By Teneria Orange

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is pleased to welcome Jensen Hayter as an assistant professor of specialty crop plant pathology. Hayter joined the team on November 1, 2024.

Hayter previously served as a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University, where he investigated factors contributing to Rapid Apple Decline, a serious problem for apple growers in the eastern United States. His research focused on understanding how landscape and environmental factors affect insect behavior and disease development. 

In his new role, Hayter will develop an educational program centered on managing diseases that affect important and emerging crops in Tennessee, including fruits, vegetables, tobacco, hemp and hops. Upon arrival, Hayter plans to connect with Extension faculty, agents, educators and stakeholders to learn more about the state’s specialty crop production.

“I’m excited to join the team at the University of Tennessee and work with growers across the state,” Hayter says. “I look forward to using my experience to help protect specialty crops and mitigate disease-associated loss.” 

Hayter earned his doctoral degree at Texas A&M University, focusing on soilborne diseases in crops like cotton. He developed new methods to study Fusarium wilt, a major concern for cotton farmers. Hayter’s wide-ranging experience in plant disease identification, research methods, and statistical analysis will help him address many of the challenges faced by Tennessee’s specialty crop producers.

In his free time, Hayter enjoys spending time in the mountains with his wife and kids, gardening, and fishing.