Education

• Ph.D., Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 1988, Plant Pathology
• M.S., Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, 1985, Plant Pathology
• B.S. (with distinction), Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 1983, Plant Science

Experience

• August 2004-present: Research Plant Pathologist, USDA-ARS, Kimberly, ID
• June 2002-August 2004: Acting Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, Univ. of Idaho
• June 1990-June 2002: Res. & Ext. Associate/Support Scientist III, Univ. of Idaho
• November 1988-June 1990: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Berkeley
• June 1985-October 1988: Research/Teaching Assistant, Washington State University
• July 1983-May 1985: Research Assistant, Washington State University

Accomplishments

• A rating system for evaluating dry bean germplam for resistance to Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) was established. The rating system was utilized to identify a new gene for resistance to BCMV and BCMNV.
  • Phytopathology 93:1430-1436
  • Phytopathology 93:683-690
• A rating system for evaluating wheat germplasm for resistance to strawbreaker foot rot of wheat was established. The rating system was used to identify two genes associated with resistance to foot rot of wheat.
  • Phytopathology 79:1043-1047
  • Phytopathology 79:1048-1053
• The vegetative compatibility and virulence of Verticillium dahliae isolates was established in California and Idaho.
  • Phytopathology 82:61-68
  • Phytopathology 83:1253-1258
• The primary causal agents of root disease problems in wheat and barley were established for southeastern Idaho.
  • Can. J. of Plant Pathology 26:167-176
• The Bc-1 and Bc-u loci associated with resistance to bean common mosaic were shown to be linked.
• J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 124(6):644-648
• The primary causal agents for scab (headblight) of irrigated wheat in central Washington were established.
  • Plant Disease 70:1104-1106

Research

Current Research Interests

• I am cooperating with plant geneticists to phenotype plant material for resistance to Beet necrotic yellow vein virus, Beet curly top virus, and Erwinia in order to allow for the development germplasm with high agronomic performance and enhanced disease resistance.
• I am cooperating with plant geneticists to develop and map molecular markers linked to genes of interest to enhance breeding efficiency and aid in identifying new sources of resistance.
• I am conducting research to establish a better understanding of sugarbeet pathogens and their populations which will allow for improved disease management strategies and refined selection procedures.
• I am investigating the root rot complex associated with sugarbeets in Idaho and Oregon in cooperation with others. The primary focus of the research will be to collect and characterize Rhizoctonia isolates from the Western United States. By characterizing the isolates for AG group, pathogenicity, and genetic diversity, we can track population changes and determine if resistance to different genetically isolated populations will be needed.
• I am investigating the influence of plant pathogens on the storability of sugarbeets in unfrozen piles in cooperation with the University of Idaho and Amalgamated Sugar Company. Initially we plan to conduct work with rhizomania and beet curly top, but eventually, we hope to look at other diseases of interest (Rhizoctonia root rot, bacterial vascular necrosis and rot, etc.). These studies could lead to increased efficiency in the recovery of sugar through a reduction in the loss of sugar in stored beets.
• I am investigating the interaction of seed treatments (imidicloprid and clothianidin) and host resistance in sugarbeets that vary for resistance to Beet curly top virus (BCTV). Control of BCTV in sugarbeets currently relies on incomplete host resistance. Thus control of BCTV could potentially be improved by seed treatments targeted at the virus vector.

Research Program

Enhancement of Sugarbeet Germplasm for Improved Disease Resistance and Productivity

Investigators for Sugarbeet Program:

• Carl Strausbaugh, Research Plant Pathologist/Lead Scientist
• Imad Eujayl, Research Geneticist (Plants)

Research CRIS Project:

Program Objectives:

Objective 1

Develop germplasm with high agronomic performance and enhanced disease resistance to pathogens of importance to the sugarbeet industry, while primarily focusing on Beet necrotic yellow vein virus, Beet curly top virus, and Erwinia.

Objective 2

Develop molecular markers linked to genes of interest to enhance breeding efficiency and aid in identifying new sources of resistance.

Objective 3

Establish a better understanding of sugarbeet pathogens and their populations which will allow for improved disease management strategies and refined selection procedures.