April 2006, Volume 37, Issue 1

Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America

ONTA web site: https://ontaweb.org

Logo for the 38 TH ONTA Reunion prepared by the Local Arrangements Committee

XXXVIII ONTA REUNION
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA, JUNE 26-30, 2006

The time for the 38 th Annual ONTA Reunion is approaching quickly. ONTA members are invited to attend this important scientific event. The quality of the scientific program should attract a broad international participation. The planned invited talks and symposia on nematode management using antagonistic biological agents, nematode diversity, precision agriculture and nematode pests of banana will be of great interest for nematologists from the Americas and other geographical areas of the world.

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The deadline for registration and submitting abstracts for the meeting expired in May. Late registrations will be accepted. Please contact the organizers of the meeting and Alejandro Esquivel   (aesquive@una.ac.cr) for more details concerning the meeting. ONTA home page has devoted a section of the site to this special event.   Detailed information about the plans for the meeting is posted on the ONTA website (look under ‘Annual Meeting’ links – Costa Rica). The meeting’s logo is shown on page 1.

Travel information to Costa Rica

Participants to the 38 th ONTA Reunion who are United States citizens can obtain a tourist card directly from their Airline during their flight. ONTA members from other countries should inquire with their travel agency or Costa Rican Embassy about visa requirements. An exit tax of about $ 26 should be paid at the airport at the time of departure from Costa Rica. It is payable in US dollars, local currency (colones) or by credit card. Within the country, the use of a credit card such as VISA facilitates transactions and purchases in and outside the meeting site. ATM machines are not always reliable.

Important Scientific Events at the Meeting in Costa Rica

The scientific program for the 38 th ONTA Reunion consists of invited talks, symposia, oral and poster presentations. A student poster competition is also planned.

The topics of invited talks include a review of research in plant nematology conducted in Costa Rica, the use of nematode parasitic fungi for the management of root-knot nematodes, and the biology of the vertebrate-parasitic nematode, Angiostrongyloides costaricensis . The topics of symposia deal with the impact of the ban of methyl bomide on crop production in different agricultural systems, nematode diversity in the tropics, precision agriculture and nematode management, use of entomophilic and entomopathogenic nematodes for insect management in the neotropics, and nematode pests of banana.

BEST STUDENT POSTER COMPETITION AWARD

Forest Robinson , chair of the Honors and Awards Committee has appointed an ad hoc committee for the Best Student Poster Competition. This committee is chaired by Janete Brito (U.S.A.). Other members are Gustavo Fallas (Costa Rica), Charles Overstreet (U.S.A.) and Patrick   Quénéhervé (France). Prizes for this competition are $500.00 and $300.00 for the fist and second places, respectively plus a plaque of Recognition. Awards will be given during the official ONTA Honors and Awards Ceremony. Funds for this competition are kindly provided to ONTA Foundation by Rodrigo Rodriguez-Kábana, who receives the appreciation of ONTA members for his interest and sponsorship of this activity.

ELECTIONS FOR ONTA VICE-PRESIDENT

Manuel obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy at the National University of Central Peru in 1971. In 1974, he received a Master’s Degree in Plant Pathology-Nematology at the National Agrarian University ‘La Molina’, Lima, where he became an assistant professor after his graduation. In 1982, he received a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology-Nematology at Cornell University, New York, U.S.A. Soon afterwards, he became Full Professor at the Nematology Graduate School of the National Agrarian University, La Molina.

He has been involved in studies concerning morphological and biological variability, damaging effects and management of potato cyst nematodes ( Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida ), root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne incognita ) and lesion nematodes ( Pratylenchus flakkensis ).

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Marcelo Doucet obtained a Degree in Biology from the National University of Córdoba, Argentina. After his graduation, he received training in Nematology at the Nematology Research Station (INRA), Antibes, France. In France, he conducted postgraduate nematological studies and completed a doctorial research project which allowed him to obtain a Doctorial Degree from the National University of Córdoba, Argentina in 1978.

Soon afterwards, he was granted a research scientist position at the Argentinean National Research Council (CONICET). In this capacity, he was able to establish a Nematology Laboratory at the Center of Applied Zoology, which is part of the College of Mathematics, Physics and Natural Sciences, at the National University of Córdoba, where he became an Honorary Member of the Faculty.

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He has investigated also the interactions between Pratylenchus flakkensis and other pathogens infecting potatoes. Manuel has coauthored more than 100 papers including book chapters published in National and International Scientific Journals.

He was president of the Peruvian Nematology Association and of Phytopathological Society, and The Peruvian Association of the Agricultural Colleges, member of the Peruvian Societies of Entomology and Potato Research, and Society of Nematologists. He was a Visiting Professor at Michigan State University.

Manuel has been a very active member of ONTA since 1975. He has served as editor of the ONTA Newsletter and on the Nominations, Honors and Awards, and Amendment of the Constitution Committees. He has participated as a Nematology professor in international training courses and was coordinator of the First International Nematology Course and all the other courses sponsored by ONTA.   He is an Honorary Member of ONTA and was awarded the Special Award for Distinguished Services in 1992.

Also, for his contribution to the Science of Plant Nematology, Manuel was recipient of a prestigious award and recognition from the Peruvian Government and from the Peruvian Nematology Association. Manuel cooperates in nematological research conducted at the Department of Entomology and Nematology of the International Potato Center in Lima. He was Dean of the College of Agronomy, National Agrarian University La Molina, and Lima, Peru and Vice President of the Andean Association of Agricultural Colleges. At present he is the Coordinator of the Ph. D. courses on Sustainable Agriculture and permanent advisor of the Peruvian Association of the Agricultural Colleges and of the Andean Association of the Agricultural Colleges.

At present, he is a Research Leader at CONICET, a Full Professor at the Agricultural Zoology Department, College of Agricultural Sciences and Coordinator of the Commission of Postgraduate Studies.

His research activity encompasses studies on taxonomy, biology, geographical distribution, and host-parasite interactions of nematode species parasitic to plants and insects and also of free-living nematodes. He is author or co-author of more than 100 articles and book chapters published in national and international scientific journals. His teaching activity includes the preparation of 8 courses on nematode pests of plants and the supervision of research studies for master and doctorial degrees and also investigations sponsored by CONICET.

For his teaching skills, he received the Teaching Award by the National University of Córdoba. He has also been an invited speaker by the Spanish Ministry of Research and Technology. Marcelo is the founder of the Argentinean Society of Nematologists and a liaison member of the Argentinean Academy of Agronomy and Veterinary.

His participation in ONTA activities includes services as associate editor of Nematropica, member of the Honors and Awards Committee and a long standing membership and involvement in ONTA meetings. In 1997, Marcelo was awarded the ONTA Special Award for his outstanding nematological research and teaching in Argentina.

OFFICERS

VICE-PRESIDENT: Patrick Quénéhervé, ORSTOM Laboratoire de Nématologie, BP 8006-97259 Fort de France Cedex, Martinique (French West Indies). Tel: 596-645750; FAX: 596-717316; e-mail: <queneherve@ird-mq.fr>.

PAST PRESIDENT: Juan Carlos Magunacelaya, Avda. Brasil 2950, Valparaiso 4059, CHILE, Ph: 56 2 678 5821; e -mail: <jmagunac@ucv.cl>.

SECRETARY: Rosa H. Manzanilla-Lopez, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom or 16 Coleswood Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 1EQ, UK, e-mail: <rosa.manzanilla-lopez@bbrc.ac.uk>.

TREASURER: Roberto Vargas, Department of Crop Protection, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez Campus, P.O. Box 9030, Mayagüez, PR 00681-9030, USA. Tel: 1-787-265-3859; FAX: 1-787-265-0860; e-mail: <rvargas@rectoria.uprm.edu>.

NEMATROPICA EDITOR: Editor-in-Chief: Nancy Kokalis- Burelle, USDA, ARS, U. S. Horticultural Research Lab., 2001 South Rock Rd., Ft. Pierce, FL 34945; Phone: (772) 462-5861; Fax: (772) 462-5986; Cell: (772) 216-0560; Email: <nburelle@ushrl.ars.usda.gov>.

NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Renato N. Inserra, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, Nematology Section, P.O. Box 147100, Gainesville FL 32614-7100, USA. Tel: 1-352-372-3505, Ext. 115; FAX: 1-352-955-2301 or 2300; e-mail: <inserrr@doacs.state.fl.us>.

MEMBERS AT LARGE: Alejandro Esquivel, Lab. Nematología, Escuela de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional, AP 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica. Tel: 277 32 99; FAX: 261 00 35; e-mail:< aesquive@una.ac.cr>. Maria Scurrah, International Potato Center, Apt. 1558, Lima 12, Peru. Tel: 51-1-3496017; FAX: 51-1-3175326; e-mail:<m.scurrah@cgiar.org>.

COMMITTEES

FOUNDATION COMMITTEE: Charles Overstreet (Chair), Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, P.O. Box 25100, Baton Rouge LA 70894-5100, USA; Tel: 1-225-388-2186; FAX: 1-225-388-2478; e-mail: <coverstreet@agctr.lsu.edu>. Mario Araya, Aptdo. 390-7210, Guapiles, Costa Rica, Tel. 506-763-3260; FAX: 506-763-3055; e-mail: <investigaciones@corbana.com>. Joseph E. Eger, Dow AgroSciences, 4880 Bay Heron Place, Apt. 213, Tampa FL 33616, USA; Tel:1-813-835-8358; FAX: 1-813-835-4856; e-mail: <jeeger@dowagro.com>. Jenny Escobar, Junin 116 y Panama, Guayaquil Guayas 09-13293, Ecuador; e mail: <jenny.escobar@aventis.com>. Jim Rich, (see address under Home Page Committee). Marta Susana del Toro, Laboratorio de Nematologia Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Almirante Brown 500, 5505 Chacras de Coria, Luján, Mendoza, Argentina. Tel:54-61-960004, ext.2030; FAX:54-61-960469; e-mail: <mdeltoro@fca.uncu.edu.ar>.

HONORS AND AWARDS COMMITTEE: A. Forest Robinson (Chair), USDA, ARS, SCRL, 2765 F & B Road, College Station TX 77845, USA. Tel: 1-979-260-9234; FAX: 1-979-260-9337; e-mail: <frobinson@cpru.usda.gov>. Manuel Canto-Saenz, U.N.A. La Molina, Centro Internacional de la Papa, Apartado 1558, La Molina, Lima, Peru. E-mail: <mcanto@lamolina.edu.pe>. Jenny Escobar, Junin 116 y Panama, Guayaquil Guayas 09-13293, Ecuador; e mail: <jenny.escobar@aventis.com>. Nahum Marban-Mendoza, Departamento de Parasitologia Agrícola, Universidad Autonoma de Chapingo, Montecillo, Edo. de Mexico, Chapingo 56230, Mexico. FAX: 52-595-40692; e-mail: <nahumm@taurus1.chapingo.mx>. Julia A. Meredith, PO Box 140357, Gainesville, FL 32614-0357, U.S.A.; e- mail:<julia@nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu>. Jimmy Rich, University of Florida, 155 Research Road, Quincy FL 32351-9500, USA. Tel: 1-850-875-7130; FAX: 1-850-875-7148; e-mail: < jimmyr@ufl.edu >. Rodrigo Rodríguez-Kábana, Department of Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5409, USA. Tel:1-334-844-4714; FAX:1-334-844-1948; e-mail: <rrodrigu@acesag,auburn.edu>.

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS COMMITTEE FOR the 38th Annual Reunion (Costa Rica): Alejandro Esquivel (Chair), Lab. Nematología, Escuela de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional, AP 86-3000, Heredia, Costa Rica. Tel: 277 32 99; FAX: 261 00 35; e-mail:< aesquive@una.ac.cr>.

NEMATROPICA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: Nancy Kokalis Burelle (Chair) (see address under Executive Committee); Edward C. McGawley (Past Editor-in-chief), Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University, 302 Life Sciences, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, U.S.A. Tel: 1-225-769-0748; FAX: 1-225-388-1415; Paula Agudelo (Senior Editor, Spanish), 120 Long Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, U.S.A.; Kathy S. Lawrence (Senior Editor, English), Department of Plant Pathology, 227 Life Sciences Building, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5409, U.S.A., Tel: 334-844-1956; e-mail:<lawrekk@auburn.edu>; Manuel Mota (Senior Editor Portuguese), Departamento Biologia, Universidade de Evora, Evora 7000 Portugal; Tel:35-1-266-760800; e-mail:< mmota@uevora.pt>; Patrick Quénéhervé (Senior Editor, French)(address under Nomination Committee); Janete Brito (Business Manager), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry, Nematology Section, P.O. Box 147100, Gainesville FL 32614-7100, USA. Tel: 1-352-372-3505, Ext. 115; FAX: 1-352-955-2301 or 2300; e-mail: <britoj@doacs.state.fl.us>. Associate Editors as listed in Nematropica. Larry W. Duncan, (Editor of the electronic version of Nematropica), University of Florida, Citrus Research and Education Center, 700 Experiment Station Road, Lake Alfred FL 33850-2299, USA; Tel: 1-863-956-1151; FAX: 1-863-956-4631; e-mail: <lwdn@lal.ufl.edu>.

NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE : Renato N. Inserra (Chair), (see address under Executive Committee) ; Renato Crozzoli, Univ. Central de Venezuela, Instituto de Zoologia Agricola, Apartado 4975-A, Maracay, Aragua 2101, Venezuela. FAX: 58-43-507085; e-mail: <rencro@telcel.net.ve>.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE: Jimmy Rich (Chair), University of Florida, 155 Research Road, Quincy FL 32351-9500, USA. Tel: 1-850-875-7130; FAX: 1-850-875-7148; e-mail: <JRich@ifas.ufl.edu>. Renato N. Inserra, (address under Executive Committee); Nahum Marban-Mendoza, Departamento de Parasitologia Agrícola, Universidad Autonoma de Chapingo, Montecillo, Edo. de Mexico, Chapingo 56230, Mexico. FAX: 52-595-40692; e-mail: <nahumm@taurus1.chapingo.mx>. Nicola Greco, Istituto per la Protezione delle Piante, Sezione di Bari, Via Amendola, 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy, Tel: 39 080 5929224; FAX: 39 080 5929230; e -mail: <n.greco@ba.ipp.cnr.it>. Patrick Quénéhervé (see address under Executive Committee). Renata C. V. Tenente, EMBRAPA, CENARGEN, Sain Parque Rural, Cx. P. 2372, Brasilia D.F. 70849-970, Brazil. Tel: 55-61-348-1623; FAX: 55-61-348-4700; e-mail: <renata@cenargen.embrapa.br>.

REPRESENTATIVES IN THE IFNS: Renato Crozzoli, (see address under Newsletter Committee), and Rodrigo Rodríguez-Kábana, (See address under Honors and Awards Committee).

SUSTAINING MEMBER COMMITTEE: Luis A. Payan (Chair), Syngenta Crop Protection, 498 North Mariposa, Visalia, CA 93292, Ph: 559-735-2200; e -mail: < luis.payan@syngenta.com>. Greg J. Burger, ILLOVO Sugar, Ltd., New Product Development, P.O. Box 31003, Merebank 4059, SOUTH AFRICA; Tel: 27-31-450-7700; FAX: 27-31-469-4922; e-mail: <gburger@illovo.co.za>. Ricardo J. Garcia, PMB 82-297, 705 Martens Ct., Laredo TX 78041-6010, USA; Tel:1-52-462-35802; FAX: 1-52-462-36313; e-mail: <central@corporacion-tri-com.mx>. Richard Steckler, Organic Solutions, L.L.C., 10720 McCune Ave., Los Angeles CA 90034, USA; Tel: 1-877-467-4765; FAX:1-310-838-0337. Ely V. Vea, ENTEK, 6835 Deerpath Road, Suite E, Elkridge MD 21075, USA; Tel: 1-410-579-1633, Ext. 528; FAX: 1-410-579-1633; e-mail: <evea@entekcorp.com>.

WEB PAGE COMMITTEE: Jimmy Rich (Chair), (See address under Nominations Committee). Erwin O. Aballay, Universidad de Chile, Fac. Ciencias Agrarias, Dept. Sanidad Vegetal, P.O. Box 1004 or Avenida Santa Rosa # 11.135, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile. Tel: 56-2-6785821 or 56-9-4346229; FAX: 56-2-6785812; e-mail: <erwinaba@uchile.cl>. César Ornat Longaron, Dep. Enginiyria Agroalimnetária i Biotecnologia, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Avinguda del Canal Olímpic s/n, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona Spain . Tel:34-935-521-072; FAX: 34-935-521-001; e-mail: <Cesar.Ornat@upc.edu>. Javier Franco, Man Cesped 0293, Cochabamba 4285, Bolivia. E-mail: <jfranco@supernet.com.bo>. Khuong B. Nguyen, Dept. of Ent. and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611-0620, USA Tel: 1-352-392-1901, ext.193; FAX: 1-352-392-0190; e-mail: <kbn@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu>.