"Spiroplasma and Phytoplasma:
From Culprits in an Ancient Civilization to Models of Life on a Small Scale"

Dr. Robert Davis

Research Leader
Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory
Plant Sciences Institute
Beltsville Agricultural Research Center

Building 003 Auditorium
October 27, 2005
10:00 AM

Dr. Davis, Research Leader, Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory (MPPL) in the Plant Sciences Institute of the Henry A. Wallace Agricultural Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland.

He received his B.Sc. degree in Botany from the University of Rhode Island in 1961 and the Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Cornell Universiity in 1967. Dr. Davis joined the USDA-ARS Pioneering Laboratory for Plant Virology in Be1tsvi11e in 1968. Since 1985 he has held the position of Research Leader of MPPL.

In 1971 Dr. Davis discovered a new form of cellular life, the first representative of a new taxon of pathogens, a unique helical, motile wall-less prokaryote that he named "spiroplasma". Dr .Davis' s research group has pioneered research on phytoplasmas a related group of plant pathogenic, cell wall-less prokaryotes.

He has published numerous reviews and book chapters and over 200 original research papers in scientific journals, and has served as reviewer for numerous journals and as Associate Editor of Phytopathology and Plant Disease.

Dr. Davis was recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Election to membership in the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded to a U.S. scientist or engineer. Academy membership recognizes those who have made distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.