October 2007, Volume 38, Issue 1

Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America

ONTA web site: https://ontaweb.org

XXXIX ONTA REUNIO
CORDOBA, ARGENTINA

OCTOBER 29-November 2, 2007

The 2007 ONTA Annual Meeting will be held in Villa Carlos Paz, at 35 km  (22 miles) from Córdoba, Argentina.  Marcelo Doucet and  Paola Lax are organizing this meeting. Additional information about the site of the meeting can be obtained from the ONTA website and the previous issue of the Newsletter. The registration and abstract submission  deadline expired in August. Members who would like to register should contact Paola Lax [laxpaola@yahoo.com.ar].  Marcelo and Paola are doing an outstanding job in organizing this meeting on short notice and with a tight budget. ONTA appreciates and commends their efforts.

Several symposia are planned for the scientific program and include – Alternatives for Nematode Control: Interactions with microorganisms, Crop Resistance to Nematodes, Insect Pest Management with Entomopathogenic Nematodes in South America, Nematode Biodiversity and Biogeography in the Neotropical Environment, Nematode Pests of Potato,  Nematodes of Quarantine Significance, Nematode Pests of Soybean and Nematode Taxonomy and Systematic.  Contributed paper sessions will focus on such topics as Biological and Chemical Management, Crop Resistance, Integrated Nematode Pest Management, Nematode Ecology, Nematode Pests of Fruit Trees and Grapevines, and Nematode Pests of Vegetables.

Registrations received to date indicate a large participation of Nematologists from Argentina and many countries from the Americas and Europe. The quality of the scientific program will be of great interest to Nematologists involved in studies of nematodes in both tropical and temperate climates.

 APPRECIATION TO ONTA OFFICERS WHO ARE COMPLETING THEIR TERMS

At the time of the ONTA Meeting in Argentina, some ONTA officers will complete their mandate. These officers have served the Organization diligently for many years and have provided a great contribution. ONTA members express appreciation to Rosa Manzanilla-López –ONTA Secretary, Nancy Kokalis-Burelle- Editor-in-Chief of Nematropica, and Janete A. Brito-Business Manager. ONTA hopes these officers will continue to serve the Organization. Their abilities, skills and experience have been outstanding. Their replacement will be a very difficult task.

NEMATROPICA MAILING COSTS

 The increasing costs of printing and mailing Nematropica are becoming a major financial issue for ONTA. The June 2007 issue of Nematropica has been printed and mailed to  members. Note that Nematropica is mailed by surface outside the United States. Surface mail is not reliable and subject to delays and loss of the parcel.ONTA members outside the United States should consider increasing their annual dues to include airmail cost for Nematropica. The annual airmail costs are:

$ 13 for Mexico;

$ 10 for Canada;

$ 23 for other countries.

These costs will be added to the annual dues for members who choose this option.

ELECTIONS OF ONTA
VICE-PRESIDENT

Jim Rich, chair of the Nomination Committee, informs that the candidates selected for the election of Vice-President are: Rosa Manzanilla-López and Larry W. Duncan. Rosa and Larry are two excellent candidates who have the qualifications and experience to lead the Organization.

Rosa is presently serving as ONTA Secretary. Her scientific abilities and outstanding research work dealing with nematode pests of Latin American crops have received international recognition.

Larry is another active ONTA member. He served as Editor-in-Chief of Nematropica and has enriched the scientific quality of the journal with outstanding scientific papers. His organizational skills and research experience have made him one of the most outstanding authorities in plant and insect nematology.

Ballots for this election have been sent by the Business Manager, Janete A. Brito, to all ONTA members.

ONTA members are requested to return their vote by e-mail to Janete as soon as the ballot is received. If you have not received a ballot, please contact Janete britoj@doacs.state.fl.us.  Balloting deadline is October 20, 2007.

2007 Best Student Poster Competition

The organizers of the 39th ONTA Meeting in Argentina are planning a Best Student Poster Competition. However, the details of the competition are not defined at present. They   will be posted on the ONTA website as soon as more information about the competition become available.  Rodrigo Rodríguez-Kábana (rrodrigu@acesag.auburn.edu) and the ONTA Foundation are sponsoring the competion. He and Paola Lax are organizing this important scientific event. ONTA members thank Rodrigo for his generosity and heartfelt interest in our Organization.

ONTA DUES

Rosa Manzanilla-López, ONTA Secretary, reminds ONTA members that at the business meeting in Costa Rica (2006), ONTA members voted to increase the annual dues to $30 for regular members and $60 for institutions and  libraries. ONTA dues can be paid by check in US dollars sent to the Secretary or by VISA. VISA payments should be sent to Roberto Vargas <rvargas@rectoria.uprm.edu> (address under ONTA Officers).  A 3% processing fee will be charged to payments made by VISA. United States members can send their check directly to the Business Manager, Janete Brito <britoj@doacs.state.fl.us> (address under ONTA Officers).

ONTA’s budget consists mainly of dues which are used mainly to cover the unpaid costs of Nematropica. During the past two years, printing cost increases and unpaid author page charges have increased dramatically, resulting in serious financial constraints to the budget.  Authors submitting papers for publication in Nematropica should be members of ONTA and are supposed to pay the publication costs when requesting  printed versions of their papers (electronic publication does not have page charges).  Janete Brito is doing an outstanding job in collecting unpaid author obligations. However, many papers still remain  unpaid and jeopardize the ONTA budget.

SUSTAINING MEMBERS

Has mentioned in the previous issue of the Newsletter, ONTA does not have many Sustaining Members. Luis Payan (Syngenta Crop Protection) is the most active of these members. Prem Warrior (Valent BioSciences Corporation) is another important supporter of ONTA activities.

ONTA expresses its appreciation to Luis, Prem, Janete Brito, and Don Dickson for their efforts in obtaining financial contributions.

PASSING

We were saddened by the death of  Charles Edwin Taylor on 30 April 2007. Charles directed for many years the Scottish Horticultural Research Institute in Dundee, Scotland. He was not involved in Tropical Nematology, but he is well known by ONTA members for his studies of virus-vector nematodes. He elucidated the mechanisms involved in virus transmission by nematodes and identified the retention sites of virus particles in the feeding structures of the virus vector nematodes.

The editor of the Newsletter had the good fortune to know Charles Taylor and appreciate his knowledge, exquisite fair play, distinguished class and elegance.

BOOK REVIEWS

 The Newsletter editor would like to remind ONTA members that a new edition of the book Plant Nematology was published by CAB International at the end of 2006. This book edited by Roland N. Perry and Maurice Moens replaces the old book edited by John Southey, which is now out of print. The new Plant Nematology has received excellent reviews. The review provided by Peter Jones (editor of the European Journal of Plant Pathology) follows.

R.N.Perry and M.Moens (eds). Plant Nematology. CABI, Wallingford, UK, 2006, pp. 447. ISBN 1-84593-056-8.

    There are more than 2000 species of plant-parasitic nematodes, which globally cause crop losses estimated to be worth €60 billion each year. The problem is increasing, with developments such as the spread of root-knot nematodes into Western Europe, and the banning of many nematicides. The latter phenomenon means that other control and management methods need to be developed, and these, in turn, require a more detailed understanding of the nematodes and their interactions with the biotic and abiotic components of agroecosystems.

“Plant Nematology”, then, is a timely publication. Edited by two very eminent nematologists, it includes contributions from experts from Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands and the US. Interestingly, this book developed almost by necessity from a Masters course in plant nematology run by the University of Ghent; the organisers of the programme recognised that no up-to-date book on the subject suitable for senior undergraduates and postgraduates was available, and set out to rectify that omission.

The book is split into three parts, dealing with Taxonomy and the Principal Genera, Nematode Biology and Quantitative Nematology and Management. Throughout, the emphasis of the book is on the practical significance and applications of the knowledge contained therein to the management of plant-parasitic nematodes. The chapter on nematode distribution and its implications for sampling procedures by Corrie Schomaker and Thomas Been, for example, should be required reading for anyone involved in the management of plant nematodes, so well does it summarise this vital but often neglected topic. Another important but frequently overlooked topic is that of regulatory systems for international plant health, covered in an excellent chapter written by European and American experts in this field.

More on the adjacent column.

Those interested in how nematodes function will not be disappointed, with first-class chapters on the biochemistry, physiology and behaviour of plant-parasitic nematodes, while a well-written account of the molecular basis of plant-nematode intereactions (by Godelieve Gheysen and John Jones) leads into a concise but valuable chapter on targets for transgenic nematode-resistant plants (by Chris Thomas and Amanda Cottage); the latter even includes a brief discussion of suitable sample sizes needed for assessing quantitative resistance in transgenic populations, another important topic rarely touched upon.

Multi-author textbooks provide the benefit of allowing experts in each field to contribute; disadvantages can be inconsistencies of style and problems of repetition. In this book, there is clear evidence of a firm (but, I’m sure, benign!) editorial policy which leads to a coherent whole. In the four chapters on the principal genera of plant-parasitic nematodes, for example, each uses a different structure, but the information presented is comparable. For each nematode group, there is a brief description on the appropriate structure, life cycle, diagnostics and management strategies, while other chapters deal with these topics in more detail.

The editors have targeted this book at postgraduates and senior undergraduates, in the developed and developing world; my only substantive issue with this book is whether it will be appropriate for this target audience. At over 400 pages and €80 for a paperback book, I think it unlikely that it will find a significant undergraduate market, especially where the number of relevant undergraduate courses is declining. On the other hand, it is an excellent account of plant nematology for postgraduates, extension officers, researchers, crop protection scientists and other groups. Because of its goal as being a teaching tool, rather than a specialised research text, the number of references has been deliberately restricted, which may be frustrating for this particular audience. Having said that, I was impressed to see that this book, with a mid-2006 publication date, cited a number of 2006 references. I would also like to have seen a chapter specifically aimed at the management of nematode pests in developing countries.

Overall, I found this to be a very well written and organised book. The presentation is clear and generally of a very high standard, although some of the black-and-white photographs are of rather mediocre quality. At a time when a clear understanding of nematode pests of crops have never been more important, this book is an excellent guide to the topic.

The introductory flier of this book states that Nematology is not only about those lovely Nobel prize winning creatures, nematodes, but also about the people who work with them, the nematologists. The story is unfolding now and will soon be on the shelves. Your good friends Bengt Eriksson, David McNamara and John Webster have linked up with a whole galaxy of nematode story tellers who have confessed, cajoled others and reminisced themselves about their loved ones, their nematodes, and it’s all to be revealed in the forthcoming An Anecdotal History of Nematology. It is good nematology, but it’s different, and you will be able to read the other side of some of our nematological world’s most fascinating discoveries.

Another winner by Pensoft Publishers!

The chapters in the book include

1. Our early stars by Bengt Eriksson.
2. Nematological nebulae in Europe and the USA by John M.Webster and Seymour D. Van Gundy.
3. First catch your nematode! – the development of methods of recovering nematodes from soil by David McNamara.
4. Through nematode diversity to living soil processes – holistic studies aid progress by Gregor Yeates.
5. Nematode Physiology: Significant developments in the understanding of the biology of simple eukaryotic animals by Howard Ferris and Haddish Melakeberhan.
6. Molecular taxonomy of nematodes by Pierre Abad and Philippe Castagnone-Sereno.
7. A history of research on potato cyst nematodes by Ken Evans and David L. Trudgill.
8. Cereal cyst nematode complex by Roger Rivoal.
9. The science and art of soybean cyst nematode research by Terry L. Niblack and Don P. Schmitt
10. Nematodes / Viruses / Plants: A 32 year love affair by Derek J.F. Brown.
11. Horticultural hazards: In and out of hot water baths and other transient technologies by Simon R. Gowen and Philip A. Roberts.
12. The spread of nematology in developing countries: A case study by Michel Luc
13. Contributions by Latin American nematologists to the study of nematode plant disorders and related impact on crop production by Rosa H. Manzanilla-López, Patrick Quénéherve, Janete A. Brito, Robin Giblin-Davis, Javier Franco, Jesse Román and Renato N. Inserra.
14. Quarantine nematodes by David McNamara.

Continue in the adjacent column.

15. The pinewood nematode; a personal view by Helen Braasch and Manuel M. Mota.
16. History of the development of nematodes as biocontrol agents by Parvinder S. Grewal and Harry K. Kaya.
17. Dynamics of nematological infrastructure by Roland N. Perry and James L. Starr.
18. Nematology: Dreams and visions of the future. (i) Nematology Dream: Misstatements, miscalculations and false prophets by Ernest C. Bernard.
(ii) Vision of nematology in Canada in the next 50 years by Guy Belair.
(iii) The future of systematics and phylogeny of nematodes over the next 50 years by Virginia R. Ferris.
(iv) A nematologist’s dream by Florian Grundler.
(v) Nematology dream by Paulo Vieira.
(vi) The devil’s advocate by Derek J. F. Brown.
(vii) My dream, not a nightmare by Forest Robinson.
(viii) My dream of the future of nematology, chemical communication research – 50 years from now by Ekaterina Riga.
(ix) C. elegans as a model system for space travel by Robert Johnsen and David Baillie.

The Book can be ordered from Pensoft Publishers, Geo Milev Street 13a, 1111 Sofia, Bulgaria, Fax: +359-2-8704282, Email: info@pensoft.net, www.pensoft.net for 25 Euros + shipping costs.

Orders can be made online at WWW.PENSOFT.NET

1) Basic biology of plant parasitic nematodes.
2) Symptoms of nematode damage.
3) Sampling.
4) Nematode extraction.
5) Handling, fixing and staining nematodes.
6) Estimation of nematode density.
7) Damage analysis

Continue on page 6.

The text of the manual is supplemented by excellent illustrations of nematode damage to tropical and non-tropical crops. The manual can be downloaded directly from the following website:

http://www.spipm.cgiar.org/Edu_Tools/E_Tools.htm

ONTA OFFICERS

(Executive Committee)

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>.

VICE-PRESIDENT: Marcelo E. Doucet, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Laboratorio de Nematologia, Centro de Zoologia Aplicada, Casilla de Correo 122, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina; Tel: 54-351-433-2055; e-mail:<mdoucet@gtwing.efn.uncor.edu>.

PAST PRESIDENT: Aurelio Ciancio, Istituto per la Protezione delle Piante, C.N.R., Sezione Bari, via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy; Tel:39-80-5929-221;FAX:39-80-5929-230;e-mail: <a.ciancio@ba.ipp.cnr.it>.

SECRETARY: Rosa H. Manzanilla-Lopez, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom or16 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: <nancy.burelle@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:  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>. Regina Carneiro, EMBRAPA-Rec. Geneticas & Biotechnologia, C.P. Postal 2372, 70849-970, Brasilia DF, Brazil. Tel: 55-61-340-3660; e-mail: <recar@cenargen.embrapa.br>.

COMMITTEES

ARCHIVE COMMITTEE: Robert McSorley, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 110620, Gainesville FL 32611-0620, USA; Tel: 1-352-392-1901, Ext. 137; FAX: 1-352-392-0190; e-mail:<rmcs@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu>.

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>.

SUSTAINING MEMBER COMMITTEE: Luis A. Payan (Chair),Syngenta Crop Protection, PO Box 18300, Greensboro NC 27409, Tel: 336-632-6000; e -mail: <luis.payan@syngenta.com>. Janete A. Brito, 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>. Donald W. Dickson, University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Department, Gainesville, FL 32611-0620; Tel: 352-392-1901 (135); e-mail:<dwd@ufl.edu>. Tel: 1-850-875-7130; FAX: 1-850-875-7148; e-mail: <Jimmyr@ufl.edu>.

WEB PAGE COMMITTEE: Jimmy Rich (Co-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 (Co-Chair), Dep. Enginiyria Agroalimentária 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>.