Research Program

My research program is focused on two areas of epidemiological/ecological research. The first involves potato early dying (PED) caused primarily by the wilt fungus Verticillum dahliae. In cooperation with Dr. MacGuidwin, we are studying the role of nematodes in disease development. Our approach includes researching the influence of fungus and nematodes on crop physiology as well as identifying mechanisms of synergism. Methods being developed for this research include both molecular probes for rapid reliable assays and simulation models of crop growth as effected by Verticillum and interacting agents. We are studying the production of potatoes in mixed crop- livestock systems to determine the influence of reduced density of potato acreage on pest problems. Results to date suggest dramatically reduced need for pesticides. Alternative practices such as narrower row spacing and mechanical vine removal are being investigated for their influence on pest damage. This farming system approach has been a challenging departure from our single commodity- oriented work. influence on pest damage. This farming system approach has been a challenging departure from our single commodity- oriented work.

Selected Recent Publications

Muck, R. E., Weinberg, Z. G., Rouse, D. I. and Igl, B. R. 1999. Ensiling of potato vines. Am. Assoc. Agric. Engineer. Transactions 42:565-572.

Li, K. -N., Rouse, D. I., Eyestone, E. J., and German, T. L. 1999. The generation of specific DNA primers using RAPD and its application to Verticillium dahliae. Mycol. Res. (in press)

Saeed, I. A. M., MacGuidwin, A. E., Rouse, D. I. And Sharkey, T. D. 1999. Limitation to photosynthesis in Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae infected potato. Crop Sci. (in press)

Saeed, I. A. M., Rouse, D. I. and Harkin, J. M. 1999. Methylisothiocynate volatilization from fields fumigated with Metham-Sodium. Pesticide Sci 49: (accepted with revisions).

Jansky, S. H. and Rouse, D. I. 1999. Verticillium wilt resistance in potato interspecific hybrids. Pot. Res. (submitted).

Saeed, I. A. M., MacGuidwin, A. E., and Rouse, D. I. 1998. Effect of initial nematode population density on the interaction of Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae on Russet Burbank potato. J. Nematol. 30:100-107.

Termorshuizen, A. J., Davis, J. R., Grot, G., Harris, D. C., Huisman, O. C., Lazarovits, G., Locke, T., Melero Vara, J. M., Mol, L., Paplomatas, E. J., Platt, H. W., Powelson, M., Rouse, D. I., Rowe, R. C., and Tsror, L. 1998. Interlaboratory comparison of methods to quantify microsclerotia of Verticillium dahliae in soil. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 64:3846-3853.

Saeed, I. A. M., Rouse, D. I., Harkin, J. M. and Smith, K. P. 1997. Effects of soil moisture and temperature on the efficacy of metham-sodium against Verticillium dahliae Plant Dis. 81:773-776.

Saeed, I. A. M., MacGuidwin, A. E. and Rouse, D. I. 1997. Synergism of Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae manifested in reduced gas exchanged of potato. Phytopathol. 87:435-439.

Saeed, I. A. M., MacGuidwin, A. E. and Rouse, D. I. 1997. Disease progress based on gas exchange effects of Verticillium dahliae and Pratylenchus penetrans on Russet Burbank potato. Phytopathol. 87:440-445.

Li, Kening, Rouse, D. I. and German, T. L. 1994. PCR primers that allow intergeneric differentiation of ascomycetes and their application to Verticillum. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:4324-4331.

Cappert, M. R., Powelson, M. L., Christensen, N. W., Stevenson, W. R. and Rouse, D. I. 1994. Assessment of irrigation as a method of managing potato early dying. Phytopathology 84:792-800.

Termorshuizen, A. and Rouse, D. I. 1993. Toward a mechanistic model for the Verticillium dahliae potato system. Neth J. Plant Pathol. 99:201-218.

Malek, C.J., A. E. MacGuidwin, and D. I. Rouse. 1993. Infection and colonization of Russet Burbank potato by the Verticillium dahliae as influenced by Pratylenchus penetrans. Am. Pot. J. 70:826.

Bowden, R. L. and D. I. Rouse. 1991. Chronology of gas envelope effects and growth effects of infection by Verticillum dahliae in potato. Phytopathology 81:301-310.