Paul G. Ahlquist
Plant Pathology, Oncology
Ph.D.: University of Wisconsin-Madison in Biophysics
- Office: (608) 263-5916
- Personal Website
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Research Program
Our laboratory is studying the RNA-based pathways underlying the replication and evolution of positive-strand RNA viruses, a major class of viruses in humans, animals and plants.
Currently we are studying the mechanisms of RNA replication, gene expression/regulation, RNA-RNA recombination and host specificity in such RNA viruses to provide new insights into biochemistry and cell biology, new antiviral approaches, and new pathways for gene therapy and related applications. Our experiments integrate molecular genetic, biochemical, and cell biological studies of model virus-host systems that embody widely conserved features and have proven particularly tractable for genetic and biochemical studies.
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Courses Taught
- PP640 - General Virology-Multiplication of Viruses
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Publications
Beckham, C. J., Light, H. R., Nissan, T. A., Ahlquist, P., Parker, R., and Noueiry, A. Interactions between Brome Mosaic Virus RNAs and Cytoplasmic Processing Bodies. J. Virol., 81: 9759-9768, 2007.
Kopek, B. G., Perkins, G., Miller, D. J., Ellisman, M. H., and P. Ahlquist. Three-Dimensional Analysis of a Viral RNA Replication Complex Reveals a Virus-induced Mini-Organelle. PLoS Biol., 5: 2022-2034, 2007.
Pyeon, D., Newton, M. A., Lambert, P. F., den Boon, J. A., Sengupta, S., Marsit, C. J., Woodworth, C. D., Connor, J. P., Haugen, T. H., Smith, E. M., Kelsey, K. T., Turek, L. P., and P. Ahlquist. Fundamental Differences in Cell Cycle Deregulation in Human Papillomavirus-positive and Human Papillomavirus-negative Head/Neck and Cervical Cancers. Cancer Res., 67: 4605-4619, 2007.
Van Wynsberghe, P. M., Chen, H.-R., and P. Ahlquist. Nodavirus RNA Replication Protein A Induces Membrane Association of Genomic RNA. J. Virol., 81: 4633-4644, 2007.
Caitilyn Allen
Professor: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Plant Pathology
- Office: (608) 262-9578
- Personal Website
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Research Program
My research group focuses on the interactions between the plant pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum and its plant hosts. R. solanacearum causes bacterial wilt, a soilborne disease found in tropical and warm temperate regions all over the world. We combine a biological perspective with molecular tools to understand the virulence, ecology, and epidemiology of this intriguing and destructive bacterium.
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Courses Taught
- PP123 - Plants, Parasites, & People
- PP505 - Plant-Microbe Interactions
- PP622 - Plant-Bacterial Interactions
- PP875 - Tropical Plant Pathology
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Publications
Flores-Cruz, Z. and C. Allen. 2009. Ralstonia solanacearum encounters an oxidative environment during tomato infection. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions: 22:773-782.
Milling, A., F. Meng, T. P. Denny, and C. Allen. 2009. Interactions with hosts at cool temperatures, not cold tolerance, explain the unique epidemiology of Ralstonia solanacearum Race 3 biovar 2. Phytopathology 99:1127-1134.
Sanchez-Perez, A., L. Mejia, M. Fegan, and C. Allen. 2008. Diversity and distribution of Ralstonia solanacearum strains in Guatemala and rare occurance of tomato fruit infection. Plant Pathology 57:320-331.
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Edited Books
Allen, C., P. Prior, and A.C. Hayward. 2005. Bacterial Wilt: The Disease and the Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex. APS Press, St. Paul. 508 pages. (APS Press bestseller for 2005)
Leong, S.A., C. Allen, E. Tripplett, editors. 2002. Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions, Vol. 3. APS Press, St. Paul, 360 p.
Prior, P., C. Allen, and J. Elphinstone, editors. 1998. Bacterial Wilt Disease: Molecular and Ecological Aspects. Springer Verlag, Berlin.
John H. Andrews
Professor, Academic Program Director: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: University of California Davis in Plant Pathology
Postdoctoral Studies: Cambridge University and University of British Columbia
- Office: (608) 262-9642
- Personal Website
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Research Program
My research interests are in the area of microbial ecology and the biological and integrated control of plant pathogens. Most of our attention has been directed to the fungi. Our research can be viewed from three perspectives: (1) basic studies on microbial community development on plants, including adhesion and colonization; (2) application of ecological theory to microbes; and (3) applied research on the biological control of the apple scab disease. More specifically, our recent studies to date have included: implications of r- and K-selection and island biogeographic theory to microbial systems; population biology of Aureobasidium pullulans on leaves; and life history theory for unitary and modular organisms.
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Courses Taught
- PP525 - Comparative Ecology of Micro & Macroorganisms
- PP602 - Epidemiology and Control
- PP300 - Introduction
- PP875 - Special Topics - 1) Biocontrol Concepts; 2) The Fungus as an Organism
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Publications
McGrath, M.J. and J. H. Andrews. 2007. Role of immigration in the colonization of apple leaves by Aureobasidium pullulans. Appl Environ Microbiol 73: 1277-1286.
Andrews, J.H. and R.F. Harris. 2007. Evolutionary ecology of the first fungi. In: The Mycota, vol IV. (editors C. Kubicek and I.S. Druzhinia). Springer-Verlag, NY. pp 3-16.
Woody, S.T, A.R. Ives, E.V. Nordheim and J.H. Andrews. 2007. Dispersal, density dependence, and population dynamics of a fungal microbe on leaf surfaces. Ecology 88: 1513-1524.
Jeri Barak
Assistant Professor: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: University of California - Davis
- Office: (608) 890-2581
- Personal Website
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Research Program
The Barak laboratory focuses on the biology of human bacterial pathogens in association with plants. The Barak lab was the first to discover a known pathogen attachment factor important for the attachment of the enteric pathogen, Salmonella enterica, to a plant surface. Subsequently, we have identified several bacterial surface structures and secreted proteins that increase pathogen populations on plants. Furthermore, this work has led to the characterization of novel Salmonella genes with no known function in animal pathogenicity/virulence or a laboratory phenotype. This research has expanded to include the study of contamination routes of pre-harvest produce; comparative genomics of enteric pathogens – plant and animal; and interactions between plant-associated or bacterial pathogens of plant and animals on plants.
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Publications
Selected Recent Publications
Biology of Salmonella enterica in Association with Plants
Jeri D. Barak, L. Gorski, Anita S. Liang, and Kohn-Eun Narm. 2009. Previously uncharacterized Salmonella enterica genes required for swarming play a role in plant colonization. Microbiology first published on August 27, 2009 as doi: 10.1099/mic.0.032029-0Teplitski, M., Barak, J., and Schneider, K. R. 2009. Human enteric pathogens in produce: un-answered ecological questions with direct implications for food safety. Curr. Opin. Biotech. 20(2): 166-71.
Barak, J.D., A. S. Liang and K. Narm. 2008. Differential attachment and subsequent contamination of agricultural crops by Salmonella enterica.Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 74(17): 5568-5570.
Jeri D. Barak and Anita S. Liang. 2008. Role of soil, crop debris, and a plant pathogen in Salmonella enterica contamination of tomato plants. PLoS ONE 3(2): e1657.
Andrew F. Bent
Professor: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Biology
- Office: (608) 265-3034
- Personal Website
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Research Program
Our work examines plant disease resistance and the molecular basis of plant resistance to infection by microbial pathogens. The plant immune system includes some components that are conserved with animals, and a number of capacities that are unique to plants. We study disease resistance in part because host-pathogen dynamics and the molecular workings of immune systems are fascinating biological topics. We also study this because on a practical level, one of the best ways to control plant diseases is through use of genetically determined resistance. This approach is convenient for the grower and minimizes the need for costly, time-consuming and/or potentially toxic external treatments. Plant breeders have utilized disease resistance genes in cultivar development for literally thousands of years, but the molecular basis of this resistance is only partly understood. Identification and study of the plant genes and the biochemical/cellular processes that control disease resistance can bring us closer to understanding the basic mechanisms of pathogen recognition, defense signal transduction and activation of resistance responses. These discoveries also foster the development of specific approaches for improvement of disease resistance.
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Courses Taught
- PP123 - Plants, Parasites & People
- PP505 - Plant-Microbe Interactions
- PP875 - Special Topics - Connecting Molecular & Field
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Publications
Genger, R.K., G.I. Jurkowski, J.M. McDowell, H. Lu, H.W. Jung, J.T. Greenberg and A.F. Bent, 2008. Signaling pathways that regulate the enhanced disease resistance of Arabidopsis "defense, no death" mutants. Mol. Plant-Microbe Interact. (in press)
Adams-Phillips. L., J. Wan, X. Tan, F.M. Dunning, B.C. Meyers, R.W. Michelmore and A.F. Bent, 2008. Discovery of ADP-ribosylation and other plant defense pathway elements through expression profiling of four different Arabidopsis-Pseudomonas R/avr interactions. Mol. Plant-Microbe Interact. 21:646-657. PubMed
Dunning, F.M., W. Sun, K.L. Jansen, L. Helft and A.F. Bent, 2007. Identification and mutational analysis of Arabidopsis FLS2 Leucine-Rich Repeat domain residues that contribute to flagellin perception. Plant Cell. 19:3297-3313. PubMed
Bent, A. and D. Mackey, 2007. Elicitors, Effectors and R Genes: The new paradigm and a lifetime supply of questions. Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 45:399-436. PubMed
Suarez-Rodriguez MC, Adams-Phillips L, Liu Y, Wang H, Su SH, Jester PJ, Zhang S, Bent AF, Krysan PJ, 2006. MEKK1 Is Required for flg22-induced MPK4 Activation in Arabidopsis Plants. Plant Physiol. 143:661-669.
Murray K. Clayton
Professor of Plant Pathology (chair) & Statistics
Ph.D.: University of Minnesota in Statistics
- Office: (608) 262-0530
- Personal Website
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Research Program
I hold a joint appointment in the Departments of Plant Pathology and Statistics. My research deals both with the development of theoretical statistics and with the use of statistical tools to address complex problems in the agricultural, environmental and biological sciences. A particular focus is on the detection and description of patterns of plant and human diseases across large geographical regions.
In epidemiological studies it is often of interest to know whether the occurrence of a given disease is clustered, and if so, where the clusters occur. For example we may wish to know whether cases of childhood leukemia appear in clusters within Wisconsin, and if so, where those clusters occur. If they occur near nuclear power plants, for example, or in highly polluted urban centers, then this would lead to hypotheses of cause for the cases of leukemia. The difficulty in making these assessments are manifold. For example, cases often appear to be clustered in cities, but that would be expected simply because more people are living together in cities anyway. (The underlying population is clustered to begin with.) Thus we need to determine whether the clustering is above and beyond that of the population. Second, the prevalence rates of some diseases under study are low, and thus clusters are not easily found. We use a variety of Bayesian and nonBayesian methods, coupled with Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques, to address these problems.
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Publications
Gangnon RE, Clayton MK. 2000. Bayesian detection and modeling of spatial disease clustering. Biometrics. 56:922-935.
Gangnon RE, Clayton MK. 2001. A weighted average likelihood ratio test for spatial clustering of disease. Statistics in Medicine 20:2977-2987.
Hsiao C-F, Clayton MK. 2001. Bayes discrete sequential boundaries for clinical trials. Communications in Statistics – Theory and Methods. 30:1381-1394.
Yue JC, Clayton MK, Lin F-C. 2001. A nonparametric estimator of species overlap. Biometrics. 57:743-749.
Burrows SN, Gower ST, Clayton MK, Mackay DS, Ahl DE, Norman JM, Diak G. 2002. Applications of geostatistics to characterize LAI for flux towers to landscapes. Ecosystems. 5:667-679.
Amy Charkowski
Asst. Professor: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: Cornell University in Plant Pathology
- Office: (608) 262-7911
- Personal Website
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Research Program
We are studying the genetics and ecology of the soft rot Erwinia. Erwinia carotovora and Erwinia chrysanthemi cause soft rot and wilt diseases in numerous plants, ranging from potatoes to corn to African violets. These diseases are characterized by water soaked lesions and decayed plant tissue that may turn brown or black. We have found that the genomes of E. carotovora strains vary significantly and one of the focuses of our lab is to try to determine what genes vary between strains, what their functions are, and what is driving this variation. Our project titled "Genome-enabled analysis of natural populations of pathogens on natural hosts" addresses these questions.
We have also found that E. chrysanthemi aggregates in culture and that some of the genes required for this aggregation are also required for virulence. We are working on identifying additional genes required for E. chrysanthemi aggregation and determining if these genes are also required for virulence.
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Courses Taught
- PP875 - Special Topics - Bacterial Adhesions
- PP923 - Seminar
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Publications
Yap, M.N., Yang, C.H., Barak, J.D., Jahn, C.E., Charkowski, A.O. The Erwinia chrysanthemi type III secretion system is required for multicellular behavior. J Bacteriol. 2005 Jan;187(2):639-48. Abstract of Full article.
Yap, M.N., Barak, J.D., Charkowski, A.O. Genomic diversity of Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora and its correlation with virulence. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2004 May;70(5):3013-23. Abstract of Full article.
Charkowski, A. O. 2004. Making sense of an alphabet soup: the use of a new bioinformatics tool for identification of novel gene islands. Physiological Genomics 16:180-181. Abstract or Full article.
Paul D. Esker
Asst. Professor: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: Iowa State University in Plant Pathology and Statistics
- Office: (608) 890-1999
- Personal Website
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Research Program
Research in our lab examines the effects of plant diseases on field crops like corn, soybean, wheat, and alfalfa. In particular, we are interested in determining the most important risk factors that contribute to yield loss. Specific interests in our laboratory include the role of decision theory and its application for field crop disease management, how different cropping systems affect plant disease dynamics (including the question of scale), how chemical and biological management tactics may reduce the risk of field crop diseases, and methods to improve diagnosis of field crop diseases. We have collaborations within UW, in regional and national projects, and also internationally including Brazil (soybean), Mexico (corn), and Australia (pyrethrum).
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Publications
Hughes, T.J., Koval, N.C., Esker, P.D., and Grau, C.R. 2009. Influence of monocropping brown stem rot-resistance and –susceptible soybean accessions on soil and stem populations of Phialophora gregata f. sp. sojae. Plant Disease 93: 1050-1058.
Del Ponte, E.M., and Esker, P.D. 2008. Meterological factors and Asian soybean rust epidemics – a systems approach and implications for risk assessment. Scientia Agricoloa 65: 88-97.
Pethybridge, S. J., Hay, F.S., Esker, P.D., Gent, D.H., Wilson, C.R., Groom, T., and Nutter, F.W., Jr. 2008. Diseases of pyrethrum in Tasmania: Challenges and prospects for management. Plant Disease 92: 1260-1272.
Esker, P.D., Sparks, A.H., Campbell, L., Guo, Z., Rouse, M., Silwal, S.D., Tolos, S., Van Allen, B., and Garrett, K.A. 2008. Ecology and epidemiology in R: Disease forecasting and validation. Online. The Plant Health Instructor. DOI:10.1094/PHI-A-2008-029-01.
Esker, P.D., Gibb, K.S., Dixon, P.M., and Nutter, F.W., Jr. 2007. An application of space-time analysis to improve the epidemiological understanding of the papaya-papaya yellow crinkle pathosystem. Online. Plant Health Progress. doi: 10.1094/PHP-2007-0726-02-RS.
Amanda Jane Gevens
Assistant Professor: Plant Pathology, Extension Specialist
Ph.D.: Michigan State University in Plant Pathology
Postdoctoral Studies:
- Office: (608) 890-3072
- Personal Website
- UW Vegetable
Pathology website
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Research Program
The primary focus of my research and extension program is the diagnosis, biology, and management of fungal and other pathogens of potato and vegetable crops in Wisconsin. Current primary areas of study are the biology and integrated management of early blight and other diseases on potatoes (pre- and post-harvest), and the characterization and management of cucurbit powdery mildew.
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Courses Taught
- Coming Fall 2009
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Publications
Gevens, A. J., Maia, G.S., Jordan, S.A. 2009. First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum on Crotalaria juncea ('Tropic Sun' Sunn hemp). Plant Disease. 93(4)427.
Gevens, A. J., Nequi, N., Vitoreli, A., Marois, J. J., Wright, D. L., Harmon, C. L., Harmon, P. F. 2008. First Report of Soybean Rust Caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi on Erythrina herbacea (Coral bean). Plant Disease. 92(10)1472.
Gevens, A. J., Donahoo, R. S., Lamour, K. H., and Hausbeck, M. K. 2008. Characterization of Phytophthora capsici causing foliar and pod blight of snap bean in Michigan. Plant Disease 92(2)201-209.
Dennis A. Halterman
Assistant Professor: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: Purdue University in Plant Pathology
- Office: (608) 265-2144
- Personal Website
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Research Program
The work in our lab revolves around the molecular mechanisms of disease resistance in potato. Plant diseases are among the greatest deterrents to crop production worldwide. Diseases caused by fungi, oomycetes, viruses, bacteria, insects, and nematodes impact agronomic and horticultural crops, in addition to commercial and recreational forests. Major efforts have been devoted to understanding the mechanisms of genetic resistance and incorporating it into breeding programs to offset potential yield loss caused by pathogens.
There are many resistance (R) genes in plant hosts, each conferring a unique specificity to various pathogen isolates. These R genes often are clustered as complex gene-families in plant genomes. In general, R genes function to recognize, directly or indirectly, "effector" molecules produced by the invading pathogen. This recognition results in a rapid signal cascade, leading to an active defense response.
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Publications
Halterman, D., Liu, Z. 2009. Different Genetic Mechanisms Control Foliar and Tuber Resistance to Phytophthora infestans in Wild Potato Solanum verrucosum. American Journal of Potato Research, doi: 10.1007/s12230-009-9103-1
Halterman, D., Jansky, S., and Rouse, D. 2008. Potato Early Dying: Molecular Perspectives on Pathogenicity and Host Resistance. Fruit, Vegetable and Cereal Science and Biotechnology. 3 (Special Issue 1): 1-5
Bae, J., Halterman, D., Jansky, S. Development of a Molecular Marker Associated with Verticillium Wilt Resistance in Diploid Interspecific Potato Hybrids. 2008. Mol. Breeding 22:61-69.
Halterman, D., Kramer, L.C., Weilgus, S., and Jiang, J. 2008. Performance of Transgenic Potato Containing the Late Blight Resistance Gene RB. Plant Dis. 92:339-343.
Speransky, A. S, Cimaglia, F., Krinitsina, A.A., Poltronieri, P., Fasano, P., Bogacheva, A.M., Valueva, T.A., Halterman, D., Shevelev, A.B., Santino, A. 2007. Kunitz-type Protease Inhibitors Group B from Solanum Palustre. J. Biotech. 2:1417-1424.
Liu, Z., and Halterman, D. 2006. Identification and Characterization of RB Orthologous Genes from the Late Blight Resistant Wild Potato Species Solanum verrucosum. Phys. Mol. Plant Pathol. 69:230-239.
Jim Kerns
Assistant Professor: Plant Pathology, Extension Specialist
Ph.D.: North Caroline State University in Plant Pathology
- Office: (608) 262-6531
- Personal Website
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Research Program
Our program focuses on etiology, epidemiology, and management of turfgrass diseases. With an economic value of 1 billion dollars annually, 1.2 million acres, and over 50,000 Wisconsin residents employed in the turf industry, it is clear that turfgrass industry is very important to the state. The turfgrass industry is very dynamic and management practices change frequently, therefore we remain flexible in our research interests in order to respond to the needs of the industry. Specifically, we conduct research in laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber, and field environments focusing on, but limited to, three important diseases of turfgrasses in Wisconsin- dollar spot, anthracnose, and snow mold. Current projects include the degradation of snow mold fungicides in response to snow cover, determination of the optimal infection temperatures for the dollar spot pathogen, and screening native grasses for resistance to pink and gray snow molds.
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Publications
Kerns, J.P. and Tredway, L.P. 200_. Pythium Root Dysfunction of Creeping Bentgrass. Plant Health Progress. (Accepted pending revisions).
Kerns, J.P., Soika, M.D., Tredway, L.P. 2009. Preventive control of Pythium root dysfunction in creeping bentgrass putting greens and sensitivity of Pythium volutum to fungicides. Plant Dis. 93 (In Press).
Koch, P, J.C. Stier, and J.P. Kerns. 2009. Spring Time Fungicide Applications Delay and Reduce Dollar Spot Disease of Turfgrass. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 11. (In Press).
Kerns, J.P., H.D. Shew, D.M. Benson, and L.P. Tredway. 2009 Impact of irrigation frequency, organic matter content, and creeping bentgrass cultivar on the development of Pythium root dysfunction. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 11. (In Press).
Kerns, J.P. and L.P. Tredway. 2008. Influence of temperature on pathogenicity of Pythium volutum toward creeping bentgrass. Plant Dis. 92: 1669-1673.
Ann E. MacGuidwin
Professor: Nematology, Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: Michigan State University in Entomology (Nematology)
- Office: (608) 263-6131
- Personal Website
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Research Program
As the department's only nematologist, my research projects often include a wide variety of nematode species, crops, and approaches. Members of our group often work in collaboration with other scientists in the Department. I have two primary research interests - the role of nematodes in the early dying disease of potato and the overwinter survival strategies of nematodes. We have demonstrated in field trials that the nematode Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae interact synergistically to cause potato early dying and are now studying mechanisms responsible for the interaction. The emphasis of our program on the overwinter survival of nematodes is to understand the ecological and physiological parameters which enable nematodes in Wisconsin to survive freezing. The goal of my collaborative work is to develop sustainable management strategies for nematode pests of potato, soybean, corn, and other crops important to the north central region of the U.S.
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Courses Taught
- PP123 - Plants, Parasites & People
- PP323 - Soil Biology
- PP375 - Special Topics - Advanced Plant Pathology
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Publications
MacGuidwin, A. E., M. E. Rosemeyer, and T.-S. Lim. The diversity of nematode communities of four established low and high input midwestern cropping systems over three years. In preparation--to be submitted to Applied Soil Ecology.
MacGuidwin, A. E., M. E. Rosemeyer, and T. S. Lim. 2000. The diversity of nematode communities of four established low and high input midwestern cropping systems over three years. In preparation for Applied Soil Ecology.
Saeed, I. A., A. E. MacGuidwin, D. I. Rouse, and S. Janskey. 2000. Toxicity of volatiles emitted by macerated leves of Brassica spp. and other crop plants toward Pratylenchus penetrans and Verticillium dahliae. In preparation.
MacGuidwin, A. E. 1999. Nematodes Pp --:-- in W. Stevenson and R. Loria, eds. Compendium of potato diseases. APS Press (in press).
Saeed, I. A. A., A. E. MacGuidwin, D. I. Rouse, and T. D. Sharkey. 1999. Stomatal and non-stomatal limitation to photosynthesis in Pratylenchus penetrans- and Verticillium dahliae- infected potato. Crop Science
Patricia McManus
Professor: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: Michigan State University
- Office: (608) 265-2047
- Personal Website
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Research Program
My research and extension programs are focused on practical problems that affect the profitability and sustainability of growing fruit crops. Wisconsin leads the nation in cranberry production; other fruit crops grown here include apple, strawberry, tart cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and grape. The nature of our work depends largely on the current and anticipated needs of fruit growers in Wisconsin and elsewhere. We employ a variety of cultural, physiological, microscopic, and molecular techniques, and conduct research in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field. Projects to date have focused on the interactions of fungi and bacteria with fruit crops, but we are mindful of other biotic and abiotic factors and their role in fruit crop production.
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Publications
Polashock, J.J., Caruso, F.L., Oudemans, P.V., McManus, P., Constantelos, L., and Crouch, J. 2009 The North American cranbery fruit rot fungal community: a systematic overview using morphological and phylogenetic affinities. Plant Pathology, in press.
Duttweiler, K. Gleason, M., Dixon, P., Sutton, T., McManus, P., and Monteiro, J.E.B.A. 2008. Adaptation of an apple sooty blotch and flyspeck warning system for the Upper Midwest United States. Plant Disease 92:1215-1222.
Robideau, G.P., Caruso, F.L., Oudemans, P.V., McManus, P.S., Renaud, M.A., Auclair, M.E., Bilodeau, G.J., Yee, D., Desaulniers, N.L., DeVerna, J.W., and Lévesque, C.A. 2008. Detection of cranberry fruit rot fungi using DNA array hybridization. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. 30:1-15.
Douglas I. Rouse
Professor: Plant Pathology
Ph.D.: Pennsylvania State University in Plant Pathology
- Office: (608) 262-1395
- Personal Website
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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.
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Courses Taught
- PP300 - Introductory Plant Pathology (Lab)
- PP602 - Ecology, Epidemiology & Control of Plant Diseases
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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).
Glen R Stanosz
Professor: Plant Pathology & Academic Programs
Ph.D.: University of Wisconsin-Madison in Plant Pathology
- Office: (608) 265-2863
- Personal Website
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Research Program
Despite co-occurrence of a multitude of fungal pathogens with susceptible tree species, most forests remain generally "healthy" and productive most of the time. However, this dynamic balance periodically is upset, and disease epidemics occur in both natural forests and among planted trees. We are particularly interested in how changes in tree condition (induced by climate, competition, insect pests, or forest management practices) and diversity within populations of fungal pathogens influence the incidence and severity of diseases of trees. Much of our recent effort involves investigations of the fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea , causal agent of pine shoot blight and canker, and its interactions with red and jack pines. Studies include: (1) molecular genetic comparisons among isolates of S. sapinea and related fungi; (2) greenhouse evaluations of the host range and aggressiveness of distinct populations of these fungi; and (3) forest and controlled environment studies of host moisture, nutrition, and geographic seed source effects on pine shoot blight and canker development.
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Courses Taught
- PP309 - Disease of Landscape Trees & Shrubs
- 500 - Insects & Disease in Forest Resource Mgmt
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Publications
Munck, I., and Stanosz, G. 2008. Excised shoots of top-pruned red pine seedlings, a source of inoculum of the Diplodia shoot blight pathogen. Forest Pathology 38:196-202.
Smith, D. R., and Stanosz, G. R. 2008. PCR primers for identification of Sirococcus conigenus and S. tsugae, and detection of S. conigenus from symptomatic and asymptomatic red pine shoots. Forest Pathology 38:156-168.
Rossman, A. Y., Castlebury, L. A., Farr, D. F, and Stanosz, G. R. 2008. Sirococcus conigenus, S. piceicola, sp. nov. and S. tsugae sp. nov. on conifers: anamorphic fungi in the Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales Forest Pathology 38:47–60.
Weiland, J. E., and Stanosz, G. R. 2007. The histology of hybrid poplar clones inoculated with Septoria musiva. Plant Disease 91:1524-1530.
D. Kyle Willis
Associate Professor: Plant Pathology, USDA/ARS
Ph.D.: University of California, Berkeley in Molecular Biology
- Office: (608) 262-5063
- Personal Website
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Research Program
The research in my lab focuses on the molecular genetics of the plant-pathogen interaction. We are particularly interested in the genetics of brown spot disease of snap bean caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. We identified the gacS/gacA two component regulator, and this gene pair is a major regulator of lesion formation and toxin production in Pseudomonas syringae and other pathogenic bacteria including human pathogens. We are now using microarray analysis and real-time RT-qPCR to analyze the entire gacS/gacA regulon. In collaboration with the lab of Tom German in Entomology, we are quantifying virus replication and gene expression in both the plant host and the insect vector. Our focus is the interaction between Tomato spotted wilt virus and its insect vector Frankliniella occidentalis, the Western flower thrips.
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Publications
Willis, D.K. and Kinscherf, T.G., 2009. Population dynamics of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strains on tomato cultivars Rio Grande and Rio Grande-Pto under field conditions. J. Phytopathology 157, 219-227.
Rotenberg, D., Krishna Kumar, N.K., Ullman, D.E., Montero-Astua, M., Willis, D.K., German, T.L. and Whitfield, A.E., 2009. Variation in Tomato spotted wilt virus titer in Frankliniella occidentalis and its association with frequency of transmission. Phytopathology 99, 404-410.
Jahn, C.E., Willis, D.K. and Charkowski, A.O., 2008. The flagellar sigma factor fliA is required for Dickeya dadantii virulence. Mol. Plant Microbe Interact. 21, 1431-1442.
Jahn, C.E., Charkowski, A.O. and Willis, D.K., 2008. Evaluation of isolation methods and RNA integrity for bacterial RNA quantitation. J. Microbiol. Methods 75, 318-324.
Whitfield, A.E., Kumar, K.K.N., Rotenberg, D., Ullman, D.E., Wyman, E.A., Zietlow, C., Willis, D.K. and German, T.L., 2008. A soluble form of the tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) glycoprotein GN (GN-S) inhibits transmission of TSWV by Frankliniella occidentalis. Phytopathology 98, 45-50.
