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Dr. Suzanne Rooney Latham

Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch, California Department of Food & Agriculture
3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832-1448, U.S.A.
916-738-6711 office, 916-262-1190 fax, suzanne.latham@cdfa.ca.gov

Dr. Suzanne Latham

Senior Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)


Curriculum Vitae

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Plant Pathology University of California, Davis - August 2005 Emphasis: Mycology, Viticulture. Dissertation Title: Etiology, epidemiology and pathogen biology of Esca disease of grapevines in California.
  • Master of Science; Plant Pathology; University of California, Davis - March 2002 Emphasis: Mycology, Viticulture. Thesis Title: Detection and control of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp., causal agents of Petri disease of grapevines.
  • Bachelor of Science (Plant Biology) - University of California, Davis - June 1999; Emphasis: Plant Physiology. Minor: Education.
  • Associate of Science in Agriculture; Merced College - June 1996

Professional Experience

  • Senior Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician), May 2009 - Current California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch; Supervisor: Tim Tidwell. Duties: Diagnose plant disease specimens caused by fungi; Head scientist of the Phytophthora ramorum (causal agent of sudden oak death) lab program for CDFA; Conduct research on newly emerging plant diseases in California; co-instructor of plant disease diagnostic seminar at UC Davis.
  • Associate in Plant Pathology Department, 2008 - Current Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis. Duties: Co-teach a diagnostics seminar in Plant Pathology
  • Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician), December 2006 - 2008 California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch; Supervisor: Tim Tidwell. Duties: Diagnose plant disease specimens caused by fungi; Diagnose Phytophthora ramorum the causal agent of Sudden Oak Death in California; Conduct research on newly emerging plant diseases in California.
  • Adjunct Professor, August 2006 - December 2007 Department of Biology and Mathematics, Solano Community College. Professor of Biology - Teach Bio1 Lab and Lecture: Principles of Organismal Biology.
  • Post-Doctoral Scholar, August 2005 - December 2006 Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis; Supervisor: Dr. W.D. Gubler. Project leader of research focusing on the etiology and management of “Non-Botrytis Slip Skin” and Sour Rot of Red Globe table grapes in California. Duties: Conduct laboratory, field and greenhouse trials investigating the etiology and potential control strategies of pre and post-harvest breakdown of Red Globe table grapes.
  • Graduate Research Assistant, September 1999 - August 2005 Department of Plant Pathology; University of California, Davis; Supervisor: Dr. W.D. Gubler. Duties: Conduct independent and cooperative research; Conduct laboratory, field and greenhouse trials investigating the biology and epidemiology of Esca disease of grapevines; organize and present scientific data in oral format at state, national and international meetings; prepare grant proposals and annual progress reports for project funding; responsible for diagnosis of plant pathology extension lab analyses (UC Cooperative extension samples from farm advisors, growers and consultants); maintenance and storage of fungal isolates; supervise and train undergraduate student assistants.

Laboratory Skills

  • Aseptic techniques
  • DNA Extraction
  • Primer design
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
  • Gel Electrophoresis
  • Plant disease diagnosis
  • Cell Culture
  • Isolate collection/storage
  • Phylogenetic analyses
  • Experimental design
  • Computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Phylogeny programs, SAS

Publications

  1. Rooney-Latham, S., and M.C. Soriano.2016 (in press). First report of Neofabraea alba causing branch canker dieback of apple in California. Plant Disease. Accepted Dec 8, 2015.
  2. Rooney-Latham, S., and M.C. Soriano.2016 (in press). First report of Neofusicoccum nonquaesitum causing branch dieback of apple in California. Plant Disease. Accepted Dec 8, 2015.
  3. Blomquist, C.L., Rooney-Latham, S., Scheck, H.J., and Adler, K. 2016 (in press). First Report of the Rust Uromyces plumbarius on Gaura lindheimeri in California. Plant Disease.
  4. Blomquist, C.L., Yakabe, L.E., Rooney-Latham, S., McRoberts, N., and Thomas, C.S. 2016. Detection of Phytophthora ramorum in Nurseries and Forest Lands in California 2004-2009. Plant Disease 100:139-148.
  5. Rooney-Latham, S., Blomquist, C.L., Swiecki, T.,  Bernhardt, E. 2015. Phytophthora tentaculata. Forest Phytophthoras 5 (1):doi. 10.5399/osu/fp.5.1.3727.
  6. Rooney-Latham, S., Blomquist, C.L., Guo, Y.Y., Soriano, M.C., Kosta, K.L., Swiecki, T.J., Bernhardt, E.A. and Frankel, S.J. 2015. Phytophthora tentaculata, a new Phytophthora species in the United States affecting California native plants, grown in nurseries. Phytopathology 105 (Suppl. 4): S4.164.
  7. Swiecki, T.J., Bernhardt, E., Rooney-Latham, S., Blomquist, C., Frankel, S.J., and Kosta, K.2015. Phytophthora tentaculata and other Phytophthora species introduced into California native habitats via nursery stock. Phytopathology 105 (Suppl. 4): S4.165.
  8. Frankel, S., Swiecki, T., Bernhardt, E., Rooney-Latham, S., and Blomquist, C. 2015. Pest Alert: Phytophthora tentaculata. [Online publication] USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Albany, CA. February 2015. (PDF file)
  9. Crous, P.W., Wingfield, M.J.,Guarro, J., Hernández-Restrepo,M., Sutton, D.A., Acharya, K., Barber, P.A., Boekhout, T.,Dimitrov, R.A., Dueñas, M.,Dutta, A.K., Gené, J., Gouliamova, D.E.,Groenewald, M.,Lombard, L., Morozova, O.V., Sarkar, J., Smith, M.T., Stchigel, A.M.,Wiederhold, N.P. , Alexandrova, A.V., Antelmi, I., Armengol, J., Barnes, I., Cano-Lira, J.F.,Castañeda Ruiz R.F., Contu, M.,Courtecuisse, Pr.R., da Silveira, A.L., Decock, C.A., de Goes, A., Edathodu, J.,Ercole, E.,Firmino, A.C., Fourie, A., Fournier, J., Furtado, E.L., Geering, A.D.W.,Gershenzon, J.,Giraldo, A.,Gramaje, D.,Hammerbacher, A., He, X.L.,Haryadi, D.,Khemmuk, W.,Kovalenko, A.E., Krawczynski, R., Laich, F., Lechat,C.,Lopes, U.P., Madrid, H.,Malysheva, E.F.,Marín-Felix, Y., Martín, M.P., Mostert, L.,Nigro, F., Pereira, O.L., Picillo, B., Pinho, D.B., Popov, E.S.,Rodas Peláez, C.A., Rooney-Latham, S., Sandoval-Denis, M., Shivas, R.G., Silva, V., Stoilova-Disheva, M.M., Telleria, M.T.,Ullah, C., Unsicker, S.B.,van der Merwe, N.A., Vizzini, A.,Wagner, H.G.,Wong, P.T.W., Wood, A.R.,and Groenewald, J.Z. 2015. Fungal Planet Description Sheets: 320-370. Persoonia 34:167-266.
  10. Rooney-Latham, S., Blomquist, C.L., Swiecki, T., Bernhardt, E., and Frankel, S.J. 2015. First detection in the US: new plant pathogen, Phytophthora tentaculata, in native plant nurseries and restoration sites in California. Native Plant Journal 16: 23-27.
  11. Travadon, R., Lawrence, D.P., Rooney-Latham, S., Gubler, W.D., Wilcox, W.F., Rolshausen, P.E. and Baumgartner, K. 2015. Cadophora species associated with wood-decay of grapevines in North America. Fungal Biology 119: 53-66.
  12. Crous, P.W., Wingfield, M.J., Schumacher, R.K., Summerell, B.A., Giraldo, A., Gené, J., Guarro, J., Wanasinghe, D.N.,Hyde, J.K.,Camporesi, E., Gareth Jones, E.B.,Thambugala, K.M.,Malysheva, E.F., Malysheva, V.F., Acharya, K.,Álvarez, J.,Alvarado, P., Assefa, A.,Barnes, C.W.,Bartlett, J.S., Blanchette, R.A.,Burgess, V.,Carlavilla, J.R,Coetzee, M.P.A., Damm, U., Decock, C.A., den Breeÿen, A., de Vries, B., Dutta, A.K.,Holdom, D.G., Rooney-Latham, S., Manjón, J.L., Marincowitz, S., Mirabolfathy, M., Moreno, G., Nakashima, C., Papizadeh, M.,Shahzadeh Fazeli, S.A., Amoozegar, M.A., Romberg, M.K., Shivas, R.G., Stalpers, J.A., Stielow, B.,Stukely, M.J.C., Swart, W.J., Tan, Y.P., van der Bank, M., Wood, A.R.,Zhang, Y., and Groenewald, J.Z.2014. Fungal Planet Description Sheets: 281-319.2014. Persoonia 33:212-289.
  13. Koike, S.T., Rooney-Latham, S. and Wright, A.F. 2014. First report of stem blight of blueberry in California caused by Neofusicoccum parvum.  Plant Disease 98: 1280.
  14. Tidwell, T.E., Blomquist, C.L., Rooney-Latham, S. and Scheck, H.J. 2014. Leaf spot of Arugula, caused by Alternaria japonica, in California. Plant Disease 98:1272.
  15. Rooney-Latham, S. and Blomquist, C. L. First report of root and stem rot caused by Phytophthora tentaculata on Mimulus aurantiacus in North America. 2014. Plant Disease 98:996.
  16. Cline A.R., Skelley, P.E., Kinnee, S.A., Rooney-Latham, S., Winterton, S.L., Borkent, C.J. and Audisio, P. 2014. Interactions between a Sap Beetle, Sabal Palm, Scale Insect, Filamentous Fungi and Yeast, with Discovery of Potential Antifungal Compounds. PLoS ONE 9(2): e89295. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0089295.
  17. Rooney-Latham, S., Gallegos, L.L., Vossen, P.M., and Gubler, W.D. 2013. First report of Neofabraea alba causing fruit spot on olive in North America. Plant Disease 97:1384.
  18. Rooney-Latham, S., Honeycutt E., Ochoa, J., Grünwald N.J. and Blomquist, C.L. 2013. First report of camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) as a host of Phytophthora ramorum. Plant Disease 97: 1377.
  19. Serdani, M., Rooney-Latham, S., Wallis, K.M. and Blomquist, C.L. 2013. First report of Colletotrichum phormii, causing anthracnose on New Zealand flax in the United States. Plant Disease 97:1115.
  20. Kumagai, L.B., LeVesque, C. S., Blomquist, C.L., Madishetty, K., Guo, Y.Y., Woods, P., Rooney-Latham, S., Rascoe, J., Gallindo, T., Schnabel, D., Polek, M. 2013. First Report of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus associated with Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) in California. Plant Disease: 97:283.
  21. Gulya, T. J., Rooney-Latham, S., Miller, J. S., Kosta, K., Murphy-Vierra, C., Larson, C., Vaccaro, W., Kandel, H., and Nowatzki, J. F. 2012. Sunflower diseases remain rare in California seed production fields compared to North Dakota. Online. Plant Health Progress. doi:10.1094/PHP-2012-1214-01-RS. Published 14 December 2012.
  22. Rooney-Latham, S., and Bischoff. J.F. 2012. First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera euphorbiae-hirtae on Euphorbia tithymaloides in California. Plant Disease 96: 1822.
  23. Blomquist, C.L., Rooney-Latham, S., Soriano, M.C. and J.C. McCarty. 2012. First report of Phytophthora ramorum causing a leafspot on Loropetalum chinense, Chinese fringe flower in California. Plant Disease 96: 1829.
  24. Rooney-Latham, S., Tidwell, T.E., Blomquist, C.L. and K.S. Peek. 2012. First report of Neofusicoccum nonquaesitum causing branch cankers on giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in North America. Plant Disease 96:905.
  25. Koike, S.T., and S. Rooney-Latham. 2012. First Report of Embellisia allii causing skin blotch and bulb canker on garlic in California Plant Disease. 96:291.
  26. Hansen, E. M., Reeser, P., and Rooney-Latham, S. 2011. Phytophthora siskiyouensis. Forest Phytophthoras 1(1). doi: 10.5399/osu/fp.1.1.1826
  27. Rooney-Latham, S., and C. L. Blomquist, H. J. Scheck. 2011. First Report of Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae on passion fruit in North America. Plant Disease 95:1478.
  28. Blomquist, C.L., S. Rooney-Latham, Haynes, J.L. and H. J. Scheck. 2011. First Report of Verticillium Wilt on Field-Grown Cosmos Caused by Verticillium dahliae in California.  Plant Disease 95:361.
  29. Rooney-Latham, S., C.L. Blomquist, D.G. Fogle and E.G. Simmons. 2011. First report of Embellisia hyacinthi causing a leaf spot and bulb skin spot disease on Scilla peruviana in California. Plant Disease 95:356-356
  30. Rooney-Latham, S., Scheck, H. J. and T.M. Walber. 2011. First report of Cercospora beticola causing a leaf spot disease on Acanthus mollis in California. Plant Disease. 95:224.
  31. Úrbez-Torres, J. R., Peduto, F., Rooney-Latham, S. and W. D. Gubler. 2010. First Report of Diplodia corticola Causing Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) Cankers and Trunk Cankers and Dieback of Canyon Live Oak (Quercus chrysolepis) in California. Plant Disease 94:785.
  32. Rolshausen, P.E., Úrbez-Torres, J.R., Rooney-Latham, S., Eskalen, A., Smith, R. and W.D. Gubler. 2010. Evaluation of pruning wound susceptibility and protection against fungi associated with grapevine trunk diseases. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture 61:113-119. freely available
  33. Rooney-Latham, S. and Blomquist, C.L. 2009. Palm wilt and other fungi associated with palm dieback in California. Second National Meeting of the National Plant Diagnostic Network. Dec. 6-10, 2009. Miami, FL.
  34. Blomquist, C.L., Rooney-Latham, S. and Tidwell, T. 2009.  Graduate Level Diagnostics Course taught by NPDN Diagnosticians. Second National Meeting of the National Plant Diagnostic Network. Dec. 6-10, 2009. Miami, FL.
  35. Rooney-Latham, S., Blomquist, C.L. and J. Turney. 2009. First report of downy mildew caused by Peronospora trigonellae on Fenugreek in the United States. Plant Disease 93: 1349.
  36. Blomquist, C.L., Rooney-Latham, S. and P.A. Nolan. 2009. First report of Downy Mildew on Field-Grown Sweet Basil caused by Peronospora sp. in San Diego County, California. Plant Disease: 93 (9): 968.
  37. Rooney-Latham, S., Blomquist, C. L., Pastalka, T., and Costello, L. 2009. Collar rot on Italian alder trees in California caused by Phytophthora siskiyouensis. Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2009-0413-01-RS.
  38. Rooney-Latham, S., Janousek, C.N., Eskalen, A., and W. D. Gubler. 2008. First report of Aspergillus carbonarius causing sour rot of table grapes (Vitis vinifera) in California. Plant Disease 92: 651.
  39. Rooney-Latham, S., Janousek, C.N., and W. D. Gubler. 2007. The use of various pre-harvest practices for the management of “Sour Rot” and “Non-Botrytis Slip Skin” of Red Globe table grapes. Phytopathology 97: S101.
  40. Rooney-Latham, S., Blomquist, C.L., Pastalka, T. and Costello, L. 2007. First Report of Phytophthora siskiyouensis causing disease on Italian alder in Foster City, CA. Phytopathology 97: S101.
  41. Gallegos, L.L. Rooney-Latham, S., Eskalen, A. Elkins, R. and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Fungal diseases of grapevine common on apples? Phytopathology 97: S38.
  42. Eskalen, A., Rooney-Latham, S. and W.D. Gubler. 2007. Protection of grapevine pruning wounds against esca and young esca pathogens. Phytopathology 97: S33.
  43. Gubler, W. D., Rooney-Latham, S. and A. Eskalen. 2007. Togninia: Newly discovered pathogen causes centuries-old disease. Phytopathology 97: S168.
  44. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Identification of a portion of the mating type (MAT-2) gene in Togninia minima. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 46:102.
  45. Eskalen A., S. Rooney-Latham and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Identifying effective management strategies for esca and Petri disease. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 46:125–126.
  46. Eskalen A., S. N. Rooney-Latham and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Occurrence of two new species of Togninia in California. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 46:102.
  47. Gallegos L., S. Rooney-Latham and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Apple as a possible alternative host for grapevine pathogens in California. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 46:117.
  48. Rooney-Latham, S.., Eskalen, A., Gallegos, L.L., and W. D. Gubler. 2006. “Potential alternate sources of inoculum for causal agents of esca (black measles) of grapevine in California”. Phytopathology 96:S99
  49. Eskalen, A., Rooney-Latham, S., Gallegos, L.L., and W. D. Gubler. 2006. “Occurrence of two new species of Togninia in California”. Phytopathology 96:S33.
  50. Rooney-Latham, S.., A. Eskalen, and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “Occurrence of Togninia minima perithecia in esca-affected vineyards in California”. Plant Disease 89:867-871. Open access
  51. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “Teleomorph formation of Phaeoacremonium aleophilum, cause of esca and grapevine decline in California”. Plant Disease 89:177-184. Open access
  52. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen, and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “Ascospore release of Togninia minima, cause of esca and grapevine decline in California”. Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2005-0209-01-RS. view article; view associated video (17MB).
  53. Eskalen, A., S. Rooney-Latham, and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “First report of Togninia fraxinopennsylvanica on grapevine in California”. Plant Disease 89:528.
  54. Eskalen, A., S. Rooney-Latham, and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “First Report of Perithecia of Phaeoacremonium viticola on Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and Ash Tree (Fraxinus latifolia) in California”. Plant Disease 89:686.
  55. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen and W. D. Gubler. 2004. “Ascospore discharge and occurrence of Togninia minima (anamorph =Phaeoacremonium aleophilum) in California vineyards”. Phytopathology 94:S57.
  56. Gubler, W. D., K. Baumgartner, G. T. Browne, A. Eskalen, S. Rooney Latham, E. Petit, and L. A. Bayramian. 2004. Root Diseases of Grapevines in California and their Control. Australasian Plant Pathology 33:157-165.
  57. Eskalen, A., S. Rooney-Latham, and W. D. Gubler. 2004. “Spore release of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora associated with grapevine cordons in California.” Phytopathology 94:S28. Publication no. P-2004-0184-AMA.
  58. Eskalen, A., S. Rooney-Latham, A. J. Feliciano, and W. D. Gubler. 2003. “Epiphytic occurrence of esca and Petri disease pathogens on grapevine tissues”. Phytopathology 93:S24. Publication no. P-2003-0172-AMA.
  59. Eskalen, A., S. Rooney-Latham, and W. D. Gubler. 2003. “Occurrence of esca in California vineyards and association with environmental conditions”. Phytopathology 93:S24. Publication no. P-2003-0173-AMA.
  60. Rooney, S.N., A. Eskalen, and W. D. Gubler. 2002. “First report of the teleomorph of Phaeoacremonium spp., the cause of esca and decline of grapevines”. Phytopathology. Publication no. P-2003-0018-PCA.
  61. Rooney, S.N. and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Effect of Hot Water Treatments on Eradication of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Dormant Grapevine Wood”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 40: S467-472.
  62. Rooney, S.N. and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Role of Temperature on Fruiting Body Production and Sporulation of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 40: S482.
  63. Rooney, S.N., A. Eskalen and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Recovery of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Soil and Grapevine Tissues”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 40: S351-356.
  64. Eskalen, A., S.N. Rooney, and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Detection of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Soil and Host Tissue Using Nested-PCR Method”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 40: S480.
  65. Eskalen, A., S.N. Rooney, and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “First report of the pycnidial state of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, a causal agent of black measles (esca) and Petri disease in California vineyards. Phytopathology 92:S24. Publication no. P-2002-0167-AMA.
  66. Gubler, W.D., A. Eskalen, S.N. Rooney, A. J. Feliciano, and A. Khan. 2002. Susceptibility of grapevine pruning wounds to infection by Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. Phytopathology 92:S32. Publication no. P-2002-0231-AMA.
  67. Khan, A., C. Whiting, S. Rooney and W. Gubler. 2000. “Pathogenicity of Three Species of Phaeoacremonium spp. on Grapevine in California”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 39: 92-99.
  68. Rooney, S.N., and W. D. Gubler. 2000. “The use of hot water treatments to effectively control Phaeoacremonium vine decline of grapevines.” Phytopathology. Publication no. P-2000-0058-PCA.

Presentations

  • An Expanding Threat: Exotic Phytophthora Species Entering Native Landscapes. 2016 Northern California Botanists Symposium. Jan 13, 2016. Chico, CA
  • An Update on Phytophthora Species in Native Plant Nurseries and Outplanted Material in Restoration Areas. 64th Annual Meeting of California Forest Pest Council. Nov. 4-5, 2015. Mather, CA
  • Phytophthora tentaculata, a new Phytophthora species in the United States affecting California native plants, grown in nurseries. APS Annual Meeting. Special Session: Phytophthora tentaculata, A Newly Introduced Nursery Pathogen and How Clean Stock Production Systems Can Limit Disease Spread. Aug. 5, 2015. Pasadena, CA
  • Managing Phytophthoras in Native Plant Nurseries: A hands-on workshop on prevention and early detection.  Working Group on Phytophthoras in Native Plant Habitats. June 16, 2015. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Albany, CA
  • Phytophthora tentaculata: History, Host Range and Status in California Nurseries. Meeting - Responding to an Expanding Threat: Exotic Phytophthora species in Native Plant Nurseries, Restoration Plantings, and Wildlands. Dec. 2, 2014 San Francisco, CA
  • Phytophthora tentaculata, an Aggressive New Plant Pathogen in California Native Nurseries. 63rd Annual Meeting of California Forest Pest Council. Nov. 12-13, 2014. Mather, CA
  • Phytophthora tentaculata: a new species in California nurseries. What next? 60th Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens. Mar. 11-13, 2014. San Rafael, CA
  • Arborist Reported Issues. Urban Forest Pests: New and Old Enemies. March 6, 2014 Santa Rosa, CA
  • Interesting New Leaf Spot and Canker Pathogens on Native and Non-Native Hosts in California.61st Annual Meeting of California Forest Pest Council.Nov. 7-8, 2012. Mather, CA
  • Fungi associated with palm dieback and palm wilt symptoms in California. American Phytopathological Society (APS) Pacific Division Meeting.  June 29, 2012. Sacramento, CA
  • Two Exotic Tree Diseases with Different Biological Consequences: Part 2- Phytophthora ramorum on Camphor Trees in Mill Valley, CA.
  • 60th Annual Meeting of the California Forest Pest Council.  November 15-16, 2011.  McClellan, CA. Palm Wilt and Other Diseases Affecting Phoenix Species in California. 58th Annual California Forest Pest Council Meeting.  Nov. 17-18, 2009.  Woodland, CA
  • Fungi: the good, the bad and the ugly.  Plant Pest Diagnostics Center Seminar Series (PPDB), September 18, 2008
  • Phytophthora siskiyouensis on Italian Alder in Foster City, CA.  56th Annual California Forest Pest Council Meeting.  November 2007.  Woodland, CA.
  • The use of various pre-harvest practices for the management of “Sour Rot” and “Non-Botrytis Slip Skin” of Red Globe table grapes.  2007 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Meeting, July 30-Aug 1, 2007. San Diego, CA
  • Identification of a portion of the mating type (MAT-2) gene in Togninia minima.   5th International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases.  Sept. 21-23, 2006.  Davis, CA
  • Potential alternate sources of inoculum for causal agents of esca (black measles) of grapevine in California. 2006 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Meeting, July 29-Aug 2, 2006. Quebec City, Canada.
  • Biology and Epidemiology of Grapevine Esca Pathogens. 57th American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) Annual Meeting. June 27-30 2006.  Sacramento, CA.
  • First report of naturally occurring Togninia minima perithecia in California vineyards”.  4th International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting: Esca and Grapevine Declines.  January 20-21, 2005.  University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.
  • Ascospore discharge and occurrence of Togninia minima (anamorph =Phaeoacremonium aleophilum) in California vineyards. 2004 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Pacific Division Meeting, July 30-Aug 4, 2004 - Anaheim, California. USA. Phytopathology 94:S57. Publication no. P-2004-0384-AMA.
  • Further Investigations into the first report of the teleomorph of Phaeoacremonium aleophilum.  International Congress of Plant Pathology Meeting- 3rd Annual Meeting of Grapevine Trunk Diseases.  Christchurch, New Zealand.  Feb. 1-8, 2003.
  • First report of the teleomorph of Phaeoacremonium spp., the cause of esca and decline of grapevines.   2002 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Pacific Division Meeting, June 22-24, 2002 - San Jose, California.  Phytopathology.  Publication no. P-2003-0018-PCA.
  • Role of Temperature on Fruiting Body Production and Sporulation of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp.  1st International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, September 2001.
  • Recovery of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Soil and Grapevine Tissues.  1st International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, September 2001.
  • Effect of Hot Water Treatments on Eradication of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Dormant Grapevine Wood.  1st International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, September 2001.
  • The use of hot water treatments to effectively control Phaeoacremonium vine decline of grapevines.  2000 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Pacific Division Meeting, June 18-21, 2000 – Victoria, BC, Canada.  Phytopathology.  Publication no. P-2000-0058-PCA.

Conference Delegations

  • Annual Meeting of the California Forest Pest Council (2007, 2009, 2011). Invited speaker for forestry disease section.
  • Third National Meeting of the Plant Diagnostic Network in Berkeley, CA. November 6-9, 2011.
  • Second National Meeting of the National Plant Diagnostic Network in Miami, FL. Dec. 6-10, 2009.
  • Western Plant Diagnostic Network Annual Meeting in Reno, NV. November 16-19, 2008.
  • 57th American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) Annual Meeting in Sacramento, CA June 27-30, 2006. Invited Keynote Speaker for Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases.
  • Fifth International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting and International Congress of Plant Pathology Meeting in Davis, CA (9/06) Member of the Organization Committee, Conference delegate, primary author and second author on various presentations and manuscripts.
  • Fourth International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting and International Congress of Plant Pathology Meeting in Stellenbosch, South Africa (1/05) Invited conference delegate, primary author and second author on various presentations and manuscripts.
  • Third International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting and International Congress of Plant Pathology Meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand (2/03) Invited conference delegate, primary author and second author on various presentations and manuscripts.
  • Second International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal (9/01) Invited conference delegate, primary author and second author on various presentations and manuscripts.
  • First International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Siena, Italy (9/99) Invited conference delegate, second author on oral presentation, second author on manuscript from meeting.
  • Various American Phytopathological Society Meetings (6/00, 8/01, 6/02, 7/04, 8/06, 8/07)
  • Various Forest Pest Council Meetings (11/07, 11/08, 11/09)
  • Pest Control Advisor and Grower course at Mendocino Junior College in Ukiah, CA (11/01) Presented seminar to attendees on grapevine diseases of California.

Professional Memberships

  • American Phytopathological Society (APS) Member
  • State of California Agriculture Pest Control Advisor License
  • Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Member

Graduate Professional Service and Awards

  • Reviewer for various Journals (Plant Disease, European Journal of Plant Pathology, Phytopathologia Mediterranea, Plant Health Progress)
  • William Moller Award for distinguished research in Plant Pathology (7/06)
  • University of California, Davis Graduate Studies Travel Award (1/05)
  • First Place Graduate Student Research Paper: American Phytopathological Society Meetings (8/04 and 6/02)
  • APS Pacific Division Travel Award (8/04)
  • UC Davis Department of Plant Pathology Travel Award (8/04)
  • Recipient of UC Davis Jastro Shields Research Scholarship (7/04 and 7/02)
  • Department of Plant Pathology Student Vice President (2000-01)
  • Member of Plant Pathology Graduate Affairs Committee (2000-01)
  • Chair of departmental display at UC Davis Annual Picnic Day (4/01)
  • Recipient of Graduate Work Study Award (2001)
  • Recipient of a National FFA Graduate Student Scholarship Award (1999)
  • Outstanding graduate in Agriculture at Merced Junior College (5/96)

Training in Plant Pest Diagnostics

  • Co-taught a graduate level course in Plant pest diagnostics at UC Davis (2009, 2011)
  • USDA Workshop on Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae – Beltsville, MD March 2009
  • Fusarium Workshop – Kansas State University June 2007
  • Successfully passed the USDA P. ramorum proficiency panels – 2006 - 2011
Pest Hotline: 1-800-491-1899

Plant Pest Diagnostics Center

PPD (Home) Botany Entomology Nematology Plant Pathology Seed Botany

CDFA Collections

California State Collection of Arthropods CDFA Herbarium CDFA Plant Pathogen Collections CDFA Seed Herbarium CDFA Nematode Collection

Quick Links

Service Samples Price List By Laboratory Sample Preparation and Submission Pest and Damage Record Form National Plant Diagnostics Network (NPDN) Western Plant Diagnostics Network (WPDN)

Contact Us

Plant Pest Diagnostics Center
3294 Meadowview Road
Sacramento, CA 95832
Phone: 916-262-1100
Fax: (916) 262-1190
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