JOSEPH ESNARD
Crop and Soil Sciences     Phone: 607-255-0279
Cornell University  Email: je21@cornell.edu
Ithaca, NY 14853   http://www.css.cornell.edu/staff/Esnard.html
ACADEMIC TRAINING
Ph.D. 1995 University of Massachusetts Plant Pathology [Nematology] [Biochem., Mol. Genetics, Bacteriol.]
M.S. 1992 University of Puerto Rico Crop Protection [Plant Pathol.]
B.Sc.Hons. 1987 University of the West Indies Natural Sciences [Biology/Math]
Non-degree 1994 Harvard University International Economics course
Non-degree 1982 Sir Arthur Lewis College Cambridge University GCE courses [Advance Level: Math/Chem/Bio]
POSITIONS HELD
    
Senior Research Associate 2000-present Cornell Crop & SoilSoil Pathology/Nematology
Senior Research Associate# 1997-2000 Cornell Plant Pathol. Nematology/Soil Pathology
Agri. Research scientist* 1995-1997 NCSU-Crop Sci. Plant Physiology/Nematol.
Graduate Research Assist.@ 1992-1995 U. Mass. (Amherst) Plant Pathology/Nematology
USDA/CBI Research Fellow 1990-1992 USDA/ARS-TARS Crop Protection/Breeding

#Senior Research Associates are College  faculty with experience of Associate Professors.  Professorial  titles confer University faculty membership.
*Opted for this permanent staff post (instead of a terminal post-doc title) that allowed for all the experiences of the average  post-doc - so I was senior P.I. on my nematology grant, conducted research in two programs, worked with two accomplished professors (D.C. Bowman, T. Rufty), guest lectured and advised grad students.
@With Ph.D. Advisor: Bert M. Zuckerman (now Emeritus Prof.)
With Drs. Paul Hepperly (Res. Plt Pathologist) & Antonio Sotomayor-Ríos (Res. Leader).

PUBLICATIONS
                                                                                            
Published In Progress
Refereed Journal 12 14
Books/Chapters 3
Congress Proc. (ed.)1 1
Book reviews1
Other (abstracts, etc) 21
FIELD OF SPECIALIZATION & SPECIAL INTERESTS (Current)

Major areas of scholarship, research and linkages: Soil Health (Soil Pathology <-> Soil Biology), Ecotoxicology, & Phytonematology/Phytopathology
Specific research areas: Nematode-Microbe Interactions (Biological Control); Nematodes as Biosensors of Soil Environmental Health; Nematode-Abiotic Interactions; Genetic variation in Plant Parasitic Nematodes (Plant Pathology); & Impact of GMOs on non-GMO communities.
Methods: Molecular genetic, mass spectrometry, biochemical, microbiological and ecological.

Justification for my program lies in two important issues in nematology & crop and soil sciences, viz: I) an acute scarcity of effective yet safe nematicide options, and, II) the need for preservation of ecosystem sustainability for future generations. My research is directed at characterizing the mechanism of interaction between microbes/abiotic factors and nematodes, with the goals of developing effective biocontrols (to include in IPM) and using nematodes & beneficial microbes as bioindicators/biosensors of soil health status. The research involves both basic (molecular) and applied aspects.

GRANT SUPPORT (CORNELL)

Current (1997-2005)
USAID/Biotech and Biodiversity Interface (2001-2005): “Assessing the Impact of Biotechnology on Biodiversity:  Effect of Transgenic Maize on Non-Target Soil Organisms”. Co-PI.

USDA/Biotech Risk Assessment Program (2001-2004): "Assessing comparative risk of CRW transgenic corn and chlorpyrifos to the soil microbial community". Co-PI.

USDA/CREES (1999-2002): "Nematodes as bioindicators of soil health". PI.

USDA/Regional Hatch (1998-2002): "Biologically based management of Nematodes". PI.

INSTRUCTION AND GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISING

Cornell University:
PL PA 706 Phytonematology (Lect/lab), Grad level: Fall 1999 (All sections)
PL PA 706 Phytonematology, Fall 1997 (4 sections, co-taught with Abawi)
PL PA 241 Plant Diseases and Disease Management, undergrad level (Invited lectures "Introduction to Plant Nematology" + lab sessions for Bill Fry)
PL PA 401 Basic Plant Pathology, mostly grad students. (Invited lectures for Wayne Sinclair)
PL PA 644 Ecology of Soil-borne Pathogens (Invited, for Nelson).
CSS 691 Crop and Soil Sciences Independent Study

North Carolina State University:
CS 200 Introduction to Turfgrass Management (Invited, for Bowman).

University of Massachusetts:
PLPATH 540 Plant Nematology (1 lab session, for Zuckerman)

Leon Hess Comprehensive (St. Lucia):
Chem/Math Preparing ~100 students for Cambridge University GCE and CXC type exams

- Advising at Cornell - 2 Ph.D. students (Informally); 1 independent study (Nematode DNA analysis)
-Undergrad students who work(ed) in my laboratory: 6 (3 Human Biology program, 1 Ag/BioEngineering, 1 Natural Resources, 1 Molecular and Cell Biology). One did research on nematode cuticle and is now a medical student. Another student who worked on differential gene expression in nematodes exposed to toxicants is now taking Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry. 
-Full time Personnel in my program (at separate times): 2 Technicians (former held M.S., latter Ph.D.).

Teacher overall rating: 4.83 (5.0 max.)
Overall Mean Teaching Evaluation: 4.55 (1999), 4.25 (1997)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

  1. Genomics: Hands-on Gene Chip Expression analysis (ds cDNA synthesis, cRNA hybridization, probe array scanning, Data Mining Tool DMT, assessing array quality)
  2. Bioinformatics: Advance Bioinformatics software (including SAM = Significance Analysis of Microarrays; dChip = DNA Chip Analyzer)
  3. "North East Regional Teaching Workshop" for university professors (U.Conn., 1998)
  4. "Effective College Teaching: A Workshop for Scientists, Engineers and Mathematicians Who Teach" for university professors (UNC-Chapel Hill, 1996)
  5. "Construction of linkage maps using RAPD markers" [hands-on, mapping strategies, QTL mapping, map based cloning] (NCSU Biotechnology Program Course BIT 697E, Summer 1996)
INSTRUCTION RELATED INVITATIONS

Esnard, J. 2000. A nematode’s life. Invited by American Phytopathological Society Phytopathology, Workshop “Teaching Biology using Plant Pathology”, Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), New Orleans, Louisiana.

Esnard, J. 1999. Nematodes: what are they and how they cause damage to turfgrasses? Presented for Cornell Turfgrass program: Golf Turf Short Course for superintendents. Cornell Turf Group, Ithaca.

INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

  1. International IPM in Honduras: Soil Health Program of Cornell International Institute for Agricultural Development (CIIFAD); Investigating nematode problems in Honduras; Advising/training Zamorano scientist/students; workshop in Honduras/Training in my lab in US.
  2. Advising Cornell student working on banana nematodes-nutrient management in Uganda
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Member:Planning Committee: SON 2001 Annual Meeting Program, Salt Lake City, UT
Executive Chair:Northeast Regional Nematology project NE-171: Project title: Biologically Based IPM Systems for Management of Plant Parasitic Nematodes. 1998-1999 chair and 1999-2000 proxy chair
Chair:Biological Control Committee (Society of Nematologists) (2000-01)
Vice-chair:Society of Nematologists , Biocontrol Committee (1999-2000)
Leader:APS Youth Program Committee Poster Project (1998-2001)
Secretary:NE-171 Multistate Regional Project (1997-98)
Symposium chair/Organizer“Molecular Systematics, Evolution, and Status of Microbes Suppressing Nematodes” at SON 2001, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Consultant:Advising St. Lucia Government: Proposal to Ministry of Planning for formation of a National Academy of Science and Technology (1997).
Dept. Responsibilities:Curriculum Committee (Cornell Dept. of Plant Pathology, 1997-00); International Programs committee (Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences)
Board of Directors:Caribbean Society for Biotechnology Inc. (PR, 1990-92 and 1992-94)

REVIEWER FOR
Grants:NSF, USDA (under three programs)
Articles:International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, Quarterly Review of Biology, Proc. U.S. Natl. Acad. of Science (PNAS), Caribbean Society for Biotechnology (Editor, congress proc.), J. Phytopathology, Nematropica, Plant Disease
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

SON: Society of Nematologists
AAAS: American Association for the Advancement of Science
ISMPMI: International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
ISPP: International Society of Plant Pathology
APS: American Phytopathological Society
ASA-CSSA-SSSA
Gamma Sigma Delta
Sigma Xi

AWARDS/HONORS/FELLOWSHIPS
1995Honor society: Sigma Xi (as full member)
1992Honor society: Gamma Sigma Delta
1990-92Fellow: Caribbean Basin Initiative Fellow (CBIF) (Sponsor: USDA – OICD Office for International Cooperation and Development)
1991-92Granted “Study Tour” of USDA/ARS-TARS for Invention: tetraploid tanier (cocoyam)
1984Scholarship: - British Council Scholar
1981Science Ambassadorship: St. Lucia representative at space shuttle program "Columbia" launching
[Selected/Sponsored by NASA, OAS, Multisystems International (MSI)]
Commendations: NASA, OAS, MSI, Governor of Florida & US president.
"Distinguished Visitor" status conferred by Mayor of Miami.
"Honorary Citizen" conferred by Governor of Texas.
SIGNIFICANT INVITATIONS/PRESENTATIONS (1997- )

Esnard, J. 2000. A nematode’s life. Invited by American Phytopathological Society Phytopathology, Workshop “Teaching Biology using Plant Pathology”, Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), New Orleans, Louisiana.

Esnard, J. 2000. Biological control research. Invited by FHIA (Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research, Honduras).

Esnard, J. 2000. Bona fide pathogens of nematodes may hold greatest biocontrol capabilities. Invited by Society of Nematologists (SON) for Symposium at Annual Meeting, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.

Esnard, J. 2000. All eyes on Pasteuria penetrans: a look at promise, potential, and exploitation for control of plant parasitic nematodes. Invited/consulted by Monsanto, Wisconsin.

Esnard, J. 1999. Investigation of the nature of thermostable, SDS-insoluble epicuticular determinants of Pasteuria penetrans endospore attachment to Meloidogyne incognita. Presented at Annual Meeting of Society of Nematologists (SON), Monterey, California.

Esnard, J. 1999. Nematodes: what are they and how they cause damage to turfgrasses? Presented for Cornell Turfgrass program: Golf Turf Short Course for superintendents. Cornell Turf Group, Ithaca, New York.

Esnard, J. 1999. Nematodes and Microbes: the "Glue" that holds them and perhaps us together. Invited Speaker, Biology Dept., Seminar Series at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia.

Esnard, J. 1998. A new approach to studying Pasteuria penetrans attachment to nematodes in vitro, and related observations. Presented at Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society (APS), St. Louis, Missouri.

Esnard, J. 1997. How does this bacterium-to-nematode attachment occur? Seminar. Geneva Experiment Station, Geneva, New York.

PUBLICATIONS

Refereed Papers:

Esnard, J. Bona fide pathogens of nematodes may hold greatest biocontrol potential. Journal of Nematology (in review).

Esnard, J. 1999. Implications of sequencing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans genome for plant nematology. American Phytopathological Society. APS feature 6/1, 11 pp. (peer-reviewed).

Esnard, J., Marban-Mendoza, N. and Zuckerman, B.M. 1998. Effects of three microbial broth cultures and an organic amendment on growth and populations of free living and plant-parasitic nematodes on banana. European Journal of Plant Pathology 104:457-463.

Esnard, J., McClure, M.A., Dickson, D.W., Hewlett, T.E. and Zuckerman, B.M. 1997. Effects of monoclonal antibodies, cationized ferritin, and other organic molecules on adhesion of Pasteuria penetrans endospores to Meloidogyne incognita. Journal of Nematology 29(4)556-564.

Esnard, J. and Hepperly, P.R. 1994. First report of southern blight of common barley in Puerto Rico. European Journal Plant Patholology 101:497-501.

Montalvo, A.E. and Esnard, J. 1994. Reaction of ten varieties of watermelon to a Puerto Rican population of Meloidogyne incognita. Journal of Nematology 26(4S):640-643.

Zuckerman, B.M. and Esnard, J. 1994. Biological control of Plant Nematodes - current status and hypotheses. Jap. Journal of Nematology 24:1-13.

Esnard, J., Potter, T.L. and Zuckerman, B.M. 1994. Streptomyces costaricus sp. nov. isolated from nematode suppressive soil. International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology 45:775-779.

Esnard, J., Potter, T.L. and Zuckerman, B.M. 1994. Differentiation of six strains of Bacillus thuringiensis by hydrolyzable fatty acid composition. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 42:1251-5.

Esnard, J., Ferwerda, F., Rivera-Amador, E. and Hepperly, P.R. 1993. Induction of tetraploidy in tanier (cocoyam) cultivar. Plant Breeding 111:335-8.

Carrington, C.M.S. and J. Esnard. 1989. Kinetics of Thigmocurvature in Two Tendril-bearing Climbers. Plant Cell and Environment 12: 449-454.

Carrington, C.M.S. and J. Esnard, 1988. The Elongation Response of Watermelon Hypocotyls to Indole-3-acetic Acid: a Comparative Study of Excised Segments and Intact Plants. Journal of Experimental Botany, Oxford University Press. 39: 441-450.

Books &/or Chapters:

Esnard, J., Martin, B., and McCarty, B. 2001. Turfgrass Nematodes. In: Best Golf Course Management Practices. Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, NJ 672 pages.

Esnard, J. and Zuckerman, B.M. 1998. In: Plant-Nematode Interactions. K. Barker, G. Pederson, G. Windham (eds). Pp. 685-725. Nematode Diseases of Small Fruits. American Society of Agronomy/Crop Science Society of America/Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI. Monograph 36:685-725.

Esnard, J. 1997. Southern Blight. In: D.E. Mathre (ed.). Compendium of Barley diseases. American Phytopathological Society (APS), MN. pp. 20-21.

Books Reviewed (1999):

"Physiology and Biochemistry of Free-Living and Plant Parasitic Nematodes". Perry, R.N. and Wright, D.J. 1998. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, Oxon, UK. Invited by Quarterly Review of Biology vol. p.

"Westcott’s Plant Disease Handbook". Horst, R.K. for Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston, MA.

Recent Abstracts:

Esnard, J. 2001. Implications of sequencing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans genome for plant nematology. The Plant Health Instructor.  DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2001-0328-01.

Esnard, J. 2000. Bona fide pathogens of nematodes may hold greatest biocontrol capabilities. J. Nematol. 32(4):428

Esnard, J. Chin, J.T. and Schwarz, K.E. 1999. Investigation of the nature of thermostable, SDS-insoluble epicuticular determinants of Pasteuria penetrans endospore attachment to Meloidogyne incognita. Presented at SON 1999. J. Nematol.

Esnard, J. 1998. A new approach to studying Pasteuria penetrans attachment to nematodes in vitro, and related observations. Presented at APS 1998. Phytopathology 88:S26.

Patents

None. However, Ph.D. research provided info for prosecution of 2 patents for novel antinematodal Streptomyces sp. nov. and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strain.

PUBLICATIONS IN PREPARATION
(No special order)

Esnard, J., Rohila, S. and Forsythe, S.R., Losey, J. and Allee, L.L. Pathogen signs on Bt and non-Bt maize – a comparison (in prep).

Esnard, J. and Torres H. An improved method for rapid DNA amplification from single nematodes. Nematology. (in prep).

Esnard, J., Torres, H. and Forsythe, S.R. Detection of genetic variation in parthenogenetic nematodes. J. Nematol. (in prep.).

Esnard, J., The labile surface coat of the root-knot nematode is not necessary for specific attachment of Pasteuria penetrans. J. Nematol. (in prep.).

Esnard, J., Chin, J.T. and Schwarz, K.E. Nature of thermostable, SDS-insoluble epicuticular determinants of Pasteuria penetrans endospore attachment to Meloidogyne incognita. J. Nematol. (in prep.).

Esnard, J. Role of Pasteuria penetrans endospore microfibers and exosporium in attachment to root-knot nematode J2. J. Nematol. (in prep.).

Esnard, J. and Chin, J.T. Two E cell lineages observed in conjoined Meloidogyne incognita race 3 J2. Worm Breeder's Gazette (in prep.).

Esnard, J. and Bob, R. Effect of trivalent cations on nematode development and behavior. J. Nematol. (in prep.).

Esnard, J., Rohila, S. and Forsythe, S.R. Effect of transgenic Bt maize on nematode communities. (in prep).

Esnard, J. And Torres, H. Nematode diversity in golf greens and corresponding collars. (in prep).

Esnard, J. and P.R. Hepperly. Nonchemical Strategies for  Controlling Post Harvest Decay of Papaya (Carica papaya L.). European J. Plant Pathol. (in prep).

Esnard, J. and P.R. Hepperly. Asperisporium caricae Maubl., A Primary Blemish of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Fruit and Initiator of Successional Biological Fruit Decay. European J. Plant Pathol. (in prep).

Esnard, J. Extension of banana shelf life. European J. Plant Pathology (in prep).

Esnard, J. and Bwamiki, D.P. Safer method of culturing nematodes on carrot discs. J. Nematol. (in prep).

OUTREACH/EXTENSION-TYPE MATERIALS (recent)

Esnard, J. 2001. "Implications of sequencing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans genome for plant nematology" http://www.apsnet.org/education/feature/Celegans/Top.html. American Phytopathological Society. First invited/requested by APSnet (1999) then approved by APS Education Center (2001).

Esnard, J. 2001. “El Suelo esta Vivo” (translated “Soil is alive”). Development of Soil Health Guide (Cornell CIIFAD International IPM/Zamorano, Honduras) for workshop in Honduras held in 2000. Chapter in Spanish.

Esnard, J. 2000. “A nematode’s life”. Phytopathology 90:S114. Publication no. P-2000-0154-SSA. Workshop invitee at APS Annual meeting 2000. Training Biology Teachers: using Nematology/Plant Pathology to teach biology. Manual Available (check Gail Ruhl, APS).

Esnard, J. 1999. (Author) colorful youth poster on theme "Plants Get Sick too!" (APS Press, 10,000 of 20k printed, downloadable at APS http://www.apsnet.org/members/opae/cornstalk%20poster.pdf. Or at http://www.apsnet.org/education/K-12PlantPathways/ResourceCatalogue/Top.html#Poster

Esnard, J. 1999. Invited APSnet feature “Implications of sequencing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans genome for plant nematology” American Phytopathological Society APSnet June issue.

OTHER PERTINENT PUBLICATIONS

Esnard, J. "Nematodes" chapter (46 pp): "Nematodes: what are they and how they cause damage to turfgrasses" Cornell Golf Turf Short Course. Jan. 1999. Cornell Turfgrass Program.

Esnard, J. 1996. A commentary on the proposed framework for the establishment and functioning of a National Council For Science and Technology for St. Lucia. Proposal to the Saint Lucia Government Ministry of Planning, Development and Environment. 25 pp.

Zuckerman, B.M., Esnard, J. and Marban-M, N. 1996. Biological control trials on banana nematodes. VI International Congress on Integrated Pest Management. Organized by Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Mexico. pp. 87.

Zuckerman, B.M. and Esnard, J. 1994. The quest for plant nematode biocontrol - facts and hypotheses. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Biological Control of Plant Disease, Seoul National Univ., Korea, pp. 62-74.

Esnard, J., Potter, T.L. and Zuckerman, B.M. 1994. Advance ACS (American Chemical Society) Abstracts. 2(7):79.

Esnard, J. (ed.) 1992. Biotechnology. First Congress of the Caribbean Society for Biotechnology. University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. (EDITOR)

Esnard, J., Ferwerda, F., Hepperly, P.R.  Rivera-Amador, E. 1992. In vitro  induction of polyploidy in a tanier [Xanthosoma  sagittifolium (L.)Schott] cultivar in  search for resistance to root rot. In: First Congress of the Caribbean Society for Biotechnology. University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. p. 8.

Esnard, J., Ferwerda, F., Hepperly, P.R. and Rivera-Amador, E. 1992. Producción de yautía poliploide a traves de cultivo de tejido. p. 13. Encuentro interdisciplinario de los Investigadores de Mal Seco de la Yautía. Estación Experimental agrícola, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.

Esnard, J. and Hepperly, P.R. 1991. Role of the Black Leaf spot fungus in papaya fruit decay. First Agricultural Science Meeting of the Dept. of Crop Protection, University of Puerto Rico.

Esnard, J. and Hepperly, P.R. 1991. Southern Blight (Sclerotium rolfsii ) epidemiology on barley in Puerto Rico. Second  Agricultural Science Meeting of the Dept. of Crop Protection, University of Puerto Rico.

Esnard, J. and Hepperly, P.R. 1990. Papaya fruit rots and blemishes in Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society. vol 26:765-766.

Hepperly, P.R. and Esnard, J. 1990. Field diseases of papaya (Carica papaya L.) in Puerto Rico. Proceedings of the 26th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society. vol 26:766.

Esnard, J. 1990, 1992a,b. Caribbean Basin Initiative - USDA/ARS Fellowship Research Progress Report, USDA-ARS, Tropical Agriculture Research Station, Puerto Rico.

Theses:

Esnard, J. 1995. Differential characterization of two novel antinematodal biological control agents: Streptomyces costaricus sp. nov. and a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis. Ph.D. dissertation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. [Ph.D. dissertation provided basis for successful prosecution of 2 patents (not listed as co-inventor)].

Esnard, J., 1991. Fungal fruit diseases of papaya (Carica papaya L.) in Puerto Rico, post-harvest control and handling. M.S. Thesis, University of Puerto Rico, 92 pp.

Esnard, J. 1987. A study of the twining response of climbing plants. B.Sc. Thesis BL390, University of the West Indies. 55 pp. (basis of refereed paper in Plant Cell and Environ.).

RESEARCH ACTIVITY/EXPERIENCE AT OTHER INSTITUTIONS (OUTLINE ONLY)

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, DEPT. OF CROP SCIENCE (1995-97)

  • Bio-indicators: project P.I. Use of free-living nematodes as indicators of environmental health.
  • Aluminum toxicity: developed/tested novel hypothesis to explain effects on root cells.
  • Molecular markers: identification of polymorphic DNA for differentiating bentgrass varieties.
  • Differential display: preparation for identification of nitrate transporter gene(s).
  • Testing silicates & biocontrol agents: to reduce chemical fungicide/nematicide use.
  • Heavy metal hyperaccumulation: relation to disease reduction in host.
  • Novel biocontrol agents: discovery/development of fungal and nematode diseases.
  • Informal advising/supervising graduate and undergraduate students.

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS, DEPT. PLANT PATHOLOGY (1992-1995)                    

  • Anti-nematodal/-microbial factors (3 years).
  • Recognition between soil organisms: mechanism (3 years).
  • Development of biocontrols for plant diseases/survival in soil (Ph.D. diss.).
  • Chemical & molecular characterization of bacterial biocontrols (PCR, GC-MS, etc.)
  • Patenting of microorganisms: managed technical aspects (3 years).
  • Invitations to speak on biotech and its impact on development of Third World.
  • Stress-responsive genes: methods of characterization.
  • Molecular variation within rRNA genes (2 yr.).
  • Spontaneous Mutations affecting RNA polymerases (2 yr).
  • Cooperator, Cornell-Umass Biocontrol Project.
  • Cooperator: Dole-University of Massachusetts Banana research project.

USDA/ARS TROPICAL AGRI. RESEARCH STATION, PUERTO RICO/UPR (1990-1992)

  • Tissue culture: banana, tanier, breadfruit, papaya; fungal sporulation studies; screening.
  • DNA technology: Cold Spring Harbor Lab workshop on recombinant DNA technology and genome analysis (May-June 1992).
  • Root crop improvement: P.I. - significantly advanced USDA/ARS cocoyam (tanier) root rot resistance breeding program by inventing novel tetraploid.
  • Papaya fruit pathology: Designed new commercially-adaptable papaya post-harvest handling system for near-complete control of fruit rot and mechanical damage; characterized fruit microfloral succession; discovered adaptive structures of fungus Asperisporium caricae.
  • Papaya systemic diseases: tissue culture approach to breeding for virus/MLO resistance.
  • Barley blight epidemic: First to describe disease/progress dynamics.
  • Banana Sigatoka: led island-wide research that identified "asymptomatic" germplasm.
  • Breadfruit tree/twig dieback: Designed disease rating scale; led survey of island & investigated etiology; pathogenicity studies with tissue cultures.
  • Nematology: establishment of field trials/applications of biocontrols for nematodes on tomato and pepper; isolation of biocontrol agents from soil samples; assisted with crop rotation trials.
  • Cytogenetics: karyotyping of tanier/studying behavior of its chromosomes during mitosis.
  • Crop pathology: tanier, sorghum, maize, barley, papaya, tomato, watermelon, breadfruit, soybean, yams, beans, sweet potato, bananas.
  • Germplasm: 2-yr exposure to: USDA research activities in germplasm development/winter nurseries; crop and soil management systems for the humid tropics; development and transfer of improved crop production systems. Assisting with seed certification in maize (Asgrow Seed Co.,  Puerto Rico).
  • Diagnosing field problems: on various crops of Asgrow Seed Company (UpJohn) in south of   Puerto Rico, on other commercial farms & on introduced ecotypes of USDA-ARS, TARS. 

WINDWARD ISLANDS BANANA RESEARCH (WIBDECO = WINBAN), ST.LUCIA, (1988-90)

  • Technical Assistant to Head of Crop Protection Unit (Dr. Henry J. Fagan): communicating info to extension agents/farmers; responsible for execution of all technical aspects of research viz..
  • Monitoring for build-up of resistance (in Sigatoka pathogen) to fungicides by in vitro assays.
  • Evaluation of new pesticide formulations; setting up field trials (e.g. large aerial spray trial).
  • Identification of alternatives to thiabendazole & additives effective in fruit crown rot control.
  • Investigating field problems on several crops including Musa ABB/identification of pathogens.
  • Correlation of climatological data with leaf spot incidence? elucidation of predisposing factors.
  • Maintenance/management of Plant Path lab & field experiments/assisting in Nematology and Entomo-logy/supervised on-going pest trials for thrips & Aphid-Sooty mold control.
  • Research Methodology Workshop (conducted by IICA & CARDI, 1989).
  • Assisted in Post-harvest Physiology: latex flow & banana crown rot control research.
  • Assisted British Overseas Development Natural Resource Institute scientist on epidemiology of the banana crown rot.
  • Studied internal microflora of green banana crown/subepidermal tissue and effect of Ca2+ on rot development (Unpubl.).

DEPT. OF BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES (1986-88)

  • Auxin translocation/effect in watermelon hypocotyl (publ. Oxford Univ. Press).
  • Thigmocurvature in passionfruit, watermelon, Ipomoea sp.(B.Sc. thesis publ. Blackwell, Oxford).

MISCELLANEOUS EXPERIENCES
  • Discovery:
    1. Fastest thigmocurvature recorded for a plant tendril (evidence against mediation of plant growth substances in initial thigmo-response (B.Sc., Blackwell Sci., Oxford));
    2. Discovered novel blight of barley in tropics;
    3. Developed tetraploid cocoyam (tanier);
    4. Fully developed symmetric conjoined nematodes discovered (publ. in prep).
  • National Math Examiner (St. Lucia, 1988). Also, Head, Math Unit, Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School (St. Lucia, 1988).
Back to CSS Home Page