After an extraordinary career spanning decades of service, research, and leadership, Steve Koike is retiring from TriCal Diagnostics. His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in applied plant pathology and the continuation of a legacy that has shaped growers, advisors, and agricultural professionals across the United States.

Steve devoted 28 years to the University of California as an Extension Plant Pathologist, where he focused on applied research, grower education, and diagnostic problem solving. During his tenure with the UC Cooperative Extension, he conducted extensive research in California’s Central Coast region, managed a plant pathology diagnostic laboratory, and delivered practical, science-based guidance to growers and industry professionals. His work consistently bridged the gap between research and real-world application.

Throughout his career, Steve published more than 1,130 articles, including over 400 peer-reviewed scientific publications. He is also the author of the widely used 450-page reference book Vegetable Diseases: A Color Handbook, a cornerstone resource for plant health professionals. In addition, he delivered more than 400 presentations at grower meetings, extension events, technical workshops, and national and international scientific conferences.

Steve’s contributions have been widely recognized. Among his many honors are the national Excellence in Extension Plant Pathology Award from the American Phytopathological Society and the Outstanding Contribution to Agriculture Award from the California Association of Pest Control Advisors. These awards reflect both the depth of his expertise and the practical value of his work to the agricultural community.

Following his career with UC Cooperative Extension, Steve joined TriCal Diagnostics as Plant Pathologist and Director. Over the past eight years, he provided exceptional leadership, overseeing laboratory operations, guiding diagnostic and research efforts, conducting soil testing for pathogens, and supporting growers with accurate diagnostics and practical disease management solutions. Under his direction, TriCal Diagnostics became a trusted name known for scientific rigor, dependable results, and service the industry relies on.

While Steve’s retirement marks the end of an era, the foundation he helped build remains strong. TriCal Diagnostics will continue its work under the leadership of Dr. Hanane Stanghellini, co-founder of TCD, carrying forward the same team, the same methods, and the same commitment to serving the agricultural community.

We thank Steve Koike for his decades of dedication, leadership, and lasting impact on plant pathology. His influence will continue across the fields, laboratories, and professional summits he helped shape, and we wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

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