part of ISU Extension and Outreach, through the clinic and extension programs directed to specialty crop producers, Lina focuses her efforts on disease diagnosis and its importance in disease management and IPM implementation. Provide disease and pest (IPM) management recommendations to clients submitting samples, phone, and email inquiries. Develop and deliver extension and outreach curriculum including workshops, print, video, and web-based curriculum related to plant disease management, mushroom identification, and safety.
Lina is co-chair of the NPDN Protocols and Validation Committee and member of the NPSN professional development committee. She is the North Central Training and Education Coordinator for first detector program, and instructor Sentinel Plant Network workshops.