Pesticide pioneers: University of Idaho research team taking novel approach to develop new fungicides for potato farmers

A University of Idaho research team is pioneering the use of computer molecular modeling to develop new agricultural fungicides, including some that will attack crop pathogens in novel ways. The approach is akin to methods used in designing pharmaceuticals for human health — developing fungicides by conducting experiments, running computer simulations and combining chemicals to form new compounds. The U of I team includes seven scientists from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), the College of Science (SCI) and the College of Engineering, focusing initially on developing fungicides for potato production.