Nick Dufault

Associate Professor/Extension Specialist

University of Florida

1441 Fifield Hall, Dept. of Plant Path
2550 Hull Rd
Gainesville, FL 32611

(w) (352) 273-4623

About

Dr. Nicholas S. Dufault is a Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). His integrated research, Extension, and teaching program focuses on improving disease management in vegetable and agronomic crops through applied epidemiology, diagnostics, fungicide resistance monitoring, and decision support tools. His work spans crops such as watermelon, peanuts, potatoes, and other specialty crops, with an emphasis on translating research into practical management strategies for growers. Dr. Dufault collaborates closely with producers, Extension faculty, industry partners, and researchers to address emerging plant disease challenges through field trials, educational programs, and innovative technologies, including spore monitoring and weather-based forecasting systems. As an educator and mentor, he trains graduate students and plant health professionals while promoting science communication and integrated approaches to sustainable crop disease management.