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Plant Pest Diagnostics Center

Suzanne Latham

Dr. Suzanne Rooney Latham

Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician)

Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch, California Department of Food & Agriculture
3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832-1448, U.S.A.
916-262-1130 office, 916-262-1190 fax, slatham@cdfa.ca.gov

 

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Curriculum vitae

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Plant Pathology University of California, Davis - August 2005 Emphasis: Mycology, Viticulture Dissertation Title: Etiology, epidemiology and pathogen biology of Esca disease of grapevines in California.
  • Master of Science; Plant Pathology; University of California, Davis - March 2002 Emphasis: Mycology, Viticulture Thesis Title: Detection and control of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp., causal agents of Petri disease of grapevines.
  • Bachelor of Science (Plant Biology) - University of California, Davis - June 1999; Zoology with Botany subsidiary.
  • Associate of Science in Agriculture; Merced College - June 1996

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

  • Associate Plant Pathologist (Diagnostician), December 2006 - Current California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch; Supervisor: Tim Tidwell. Duties: Diagnose plant disease specimens caused by fungi; Diagnose Phytophthora ramorum the causal agent of Sudden Oak Death in California; Conduct research on newly emerging plant diseases in California.
  • Adjunct Professor, August 2006 - Current Department of Biology and Mathematics, Solano Community College Professor of Biology - Teach Bio1 Lab and Lecture: Principles of Organismal Biology
  • Post-Doctoral Scholar, August 2005 - December 2006 Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis; Supervisor: Dr. W.D. Gubler Project leader of research focusing on the etiology and management of “Non-Botrytis Slip Skin” and Sour Rot of Red Globe table grapes in California. Duties: Conduct laboratory, field and greenhouse trials investigating the etiology and potential control strategies of pre and post-harvest breakdown of Red Globe table grapes.
  • Graduate Research Assistant, September 1999 - August 2005 Department of Plant Pathology; University of California, Davis; Supervisor: Dr. W.D. Gubler Duties: Conduct independent and cooperative research; Conduct laboratory, field and greenhouse trials investigating the biology and epidemiology of Esca disease of grapevines; organize and present scientific data in oral format at state, national and international meetings; prepare grant proposals and annual progress reports for project funding; responsible for diagnosis of plant pathology extension lab analyses (UC Cooperative extension samples from farm advisors, growers and consultants); maintenance and storage of fungal isolates; supervise and train undergraduate student assistants.

    • Laboratory Skills:

    • Aseptic techniques                     Gel Electrophoresis
    • Cell Culture                               Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
    • Plant disease diagnosis               Primer design
    • Isolate collection/storage            Phylogenetic analyses
    • Experimental design                   Computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
    • DNA Extraction                         Phylogeny programs, SAS

    Teaching Assistant, Spring Quarter 2003, Winter Quarter 2000

    Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis; Supervisor: Dr. R.M Bostock
    Duties: Teaching assistant for general plant pathology course; prepare lab materials, plants, isolates and other specimens for all laboratory exercises; present lecture material for laboratory exercises; hold exam review sessions for students; grade laboratory exams and notebooks.

    RECENT PUBLICATIONS AND ABSTRACTS:

    1. Rooney-Latham, S., Janousek, C.N., and W. D. Gubler. 2007. The use of various pre-harvest practices for the management of “Sour Rot” and “Non-Botrytis Slip Skin” of Red Globe table grapes. Phytopathology 97: S101.
    2. Rooney-Latham, S., Blomquist, C.L., Pastalka, T. and Costello, L. 2007. First Report of Phytophthora siskiyouensis causing disease on Italian alder in Foster City, CA. Phytopathology 97: S101.
    3. Gallegos, L.L. Rooney-Latham, S., Eskalen, A. Elkins, R. and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Fungal diseases of grapevine common on apples? Phytopathology 97: S38.
    4. Eskalen, A., Rooney-Latham, S. and W.D. Gubler. 2007. Protection of grapevine pruning wounds against esca and young esca pathogens. Phytopathology 97: S33.
    5. Gubler, W. D., Rooney-Latham, S. and A. Eskalen. 2007. Togninia: Newly discovered pathogen causes centuries-old disease. Phytopathology 97: S168.
    6. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Identification of a portion of the mating type (MAT-2) gene in Togninia minima. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 46:102.
    7. Eskalen A., S. Rooney-Latham and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Identifying effective management strategies for esca and Petri disease. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 46:125–126.
    8. Eskalen A., S. N. Rooney-Latham and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Occurrence of two new species of Togninia in California. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 46:102.
    9. Gallegos L., S. Rooney-Latham and W. D. Gubler. 2007. Apple as a possible alternative host for grapevine pathogens in California. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 46:117.
    10. Rooney-Latham, S.., Eskalen, A., Gallegos, L.L., and W. D. Gubler. 2006. “Potential alternate sources of inoculum for causal agents of esca (black measles) of grapevine in California”. Phytopathology 96:S99
    11. Eskalen, A., Rooney-Latham, S., Gallegos, L.L., and W. D. Gubler. 2006. “Occurrence of two new species of Togninia in California”. Phytopathology 96:S33.
    12. Rooney-Latham, S.., A. Eskalen, and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “Occurrence of Togninia minima perithecia in esca-affected vineyards in California”. Plant Disease 89:867-871. PDF freely available
    13. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “Teleomorph formation of Phaeoacremonium aleophilum, cause of esca and grapevine decline in California”. Plant Disease 89:177-184. PDF freely available
    14. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen, and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “Ascospore release of Togninia minima, cause of esca and grapevine decline in California”. Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2005-0209-01-RS. view article; view associated video (17MB) .
    15. Eskalen, A., S. Rooney-Latham, and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “First report of Togninia fraxinopennsylvanica on grapevine in California”. Plant Disease 89:528.
    16. Eskalen, A., S. Rooney-Latham, and W. D. Gubler. 2005. “First Report of Perithecia of Phaeoacremonium viticola on Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and Ash Tree (Fraxinus latifolia) in California”. Plant Disease 89:686.
    17. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen and W. D. Gubler. 2004. “Ascospore discharge and occurrence of Togninia minima (anamorph =Phaeoacremonium aleophilum) in California vineyards”. Phytopathology 94:S57.
    18. Gubler, W. D., K. Baumgartner, G. T. Browne, A. Eskalen, S. Rooney Latham, E. Petit, and L. A. Bayramian. 2004. Root Diseases of Grapevines in California and their Control. Australasian Plant Pathology 33:157-165.
    19. Eskalen, A., S. Rooney-Latham, and W. D. Gubler. 2004. “Spore release of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora associated with grapevine cordons in California.” Phytopathology 94:S28. Publication no. P-2004-0184-AMA.
    20. Eskalen, A. S. Rooney-Latham, A. J. Feliciano, and W. D. Gubler. 2003. “Epiphytic occurrence of esca and Petri disease pathogens on grapevine tissues”. Phytopathology 93:S24. Publication no. P-2003-0172-AMA.
    21. Eskalen, S. Rooney-Latham, and W. D. Gubler. 2003. “Occurrence of esca in California vineyards and association with environmental conditions”. Phytopathology 93:S24. Publication no. P-2003-0173-AMA.
    22. Rooney, S.N., A. Eskalen, and W. D. Gubler. 2002. “First report of the teleomorph of Phaeoacremonium spp., the cause of esca and decline of grapevines”. Phytopathology. Publication no. P-2003-0018-PCA.
    23. Rooney, S.N. and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Effect of Hot Water Treatments on Eradication of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Dormant Grapevine Wood”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 40: S467-472.
    24. Rooney, S.N. and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Role of Temperature on Fruiting Body Production and Sporulation of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 40: S482.
    25. Rooney, S.N., A. Eskalen and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Recovery of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Soil and Grapevine Tissues”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 40: S351-356.
    26. Eskalen, A., S.N. Rooney, and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Detection of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Soil and Host Tissue Using Nested-PCR Method”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 40: S480.
    27. Eskalen, A., S.N. Rooney, and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “First report of the pycnidial state of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, a causal agent of black measles (esca) and Petri disease in California vineyards. Phytopathology 92:S24. Publication no. P-2002-0167-AMA.
    28. Gubler, W.D., A. Eskalen, S.N. Rooney, A. J. Feliciano, and A. Khan. 2002. Susceptibility of grapevine pruning wounds to infection by Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. Phytopathology 92:S32. Publication no. P-2002-0231-AMA.
    29. Khan, A., C. Whiting, S. Rooney and W. Gubler. 2000. “Pathogenicity of Three Species of Phaeoacremonium spp. on Grapevine in California”. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 39: 92-99.
    30. Rooney, S.N., and W. D. Gubler. 2000. “The use of hot water treatments to effectively control Phaeoacremonium vine decline of grapevines.” Phytopathology. Publication no. P-2000-0058-PCA.
    31. Rooney-Latham, S., Janousek, C.N., Eskalen, A., and W. D. Gubler. 2008. First report of Aspergillus carbonarius causing sour rot of table grapes (Vitis vinifera) in California. Plant Disease 92: 651.

    PRESENTATIONS:

    • Rooney-Latham, S., Janousek, C.N., and Gubler, W.D. 2007. The use of various pre-harvest practices for the management of “Sour Rot” and “Non-Botrytis Slip Skin” of Red Globe table grapes. 2007 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Meeting, July 30-Aug 1, 2007. San Diego, CA USA.
    • Rooney-Latham, S.. Eskalen, A., and Gubler, W.D. 2006. Identification of a portion of the mating type (MAT-2) gene in Togninia minima. 5th International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases. Sept. 21-23, 2006. Davis, CA USA
    • Rooney-Latham, S. A. Eskalen, L. Gallegos, and W.D. Gubler. 2006. “Potential alternate sources of inoculum for causal agents of esca (black measles) of grapevine in California”. 2006 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Meeting, July 29-Aug 2, 2006. Quebec City, Canada.
    • Rooney-Latham, S. 2006. “Biology and Epidemiology of Grapevine Esca Pathogens”. 57th American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) Annual Meeting. June 27-30 2006. Sacramento, CA. USA. Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen and W.D. Gubler. 2005. “First report of naturally occurring Togninia minima perithecia in California vineyards”. 4th International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting: Esca and Grapevine Declines”. January 20-21, 2005. University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.
    • Rooney-Latham, S., A. Eskalen and W.D. Gubler. 2004. “Ascospore discharge and occurrence of Togninia minima (anamorph =Phaeoacremonium aleophilum) in California vineyards”. 2004 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Pacific Division Meeting, July 30-Aug 4, 2004 - Anaheim, California. USA. Phytopathology 94:S57. Publication no. P-2004-0384-AMA.
    • Rooney-Latham, S. A. Eskalen, W.D. Gubler, T.C. Harrington., and D.L McNew. 2003. “Further Investigations into the first report of the teleomorph of Phaeoacremonium aleophilum”. International Congress of Plant Pathology Meeting- 3rd Annual Meeting of Grapevine Trunk Diseases. Christchurch, New Zealand. Feb. 1-8, 2003.
    • Rooney, S.N., A. Eskalen, and W. D. Gubler. 2002. “First report of the teleomorph of Phaeoacremonium spp., the cause of esca and decline of grapevines” 2002 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Pacific Division Meeting, June 22-24, 2002 - San Jose, California. Phytopathology. Publication no. P-2003-0018-PCA.
    • Rooney, S.N. and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Role of Temperature on Fruiting Body Production and Sporulation of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp”. 1st International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, September 2001.
    • Rooney, S.N., A. Eskalen and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Recovery of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Soil and Grapevine Tissues”. 1st International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, September 2001.
    • Rooney, S.N. and W.D. Gubler. 2002. “Effect of Hot Water Treatments on Eradication of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp. from Dormant Grapevine Wood”. 1st International Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal, September 2001.
    • Rooney, S.N., and W. D. Gubler. 2000. “The use of hot water treatments to effectively control Phaeoacremonium vine decline of grapevines.” 2000 American Phytopathological Society (APS) Pacific Division Meeting, June 18-21, 2000 – Victoria, BC, Canada. Phytopathology. Publication no. P-2000-0058-PCA.

    CONFERENCE DELEGATIONS:

    • 57th American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) Annual Meeting in Sacramento, CA June 27-30, 2006. Invited Keynote Speaker for Workshop on Grapevine Trunk Diseases.
    • Fifth International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting and International Congress of Plant Pathology Meeting in Davis, CA (9/06) Member of the Organization Committee, Conference delegate, primary author and second author on various presentations and manuscripts.
    • Fourth International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting and International Congress of Plant Pathology Meeting in Stellenbosch, South Africa (1/05) Invited conference delegate, primary author and second author on various presentations and manuscripts.
    • Third International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting and International Congress of Plant Pathology Meeting in Christchurch, New Zealand (2/03) Invited conference delegate, primary author and second author on various presentations and manuscripts.
    • Second International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Lisbon, Portugal (9/01) Invited conference delegate, primary author and second author on various presentations and manuscripts.
    • First International Workshop for Grapevine Trunk Diseases Meeting in Siena, Italy (9/99) Invited conference delegate, second author on oral presentation, second author on manuscript from meeting.
    • Various American Phytopathological Society Meetings (8/07, 8/06, 7/04, 6/02, 8/01 and 6/00)
    • Pest Control Advisor and Grower course at Mendocino Junior College in Ukiah, CA (11/01) Presented seminar to attendees on grapevine diseases of California.

    PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS:

    • American Phytopathological Society (APS) Member State of California Agriculture Pest Control Advisor License Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Member

    PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND AWARDS:

    • Reviewer for Plant Disease (current)
    • Reviewer for European Journal of Plant Pathology (current)
    • Reviewer for Phytopathologia Mediterranea (current)
    • William Moller Award for distinguished research in Plant Pathology (7/06)
    • University of California, Davis Graduate Studies Travel Award (1/05)
    • First Place Graduate Student Research Paper: American Phytopathological Society Meetings (8/04 and 6/02)
    • APS Pacific Division Travel Award (8/04)
    • UC Davis Department of Plant Pathology Travel Award (8/04)
    • Recipient of UC Davis Jastro Shields Research Scholarship (7/04 and 7/02)
    • Department of Plant Pathology Student Vice President (2000-01)
    • Member of Plant Pathology Graduate Affairs Committee (2000-01)
    • Chair of departmental display at UC Davis Annual Picnic Day (4/01)
    • Recipient of Graduate Work Study Award (2001)
    • Recipient of a National FFA Graduate Student Scholarship Award (1999)
    • Outstanding graduate in Agriculture at Merced Junior College (5/96)

    PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES:

    Available upon request