Dr. Kevin Ong, Professor & Associate Department Head (Extension)
Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology
Dr. Ong is currently the director of the Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (Plant Clinic). This laboratory provides plant disease diagnostic service to AgriLife Extension personnel, homeowners, farmers, greenhouse and nursery producers, landscape contractors, interiorscapers, arborists, consultants, and any other group or individual needing accurate identification of plant disease problems. The Plant Clinic collaborates efforts with state and federal agencies through the National Plant Diagnostic Network – Southern Region.
Prior to this position, he was the regional Plant Pathologist based at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Urban Solutions Center in Dallas where he develop several educational programs to encourage the public to develop an appreciation for plant diseases, their impact, and scientifically-sound management methods. His current professional interests include development, validation and implementation of existing and new plant disease diagnostics methodologies which includes molecular diagnostics.
Texas A&M AgriLife ... Urban agriculture & forestry, water & land resources, healthy living
The Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas is a scientific research campus and headquarters for public teaching. Texas A&M AgriLife researchers and extension specialists at Dallas work to advance three areas: urban agriculture and forestry, water and land resources, and healthy living.