From the President - 2

In Memory of William F. Mai - 3

In Memory ofBakir A. Oteifa - 4

New Book Examines Future of SON by Exploring the Past - 5

Living Legends: An Interview with Dr. Dewey Raski - 6/7

News From Travelers – 8

2008 Biopesticide Research Program - 9

Nematology Classes at Ghent– 10

Annual Meeting Awards -Photos – 11

Annual Meeting Awards – 12Other News - 13

CAST Report - 14

Credits - 15

December 2007

Table of ConTenTs

Volume 53 Issues 3 & 4

Nematology Newsletter

An Official Publication of the Society of Nematologists

Dick Hussey (left) tells Brad Hyman about all the benefits that come from being elected Fellow of the Society at the annual banquet, held at

the San Diego Zoo.

Shake your groove thing! Richard Sikora gets it on at the SON annual meeting rave in

San Diego.

An MacGuidwin looks relieved to be past president

of the society!

Nematology Newsletter Page 2

Message froM The PresidenT The transition from President-Elect to President of our Society brings with it fresh memories as the SON Program Chair of our immediate past annual meeting. Our 2007 meeting in San Diego, joint with the American Phytopathological Society, was particularly meaningful as an opportunity to showcase the breadth and excellence of our science to our peers. The decision to thoroughly integrate the scientific portions of the meeting between SON and APS paid dividends, a decision fully supported by the APS Officers, Scientific Program Board, and the 2007 APS Program Chair (and current APS President), Ray Martyn. Not only was the quality of nematology research highlighted in multiple contributed oral and poster sessions, but in a dozen symposia ranging from bioengineered plant resistance to nematodes to trophic interactions in soil and entomophillic nematode communities.

The success of the 2007 meeting scientific program was due in large part to outstanding foresight, preparation, and implementation of special sessions by the SON subject matter committees – their volunteer efforts are immensely appreciated as they continue to keep our Society vibrant and strong. Of particular note was the session “Navigating the Maze of On-Line Community Resources” organized by the ad hoc SON Graduate Student Committee co-chaired by Melissa Yoder and Ian King of UC Riverside that integrated nematology and phytopathology presentations from a number of prestigious scientists.

Speaking of UC Riverside, we are indebted to our Local Arrangements Chair, Jim Baldwin, and his UCR colleagues, including Antoon Ploeg and Brad Hyman, for organizing a truly memorable SON Honors & Awards Banquet at the San Diego Zoo, a post-meeting agricultural and winery tour, and handling a myriad of items to welcome Society members in San Diego. Likewise, our thanks go to Schmitt & Co. in the SON Business Office for their support at the meeting and especially to Cecilia Schmitt for her efforts before, during, and after the meeting in coordinating finances for the Society. We benefited greatly from (and became somewhat spoiled by!) the true professionalism of the APS Staff in meeting organization and execution, with special thanks to Betty Ford, Rhonda Wilkie, and Tara Schaefer for being so thorough and accommodating. Our no-cost obligation relieved the Society of financial liability for the 2007 meeting, but brought with it challenges to sponsor SON meeting program initiatives. To our rescue came donations to support the 2007 SON Meeting Program from our industry colleagues at Athenix, BASF Plant Science, Desert King, Divergence, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont, Syngenta, and TriCal. Behind the scenes the SON Executive Board worked,

as always,throughout the year tending to Society business, representation, and initiatives. We are grateful for the able leadership of current Past-President, An MacGuidwin, and the efforts of outgoing Executive Member Sally Schneider and outgoing Treasurer Russ Ingham. We welcome Russ back as our new Vice-President along with Treasurer, Brent Sipes, and Executive Member, Jim LaMondia. Nematology Newsletter Editor Byron Adams will continue to enlighten and entertain us with the latest in nematology and nematologists – as always, member contributions to NNL are welcome and encouraged!

Returning to the theme of highlighting the scientific excellence of our membership, we owe a great deal of thanks to David Bird, Editor-in-Chief, and Reenah Schaeffer, Technical Editor, and the Editorial Board for their continued improvement of the Journal of Nematology. The quality of the research reports remains high, editorial processes have become more streamlined and timely, and the pending listing of the Journal of Nematology in PubMed literally presents our science to the world – let’s take full advantage of this opportunity to showcase our Society!

President Rick Davis

Nematology Newsletter Page 3

in MeMory of WilliaM f. MaiDr. Bill Mai was a Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor Emeritus in the Department of Plant Pathology at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He was born on a farm near Greenwood, Delaware and attended high school in Lewes, Delaware. He obtained his B.S. degree in Agriculture from the University of Delaware in 1939 and his Ph.D. degree from Cornell in 1945, working with Dr. F. W. Blodgett on diseases of potatoes. After a brief time in the Navy, he was appointed an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at Cornell in 1946 to work on plant diseases caused by plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly the potato cyst nematode. He was promoted to Associate and full Professor in 1949 and 1952, respectively and officially retired in 1984.

Dr. Mai was recognized as one of the pioneering leaders of Nematology in the United States. During his illustrious and long career at Cornell, he developed outstanding and productive research, teaching and outreach programs. When the “golden nematode” was inadvertently introduced to Long Island in the mid-1900s, his classical research efforts on the biology and management of the potato-cyst nematode provided the needed basic and applied information upon which an effective quarantine program was carried out. The latter not only contributed to the continued viability of potato production throughout New York State, but also most effectively limited the spread of this devastating nematode to other production regions in the United States. His numerous research projects dealt with the replant disease complex of fruit trees,

the ecology and damage of several plant-parasitic nematodes on vegetables, interactions involving nematodes, and the integrated management of plant-parasitic nematodes and root diseases of agronomic crops. He was truly a tireless worker with an enviable record of over 300 publications in academic journals and extension bulletins. In addition, he co-edited a two-volume treatise “Plant Parasitic Nematodes” in 1971, co-edited “Nematology Laboratory Manual” in 1990, chaired a committee for the National Academy of Sciences that produced “Control of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes” in 1968, and most importantly co-authored a unique nematode taxonomy aid book “Pictorial Key to Genera of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes” in 1960 (revised in 1962, 1964, 1968, 1975 and 1996), which has been translated into several languages and is used all over the world.

Bill Mai was an excellent teacher and mentor. His success was due to his ability to convey his enthusiasm for Plant Nematology and Plant Pathology to hundreds of students in both formal courses and informal contacts. He developed and taught the first Nematology course at Cornell in 1955 and then taught Introductory Nematology (3 credits), Advanced Nematology (3 credits), and a Current Topic Course in Plant Nematology (1 credit) continuously until his retirement. Bill trained over 45 graduate students who went on to become leaders in research, teaching and industry both in the USA and in many foreign countries. He not only inspired and supported all the students who came to work and know him, but he also embraced them as his friends and as part of the extended Mai family.

Bill Mai was always an active participant in departmental and university affairs. He was a member of 10 professional scientific Societies and Organizations and served on various editorial, administrative or subject matter committees, especially in the Society of Nematologists (SON) and the American Phytopathological Society (APS). He received numerous awards and honors as a measure of the high regard in which he was held by his colleagues including being named Liberty Hyde Bailey Professor, Elected President and later Lifetime Honorary Member of SON, Fellow of APS, Award of Merit from the NE-Division of APS, Venture in Research award from the IX International Congress of Plant Protection and many others.

As a person, Bill was a true gentleman, generous, courteous and most helpful to all people. He was an exemplary ambassador for the scientific community. Bill loved and was proud of his family. He is survived by his two daughters (Virginia and Elizabeth) and a son (William) and their extended families. His wife, Barbara, predeceased him in 2005.

Memorials can be send to: Cornell University - Graduate School, Emergency Loan Fund, c/o Sarah Hale (Associate Dean for Student Services), 350 Caldwell Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-2602. George S. Abawi, George W. Hudler, and Richard P. Korf

Dr. William F. MaiJuly 23, 1916 - August 15, 2007

Nematology Newsletter Page 4

in MeMory of Bakir a. oTeifa

Bakir A. Oteifa1921 - 2007

• Born in 1921, Tanta city, Gharbia governorate, Egypt• B.Sc. in Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo Univer sity, 1945• He worked as Demonstrator in Plant Protection Department, Fac- ulty of Agriculture Cairo University in the same year.• He traveled to U.S.A. for PhD in Maryland University in 1949.• He received a PhD in Nematology, from Maryland University 1953 under the supervision of Dr. B.G. Chitwood.• After his return to his Faculty he devoted time and effort to initi- ate the establishment of Nematology Research Centre (NRC). The center was established in 1964 in the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo

University and is considered the largest Nematology research with regard to number of staff and equipment in, at least, North Africa.• He was the founder of the discipline of Nematology in Egypt.• He became Associated Professor in 1962 and Professor in 1968 in the same Faculty and Uni- versity . • He became a chairman of Agricultural Zoology Branch, Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University in 1969-1974.• He became a Vice-Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, for postgraduate affairs, Cairo, Egypt, 1974-1975.• He obtained the National Egyptian encouraging prize for Agricultural Sciences in 1965.• He obtained the National Egyptian award for Agricultural Sciences in 1998.• He supervised several theses in Plant Nematology and Plant Pathology.• He traveled worldwide for conferences and for projects.• He organized several scientific meetings in Egypt and worldwide.• He retired in 1981 and continued as Emeritus Professor in the same faculty until his death.• He was full of enthusiasm, ideas, research projects, and trips to take.• He was the Senior advisor of the Minister of Agriculture and Land reclamation, Cairo, Egypt for more than 10 years.• He established the Egyptian Society of Agricultural Nematology (ESAN) in 1993 – a member society of IFNS.• He was the president of Egyptian Society of Agricultural Nematology (ESAN) from 1993 till his death in 2007.• He was the Editor-in-Chief of Egyptian Agricultural Nematology Journal in 1994 until his death.• He devoted his efforts to obtain numerous projects (e.g. NARP) for various faculties and Agri- cultural Research Centers to serve agriculture. • He published more than 100 papers in scientific journals and books.• He left his wife, his son Hussein, his daughter Mona, and four grand children.• He died on July 15, 2007.

In their new book about the history and future of the Society of Nematologists (Agriculture, Nematology and the Society of Nematologists, published by Schmitt & Associates of Marceline, 2007), former SON president D. P. Schmitt and his daughter J. M. P. Schmitt follow the advice of Machiavelli: “Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding time. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions.”

In response to a 2003 charge by the SON Executive Board to “further the Society by looking back at its history,” Schmitt and Schmitt construct an excellent historical narrative through a myriad of interviews with 1st and 2nd-generation SON members, and by drawing on a depth of useful and interesting information contained in the rich archives of the Society. As such, the book reads much like a History Channel documentary, allowing those who actually took part in the development and progression of SON to tell its story in the context of their own experiences. Throughout the book, commentary by the authors themselves is kept to a minimum, allowing the readers themselves to interpret the varying viewpoints of each interviewee regarding historical events surrounding SON.

Through the text of the interviews and the writings of late nematologists, Schmitt and Schmitt relate a concise overview of the major events leading to the formation of the Society of Nematologists in conjunction with a shift in focus of nematology research from basic and systematic to more agro-nematology based questions. To this end, the authors pay a fair amount of homage to the small band of pioneer nematologists who came together and started a nematology revolution in the American Phytopathological Society eventually culminating in the formation of the Society of Nematologists as an independent scientific organization.

The book takes the reader on a quick but illuminating journey from the foundations of SON in the late 1950s and early 1960s, through the so-called “Golden-Age of Nematology” in the latter part of the 1960s and into the 1970s, through the bureaucratic difficulties and technological advancements facing the 2nd generation of nematologists in the 1980s and 1990s, and into the frenzied, competitive scientific world of the 1st decade of this century. Along the way, Schmitt and Schmitt provide a surprisingly complete chronology of events connected to SON including the dates, times and room numbers of the First

Annual Meeting of the Society; the origins of the SON Banquet (a buffet supper held in the home of Dr. and Mrs. H. Jensen); the impetus and origins of the Nematology Newsletter and Journal of Nematology (JON was patterned after the Florida Entomological Society Journal); the debated selection of the JON cover and the official Society color and logo (you must read the book yourself to find out why the official color of SON is bright orange!); a complete list of all past and present (and even future) Society officers, Journal Editors-in-Chief, Newsletter Editors, and SON Annual Meeting dates and locations; the complete Society Constitution and Bylaws; the specific events leading to the formation of the International Federation of Nematological Societies (IFNS) and on and on. Most of these events are not only placed in a dry list at the back of the book (for easy reference), but are also seasoned in-text with fascinating commentary and elucidation from leading nematologists who were “at the scene.”

Agriculture, Nematology and the Society of Nematologists is an important read for all members of SON. To surviving 1st generation SON members, the book provides a nostalgic look back at the events, conditions and people that shaped their professional (and oftentimes, personal) lives. To 2nd generation members, the book provides useful insight into how the 1st generation of SON prepared the 2nd generation to tackle the problems of the last quarter of the 20th century. This insight, in turn, might inspire the 2nd generation as they lead those of the rising 3rd generation into the next quarter century. To 3rd generation SON members, like myself, this book gives an objective knowledge about those who have paved the way before, about the sacrifices made to create and promote a Society devoted to the “advancement of the science of nematology,” and about what is needed to continue this advancement into the next 25 years. As Society members read this book they might begin to understand more fully their rich nematological heritage. If that understanding increases the devotion and service to SON by its members, the book will have met its intended purpose in “[furthering] the Society by looking back at its history.”

Nematology Newsletter Page 5

neW Book exaMines fuTure of son By exPloring The PasT

TJ BlissUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln

Nematology Newsletter Page 6

living legends: an inTervieW WiTh dr. deWey raski

Early days and World War II Dr. Dewey John Raski was born December 1917 in Kenilworth, Utah; the family moved to Los Angeles, California when he was three years old. He graduated from high school having no apparent interest in biology. After consulting with school associates and with his high school friends, Dewey applied and was admitted to the University of California at Berkeley where he majored in Entomology. After completion of all requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in 1941, he enrolled for the Master’s degree in Entomology. His study was interrupted in December when the U.S. entered World War II. He and two friends drove to Sacramento to enlist in the Army Air Force. Dewey became a pilot and trained other recruits to fly the P51 Mustang, the fastest single-engine plane at that time. (Currently, his participation in the Air Force is as a sponsor of the Air Force Memorial Foundation).Interest in Nematodes He returned to UC Berkeley after the war ended in 1945 to resume his study in Entomology. While Dewey was working in the Entomology laboratory at UC Berkeley, he met Dr. Merlin Allen who had been trained by Gerald Thorne in Utah as an entomologist and nematologist. After consulting with Dr. E. O. Essig, the Chair of the Entomol-ogy Department at UC Berkeley, Dewey continued his Ph.D. under the direction of Dr. Allen. Dr. Allen taught the first nematology course in the United States of America; Raski took Allen’s course. Dr. Essig believed that anybody trained as an entomologist should know some taxonomy and this philosophy had a strong influence on Dewey. Dewey became interested in ring nematodes, sugar beet nematodes and nematode taxonomy. In 1948, he completed his Ph. D. thesis with detailed descriptions on the morphology and biology of Heterodera schachtii. After graduation, Dewey obtained a position at UC Berkeley as a nematologist. At that time there was debate on the approach that should be taken to studying nematodes, either from a taxonomic or a plant host perspective. They finally decided on the latter with Dr. Allen working on cotton and Dr. Raski on grapes. In 1954, Dr. Raski transferred from UC Berkeley at the request of UC administrators who were planning to strengthen research and teaching at UC Davis. At Davis, Raski taught formal courses in General Plant Nematology, Principles and Techniques of Nematode Taxonomy and Morphology, Nematode Taxonomy and Comparative Morphology.Nematode collections (Criconematidae) By late 1950s, there was a clear need for collection of nematodes and the development of nematode taxonomy in the U. S. “Nematologists in the U.S. made little attempt to collect and classify nematodes” said Dr. Raski. One memorable collecting trip made by Dr. Raski was to travel to the very tip of Chile to collect species of Criconematidae. At that time in order to get to that part of Chile, scientists had to travel with the British military to Port Williams and then take a ship to a military outpost at Orange Bay in southern Chile. “When you were down there, it was the decision of the Captain of the ship as to whether it was safe to disembark to collect samples” Dr. Raski recalled. After taking the samples back to UC Davis, he was able to discover numerous new nematode species including lots of Criconematids. Some of these collections are still maintained in the Nematode Collection in the Department of Nematology at the University of California, Davis.Nematodes as virus vectors, Xiphenema index When working on grapes, Dr. Raski and his colleagues demonstrated that Xiphenema index transmitted the grapevine fan leaf virus. This was the first experimental proof of the role of nematodes in virus transmission. After that discovery, there was great interest finding where grapevine fan leaf virus originated. Various agencies, including the USDA and the Rockefeller Foundation supported overseas travel of scientists to collect samples. Dr. Raski was interested in the Mediterranean area, especially the eastern region with a long history of grape production. He wrote to the Rockefeller Foundation, in which he clearly stated that he wanted to do some work in Italy to find the origin of the dagger nematode, X. index. That did not work out as he expected because the Foundation asked him to work in India instead. Finally the Foundation and Dr. Raski agreed that he would spend 6 months in India and 6 months in Italy.

Nematology Newsletter

an inTervieW WiTh dr. deWey raski

India Interest Dr. Raski has established and maintained a strong connection with scientists in India. He made his first trip to India on a Rockefeller Foundation grant in 1963. The Rockefeller Foundation was interested in increasing agricultural productivity by helping Indian plant protection scientists (plant pathologists and entomologists) by training them in Nematology and other agricultural sciences. He was instrumental in establishing the Division of Nematology at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi. In recognition of all the contributions he made towards Indian nematology, the Indian Society of Nematologists initiated a Prof. D. J. Raski Academic Award for the best nematological research for young scholars.Professional services Dewey J. Raski served as the first chair of the former statewide Department of Plant Nematology that was established in 1954, with faculty and staff located at Berkeley, Davis, and Riverside. “(We) taught, did research and administration trying to move nematology along into areas where it serves the most likely and most important role. I served as a link with those old timers who started nematology in the US; they did not teach anywhere at the state level, although there were some courses taught by the USDA. During my travels, I got to know Gerald Thorne, even Tom Goodey, Dr. Goheen and many other nematologists and plant pathologists in Europe. They all participated in the growth of nematology, which is very satisfying to me.” One of his major achievements was the struggle to gain recognition for the science of nematology. “When you look at the full range of it, nematodes are parasitic to plants, birds, fish, literally everything, including all sorts of important economic animals.” However, “that does not come under plant nematology.” “There were early conflicts about what we should call ourselves. Should we call it plant nematology or nematology?” “We still do not give a Ph.D. in nematology; students receive their degrees in plant pathology, entomology or other related disciplines.” Dr. Raski is also a founding member of the Society of Nematologists, an organization that sponsors its own journal and brings attention to nematology as a discipline at the national and international levels. “Support can also be achieved through publicity”, he said. “One example is in Idaho where nematology was not well-known, with one nematologist in the entire state. However, with the discovery of the potato cyst nematode in Idaho there are suddenly dozens of scientists from federal and state agencies working together to solve the nematode problem in potato.” “They have to listen to the growers” Dr. Raski commented.Awards To recognize his contributions to nematology, the Society of Nematologists elected Dr. Raski as a fellow in 1981 and an honorary member in 1988. The Indian Society of Nematologists has also honored Dr. Raski, including one honor that was announced without his knowledge. The recognition is known as “Dr. Dewey Raski award for excellence in research for young scholars”. In 1998, Dr. Raski was the recipient of the Award of Distinction from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis. Dewey is also actively involved in the community in Davis, California. In responding to a need for affordable housing, he helped organize a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. When we asked him what he treasures the most, he responded, “That would be the students that I have had over the years.” He still remains in close contact with most of them. His answer to our question about why he chose nematology was a surprise. He said “It was not the result of well thought-out planning; mainly it was affected by the young people I was associated with in high school and later ended up with in Berkeley. I don’t really have any clue how the decision was made. At UC Berkeley, it seemed very logical to do some work in agriculture.” Dr. Raski does have a granddaughter working in soil sciences and we are not sure if she was influenced by him. He summed his career as largely being influenced by “not making choices but in responding to surrounding conditions”. He did point out that rapid and accurate nematode species identification with less cost is one of the important directions for nematology. His favorite nematodes are criconematids.

(Prepared by Qingli Liu, August 7, 2007)

Author’s note: This article is based on the interview conducted by Qingli Liu and Thomas Varghese at University of California, Davis. Some information was also obtained from the Emeritus Professor Interview by Dr. Howard Ferris, the University of California Digital Archives and the booklet authored by Drs. Raski, Thomason, Chitambar and Ferris titled “A history of nematology in California (as of September, 2003).” We are also grateful for revisions, comments and suggestions from Dr. Kaya, Dr. Ferris, Dr. Williamson and Dr. Nadler at UC Davis.

Page 7

Arizona - Patricia Stock’s laboratory welcomes Kate Faulkner, a new graduate student, who will assess Arizona-native entomopathogenic nematodes for the control of urban pest management. Kate’s research is sponsored by the Regional IPM Program (USDA-CSREES) Other new additions to the Stock lab are Rousel Orozco, a research assistant, who is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology; and Marjorie Skeie, a San Miguel High School senior student who is doing research as part of her Lab Apprentice Program sponsored by UBRP (Univ. Arizona, NSF Program). Sonay Aydin, a Masters student from the department of Biology, University of Aydin, Turkey and visiting scientist Octavio Zegarra from Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP), Peru, spent the summer learning techniques for molecular characterization of entomopathogenic nematodes.Professor Enrique Castiglione from Universidad de la Republica, Paysandu, Uruguay, is currently visiting the Stock Lab. During his visit, he will receive training in techniques with insect parasitic nematodes. Capitol Hill- Kathryn Plichta,

an undergraduate student in Patricia Stock’s laboratory (Department of En-tomology, University of Arizona), was chosen among 400 applicants across the country to represent University of Ari-zona and the state of Arizona for her re-search on “Nematode-Bacteria Symbio-sis.” The title of her presentation was: “A worm and a microbe: A new model system for understanding symbiotic in-teractions between unicellular and mul-ticellular organisms.” Kate had the opportunity to go to Washigton DC as part of the Council on Undergraduate Research’s annual event “Posters on the Hill.” Kate and Patricia met with the Arizona’s congressional delegations and discuss their research

and undergraduate education plans. WAY TO GO KATE!!!

Nematology Newsletter

neWs froM Travelers

Stock Lab members at the University of Arizona. From left to right: Sam K. Kim, Octavio Zegarra, Patricia Stock, Yolanda Flores-Lara, Marjorie Skeie, Ming Lee,

Kathryn Plichta, Sonay Aydin, Chan Maketon and Luis Lozano.

Capitol Hill Poster Session: Robin Potochnik, Kathryn Plichtaand Patricia Stock

Page 8

IR-4 Assistance for Biopesticide ProjectsThe primary objective of the IR-4 Biopesticide Research Program is to further the development and registration of biopesticides for use in pest management systems for specialty crops or for minor uses on major crops. The areas of IR-4 assistance are:

1.Develop an approved research protocol.

2.Fund small and large scale field efficacy trials.

3.Fund magnitude of residue trials, if needed.

4.Assist in obtaining Experimental Use Permits from the EPA.

5.Prepare and submit petitions to the EPA to support clearances.

6.Develop efficacy data to expand currently registered products to include additional crops and uses.

7.Prepare registration documents for submission to the EPA.

Michael BravermanManager, Biopesticide ProgramIR-4 Project, Rutgers University Braverman@aesop.rutgers.edu

For more information regarding the IR-4 Grant applications, visit:

http://ir4.rutgers.edu

The EPA under FIFRA regulates all materials that claim to have pesticidal properties. In the bio-pesticide area, these include microbials such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, low toxicity bio-chemicals, pheromones, insect and plant growth regulators, genetically modified microbials, and pesticidal plants. In general, the number and type of studies required to register these products are different from the studies required to register conventional products. To be considered under EPA’s biological criteria, biochemicals must have a unique mode of action and be either naturally occurring or a synthetic analog. IR-4 will consider biochemicals that meet the EPA definition as well as other low exposure, naturally occurring biochemicals which have pest control activity, provided they are considered safe and do not have significant toxicity to man, mammals, fish or birds.

Biologicals such as arthropod (insect) parasites and predators or predacious nematodes are not regulated under FIFRA and do not fall under the IR-4 program.

Nematology Newsletter Page 9

2008 BIOPESTICIDERESEARCH PROGRAM

The IR-4 Project is funded by the USDA agen-cies CSREES and ARS and receives support from the directors of state agricultural experiment stations. IR-4 is an applied research program whose mission is to assist specialty crop producers obtain safe and effective pest control products. The program was initiated in 1963 and histori-cally has focused on registra-tion and reregistration of pest management tools for use on specialty crops or for minor uses on major crops.

IR-4 broadened its scope in 1982 to include research leading to registration of a wide range of bio-pesticides including microbials, nonvi-able microbials, bio-chemicals, genetically altered microbi-als, and transgenic plants. The program is committed to developing alternative pest control products on specialty food crops and ornamentals by working cooperatively with public and private sector individuals and organizations. IR-4 interacts with the USDA, EPA, and product registrants to determine the requirements for registration of proposed uses. The program has the resources to develop research protocols, assist with Experi-mental Use Permits, coordinate and fund field and greenhouse research, assist in the develop-ment of Tier I toxicology and non-target organism waivers, and prepare data packages for submission to the EPA.

Nematology Newsletter Page 10

News from Ghent University, Belgium: New European Master of Science in Nematology and New Course Professors

The very successful Masters course in Nematology at Ghent University has been offered since 1992. The course Director is Maurice Moens, Nic Smol is the course Co-ordinator and Wilfrida Decraemer is the Chair of the Education Committee. There are some important and exciting changes to the course, enabling it to develop and expand. Ghent University is now part of a group of universities and an institute who are combining to provide a European Master of Science in Nematology through European Union (EU) funding via the Erasmus Mundus programme (see: www.eumaine.ugent.be). This EU funding provides an exciting opportunity to consolidate and expand the enormous teaching and research opportunities offered by the Nematology course. Moreover, students from all over the world can apply for an EU grant and there are a few grants available for scientists to come to teach for a period of up to 3 months. The core partners are Ghent University, Belgium (acting as Host University), University of Evora, Portugal, University of Jaén, Spain and University of Bielefeld, Germany. The satellite partners are University of Leuven, Belgium, University of Wageningen, The Netherlands, University of Kiel, Germany and the Scottish Crop Research Institute, UK. Students will start their course at Ghent but will be able to select one of the core universities to attend for specialized courses. The research projects, which all students must complete, can be undertaken at any of the core or satellite partners and, thus, can link in effectively with the research interests of the partner. The Masters course will become a truly international one from September 2008 onwards, whilst also retaining its historical base at Ghent University.As precursor to this development, the Masters course becomes a two-year course from September 2007. This makes it a more attractive course for students from a wider range of countries and the extended period has allowed the inclusion of more modules and an expansion of existing ones to provide more in-depth training. The valuable research projects can now be undertaken over a longer period. There will be 20 students taking the course this year. More information about the course structure and content can be found at www.pinc.ugent.beThe course benefits greatly from lecture and practical courses given by several Nematology experts from Europe. To augment the existing group, three new Visiting Professors have been appointed: Professors Annemie Elsen (University of Leuven, Belgium), John Jones (Scottish Crop Research Institute, UK) and Ron de Goede (Wageningen University, The Netherlands). Congratulations to all three! We are certain the course will benefit from the scientific input of these lecturers. Ron de Goede replaces Professor Tom Bongers, who has retired. The course has benefited greatly from his contributions over the years and his enthusiastic presentations to the students will be missed. Staff and students are grateful for his contributions.

Roland PerryRothamsted ResearchVisiting Professor, Ghent UniversityOctober 2007

neMaTology Classes aT ghenT

Ghent University, Class of 2007

Nic Smol, Maurice Moens, Wilfreda Decraemer

Nematology Newsletter Page 11

annual MeeTing aWards - PhoTos

Greg Noel presents the Nathan A. Cobb Nematol-ogy Foundation Award Winners: Donna Henderson,

Jianli Xiao, Jack Qiu.

Greg Noel presents the Dow AgroSciences Travel Award Winners: Michael Pontiff,

Weibo Dong, Nrupali Patel, Laura Hudson.

SON president Rick Davis congratulates Gregor Yeates as “Fellow of the Society.”

Louis Payan presents Billy Crow with the Syngenta Recognition Award for Excellence.

Greg Noel presents Erik Ragsdale and Bindya Chal Yadav their awards for the best

student paper.

SON president Rick Davis welcomes Brad Hy-man as “Fellow of the Society.”

The syngenTa ReCogniTion awaRd foR exCellenCe was given To billy CRow.

The besT sTudenT papeR CompeTiTion winneRs:

1sT plaCe - Erik Ragsdale, UC Riverside: (Jim Baldwin, advisor) Phylogenetic Implications of Three-dimensional Reconstruction of the Stomatosylet and

Anterior Epidermis in Aphelenchus avenae

2nd plaCe - Bindhya Chal Yadav, Indian Inst. of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh: (K. Subramaniam, advisor) Engineering Plants for Nematode Resistance

dow agRosCienCes TRavel awaRd winneRs:

Weibo Dong, University of Georgia: (T. B. Brenneman, advisor) Effects of Inoculum Type, Inoculum Level,

Inoculation Date, and Assessment Date on Evaluating Resistance to Meloidogyne arenaria in Peanut

Nrupali Patel, North Carolina State University: (Rick Davis, advisor) of Isolation and Functional Analysis of an Annexin-like Parasitism Gene of the Beet Cyst

Nematode, Heterodera schachtii

Michael Pontiff, Louisiana State University: (Ed McGauley, advisor) The Influence of Morning Glory

(Ipomoea lacunosa), Hemp Sesbania (Sesbania exalata) and Johnsongrass (Srghum halepense on Reproduction

of Rotylenchulus reniformis on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and Soybean (Glycine max)

Laura Hudson, North Carolina State University: (Rick Davis, advisor) Analysis of Cell Wall Synthesis in Feeding Cells Formed by Root-knot Nematodes

Nematology Newsletter Page 12

annual MeeTing aWards

naThan a. Cobb nemaTology foundaTion TRavel awaRd winneRs:

Jack Qiu, UC Davis: Cobb Travel Award: (Becky Westerdahl, advisor) Detection and Quantification

of Root Lesion Nematode Pratylenchus vulnus Using Real Time PCR

ouTsTanding sTudenT TRavel awaRd:

Jing Jin, Iowa State University: John M. Webster (Thomas Baum, advisor) Down Regulation of

Arabidopsis Calcium-dependent Protein Kinase Genes by Cyst Nematode Infection

eConomiC nemaTology endowmenT TRavel awaRd:

Donna Henderson, Washington State University: (Ekaterini Riga, advisor) Multifaceted Bio-control

Methods Against Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Pests of Potatoes in

Washington State

Cobb TRavel awaRd:

Jianli Xiao, University of Minnesota: (Senyu Chen, advisor) Control of the Soybean Cyst Nematode

Using Anaerobically Digested Liquid Swine Manure

CongRaTulaTions Tofellows of The soCieTy

Brad HymanGregor Yeates

andIstvan Andrássy - Honorary Member

Nematology Newsletter Page 13

PHD THESIS IN NEMATOLOGY, DEFENDED 27 SEPTEMBER 2007 BY STEPHEN BOYLE, INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY CARLOW

AN INVESTIGATION ON THE INTRASPECIFIC GENETIC VARIATION AND GENETIC STRUCTURE OF IRISH AND EXOTIC STEINERNEMA FELTIAE (NEMATODA: STEINERNEMATIDAE)

Stephen Boyle

ABSTRACT The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae is a lethal insect pathogen with considerable utility as a biological control organism. It is presently traded commercially as a formulation for the control of insect pests in a number of agronomic and other plant producing in-dustries. Because of this it is introduced into new environments where it can potentially interbreed with naturally established populations. As the integrity of the natural biodiversity of an environment is of concern to ecologists, knowledge of the population genetic structure of this organism is paramount in attempting to understand any interactions S. feltiae undergoes within new habitats. The research detailed in this thesis attempts to address this by characterising a beta-tubulin gene in an effort to determine areas of poten-tial DNA variation within it. An investigation was initiated into the levels of genetic variation among Irish and exotic isolates of S. feltiae. At least two genetic types were revealed among the isolates, demonstrating how these variations can be exploited for the identification of different genotypes. These types were identified using a single locus approach targeting the beta-tubulin genes and the Internal Tran-scribed Spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. Additionally, genome wide approaches such as Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA PCR, and microsatellite DNA PCR illustrated correlations between genetic types as identified using single locus approaches, and those types created based on general genome and microsatellite variations. Experiments were also performed to crossbreed certain isolates and microsatellite PCR was utilised to identify heritable markers that can indicate the pedigree of offspring. In addition, a study was initiated that developed a PCR-based molecular marker that could detect certain S. feltiae ecotypes. This marker, based on a RAPD-PCR ampli-fied band, could distinguish between isolates sourced from Bull Island, Ireland, and those from other locations.

oTher neWs

- NEMATOLOGY NEWS FROM IRELAND -

Molecular Ecology and Nematode Research Group Institute of Technology Carlow

Dr Stephen Boyle has successfully defended his PhD Thesis entitled: An Investigation on the Intraspecific Genetic Variation and Genetic Structure of Irish and Exotic Steinernema feltiae (Nematoda: Stein-ernematidae). The external examiner was Dr Colin Fleming from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and Queen’s University at Belfast. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, a graduate from the Postgraduate Interna-tional Nematology Course at the University of Ghent, has joined the MENRG to carry out his EPA funded PhD project entitled: Nematode community analysis as a bioindicator of heavy metal pollution in Ireland.

The manuscript by Athanassiou et al. “Insecticidal effect of Steinerne-ma feltiae (Filipjev) (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) against Tribolium confusum du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in stored wheat” is now published in the Journal of Stored Products Research.

We’re number 2!

We all knew our journal was great, but how to document it? ISI’s notion of impact factor seems to miss critical points, like, how important the journal is in the context of its larger, disciplinary audience, and how often papers that make a really big splash are standing on the genius of some other paper built around on an article in JON?According to eigenfactor.org, which ranks journals more like the way Google ranks websites, your society’s flagship journal did well in 2006.

1. Ann Rev Phytopathol 6. Genome2. J Nematol 7. Physiol Mol Plant P3. Theor Appl Genet 8. Weed Sci4. Mol Breeding 9. Plant Dis5. Phytopathology 10. Pest Manag Sci

Nematology Newsletter Page 14

CasT rePorTCAST recognizes that research findings are the culmination of much hard work by agricultural, environmental, and food scientists, and they strive to ensure that policymakers and the public can understand the significance and meaning of those findings. CAST provides reliable information about agricultural science to those in the public policy making arena.

CAST accomplishments for 2007 include the following:

• CAST celebrates 35 years of communicating credible scientific information.• The Role of Transgenic Livestock in the Treatment of Human Disease Issue Paper was published in May and rolled out in Washington DC.• This publication was also headlined as part of the evening news on the Des Moines TV station, KCCI.• Feedstuffs Foodlink provides a forum on key agricul-tural issues as part of its e-newsletter. Issues are listed by topic, and feature publications, organizations, and latest news. CAST’s homepage and several of our publications are linked through this valuable resource.• CAST was selected to be part of the 2007 Annual Agricultural Science and Education Exhibition and Reception that was held February 28, 2007 in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. The theme for the program was “Protecting the Homeland.” CAST’s exhibit was titled “Protecting Our Nation with Science-based Information.”

• As part of the 2007 Joint Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association, the Poultry Science Association, the Asociación Mexicana de Producción Animal, and the American Society of Animal Science, CAST held a briefing on the Issue Paper, The Role of Transgenic Livestock in the Treatment of Human Disease on July 10.• “Probiotics: Their Potential to Impact Human Health” Issue Paper will be released in October.• An AI Vaccination Special Publication and Commentary will be released in October/November.• “Biofuel Feedstocks: The Risk of Future Invasions” Commentary will be released in November.• “Convergence of Agriculture and Energy: II. Producing Cellulosic Biomass for Biofuels” Commentary will be released in November.• “Implications of Gene Flow in the Scale-up and Commer-cial Use of Biotechnology-derived Crops: Trade and Policy Considerations” Issue Paper will be released in December.

As a sustaining member the Society of Nematologists has contributed to the success of CAST in providing credible, independent scientific information to decision makers for the well-being of society. In addition CAST communicates in-formation to policy makers and the general public, playing a role that is critical for agricultural scientists like the members of the Society of Nematologists. Check it out for yourself at the CAST website: http://www.cast-science.org/.

RepresentativeJ. D. Eisenback

Diana Wall delivers the plenary speech at the joint Annual SON and APS meetings this year.

“These teeny-tiny worms are major players in our planet’s ecosystems!”

The Nematology Newsletter (NNL) is published quarterly by the Society of Nematologists, P.O. Box 311, Marceline, MO 64658, USA

Address all editorial correspondence to: Byron AdamsBrigham Young UniversityDepartment of Microbiology & Molecular Biology775 WIDBProvo, UT 84602-5253Electronic-mail: nematode@byu.edu

Nematology Newsletter viewpoints are those of the contributors and are not necessarily those of the Society of Nematologists, the Executive Board, or the Nematology Newsletter Editor.

Deadline for submission of items for inclusion in a given issue (published in March, June, September, and December) is the 25th of the month prior to the month of publication.

N.A. COBB FOUNDATION

Chair: Robin Giblin-Davis Vice Chair: Patty TimperSecretary: Nancy BurelleTreasurer: Pat Donald

Page 15

NEMATOLOGY NEWSLETTER

VOL. 53September and December 2007

B. Adams, Editor

Ian Wm. King,Erik Ragsdale,

Student Associate Editors

Todd Holbrook,Layout Editor

Find us on the web!

www.nematologists.org/

SUSTAINING ASSOCIATES

A & L Southern Agricultural Laboratories, Inc.

BASF Agricultural Products

Divergence, Inc. Pasteuria

AgraQuest, Inc. BASF Plant Science LLC

DuPont Crop Protection

Bioscience, LLC

Ajay North America, LLC Bayer CropScience ID Services Nematode

Laboratory

Pest Pros, Inc.

Arvesta Corporation Dow Agro Sciences

Monsanto Company

Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc.

Valent BioSciences Corp.

OFFICERS

SOCIETY OF NEMATOLOGISTS

President: Eric L. DavisPresident Elect: Robin HuettelVice President: Russ InghamPast-President: An E. MacGuidwinSecretary: Stephen ThomasTreasurer: Brent SipesExecutive Members: Andrea Skantar, John Halbrendt, James Lamondia Editor-In-Chief: David BirdWeb Editor: Donald SchmittNewsletter Editor: Byron AdamsPublic Relations Director: Ernest Bernard