Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Mission Inn, San Diego Room
Riverside, CA
Gary Yuen, Chair
Ole Becker, Secretary
James Borneman, local arrangements

Members in attendance:
Ole Becker (CA), James Borneman (CA), Darin Eastburn (IL), Kathryne Everts (MD), Jianjun Hao (MI), Linda Kinkel (MN), Jenifer McBeath (AK), Jennifer Parke (OR), Tim Paulitz (WA), Antoon Ploeg (CA), Michael Stanghellini (CA), James White (NJ), Gary Yuen (NE)

Guest: Jim Downer (UCCE, Ventura County)

Minutes
The meeting began at 8:30 AM with the chairs welcome and self-introduction of attendees.

M. Kahn (WA, Administrative Advisor) was not able to attend this meeting; T. Paulitz related news concerning reporting changes to the members. REEport is now NIFAs singular grant and formula project reporting system that replaced the former CRIS web forms system.

J. Parke was unanimously elected to be secretary for 2014. O. Becker will be the 2014 chair. After a discussion concerning possible alternative meeting locations, Riverside, CA was again chosen for the 2014 meeting. D. Eastburn volunteered to run a Doodle poll to determine a suitable date.

Progress reports started with J. McBeath who reviewed her research on Trichoderma atroviride, including its use as the active ingredient in the commercial product Plant Helper.

M. Stanghellini reported on a vine-decline of mature watermelons caused by Olpidium bornavanus.

A. Ploeg described responses of root-knot nematode-resistant pepper cultivars obtained from a southeastern USDA group (Thies) when challenged with a southern California root-knot nematode strain.

J. Downer reported on the influence of compost amendments and the process of incorporation on soil microbial populations and plant pathogens.

J. Borneman gave an update on recent findings in a collaborative project with O. Becker's group at UCR on Dactylella oviparasitica, a fungal parasite of female sedentary Heterodera cyst nematodes.

J. White discussed projects concerning microbial endophytes. In vanilla orchids endophytic bacterial biofilms fixed nitrogen.

D. Eastburn reported on a project attempting to suppress soybean diseases through cover cropping. He also summarized his group's findings on recently discovered double-stranded RNA mycoviruses of Fusarium virguliforme.

J. Hao discussed optimization work on the biocontrol agent Bacillus amyloliquifaciens BAC03. In addition he gave an overview of his new responsibilities at the University of Maine.

K. Everts reported on the use of various green manure cover crops against Fusarium wilt (F. oyxsporum f. sp. nivium) in watermelon production.

L. Kinkel discussed her research focus on antagonistic bacterial populations in native prairie and agricultural soils. Certain plant species appear to provide nutrients that enrich their rhizosphere with antibiotic-producing microbes, creating a protective environment against soilborne pathogens.

G. Yuen reviewed his research on the biocontrol bacterium Lysobacter enzymogenes. In addition, he suggested the W3147 members should prepare outreach publications and presentations for the general audience. Others proposed lab exercises or instructional short videos. The APSnet Education Center was mentioned for viewing examples and as a potential peer-reviewed, open access deposit site (http://www.apsnet.org/EDCENTER/Pages/default.aspx).

J. Parke reported on Phytophthora communities in plant nurseries and her group's systems approach for managing Phytophthora diseases.

T. Paulitz gave an overview of several WA projects including natural suppression of Rhizoctonia patch disease in wheat. He also discussed the occurrence of phenazine vs. phloroglucinol-producing bacteria in dry and irrigated soils.

Prior to adjourning at 5 pm, the members expressed their thanks to J. Borneman for his excellent job in making local arrangements.

Submitted: O. Becker

AK- A mycovirus was found from a biocontrol product from Japan. The mycovirus was found to be an isometric dsRNA virus. Infected Trichoderma sp. typically produces fewer conidia, loss of pigmentation, rampant mycelia growth and reduced biocontrol activities. Using a detached leaf test, virus-infested Trichoderma sp. showed reduced biocontrol activities against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Mycovirus also affects gene expressions of chitinase, glucanase, and proteinase, which are extracellular enzymes related to biological control. Also it was found to be possible to transmit this mycovirus from diseased Trichoderma to a previously healthy Fusarium sp.

CA-R- Root-associated bacteria, fungi and stramenopiles associated with peach replant disease symptoms at a field location in California's Central Valley were identified using culture and culture-independent analyses. Among the 60 most abundant bacterial operational taxonomic units, 27 showed significant negative correlation with peach shoot weights. The most abundant stramenopiles with suppressive potential were Pythium vexans, and P. violae.

It was determined that Olpidium bornovanus was the cause of vine decline of mature watermelon plants and that infection and disease severity was related to a daily irrigation regime.

In a third study, various aspects of the host-microbe interactions between the fungus Dactylella oviparasitica and the plant-parasitic nematode Heterodera schachtii were investigated toward the goal of developing a more effective tool for making sugar beet planting decisions. Parasitism of the nematode by the fungus was studied using both Arabidopsis thaliana and cabbage as host plants in gnotobiotic agar culture. The number of females with eggs was reduced by more than 95% and the number of eggs per female by almost 60% as compared to females developing on plates without the fungus. Viable eggs were not susceptible to parasitism while more than 90% of heat or cold killed eggs were rendered susceptible.

NM- A study was initiated to evaluate the efficacy of biorational products on soilborne pathogens. In the first phase of the study, selected biorational products which included formulations containing bacterial and fungal microorganisms, and botanical extracts were tested in vitro using a modified agar well diffusion assay for efficacy against three soilborne pathogens of Valencia peanut, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (causal agent of Sclerotinia blight), Sclerotium rolfsii (causal agent of stem rot and pod rot), and Rhizoctonia solani (causal agent of pod rot). Detached leaflets of Valencia peanut were treated by dipping in each formulation, and then inoculated with S. sclerotiorum. Very little inhibition was displayed on agar well diffusion assay, with the greatest growth inhibition exhibited by a formulation containing Bacillus subtilis QST713. Lesion area on detached Valencia peanut leaflets inoculated with S. sclerotiorum was variable among formulations, and none prevented leaflet infection. Further research is needed on evaluating additional biorational products in order to identify formulations efficacious against soilborne fungal pathogens of peanut and other crops.

Based on observations by some chile pepper producers, the incidence of Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) appears to be reduced in field areas where algal growth is widely present. A study was conducted to determine the effect of the fresh water algae Chlorella sorokiniana on P. capsici. Generally, sporangia production was initiated earlier in algal cell suspension than in water, and production of sporangia in algal cell suspension was as high as or higher than in water. Symptoms of infection typically appeared first in plants treated with algal cell suspension. Results suggest that the green algae C. sorokiniana enhances sporulation by P. capsici and is unlikely to prevent plant infection.

NY- Effects of Tillage Systems on Root Rot Severity and Yield of Snap Beans: This tillage trial was established in the experimental root rot field at the Vegetable Research Farm of the NYSAES, Cornell University in Geneva, NY. This field has been in continuous bean production for about 20 years and is heavily infested with the bean root rot pathogens Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli, Pythium ultimum, Thielaviopsis basicola and Rhizoctonia solani. On May 10, the grain rye cover crop in the field was killed with Round-up and the three tillage systems (conventional, ridge-till, and zone-till) were prepared the following week. On June 27, the snap bean variety "Caprice" was planted in all the tillage plots using a 2-row Monosem planter that banded 300 lbs./A of a complete fertilizer (10-10-10, NPK). Each tillage system was represented with 20 rows of beans that were 390 ft. long. All plots were sprayed with the herbicides Dual Magnum (1.5 pt./A) and Basagran (1.5 pt./A) on June 27 and August 2, respectively. Stand establishment and root rot severity on randomly collected plants were recorded on August 5. Plots were machine harvested on August 28. Results obtained are summarized in Table 1. Stand establishment was similar among the tillage systems. Root rot severity ratings was significantly higher on roots of plants growing in the conventional tillage system as compared to ratings of plants growing in the zone-till or the ridge-till systems. Also, plant growths at 39 days after planting and pod weight at harvest time were significantly lower for plants growing in the conventionally tilled plots. In addition, soil surface crusting was worst in plots under the conventional tillage.

Detection and identification of plant pathogens. A membrane-based multi-pathogen detection macroarray has been developed. The array can detect over 40 fungal and oomycete plant pathogens from plant tissue and soil. This array can now be used with either chemiluminescent or chromogenic-based assay. In 2013 we continued and have nearly completed two projects, the first is to detect pathogens in irrigation water, and the second is to detect and identify pathogens in the rhizosphere following various mixed-species green manure treatments. We tested 20 irrigation sites across NY and identified over 20 species of Phytophthora and Pythium. We are currently performing RE-EM (random effects  estimation method) statistics to determine if correlations exist between species identified and site location, pH, turbidity, or water temperature. These data will be submitted for publication in early 2014. For the mixed-species green manure treatments, we are collaborating with Brian McSpadden-Gardener (Ohio State University) and Kate Everts (U Maryland). We had 5 green manure treatments and an untreated control in New York. Tomato transplants were planted into each plot. Rhizosphere samples were taken from each plot and were analyzed. Disease ratings for early blight, Septoria, and Phytophthora blight were also taken. Because of variable results observed in 2010 and 2011, the experiment was repeated again in 2012. The data were analyzed in 2013 by my graduate student Carly Summers and results from three states (NY, MD and OH) have been accepted for publication (with revisions) in Applied Soil Ecology. Samples from these plots were also used to identify beneficial microbes. A Mitsuaria species was identified that has anti-microbial properties, but is not phytotoxic. This bacterium will be the focus of continued study in McSpadden-Gardeners lab.

WA- A study of microbial communities associated with the natural long-term suppression of Rhizoctonia bare patch was conducted. Two taxonomic groups of bacteria were associated with the rhizosphere from diseased plants in the center of the patches- Oxalobacteriaceae - Massillia, Herbaspirillum, Duganella; and Sphingobacteria - Chyseobacterium, Pedobacter, Chitinophagaceae. Only two taxa were associated with recovered patches - Gemmatimonas and Acidobacteria GP-3. This shift in the makeup of the bacterial community was duplicated in greenhouse cycling experiments. Kochs postulates were performed on isolates of Chyseobacterium, which were isolated from the suppressive rhizosphere and reduced Rhizoctonia disease in greenhouse tests.

Comparative genomics and bioinformatics continue on 11 new strains of Pseudomonas having suppressive activity against two or more soilborne fungal pathogens and plant-parasitic nematodes. Genome sequencing of an additional 22 strains is in progress. An automated annotation pipeline has been redesigned, and annotation of one strain has been completed. Loci encoding low molecular weight metabolites and DNA unique to each strain are the current focus of the project.

A field study on managing Fusarium wilt in spinach seed crops evaluated the use of 2 years of agricultural limestone amendment to soil with or without biosolids compost applied to the soil within 2 weeks of planting a spinach seed crop trial, and with or without the fungicide prothioconazole applied 3 times. The biosolids compost increased marketable seed yield by 19, 29, and 20% compared to control plots of susceptible, moderate, and partially resistant female lines, respectively. Prothioconazole increased marketable seed yields by 19, 6, and 16% compared to control plots of susceptible, moderate, and resistant female lines, respectively. The trial demonstrated that growers can reduce the rotation interval between spinach seed crops from the current 8-15 years (depending on susceptibility of the parent lines to Fusarium wilt) to as little as 7 years by utilizing both limestone and compost to suppress Fusarium wilt. This could potentially double the carrying capacity for spinach seed production in the USA, as the coastal Pacific Northwest is the only region of the USA with suitable climatic conditions for production of spinach seed, despite the highly conducive nature of the acidic soils in this region to spinach Fusarium wilt.

Objective 2. To understand how microbial populations and microbial gene expression are regulated by the biological (plants and microbes) and physical environment and how they influence disease.

AK- Trichoderma atroviride is a versatile, aggressive hyperparasite found in Alaska with activities against diverse plant pathogenic fungi under a wide range of environmental conditions. Antagonistic assays have shown T. atroviride to be an effective biocontrol agent against Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora erythroseptica, P. infestans and Rhizoctonia solani. Among the many extracellular enzymes produced by T. atroviride during its interaction with plant pathogens, a proteinase showed strong antifungal activity, even at low temperatures. To fully understand the role of this proteinase on Trichoderma biocontrol, the Trichoderma genome was studied by using partial aminio acid sequence of the proteinase to find that it matches the gene sequence of a hypothetical protein (GenBank No EHK47941). Then 1500 bp of the upstream and downstream sequences of this gene were amplified by PCR and inserted into the plasmid P3 (containing hygromycin (HYG) resistant gene), respectively. Using PCR to obtain the construct which contains the upstream sequence of the proteinase, the HYG gene sequence and downstream sequence of the proteinase and at last the construct were transferred into the protoplast of T. atroviride 901 using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated transformation method. The mutants were selected by single spore isolation on potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with 200 ¼g/ml hygromycin B and detected by PCR and Southern blot. Two proteinase knockout strains and a mock strain were selected for further tests. The test results showed that the conidia of proteinase mutants mature later than the wild type on PDA; mutants are less active against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the confronting test on PDA and less antifungal activity on detached tomato leaves against S. sclerotiorum.

NM- Pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Valencia peanut was examined in relation to mycelium pigmentation and oxalic production. The following are the findings of the study: 1) there is no relationship between mycelium pigmentation and the ability of S. sclerotiorum to infect peanut plants; 2) oxalic acid production is associated with peanut infection by S. sclerotiorum; and 3) sugars such as glucose play a role in the production of oxalic acid and therefore in the pathogenicity of S. sclerotiorum. The finding of this work is useful in terms of disease control, particularly with a focus on identifying sugars that are associated with oxalic acid production. Suppression of oxalic acid production through manipulation of sugars may render S. sclerotiorum less pathogenic on peanut and other plant hosts.

Research conducted on seed transmission of Verticillium dahliae in chile pepper showed that seed infection does take place in chile pepper. On-going research is aimed at determining if seed transmission (movement of the pathogen from the seed into the growing plant) takes place in chile. Seed transmission represents a pathway of pathogen survival and dispersal, and therefore has epidemiological and economic implications.

Research was completed on the interaction between the fungal microorganism Verticillium dahliae and the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on chile pepper and weeds. Results showed that V. dahliae and M. incognita caused greater damage to chile pepper than to the weeds. The implication of this finding for chile producers is that weed control is crucial in order to minimize the perpetuation of the pathogens.

NE- Previous research on Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3, a biocontrol agent of fungal plant pathogens, demonstrated production of lytic enzymes (chitinases and glucanases) and HSAF (a family of macrocyclic lactams including dihydromaltophilin) to be an important biocontrol mechanisms. PilG a response regulator protein involved in two-component signal transduction was found to negatively regulate the production of lytic enzymes and HSAF while simultaneously up-regulating gliding motility via type 4 pili. This is the first discover of PilG being involved in regulation of motility and production of antimicrobial metabolites in a biocontrol bacterium.

In a separate study, strains of L. enzymogenes isolated from soils and plants were compared for their capacity to colony the phyllosphere of various plant species. The strains were found to be similar in establishing population within the leaves of common bean, swiss chard, cabbage and tall fescue, but none could establish epiphytically on or endophytically in leaves of green onion. These results establish the endophytic habit to be common among strains of L. enzymogenes but that mode of existence is plant species dependent.

NJ Research focused on understanding the role of microbial endophytes in protecting plants from biotic (diseases and pests) and abiotic stresses. This year research was continued to develop an understanding of the biology of fungal Epichloë endophytes of grasses, specifically the modes of reproduction and dessimination of endophytes and how that relates to their classification and affects on plant resistance biotic and abiotic stress. A book chapter in print (Meyer, Torres and White, 2013) and two articles, now In Press in Mycologia, are the result of this research. On a parallel track, bacterial endophytes in vanilla orchids (Vanilla phaeantha and V. planifolia x pompona) and blue agave (Agave tequilana) were examined. In vanilla orchid vines we found that the bacterial endophyte, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, contributes to defense of plants from pathogens by production of antifungal lipopeptides. In addition, the bacterium fixes nitrogen in the growing tissues of vines, thus contributing to the nutritional status of vanilla plants (Manuscript in review). This research may lead to new ways that vanilla plants may be protected from the fungal disease epidemics that are currently threatening vanilla production worldwide. In another project focused a bacterial endophyte, Bacillus tequilensis, of blue agave, we demonstrated that bacteria may become inter- and intra-cellular in plants where they are degraded through an oxidative mechanism and provide nitrogen that may support growth of the plant in its desert habitat. The presence of this endophyte in agave plants very likely enhances resistance of plants to both biotic and abiotic stress through enhancing nutritional status and health of the plant. Research on bacterial endophytes of several additional horticultural crops and corn are ongoing.

WA- The biogeography and phylogenetic diversity of phenanzine producing strains of Pseudomonas on wheat roots in the dryland Pacific Northwest were investigated. Phenazine is an antifungal compound produced by Pseudomonas that suppresses disease. From sequencing of a number of genes, four diverse groups were identified - P. orientalis, P. synxantha, and two new species - P. aridus and P. cerealis. Under irrigated conditions in the same area, the community is dominated by phlorglucinol producers. There is also a strong negative correlation between precipitation and the dominance of phenazine producers, but a positive correlation with phloroglucinol producers.

A three-year field study has been completed at Lind, WA with irrigated and dryland plots side-by-side. The populations of phenazine producers and the level of phenazine in the rhizosphere are maintained at higher levels over the season in the dryland plots compared to the irrigated plots. To understand how these bacteria can survive and thrive in the driest wheat growing areas, microcosm experiments are being conducted to look at the role of phenazine and biofilms under dry conditions.

Objective 3. To implement sustainable management strategies for soilborne pathogens that are biologically based and compatible with soil health management practices.

CA-R- We evaluated biologicial and biorational nematicides for their efficacy in protecting carrots and processing tomatoes in root-knot nematode infested field trials. Nematicidal seed coatings with abamectin as the active ingredient achieved remarkable early season protection against root-knot nematodes in two carrot field trials. Soil treatments with bionematicides NemaQ, Ecozin, Sesamin EC, Nortica and Actinovate showed no significant efficacy against Meloidogyne incognita in tomato trials.

MD- Fusarium wilt of watermelon, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (FON) is an important disease of watermelons worldwide, and is re-emerging in the mid-Atlantic region. In Maryland and Delaware, the inoculum density of FON is high as a result of a long history of watermelon production. In previous work, soil organic amendments were evaluated and a crop of Vicia villosa (hairy vetch) that was planted in the fall, and tilled into the soil in the spring as a green manure, suppressed Fusarium wilt. However growers have not adopted this production practice due to lack of information on the mechanism of suppression, and because of concerns about persistence of V. villosa seed in fields. To evaluate whether the suppression was general or specific (that is due to overall increase in microbial population or due to the increase in one or a few species), field trials were conducted over three years. In addition, the cover crops Trifolium incarnatum, Secale cereale and Brassica juncea were evaluated for suppression. In our trials, both T. incarnatum and V. villosa suppressed Fusarium wilt in fields where disease pressure was moderate to high, although the magnitude of the suppression was greater for V. villosa. Immediately preceding and following cover crop tillage, the soil respiration (micrograms of soil CO2 flux) was measured. The CO2 flux in T. incarnatum plots was highest among cover crops in 2009, and was elevated even before tillage. In 2010 and 2011, the CO2 flux in V. villosa plots was significantly higher than bare ground, although T. incarnatum plots also had higher CO2 flux than bare ground in most locations. Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) colonization of the watermelon crop also differed following the cover crop treatments. When watermelon followed a V. villosa cover crop, AM colonization was significantly higher than where watermelon followed other cover crops or bare ground at one location. In another location, watermelon following V. villosa and T. incarnatum both had significantly greater AM colonization than watermelons following other cover crops.

NY- Assessing the Reaction of Selected Pea Varieties Under Severe Root Rot Pressure: At the request of and with financial support by pea growers in New York, field and greenhouse trials were conducted to determine the reaction of current and promising pea varieties to soilborne pathogens, specially Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi. Eleven varieties were planted on May 2, 2013 in a commercial pea field in western NY with a recent history of severe incidence and damage by Fusarium cortical root rot. All land preparation and various inputs were according to commercial production guidelines and made by the collaborating grower. Commercially-treated seeds of the selected varieties were planted with a small drill and each plot consisted of 7 rows, 33 ft. long and there were 3 replications/variety. Stand establishment and root rot severity were determined on June 18. The vigor of the varieties was assessed on June 25 and the varieties were harvested from June 26 to July 9; depending on their maturity. Data obtained from this trial are summarized in Table 2. There were differences among the pea varieties tested in stand establishment, vigor, root rot severity and fresh weight of the pods. Also, the lesion nematode was recovered from the roots of all the varieties, but the numbers of nematodes recovered were not statistically significant. The lesion nematode is known to be a predisposing agent in several root disease complexes, thus the distribution and association of this nematode among root rot pea fields needs further study.

The long-term soil health site at the Gates Farm near Geneva (14 acres) was maintained for another cycle of evaluation in collaboration with the Soil Health Program Work Team at Cornell. The site was established in 2003 and consists of 72 plots (18 treatments with 4 replications). The treatments include three tillage systems (no-till, strip-till, and conventional tillage), three cover crops (rye grain, hairy vetch, and no cover/fallow) and two rotations (one heavy with vegetables, whereas the other includes grain and forage crops and less vegetables). Root health, soil health, and yield data have been collected annually. Results of the root health assessment (soil bioassay with beans in the greenhouse) showed that root rot severity was reduced by the not-till and strip-till tillage and also the diversified crop rotation, but not by the cover crop treatments.

Utilizing green manures to reduce the severity of Phytophthora capsici on tomato. In 2009, the Smart lab started a project (in collaboration with the McSpadden-Gardener and Everts labs) to identify green-manure cover crops that are effective in reducing the incidence of Phytophthora blight on tomato. These experiments were completed in 2012, and no reduction in Phytophthora blight was observed. These data are in a second publication submitted to Applied Soil Ecology.

WA- Based upon research from the program of Mark Mazzola, a Brassicaceae seed meal formulation was commercialized and Mazzola is now in the process of seeking approval for use as a bio-pesticide (Farm Fuels Inc., Santa Cruz, CA).

Wheat harboring new sources of genetic resistance are being characterized in field and greenhouse screens. Several promising lines are being advanced and used to construct populations for genetic mapping of resistance loci.

Demonstration of how application of agricultural limestone for several years preceding spinach seed crops can suppress spinach Fusarium wilt has led to widespread and routine use of limestone amendment at recommended rates (2 tons/acre) by spinach seed growers in western Washington and Oregon to reduce the conduciveness of soils in this region to Fusarium wilt. This, together with evaluating the level of risk of spinach Fusarium wilt using a soil bioassay developed as part of a PhD students research project in du Toits program, have enabled growers to reduce the rotation interval between spinach seed crops by as much as 50% without incurring major losses to Fusarium wilt.

Objective 4. Provide outreach, education, extension and technology transfer to our clients and stakeholders- growers, biocontrol industry, graduate and undergraduate students, K-12 students and other scientists.

AK- McBeath and her lab worked closely with collaborators and users of Plant Helper, a plant-growth promoter product based on Trichoderma atroviride, in the U.S., Korea and China. Plant Helper is currently being manufactured and distributed by AmPac Biotech, a commercial company based in Fresno, CA.

CA-R- M. Stanghellini taught the Introductory course in Plant Pathology to 63 students. Many examples of root diseases presented are those from his own research as well as research reported by members of W2147 (W3147).

MD- K. Everts mentored a doctoral student, Jennifer Himmelstein, through completion of her doctoral dissertation, "Mechanisms of disease suppression by a hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) cover crop on Fusarium wilt of watermelon and the efficacy of the biocontrol Actinovate."

NE- G. Yuen at University of Nebraska-Lincoln taught a new distance-delivered course Plant Pathology Principles and Applications to 18 graduate students and professions located throughout the nation involved in plant health disciplines. Yuen also taught Introductory Plant Pathology to nearly 70 undergraduate students. In both courses, biological control through the applied or indigeneous microbes was presented as critical component of integrated disease management, and examples of research and implementation from W3147 members were used to illustrate these facets. In addition, Yuen mentored 3 graduate students and 2 international interns in research projects related to biological control.

NY- Outreach Activities on Sustainable Management of Root Diseases and Soil Health: Two, full-day workshops were presented by G. Abawi on January 28 and March 20, 2013 in Hershey, PA and Geneva, NY; respectively. These workshops are in collaboration with Beth Gugino (Penn. State University) and Jim LaMondia (Connecticut Agric. Exp. Station) and are funded by the NE-SARE Program. The illustrated and participatory workshops dealt with the diagnosis, assessment and management of soilborne plant pathogens in vegetable production systems. A total of 70 participants attended the two workshops and included vegetable growers, extension educators, crop consultants and other agricultural service providers. Also, Abawi made a presentation at the Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo in Syracuse, NY on January 23, 2013 (75 in attendance) on diseases of carrots and table beets and their management. In addition, Abawi gave a talk at the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Hershey, PA on the bloat nematode on garlic and related crops (January 30, 2013  100 in attendance). He also participated in two garlic training workshops held in Geneva and Albany, NY on March 22 and April 10, 2013; respectively (68 participants). Abawi also made a presentation at the Dry Bean Field Day on September 26, 2013 with 25 in attendance and attended and made presentations at the pea, carrot, and table beet Commodity Advisory Committee meetings on December 3, 2013. Furthermore, Abawi made numerous visits to commercial fields of carrots, beets, peas, and onions with extension vegetable educators diagnosing disease problems and talking to local growers.

Disease management strategies for Phytophthora capsici
In 2013, C. Smart gave 8 talks to growers, extension educators and industry representatives on strategies to control Phytophthora blight. These included talks at the NY state fruit and veg expo, talks at winter grower meetings in western and eastern NY, and summer twilight meetings. Additionally, Smart presented a webinar during the winter of 2013 to beginning vegetable growers.

Undergraduate research experience.
The Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Department on the Geneva Campus of Cornell University established a summer scholars program to increase the involvement of undergraduate researchers in applied agricultural sciences. Smart is the director of this program for all 4 departments on the campus. In 2013, 27 students presented posters at the end of the program. Each summer, several students are involved with projects that are part of the W2147 multi-state project. During the summer of 2013, two students in the Smart lab were working on Phytophthora capsici the first looking at interactions between the pathogen and resistant vs susceptible pepper hosts and the student worked on the population biology and evolution of the pathogen. Additionally, an undergraduate student in the Abawi lab worked on nematode problems in garlic and other vegetables.

Outreach to K-12 students.
W3127 members at Cornell University continued their outreach program to third-grade students in the Geneva City School District (Geneva, NY). Part of this outreach included a summer science camp, where students study different aspects of food production utilizing a garden that they plant at their school. One week of the 5-week program focused on the importance of healthy soil to producing healthy vegetables.

Refereed Publications and Abstracts

Abawi. G. S., Porch, T. C., and Kelly, J. D. 2013. Field evaluation of promising breeding lines and varieties of common bean for tolerance to soilborne pathogens. Poster presented at the APS-MSA meeting held in Austin, Tx during August 10-14, 2013. http://www.apsnet.org/meetings/Documents/2013_meeting_Abstracts

Alcala, A.C., du Toit, L.J., Derie, M.L., Holmes, B., Coffman, G., Gatch, E.W., and Porter, L.D. 2013. Evaluation of priming and Nordox seed treatment for controlling damping-off in organic pea crops in central Washington, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:ST001.

Alcala, A.C., Porter, L.D., Derie, M.L., Holmes, B., Coffman, G., and du Toit, L.J. 2013. Evaluation of seed treatments and priming for controlling damping-off in organic pea crops in the semi-arid Columbia Basin and maritime Skagit Valley of Washington, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:ST002.

Agostini, A., Johnson, D. A., Hulbert, S., Demoz, B., Fernando, W. G. D., and Paulitz, T. C. 2013. First report of blackleg caused by Leptosphaeria maculans on canola in Idaho. Plant Disease 97(6):842.

Al-Hammouri, A., Lindeman, W., Sanogo, S., Thomas, S., and Steiner, S. 2013. Interaction between Rhizoctonia solani and Meloidogyne incognita on chile pepper in soil infested simultaneously with both plant pathogens. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 93: 67-69.

Babiker, E. M., Hulbert, S. H., and Paulitz, T. C. 2012. Hyaloperonospora camelinae on Camelina sativa in Washington State: Detection, seed transmission, and chemical control. Plant Disease 96(8):1670-1674.

Babiker, E. M., Hulbert, S. H., Schroeder, K. L., and Paulitz, T. C. 2013. Evaluation of Brassica species for resistance to Rhizoctonia solani and binucleate Rhizoctonia (Ceratobasidum spp.) under controlled environment conditions. European Journal of Plant Pathology DOI 10.1007/s10658-013-0205-8.

Becker, J. O., H. Witte, J. Smith Becker, G. W. Douhan, J. P. Vogel, and A. Ploeg 2012. Brachypodium distachyon: A model plant to study root-knot nematode - Pooideae interactions. J. Nematology 44: 452.

Becker, J.O., and D. Burger 2012. Calorespiromentric analysis for optimizing seed coatings. J. Nematology 44: 451.

Bihn, E.A., Smart, C.D., Hoepting, C.A., and Worobo, R.R. (2013) Use of surface water in the production of fresh fruits and vegetables: A survey of fresh produce growers and their water management practices. Food Protection Trends 33:307-314.

Cai, G., Restrepo, S., Myers, K.L., Zuluaga, P., Danies, G. Smart, C.D. and Fry, W.E. (2013) Gene profiling in partially resistant and susceptible near-isogenic tomatoes in response to late blight in the field. Molecular Plant Pathology 14:171-184.

Danies, G., Martin, F., Myers, K., Cooke, D.E., Smart, C.D., Seaman, A. and Fry, W.E. (2013) Investigation of a population of Phytophthora infestans in and near central New York in 2011. Phytopathology 103:S2.33

Dunn, A.R., Fry, B.A., Lee, T.Y., Conley, K.D., Balaji, V., Fry, W.E., McLeod, A., and Smart, C.D. (2013) Transformation of Phytophthora capsici with genes for green and red fluorescent protein for use in visualizing plant-pathogen interactions. Australasian Plant Pathology 42:583-593.

Dunn, A.R., Lange, H.W., and Smart, C.D. (2013) Evaluation of commercial bell pepper cultivars for tolerance to Phytophthora blight. Plant Health Progress in press

Dunn, A.R. and Smart, C.D. (2013) Attachment and germination of Phytophthora capsici zoospores on roots of susceptible and resistant peppers. Phytopathology 103:S2.37

Dunn, A.R., Wyatt, L.E., Mazourek, M., Reiners, S., and Smart, C.D. (2013) Performance and tolerance to Phytophthora blight of bell pepper varieties. HortTechnology 23:382-390.

Fang, H., Zhou, H., Sanogo, S., Flynn, R. P., Gore, M., Hughs, S. E., Jones, D. C., and Zhang, J. 2013. Development of sequence tagged site (STS) markers for Verticillium wilt resistance in cotton based on RGA-AFLP analysis. Beltwide Cotton Conference, San Antonio, TX, January, 2013.

Fry, W.E., McGrath, M.T., Seaman, A., Zitter, T.A., McLeod, A., Danies, G., Small, I.M., Myers, K., Everts, K., Gevens, A.J., Gugino, B.K., Johnson, S.B., Judelson, H., Ristaino, J., Roberts, P., Secor, G., Seebold, K., Snover-Clift, K., Wyenandt, A., Grunwald, N.J., and Smart, C.D. (2013) The 2009 late blight pandemic in Eastern USA  causes and results. Plant Disease 97: 296-306.

Handiseni, M., Brown, J., Zemetra, R., and Mazzola, M. 2012. Use of Brassicaceous seed meals to improve seedling emergence of tomato and Pepper in Pythium ultimum infested soils. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 45:1204-1209.

Handiseni, M., Brown, J., Zemetra, R., and Mazzola, M. 2013. Effect of Brassicaceae seed meals with different glucosinolate profiles on Rhizoctonia root rot of wheat. Crop Protection 48:1-5.

Hao, J. J. and Subbarao, K. V. 2013. Distribution of lettuce big-vein under three irrigation systems. Plant Disease. DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-04-13-0410-RE.

Holdsworth, W.L., Summers, C.F., Glos, M., Smart, C.D., and Mazourek, M. (2014) Development of downy mildew-resistant cucumbers for late-season production in the northeast. HortScience in press.

Iglesias-Garcia, A. M., Villarroel-Zeballos, M. I., Feng, C., du Toit, L. J., and Correll, J. C. 2013. Pathogenicity, virulence, and vegetative compatibility grouping of Verticillium isolates from spinach seed. Plant Disease 97:1457-1469.

Jones, L.A., Worobo, R.W., and Smart, C.D. (2013) Ultraviolet treatment of surface irrigation water for improved plant health and food safety. Phytopathology 103:S2.69

Jones, L.A., Worobo, R.W. and Smart, C.D. (2014) Ultraviolet light inactivation of human and plant pathogens in unfiltered surface irrigation water. Applied and Environmental Microbiology in press.

Kandel, S. L., Smiley, R. W., Garland-Campbell, K., Elling, A. A., Abatzoglou, J., Huggins, D., Rupp, R. and Paulitz, T. C. 2013. Relationship between climatic factors and distribution of Pratylenchus spp. in the dryland wheat production areas of Eastern Washington. Plant Disease: 97:1448-1456.

Kundu, S., Sanogo, S., Schutte, B., and Cooke, P. H. 2013. Peduncular and seed infection in chile pepper by the plant pathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae. APS Joint Caribbean and Pacific Division Annual Meeting; Tucson, Arizona, June 17-19, 2013.

Lange, H.W. and Smart, C.D. (2013) Evaluation of the control of black rot in cabbage following treatments to transplants in the greenhouse and field. Phytopathology 103: S2.76

Leuchtmann A, Bacon CW, Schardl CL, White JF Jr, Tadych M. (In Press). Realignment of Neotyphodium species with genus Epichloë. Mycologia (Accepted October, 2013).

Liu, H. W., Luo, L. X., Li, J. Q., Liu, P. F., Chen, X. Y., and Hao, J. J. 2013. Pollen and seed transmission of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus in cucumber. Plant Pathology 15:376-383.

Lu, X. H., Jiang, H. H., and Hao, J. J. 2013. First report of Pythium recalcitrans causing carrot cavity spot. Plant Disease 97:991.

Lujan, P., Dungan, B., Schaub, T., Randall, J., Puppala, N. Idowu, J., and Sanogo, S. 2013. The role of carbon sources in relation to pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Valencia peanut. APS Joint Caribbean and Pacific Division Annual Meeting; Tucson, Arizona, June 17-19, 2013.

Luo, L., S. R. Yates, D. J. Ashworth, A.M. Ibekwe, O. Becker, S.R. Lee, and R. Xuan 2012. The effects of soil solarization and MeI chemigation on soil bio-chemical properties and nematode survival. ASA, CSSA and SSSA Annual Meetings (Cincinnati, OH- Oct. 21 - Oct. 24, 2012). http://scisoc.confex.com/crops/2012am/webprogram/Paper75418.html

Matsui, M., H. Honjo, J. O. Becker, and R. Fukui 2013. Temperature-dependent effects of soil amendment with crop residues on suppression of Rhizoctonia damping-off of sugar beet. Plant and Soil 348:467-477.

Mavrodi, D. V., Mavrodi, O. V., De La Fuente, L., Landa, B. B., Thomashow, L. S., and Weller, D. M. 2013. Management of plant pathogens and pests using microbial biological control agents. In Plant Pathology Concepts and Laboratory Exercises, 3rd ed. CRC Press (Taylor and Francis) USA.

Mavrodi, D. V., Parejko, J. A., Mavrodi, O. V., Kwak, Y. S., Weller, D. M., Blankenfeldt, W., and Thomashow, L. S. 2013. Recent insights into the diversity, frequency and ecological roles of phenazines in fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. Environmental. Microbiology 15(3):675-686.

Mazzola, M., Reardon, C. L., and Brown, J. 2012. Initial species composition and brassicaceae seed meal type influence extent of Pythium-induced plant growth suppression. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 48:20-27.

Mazzola, M., and Manici, L. M. 2012. Apple replant disease: Role of microbial ecology in cause and control. Annual Review of Phytopathology 50:45-65.

Mazzola, M., and Strauss, S. L. 2013. Resilience of orchard replant soils to pathogen re-infestation in response to Brassicaceae seed meal amendment. Aspects of Applied Biology 119:69-77.

Meng, Q., Hanson, L. E., Douches, D., and Hao, J. J. 2013. Managing common scab caused by Streptomyces scabies using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BAC03 and other biomaterials. Biological Control 67:373-379.

Meyer WA, Torres MS, White JF, Jr. 2013. Biology and applications of fungal endophytes in turfgrasses. Chapter 20, pp 713-731, Stier JC, Horgan BP, Bonos SA (Eds.), Turfgrass: Biology, Use, and Management. Agronomy Monograph 56. American Agronomy Society, Madison, WI. ISSN 0065-4663.

Ming Li, Dechun Wang. 2013. Phytophthora root rot resistance in soybean E00003. Crop Science. In print.

Okubara, P. A., Harrison, L. A., Gatch, E., Vandemark, G., Schroeder, K. L., and du Toit, L. 2013. A TaqMan real-time PCR assay for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. spinaciae. Plant Disease 97(7):927-937.

Parejko, J. A., Mavrodi, D. M., Mavrodi, O. V., Weller, D. M., and Thomashow, L. S. 2013. Taxonomy and distribution of phenazine-1-carboxylic acid-producing Pseudomonas spp. In the dryland agroecosystem of the Inland Pacific Northwest. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 79(12):3887-3891.

Patzek, L.J., du Toit, L.J., Paulitz, T.C., and Jones, S.S. 2013. Stunting of onion caused by Rhizoctonia spp. isolated from the Columbia Basin of Washington and Oregon. Plant Disease 97(12):1626-1635.

Poole., G. J., Smiley, R. W., Walker, C., Huggins, D., Rupp, R., Abatzoglou, J., Garland-Campbell, K., and Paulitz, T. C.2013. Effect of climate on the distribution of Fusarium species causing crown rot of wheat in the Pacific Northwest of the US. Phytopathology 103:1130-1140.

Porch, T. G., Beaver, J. S., Abawi, G. S., and Estevez de Jensen, C. 2013. Registration of a small-red dry bean with low nitrogen fertility tolerance and root rot resistance, TARS-LFR1. Journal of Plant Registrations Vol. 7: (Accepted/in-press).

Poudyal, D. S., Paulitz, T. C., Porter, L., Eggers, J. Hamm, P. and du Toit, L. 2013. Effect of timing of glyphosate application to a winter wheat cover crop on stunting of spring-sown onions caused by Rhizoctonia spp. in the Columbia Basin of Washington, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V046.

Poudyal, D. S., Paulitz, T. C., Porter, L., Eggers, J. Hamm, P. and du Toit, L. 2013. Efficacy of fungicides to manage onion stunting caused by Rhizoctonia spp. in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, 2011-2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V047.

Poudyal, D. S., Paulitz, T. C., Porter, L., Eggers, J. Hamm, P. and du Toit, L. 2013. Yield responses of three onion cultivars to stunting caused by Rhizoctonia spp. in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V048.

Raaijmakers, J. M., and Mazzola, M. 2012. Diversity and natural functions of antibiotics produced by beneficial and pathogenic soil bacteria. Annual Review of Phytopathology 50:403-424.

Reardon, C. L., Strauss, S. L., and Mazzola, M. 2013. Effect of brassicaceae seed meal amendments on nitrogen cycling and nematode populations in orchard soils. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 57:22-29.

Sanogo, S., and Ji, P. 2013. Water management in relation to control of Phytophthora capsici in vegetable crops. Agricultural Water Management 129:113-119.

Sanogo, S., Schroeder, J., Thomas, S., Beacham, J., Fiore, C., Schmidt, N., Murray, L., and Liess, L. 2013. Weed species not impaired by Verticillium dahliae and Meloidogyne incognita interactions that damage chile pepper. Plant Health Progress (in press).

Sanogo, S., Lujan, P., Puppala, N., Idowu, J., Grover, K. 2013. Evaluation of selected biorational products for efficacy against fungal pathogens of Valencia peanut. APS Joint Caribbean and Pacific Division Annual Meeting; Tucson, Arizona, June 17-19, 2013.

Sanogo, S., and Lytle, M. 2013. Effect of the green algae Chlorella on vegetative growth and production of sporangia by Phytophthora capsici. APS Joint Caribbean and Pacific Division Annual Meeting; Tucson, Arizona, June 17-19, 2013.

Schroeder, K. L., Martin, F. N., de Cock, A. W. A. M., Levesque, C. A. Spies, C. F. J. Okubara, P. A., and Paulitz, T. C. 2013. Molecular detection and quantification of Pythium species: Evolving taxonomy, new tools, and challenges. Plant Disease 97(1):4-20.

Sikdar, P., Okubara, P., Mazzola, M., and Xiao, C. L. 201_. Development of PCR assays for diagnosis and detection of the postharvest pathogens Phacidiopycnis washingtonensis and Sphaeropsis pyriputrescens in apple fruit. Plant Disease: in press.

Smart, C.D. (2013) A case study in documenting research. Phytopathology 103:S2.190

Smiley, R. W., Marshall, J. M., Gourlie, J. A., Paulitz, T. C., Kandel, S. L., Pumphrey, M. O., Garland-Campbell, K., Yan, G. P., Anderson, M. D. Floers, M. D., and Jackson, C.A. 2013. Spring wheat tolerance and resistance to Heterodera avenae in the Pacific Northwest. Plant Disease 97(5):590-600.

Smith Becker, J., J. Borneman, and J.O. Becker 2013. Dactylella oviparasitica parasitism of the sugar beet cyst nematode observed in trixenic culture plates. Biological Control 64:51-56.

Stanghellini, M., Mohammadi, M. and Adaskaveg, J. 2013. Regulatory effect of soil matric water potentials on a unique tripartite (Cucumis-Monosporascus-Olpidium) host-specific rhizosphere interaction. Phytopathology 103:S2 138.

Stanghellini, M., Mohammadi, J. Adaskaveg, and H. Forster. 2013. Pythium brassicum: A novel host family-specific root pathogen. Phytopathology 103: S2 138.

Strauss, S. L., Reardon, C. L., and Mazzola, M. 2014. The response of ammonia-oxidizer activity and community structure to fertilizer amendment of orchard soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 68:410-418.

Summers, C.F., Park, S., Dunn, A.R., Rong, X., Everts, K.L., Meyer, S.L.F., Rupprecht, S.M., Kleinhenz, M.D., McSpadden Gardener, B., and Smart, C.D. (2014) Multi-State field trials demonstrate infrequent and site-specific effects of a single season of mixed-species cover crops on productivity and disease severity in tomato. Applied Soil Ecology accepted pending revision.

Summers, C.F. and Smart, C.D. (2013) Fungal and oomycete pathogen detection in the rhizosphere of organic tomatoes grown in cover crop treated soil. Phytopathology 103:S2.141

Tadych M, Bergen MS, White JF Jr. (In Press). Epichloë spp. associated with grasses: new insights on life cycles, dissemination and evolution. Mycologia (Accepted November, 2013).

Tancos, M.A. and Smart, C.D. (2013) Tomato fruit colonization by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis via external and internal routes. Phytopathology 103:S2.143

Tancos, M.A., Chalupowicz, L., Barash, I., Manulis-Sasson, S. and Smart, C.D. (2013) Tomato fruit and seed colonization by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis through external and internal routes. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 79:6948-6957.

Weerakoon, D. M. N., Reardon, C. L., Paulitz, T. C., Izzo, A. D., and Mazzola, M. 2012. Long-term suppression of Pythium abappressorium induced by Brassica juncea seed meal amendment is biologically mediated. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 51:44-52.

Witte, H., J. Smith Becker, and J.O. Becker 2012. In vitro growth response of Dactylella oviparasitica strain 50 to various culture media and environmental factors. J. Nematology 44: 497.

Wyatt, L.E., Dunn, A.R., Falise, M., Reiners, S., Jahn, M.M., Smart, C.D., and Mazourek, M. (2013) Red harvest yield and fruit characteristics of Phytophthora capsici-resistant bell peppers in New York. HortTechnology 23:356-363.

Xu, N., Ahuja, E., Janning, P., Mavrodi, D. V., Thomashow, L. W., and Blankenfeldt, W. 2013. Trapped intermediates in crystals of the FMN-dependent oxidase PhzG provide insight into the final steps of phenazine biosynthesis. Acta Crystallographica D69:1403-1413.

Yan, G., Smiley, R. W., Okubara, P. A., Skantar, A.M., and Reardon, K. L. 2013. Developing a real-time PCR assay for detection and quantification of Pratylenchus neglectus in soil. Plant Disease 96 (6):757-764.

Yan, G., Smiley, R. W., Okubara, P. A., and Skantar, A. 2014 Species-specific PCR assays for differentiating Heterodera filipjevi and H. avenae. Plant Disease: in press.

Yang, J., P.M. Ruegger, M.V. McKenry, J.O. Becker and J. Borneman 2012. Correlations between root-associated microorganisms and peach replant disease symptoms in a California soil. PLoS ONE 7(10): e46420. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0046420

Yin, C., Hulbert, S. H., Schroeder, K. L., Mavrodi, O., Mavrodi, D., Dhingra, A., Schillinger, W. F. and Paulitz, T. C. 2013. The role of bacterial communities in the natural suppression of Rhizoctonia bare patch of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Applied and Environmental Microbiology 79: 7428

Yuen, G. Y. 2013. Biological control of turfgrass diseases. Abstr. No.? Proceedings of the 10th International Conference of Plant Pathology. Beijing, August 25-30, 2013.

Zahn, D.K., Haviland, D.R., Stanghellini, M.E., and Morse, J.G. 2013. Evaluation of Beauveria bassiana for management of citrus thrips (Thysanopter:Thripidae) in California Blueberries. J. of Econ. Entomol. 106:1986-1995.

Zhongnan Zhang, Jianjun Hao, Jiazheng Yuan, Qijian Song, David L. Hyten, Perry B. Cregan, Guorong Zhang, Cuihua Gu, Zhou, H., Fang, H., Sanogo, S., and Zhang, J. 2013. Segregation analysis of Verticillium wilt resistance in fourteen Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense hybrids. Beltwide Cotton Conference, San Antonio, TX, Janaury 2013.

Zhou, X., Qian, G., Liu, F., and Yuen, G.Y. 2013 PilG in the biocontrol agent Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3 positively regulates surface motility and negatively regulates antibiotic production. Phytopathology 103:S2.168.

Extension and Technical Publications

Abawi, G. S., K. Moktan, and J. Kikkert. 2013. Updating foliar diseases of beets and carrots and their management. Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Syracuse, NY. Proceedings, 4pp. (http://www.hort.cornell.edu/expo/proceedings.php)

Abawi, G. S., and K. Moktan. 2013. Bloat Nematode: a re-emerging and damaging pest of garlic and other crops. Pages 168  170, Proceedings of the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Hershey, PA.

Becker, J.O., A. Ploeg, and J. Nunez 2013. Management of root-knot nematodes with novel nematicides. California Tomato Research Institute 2012 Annual Report 109-112.

Becker, J.O., A. Ploeg, J. Nunez 2013. Mitigating root-knot nematode damage in carrot production. 2012 Annual Report California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board. pp. 66-73.

Benedict, C., and du Toit, L. J. 2013 Managing clubroot on crucifer crops. Whatcom Ag Monthly 2:10-12.

Caldwell, B. Sideman, E., Seaman, A. Shelton, A. and Smart, C. (2013) Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management. Cornell University Press. 202 pp. ISBN 0-9676507-8-X

Dunn, A., Reiners, S. and Smart C. (2013) Choosing bell pepper varieties to maximize Phytophthora tolerance and yield. Article for newsletters including VegEdge

Fry, W.E., McGrath, M.T., Zitter, T.A., McLeod, A., Danies, G., Small, I., Myers, K., Everts, K., Gevens, A., Gugino, B.K., Johnson, S., Judelson, H., Ristaino, J., Roberts, P., Secor, G., Seebold, K., Snover-Clift, K., Wyenandt, A., Grunwald, N.J., and Smart, C.D. (2013) The 2009 Late Blight Pandemic in Eastern USA. An American Phytopathological Society APSnet feature article that can be found at http://www.apsnet.org/publications/apsnetfeatures/Pages/2009LateBlight.aspx

Hansen, Z.R. and Smart, C.D. (2013) Tomato variety trial for resistance to late blight, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V090. Online publication. doi: 10.1094/PDMR07. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN. Hao, J. J. Annual research report to Michigan Potato Industry Commission. East Lansing, MI. Jan. 17.

Jones, L.A., Worobo, R.W., and Smart, C.D. (2013) Pathogens in Surface Irrigation Water. 2013 Proceedings: 58th New Jersey Agricultural Convention and Trade Show. Atlantic City, NJ (p. 114-116).

Lange, H.W. and Smart, C.D. 2013. Evaluation of plant defense activators and bactericides for the control of black rot on cabbage, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V060. Online publication. doi: 10.1094/PDMR07. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.

Lange, H.W., Smart, C.D., and Seaman, A.J. 2013. Evaluation of fungicides allowed for organic production on alternaria blight and downy mildew of cauliflower, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V050. Online publication. doi: 10.1094/PDMR07. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.

Lange, H.W., Smart, C.D., and Seaman, A.J. 2013. Evaluation of fungicides allowed for organic production on downy mildew of cucumber, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V049. Online publication. doi: 10.1094/PDMR07. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.

Lange, H.W., Smart, C.D., and Seaman, A.J. 2013. Evaluation of fungicides allowed for organic production on powdery mildew of zucchini, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V051. Online publication. doi: 10.1094/PDMR07. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.

Lange, H.W., Smart, C.D., and Seaman, A.J. 2013. Evaluation of fungicides allowed for organic production on foliar diseases of tomato, 2012. Plant Disease Management Reports 7:V052. Online publication. doi: 10.1094/PDMR07. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.

Okubara, P. A., Mahoney, A., and Hulbert, S. H. 2013. Pre-breeding for root rot resistance using root morphology and shoot length. 2013 Dryland Field Day Abstracts, Technical Report 13-1, p. 31-32.

Smart, C.D. and Hansen, Z.R. (2013) Update on late blight. Proceedings of the 2013 York Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Syracuse, NY. On-line at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/expo/2013proceedings.php

Smart, C.D., Hansen, Z.R. and Tancos, M.A. (2013) Detecting downy mildew spores before symptoms develop. Proceedings of the 2013 York Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Syracuse, NY. On-line at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/expo/proceedings/2013/Vine%20Crops/Vine%20Crops%20Smart%20Downy%20Mildew.pdf

Smart, C.D. and Lange, H.W. (2013) Best control of downy mildew in cole crops. Proceedings of the 2013 York Fruit and Vegetable Expo, Syracuse, NY. On-line at http://www.hort.cornell.edu/expo/proceedings/2013/Cole%20Crops/Cole%20Crops%20Smart%20Downy%20Mildew%20copy.pdf

Smiley, R., Paulitz, T. C. and Marshall, J. 2012. Controlling root and crown diseases of small grain cereals. Extension Bulletin PNW 639. Suszkiw, Jan. "Crop-friendly bacteria tapped to battle fungal marauders," USDA ARS News, January 2013, p. 11.

Zhou, X.G., Everts, K.L. and Zhou, C., 2013. Field evaluation of Brassica biofumigation cover crops for management of Fusarium wilt in watermelon, 2009. Plant Dis. Mang. Rep. 7:V141. Online publication. doi: 10.1094/PDMR07

Extension and Outreach Presentations

Becker, J.O. Turfgrass and Landscape Institute, Etiwanda Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, December 11, 2013. "Natural Enemies of Plant Parasitic Nematodes". (invited presentation)

Becker, J.O. Annual Fall Desert Crops Workshop 2013. El Centro, CA, December 5, 2013. "New nematode management tools in processing tomato production." (invited presentation)

Becker, J.O. Desert Valleys CAPCA Coachella Valley Continuing Education Meeting, El Centro, CA, November 14, 2013. "Nature of botanical and microbial nematicides and their performance in root-knot nematode infested SoCA field trials." (invited presentation)

Becker, J.O. CAPCA Tree & Vine Seminar, San Marcos, Community Center, November 7, 2013. "Nematodes in wine grapes in Southern California vineyards." (invited presentation)

Becker, J.O. Turf and Landscape Field Day, UC Riverside, Sept 12, 2013. "Root-knot nematode studies on Brachypodium distachyon." (invited presentation)

Becker, J.O. Nematology Workshop for Industry Personnel, Harris Ranch, Coalinga, Aug 7, 2013. "Plant parasitic nematodes in California crops: biology, disease diagnosis, and management." (invited presentation with hands-on demonstrations)

Becker, J.O. CAPCA and UCCE IPM Seminar, UC South Coast Research and Extension Center, Irvine, CA, May 16th, 2013. "Plant parasitic nematode management research at SCREC." (invited presentation).

Becker, J.O. Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens, Corvallis, OR, March 27, 2013. "Nematode suppressive organisms: Are we investigating the right target?" (invited presentation)

Becker, J.O. UCCE Landscape Disease Symposium, Hansen Agricultural Center, Santa Paula, CA, Feb 28, 2013. "Lessons from nematode-suppressive soils." (invited presentation)

Becker, J.O. University Extension Turf Management Certificate Course, 3 hr class plus on-line feed -back, UC Riverside Extension, Feb 26, 13, Riverside, CA. "Turf Management: Plant Parasitic Nematodes." (invited presentation)

Becker, J.O. Sugar beet Annual meeting, Holtville, January 30, 2013. "Biological, biorational and chemical population suppression of sugar beet cyst nematodes." (invited presentation)

du Toit, L. J. "Disease management in carrot seed crops: What? When? How?" Columbia Basin Vegetable Seed Assoc. Annu. Meeting, 15 Jan. 2013, Moses Lake, WA.

du Toit, L. J. "Disease management in onion seed crops: What? When? How?" Columbia Basin Vegetable Seed Assoc. Annual Meeting, 15 Jan. 2013, Moses Lake, WA.

du Toit, L. J. "Does this product really work? Distinguishing sound science from hot air in product promotional materials." General Vegetable Session, Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association 26th Annual Conference & Trade Show, 13-14 Nov. 2013, Kennewick, WA.

du Toit, L .J. "Evaluation of Proline for management of Fusarium wilt in spinach seed crops." Puget Sound Seed Growers Annu. Meeting, 25 Jan. 2013, Mount Vernon, WA.

du Toit, L. J. "Fusarium and Verticillium wilts in spinach seed production: Research update." 2013 Wilbur Ellis/Alf Christianson Seed Co. Vegetable Seed Growers Meeting, 6 Feb. 2013, Burlington, WA.

du Toit, L. J. "Managing seed borne diseases: Lessons learned from Verticillium and spinach seed." Invited presentation at Seed Central  Science, organized by the Seed Biotechnology Center, Univ. of California  Davis Seed Science Center, 14 Feb. 2013, Davis, CA.

du Toit, L. J. "Management of Verticillium associated with spinach seed." Invited presentation, Annual Research Symposium of the California Leafy Greens Research Board, 19 Mar. 2013, Harris Ranch, CA. Followed by panel discussion on Verticillium in lettuce and spinach, with L. du Toit (Washington State Univ.), and K. Subbarao and S. Koike (Univ. of California-Davis).

du Toit, L. J. "Management of Verticillium in spinach: Research report." Puget Sound Seed Growers Annu. Meeting, 25 Jan. 2013, Mount Vernon, WA.

du Toit, L. J. "Management of Verticillium in spinach: Final report." Presented in Permanent Research Fund Committee and Emerging Diseases Committee meetings, American Seed Trade Assoc. 52nd Vegetable & Flower Seed Conf., 26-29 Jan. 2013, Scottsdale, AZ.

du Toit, L. J. "Mycorrhizae in onion bulb crops." Organic Session, Pacific Northwest Vegetable Association 26th Annual Conference & Trade Show, 13-14 Nov. 2013, Kennewick, WA.

du Toit, L. J. "Neck rot identification and management based on Achilles heel". Invited presentation, United Kingdom Onion and Carrot Conference & Exhibition, 20-21 Nov. 2013, Peterborough, UK.

du Toit, L. J. "Onion neck rot: Effective management based on Achilles heel." Invited presentation, 62nd Annual Muck Vegetable Growers Conf., 3-4 Apr. 2013, Bradford, Ontario, Canada.

du Toit, L. J. "Why was pink root so prevalent in 2013?" Onion Session, Pacific Northwest Vegetable Assoc. 26th Annu. Conf. & Trade Show, 13-14 Nov. 2013, Kennewick, WA.

Everts, K. L. 2013. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum on Watermelon: The Search for New Solutions to a Re-emerging Problem. Sustainable Agriculture Seminar Series, Beltsville Agriculture Research Center, Beltsville, MD. Feb. 13, 2013

Everts, K. L. "Multiple Tactics to Control Diseases in Vine Crops." Delaware Agriculture Week, Vine Crops Session, Harrington, DE. Jan. 15, 2013

Everts, K. L. "Update on Disease Control in Vegetable Crops." WMREC Horticultural Crops Twilight Meeting, Keedysville, MD. Aug. 21, 2013

Everts, K. L. "Update on Disease Control in Vegetable Crops." Wye Research and Education Center Horticultural Crops Twilight Meeting, Queenstown, MD. Aug 28, 2013

Everts, K. L. "Vegetable Disease Update and Research in Maryland and Delaware in 2013." Mid-Atlantic Vegetable Workers Conference, Newark, DE. Nov. 6, 2013

Gatch, E. W., and du Toit, L. J. "Management of Fusarium wilt in spinach seed crops." Puget Sound Seed Growers Annu. Meeting, 25 Jan. 2013, Mount Vernon, WA.

Gatch, E. W. and du Toit, L. J. "Shifts in soil microbial community associated with limestone-mediated suppression of spinach Fusarium wilt." 59th Conf. Soilborne Plant Pathogens, 26-28 Mar. 2013, Corvallis, OR.

Hao, J. J. Title: "Bio-based Strategies to Manage Potato Diseases". 2013 Potato Pest Management Conference. Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, Presque Isle, ME. Dec. 4, 2013.

Himmelstein, J.C., Everts, K., Balci, Y. 2013. Watermelon root arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization is enhanced following Vicia villosa and Trifolium incarnatum cover crops. Shephardstown, WV. 2013 Annual Meeting of the Potomac Division of the American Phytopathological Society. Shepardstown, WV.

Himmelstein, J.C., Everts, K.L., Maul, J. and Balci, Y. 2013 General suppression of Fusarium wilt of watermelon via spring incorporated Vicia villosa and Trifolium incarnatum cover crops. 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society. Austin, TX.

Jiang, H. H., Meng, Q., and Hao, J. J. 2013. Potentials and mechanisms of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BAC03 in plant disease control. 73rd Annual Meeting of the Northeastern Divisin of the American Phytopathological Society. Oct. 23-25.

Mu, W., Li, B., Chen, C., Hao, J., and Liu, X. 2013. Molecular mechanisms of thifluzamide resistance in Rhizoctonia solani. 73rd Annual Meeting of the Northeastern Divisin of the American Phytopathological Society. Oct. 23-25.

Paulitz, T. C. and Schillinger, W. "Management of Fresh Wheat Residue for Irrigated Winter Canola Production". PNW Canola Commission Meeting, Moscow, ID. Jan 30, 2013.

Paulitz, T. C. "Root Disease Research at ARS Pullman-Whats New?" Spokane Farm Forum, Ag Expo, Feb. 5, 2013. Paulitz, T. C. "Fusarium Crown Rot on Wheat: Prebreeding and Development of Tools for Genetic Disease Management". Washington Grain Commission, Pullman, WA Feb. 19, 2013.

Paulitz, T. C. titled "Management of Fresh Wheat Residue for Irrigated Winter Canola Production". Washington State Department of Ecology, Ag Burning Task Force. Spokane, WA. June 11, 2013.

Schroeder, K. L. Diseases in canola. Far West Washington Winter Conference, Pasco, WA. December 11, 2012.

Schroeder, K. L. Survey of Rhizoctonia spp. from wheat soils in the U.S. and determination of pathogenicity on wheat and barley. Global Root Health Forum, Beijing, China. September 3, 2013.

Schroeder, K. L. The dynamics and ecology of Pythium species in cereal-based cropping systems as determined by real-time PCR. Seed and Seedling Oomycete Summit, Manhattan, KS. June 11, 2013.

Schroeder, K. L. Overview of soilborne pathogens: Rhizoctonia, Fusarium and take-all. Montana State University Extension Ag Tour, Pullman, WA. June 6, 2013.

Schroeder, K. L. Temporal shifts in soilborne pathogen populations in dryland wheat cropping systems. Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens, Corvallis, OR. March 27, 2013.

Schroeder, K. L. Diseases in canola. 2013 WSU Oilseed Production and Marketing Conference, Kennewick, WA. January 22, 2013. Stanghellini, M. Storkan-Hanes-McCaslin Foundation, June 24, 2012, San Marcos, California. Management strategies for soilborne root-infecting pathogens. 30 minutes presentation.

Graduate student theses supervised

Alcala, Ana Vida C. 2013. Management of damping-off caused by Pythium spp. in organic vegetable production in the Pacific Northwest. PhD dissertation, Washington State University, Pullman, WA.

Escobar, Carolina. 2013. Chapter three: management of Sclerotinia stem rot by integration of biocontrol and chemical strategies under field. M.S. Thesis., Michigan State Unversity.

Gatch, Emily W. 2013. Management of Fusarium wilt in spinach seed crops in the maritime Pacific Northwest USA. PhD dissertation, Washington State University, Pullman, WA.

Himmelstein, J., 2013. Mechanisms of disease suppression by a hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) cover crop on Fusarium wilt of watermelon and the efficacy of the biocontrol Actinovate.). Ph.D. Dissertation. U. of Maryland

Meng, Qingxiao. 2013. Characterization of Bacillus amyloliguefaciens strain bac03 in disease control and plant growth promotion. Ph.D. Thesis.Michigan State Unversity.

Thompson, Alison. 2013. Identifying root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.) resistance and functional mechanisms in wheat. Washington State University, Pullman, WA.