Dr. Wei Belisle

Curriculum Vitae

Education

• 2012, Ph.D. in Plant Pathology. Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Dissertation: A potential energy-saving heat treatment for re-circulated irrigation water and its biological mechanisms.
• 2008, M.S. in Horticulture &Minor in Statistics. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Thesis: Freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in guava (Psidium guajava L.).
• 2005, B.S. in Biological Science. Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Professional Experience

• 01/2023-present, Associate Plant Pathologist, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Pest Diagnostics Center, Sacramento, CA.
  • Duties: Diagnose plant disease specimens caused by fungi and oomycetes.
• 03/2018-12/2022, Assistant Project Scientist, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, CA. PI: Dr. James E. Adaskaveg.
  • Conducted independent and cooperative research, summarized data, and published findings in peer-reviewed journals. Research projects included the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of Phytophthora diseases of citrus, avocado, almond, and cherry in California; the in vitro sensitivities of Phytophthora populations to currently registered and new Oomycota fungicides; the mobility of Oomycota fungicides inside tree crops after soil applications.
  • Other responsibilities included identification of Phytophthora pathogens from plant and soil samples sent to the lab using cultural and molecular methods; assisted teaching Mycology Lab Class.
• 11/2013-02/2018, Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California Riverside, CA. PI: Dr. James E. Adaskaveg
  • Developed and tested TaqMan quantitative PCR to detect and identify Phytophthora pathogens; studied the epidemiology of Phytophthora pathogens of citrus; conducted greenhouse and field efficacy trials of new Oomycota fungicides to manage Phytophthora root rot, crown rot, and canker diseases of citrus, avocado, and almond; investigated efficacy of pre- and post-harvest chemicals and cultural practices to control Phytophthora diseases of citrus; analyzed plant and soil samples sent to the lab; assisted teaching Mycology Lab course.
• 01/2013-09/2013, Postdoctoral Associate, Hampton Roads AREC, Virginia Tech, VA. PI: Dr. Chuan Hong
  • Conducted research on the responses of Phytophthora spp. to fluctuating aquatic environmental parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity.
• 01/2009-12/2012, Graduate Research Assistant, Hampton Roads AREC, Virginia Tech, VA. PI: Dr. Chuan Hong
  • Developed and evaluated a potential energy-efficient heat treatment to deactivate common plant pathogens (e.g., Phytophthora spp., Erwinia spp.) in nursery re-circulated irrigation water; developed a procedure to characterize bacterial diversity in irrigation water; studied the bacterial community shift and biological control activity in nursery irrigation water after heat treatment; diagnosed plant samples sent to the lab; assisted teaching two plant pathology lecture and lab courses.
• 08/2006-12/2008, Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, IA.
  • Studied the freezing tolerance and cold acclimation of guava, as well as proteins involved in these processes.

Publications (Journal papers)

1. Hao, W., Förster, H., Belisle, R. J., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2022. New preharvest treatments and strategies in managing Phytophthora brown rot of citrus in California. Plant Disease. doi:10.1094/PDIS-08-22-1917-RE.
2. Belisle, R. J., Hao, W., Riley, N., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2022. Root absorption and limited mobility of mandipropamid as compared to oxathiapiprolin and mefenoxam after soil treatment of citrus plants for managing Phytophthora root rot. Plant Disease. doi:10.1094/PDIS-07-22-1699-RE.
3. Hao, W., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2021. Resistance to potassium phosphite in Phytophthora species causing citrus brown rot and integrated practices for management of resistant isolates. Plant Disease 105:972-977.
4. Hao, W., Förster, H., Elkins, R. B., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2020. First report of Phytophthora lacustris causing a fruit rot of Bartlett pear in California. Plant Disease Note. doi:10.1094/PDIS-01-20-0170-PDN.
5. Gray, M. A., Nguyen, K. A., Hao, W., Belisle, R. J., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2020. Mobility of oxathiapiprolin and mefenoxam in citrus seedlings after root application and implication for managing Phytophthora root rot. Plant Disease 104:3159-3165.
6. Adaskaveg, J. E., Hao, W., Förster, H., and Belisle, R. J. 2020. A new era for managing Phytophthora diseases of citrus. Citrograph 11:62-69.
7. Belisle, R. J., Hao, W., McKee, B., Arpaia, M. L., Manosalva, P., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2019. New Oomycota fungicides with activity against Phytophthora cinnamomi and their potential use for managing avocado root rot in California. Plant Disease 103:2024-2032.
8. Hao, W., Gray, M. A., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2019. Evaluation of new Oomycota fungicides for management of Phytophthora root rot of citrus in California. Plant Disease 103:619-628.
9. Belisle, R. J., McKee, B., Hao, W., Crowley, M., Arpaia, M. L., Miles, T. D., Adaskaveg, J. E., and Manosalva, P. 2019. Phenotypic characterization of genetically distinct Phytophthora cinnamomi isolates from avocado. Phytopathology 109:384-394.
10. Gray, M. A., Hao, W., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2018. Baseline sensitivities of new fungicides and their toxicity to selected life stages of Phytophthora species from citrus in California. Plant Disease 102:734-742.
11. Hao, W., Miles, T. D., Martin, F. N., Browne, G. T., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2018. Temporal occurrence and niche preferences of Phytophthora spp. causing brown rot of citrus in the Central Valley of California. Phytopathology 108:384-391.
12. Adaskaveg, J. E., Förster, H., Hao, W., and Gray, M. A. 2017. Phytophthora syringae and new fungicides for managing brown rot. Citrograph 8:62-65.
13. Adaskaveg, J. E., Förster, H., Hao, W., and Gary, D. 2015. Management of brown rot of citrus for exporting California orange to China - From a chore to a necessity. Citrograph 6:36-40.
14. Adaskaveg, J. E., Hao, W., and Förster, H. 2015. Postharvest strategies for managing Phytophthora brown rot of citrus using potassium phosphite in combination with heat treatments. Plant Disease 99:1477-1482.
15. Hao, W., and Hong, C. 2014. Heat treatment induced bacterial changes in irrigation water and their implications for plant disease management. World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology 30:1591-1601.
16. Hao, W., Ahonsi, M. O., Vinatzer, B. A., and Hong, C. 2012. Inactivation of Phytophthora and bacterial species in water by a potential energy-saving heat treatment. European Journal of Plant Pathology 134:357-365.
17. Hong, C., Richardson, P. A., Ghimire, S. R., Hao, W., Kong, P., Moorman, G. W., Lea-Cox, J. D. and Ross, D. S. 2012. Phytophthora aquimorbida sp. nov. Phytophthora taxon ‘aquatilis’ recovered from irrigation reservoirs and a stream in Virginia, USA. Mycologia 104:1097-1108.
18. Hao, W., Richardson, P. A., and Hong, C. 2009. Foliar blight of annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus) caused by Phytophthora tropicalis in Virginia. Plant Disease 94:274.
19. Hao, W., Yadav, A. K., Joshee, N., and Arora, R. 2009. Freezing tolerance and cold acclimation in Guava (Psidium guajava L.). HortScience 44:1258-1266.

Book Chapters

1. Adaskaveg, J. E., Förster, H., Hao, W., and Gray, M. A. 2017. Potassium phosphite resistance and new modes of action for managing Phytophthora diseases of citrus in the United States. Pages 205-210 in: Modern Fungicides and Antifungal Compounds Vol VIII, H. B. Deising, B. Fraaije, A. Mehl, E. C. Oerke, H. Sierotzki, and G. Stammler, eds. Deutsche Phytomedizinische Gesellschaft, Braunschweig, Germany.
2. Hao, W., Vinatzer, B. A., and Hong, C. 2014. Pasteurization for Decontamination of Irrigation Water. Pages 187-195 in: Biology, Detection, and Management of Plant Pathogens in Irrigation Water, C. Hong, G. W. Moorman, W. Wohanka, and C. Büttner, eds. The American Phytopathological Society Press, St. Paul, MN.

Conference abstracts

1. O’Fallon, C., Belisle, R. J., Hao, W., Förster, H, and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2022. Systemic movement of selected Oomycota fungicides effective against Phytophthora root and crown rots of almond and cherry. (Abst.) Phytopathology 112:S3.146.
2. Belisle, R. J., Hao, W., Riley, N. M., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2022. Evaluation of mandipropamid translocation in citrus plants after soil application to optimize its use for the management of Phytophthora root rot. (Abst.) Phytopathology 112:S3.163.
3. Gray, M. A., Hao, W., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2018. Pre-harvest management of Phytophthora brown rot to prevent trade restrictions of California citrus. (Abst.) Phytopathology 108:S2.47.
4. Belisle, R. J., Hao, W., McKee, B., Manosalva, P., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2017. New fungicides for management of avocado root rot in California. (Abst.) Phytopathology 107:S5.39.
5. Belisle, R. J., Hao, W., McKee, B., Manosalva, P., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2017. Baseline sensitivities of new fungicides for Phytophthora cinnamomi causing avocado root rot in California. (Abst.) Phytopathology 107:S5.182.
6. Gray, M. A., Hao, W., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2017. Effects of new Oomycete-specific fungicides on tree health, fruit yields and Phytophthora root rot of citrus. (Abst.) Phytopathology 107:S5.186.
7. Hao, W., Förster, H., Miles, T. D., Martin, F. N., Browne, G., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2016. A leaf litter and fruit brown rot life style of Phytophthora syringae in California citrus. (Abst.) Phytopathology 106:S4.132.
8. Hao, W.; Gray, M.; Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2016. Evaluation of new fungicides for management of Phytophthora root rot of citrus. (Abst.) Phytopathology 106:S4.2.
9. Förster, H., Hao, W., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2016. Reduced sensitivity to potassium phosphite in Phytophthora species and its implication for the management of Phytophthora brown rot of citrus. (Abst.) Phytopathology 106:S4.198.
10. Belisle, R., McKee, B., Hao, W., and Manosalva, P. 2016. Phenotypic variation between two clades of Phytophthora cinnamomi isolated from avocado fields in California. (Abst.) Phytopathology 106:S41.
11. Gray, M. A. Hao, W., H. Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2015. Baseline sensitivities of new fungicides against Phytophthora spp. causing brown rot and root rot of citrus. (Abst.) Phytopathology 105:S4.52.
12. Hao, W., Miles, T. D., Martin, F. N., Förster, H., and Adaskaveg, J. E. 2015. Distribution and frequency of Phytophthora species causing brown rot of citrus in the Central Valley of California. (Abst.) Phytopathology 105:S4.57.
13. Hao, W., and Hong, C. 2013. Biological control of Phytophthora nicotianae by heat-tolerant bacteria in irrigation water. (Abst.) Phytopathology 103:S2.56.
14. Hao, W., Vinatzer, B. A., and Hong, C. 2011. Effect of temperature on survival of Phytophthora and bacterial species in irrigation water. (Abst.) Phytopathology 101:S69.
15. Hao, W., and Hong, C. 2010. Effect of temperature on survival of chlamydospores and oospores of Phytophthora species in irrigation water. (Abst.) Phytopathology 100:S47.
16. Hong, C., Richardson, P. A., Ghimire, S., Hao, W., Kong, P., Moorman, G. W., Lea-Cox, J. D., and Ross, D. 2015. 2010. Two new homothallic species of Phytophthora from irrigation reservoirs and natural waterways in Virginia. (Abst.) Phytopathology 100:S51-S52.
17. Hong, C., Richardson, P. A., Ghimire, S. R., Hao, W., Moorman, G. W., Lea-Cox, J. D., Ross, D. S., Kong, P., and Xu, Xu, Z. 2009. Four records of Phytophthora species for nursery irrigation water in Virginia. (Abst.) Phytopathology 99:S54.

Presentations

• Management of citrus brown rot with preharvest fungicide treatments. April 2016. 37th Annual Postharvest Pest Control Conference, Oxnard, CA.
• Distribution and frequency of Phytophthora species causing brown rot of citrus in the Central Valley of California. August 2015. Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), Pasadena, CA.
• A potential energy-efficient heat treatment for re-circulated irrigation water and its biological mechanisms. October 2012. Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA.
• Oomyceticide resistance in Phytophthora infestans. October 2011. Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA.
• Freezing Tolerance and Cold Acclimation in Guava (Psidium guajava L.). December 2008. Department of Horticulture, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

Teaching Experience

• UCR Biology/Plant Pathology 234 - Introduction to Mycology Lab. Fall quarters 2014 – 2019. My responsibilities included preparation of lab materials for 20 students, working one-on-one with students in the lab to explain concepts and answer questions.
• Virginia Tech PPWS 2004 - Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds. Spring semester 2010. My responsibilities included giving one guest lecture session, holding four exam review sessions for 80 students, grading exams, and holding office hours.
• Virginia Tech PPWS 3104 - Plant Pathology Laboratory, Virginia Tech. Fall semester 2009. My responsibilities included teaching a weekly lab section of 20 students, grading lab homework and exams.

Awards and Honors

• 2013, Oomycete Bioinformatics Training Workshop Travel Award, NSF RCN and USDA Oomycete-Soybean CAP grant, Blacksburg, VA.
• 2010, Bruce W. Perry Scholarship, Virginia Tech. Blacksburg, VA.
• 2005, Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis Award at College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Sichuan University. Chengdu, Sichuan, China.

Professional Service

• Manuscript reviewers for Phytopathology, Plant Disease, PeerJ, and Pest Management Science