Béatrice Henricot
Principal Plant Pathologist
I have a PhD from the University of Norwich on the molecular interaction between Cladosporium fulvum and tomato. I joined the RHS in 1998 as a plant pathologist and since 2007 have managed the pathology team.
I diagnose plant pathogens on samples received by the RHS Advisory Service and provide advice to RHS members. I have developed an interest in fungal diseases affecting ornamentals especially Cylindrocladium, powdery mildews, honey fungus and Phytophthora.
I am also an editor of New Disease Reports - read more here
Geoff Denton
Plant Pathologist
Since gaining my biology degree, I have had several positions including posts at John Innes Centre, IACR-Rothamsted and ADAS Boxworth before joining the RHS plant pathology team as a research assistant in 2003. In 2006, I became a plant pathologist and began a part-time PhD linked with Imperial College, London.
My current role involves diagnosing and providing advice on garden diseases and associated research. My main research area is Phytophthora diseases of ornamental plants in particular within gardens.
Liz Beal
Plant Pathologist
I studied Biology at The University of Portsmouth then obtained a PhD in 2005, jointly funded by Forest Research and The University of Portsmouth, studying the susceptibility of different conifers to sapstain fungi.
I spent almost five years working at Forest Research, firstly as a chemical analyst then as a research technician within the pathology branch of the tree health division. My previous area of expertise is red band needle blight (Dothistroma) as well as some work on Phytophthora and honey fungus.
I joined the pathology team at Wisley in February 2009 and currently research Armillaria as well as dealing with advisory enquiries.
I am a keen walker and runner and enjoy being outdoors especially in my garden or allotment.
Jenny Denton
Plant Pathology Research Assistant
With an interest in animals and plants from a young age, I chose to study an honours degree in biology, followed by a plant genetics related Masters degree. I worked briefly in a chemistry QA lab as a technical officer and then for eight years in Cambridge as a research assistant.
I joined the RHS pathology team in 2006 assisting with ongoing research into box blight, honey fungus and Phytophthora, as well as many other newly described plant diseases. I am responsible for maintaining our unique culture collections that have mostly arisen from surveys carried out for specific diseases.
I am also heavily involved with the molecular techniques used to identify plant pathogens. An average week can include anything from analysis of sequencing results to harvesting carnation leaves for box blight sporulation media or even washing slides and glassware for re-use.
Ian Waghorn
Plant Pathology and Entomology Technical Assistant
A keen interest in science from an early age led me on to study Medical Biochemistry at the University of Surrey. A brief stint as a chemical pathologist at St Helier hospital in Carshalton convinced me that plants were more appealing to work with than humans, and I joined the RHS in 2001 as technical assistant (plant pest and disease science).
I am a keen cyclist and badminton player and enjoy growing vegetables on my allotment. I am interested in environmental sustainability and like to get involved with local projects.