Welcome to the California Department of Food and Agriculture
Governor Schwarzenegger

Top Left Column Heading

Bottom Left Column Heading

CDFA Logo

Right Column Heading

Plant Pest Diagnostics Center

Umesh Kodira

Dr. UMESH C. KODIRA

Branch Chief

Plant Pest Diagnostics Branch, California Department of Food & Agriculture
3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832-1448, U.S.A.
916-262-1104 office, 916-262-1190 fax, ukodira@cdfa.ca.gov

 

Quick Links
 

Curriculum vitae

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Plant Pathology) - University of California, Davis. March 1993: Dissertation: Competition between Pratylenchus neglectus and Meloidogyne chitwoodi on barley and potato.  Advisor: Dr. Howard Ferris.
  • Master of Science (Agriculture- Plant Pathology) - University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. December 1986. Thesis:  Interaction between burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, with VA mycorrhizal fungus, Glomus fasciculatum, in banana.  Advisor: Dr. K. Krishnappa..
  • Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) - University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. September 1984..

CURRENT POSITION & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Branch Chief, Plant Pest Diagnostics Center, California Department of Food and Agriculture. (11/03 – present). Administration and management of the Plant Pest Diagnostics Center (PPDC) to ensure timely and accurate diagnostics of plant pests and diseases in support of the pest prevention programs of the Department.  This branch (PPDC) has five laboratories (Botany, Entomology, Nematology, Plant Pathology, and Seed) with about 50 permanent and 20-30 seasonal employees.  Duties include management of personnel, general fund and continuously appropriated budgets and oversight of various scientific resources including specimen collections, research activities, and providing scientific consultation to other branches and external clientele.  As part of the Division management team, participate in policy development and other matters to assist the Director.

PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT / EXPERIENCE

Program Supervisor, Nursery, Seed, and Cotton Program, Pest Exclusion Branch, California Department of Food and Agriculture. (10/01 – 10/03)

    Oversight and management of:

  • Statewide Nursery Regulatory and Registration and Certification programs
  • Statewide enforcement of seed laws and regulations
  • San Joaquin Valley Quality Cotton Program
  • 23 permanent and 8 seasonal employees in the Nursery, Seed, and Cotton Program
  • Six different continuously appropriated budgets
  • Four legislatively mandated Advisory Boards (California Fruit Tree, Nut Tree, and Grapevine Improvement Advisory Board, California Citrus Nursery Advisory Board, Seed Advisory Board, San Joaquin Valley Cotton Board)
  • Two Advisory Committees (Chair, Nematode Study Committee) and various Working Groups

    Other responsibilities:

  • Director on the Board of Directors of the California Crop Improvement Association Cotton Committee, California Crop Improvement Association
  • California Technical Committee, California Crop Improvement Association (review of new Applications for Variety Certification in California
Senior Agricultural Biologist, Nursery, Seed, and Cotton Program, Pest Exclusion Branch, California Department of Food and Agriculture. (6/99 – 10/01)
  • Coordinating and administering various activities of a statewide nursery program
  • Lead person for the CDFA Nursery lab testing samples for the certification program
  • Limited budget experience
  • Supervised 2 permanent and 8 seasonal employees
Associate Plant Pathologist, Nursery, Seed, and Cotton Program, Pest Exclusion Branch, California Department of Food and Agriculture. (3/97 – 6/99) Assisted with administering various activities of statewide nursery program

Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis. (11/94 - 2/97). Research on epidemiology, control, and development of DNA-based detection techniques for pathogenic Xanthomonas sp. on carrot and lettuce.

Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis. (2/93 - 11/94). Research on epidemiology and control of viruses affecting cantaloupe and mixed melons in California.

Research Assistant, Department of Nematology, University of California, Davis. (9/1988 - 1/1993). Research on the nature and mechanisms of interaction between plant-parasitic nematodes and their effects on host plants, population biology, and modeling nematode population dynamics.

Research Associate, Plant Quarantine Unit, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), India. (10/1987 - 7/1988). Screened export and import seed materials for fungi, bacteria, and nematodes and maintained records.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant, International Nematology Course, Department of Nematology, University of California, Davis. (7/1992). Set up and assisted in conducting labs.

Teaching Assistant, (General Plant Nematology), Department of Nematology, University of California, Davis. (Fall 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992). Set up and assisted in conducting labs.

Teaching Assistant, (Fruit Crops and Nut Tree Diseases), Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis. (Spring and Summer session, 1991). Set up and assisted in conducting labs, lectured, and facilitated field trips.

Jr. Merit Teaching Fellow (equivalent to Instructor), Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. (3/1987 - 10/1987). Conducted laboratory classes in Plant Pathology 302 (Bacterial, Viral and Nematode diseases), Plant Pathology 401 (Recent Advances in Plant Pathology) and Plant Pathology 402 (Techniques in Plant Pathology). Lectured, set up labs, demonstrated techniques and graded examinations.

REFEREED RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

  1. Meng, X. Q., Umesh, K. C., Davis, R. M., and Gilbertson, R. L. 2004. Development of PCR-based assays for detecting Xanthomonas campestris pv. carotae, the bacterial leaf blight pathogen, from different substrates. Plant Disease 88: 1226-1234.
  2. Umesh, K. C., R. M. Davis, and R. L. Gilbertson. 1998. Seed Contamination Thresholds for Development of Carrot Bacterial Blight Caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. carotae. Plant Disease 11:1271-1275
  3. Umesh, K. C., J. Valencia, C. Hurley, W. D. Gubler, and B. W. Falk. 1994. Stylet-oil provides limited control of aphid-transmitted viruses in melons. California Agriculture 49:22-24.
  4. Umesh, K. C., H. Ferris, and D. E. Bayer. 1994. Competition between Pratylenchus neglectus and Meloidogyne chitwoodi. Journal of Nematology 26:286-295.
  5. Umesh, K. C. and H. Ferris. 1994. Influence of temperature and host plant on the interaction between Pratylenchus neglectus and Meloidogyne chitwoodi. Journal of Nematology 26:65-71.
  6. Umesh, K. C. and H. Ferris. 1992. Effects of temperature on Pratylenchus neglectus and on its pathogenicity to barley. Journal of Nematology 24:504-511.
  7. Umesh, K. C., K. Krishnappa, and D. J. Bagyaraj. 1988. Interaction of burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis (Cobb 1893) Thorne 1949, and VA mycorrhiza, Glomus fasciculatum (Thaxt.) Gerd. and Trappe in Banana (Musa acuminata Colla.). Indian Journal of Nematology 18:6-11.

EXTENSION PUBLICATIONS

(Accessible on the Internet at: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/crops-agriculture.html )
  1. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1992. Nematodes. Alfalfa Pest Management Guidelines. University of California Integrated Pest Management Guidelines, PMG 2:32-34.
  2. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1994. Nematodes. Apple Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 12:40-42.
  3. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl 1996. Nematodes. Apricot Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 11:24-25.
  4. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Carrot Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 30:22-23.
  5. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Celery Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 31:19-20.
  6. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1998. Nematodes. Cherry Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 13:31-33.
  7. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Citrus Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 28:98-100.
  8. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Cole Crops Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 25:53-55.
  9. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Cucurbits Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 27:45-46.
  10. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Dry Bean Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 19.
  11. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Fig Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 4:8.
  12. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Grape Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 18:52-54.
  13. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Lettuce Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 15:26-27.
  14. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Onion/Garlic Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 26:25-26.
  15. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1995. Nematodes. Peach/Nectarine Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 10:33-35.
  16. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1992. Nematodes. Pear Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 16:60-62.
  17. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Pecan Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 9:3.
  18. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Peppers Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 29:24-25.
  19. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Pistachio Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 5:10.
  20. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Potato Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 6:40-41.
  21. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Small Grains Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 21:54-55.
  22. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1996. Nematodes. Sugarbeet Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 24:50-52.
  23. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Turfgrass Pest Management Guidelines. L&O 1:48-49.
  24. Kodira, U. C., and B. W. Westerdahl. 1997. Nematodes. Walnut Pest Management Guidelines. PMG 3:25-26.

PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS

  1. Umesh, K. C., R. M. Davis, and R. L. Gilbertson. 1996. Seed contamination thresholds associated with occurrence of bacterial blight of carrots and development of a DNA- based detection method for Xanthomonas campestris pv. carotae. Phytopathology 86 (Suppl.):11.
  2. Umesh, K. C., S. T. Koike, and R. L. Gilbertson. 1996. Association of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians on lettuce seed. Phytopathology 86 (Suppl.):3.
  3. Umesh, K. C., J. Valencia, W. D. Gubler, R. E. Plant, and B.W. Falk. 1994. Epidemiological studies on aphid-transmitted viruses affecting melons in California. Phytopathology 84:1121. 4
  4. Umesh, K. C. and H. Ferris. 1992. Interspecific competition between Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Pratylenchus neglectus on barley. Journal of Nematology 24:623-624.
  5. Umesh, K. C. and H. Ferris. 1991. Effect of temperature on the biology of Pratylenchus neglectus. Journal of Nematology 23:553.
  6. Umesh, K. C., K. Krishnappa, and D. J. Bagyaraj. 1989. Interaction of Radopholus similis with Glomus fasciculatum in banana. Journal of Nematology 21:592.

SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS


  1. Umesh, K. C., R. M. Davis, and R. L. Gilbertson. 1996. Establishment of thresholds of seed contamination for development of bacterial blight of carrots and development of a PCR-based method for rapid detection of Xanthomonas campestris pv. carotae. 26th International Carrot Conference, Toronto, Canada, 9/29 - 10/02/96.
  2. Umesh, K. C., R. M. Davis, and R. L. Gilbertson. 1996. Seed contamination thresholds associated with occurrence of bacterial blight of carrots and development of a DNA-based detection method for Xanthomonas campestris pv. carotae. Joint Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society and The Mycological Society of America. Indianapolis, IN, 7/27 - 8/1/96.
  3. Umesh, K. C., S. T. Koike, and R. L. Gilbertson. 1996. Association of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians on lettuce seed. Joint Annual Meeting of the American Phytopathological Society and The Mycological Society of America. Indianapolis, IN, 7/27 - 8/1/96.
  4. Umesh, K. C. 1995. Virus disease problems of melons in California. Department of Plant Pathology Seminar Series, Winter 1995. University of California, Davis, CA. Feb. 14.
  5. Umesh, K. C. 1994. An up-date on melon-virus problems in California. Vegetable Crops Workshop and Training Conference. University of California, Davis, CA. Dec. 11-15.
  6. Umesh, K. C., J. Valencia, W. D. Gubler, R. E. Plant, and B.W. Falk. 1994. Epidemiological studies on aphid-transmitted viruses affecting melons in California. Annual meeting of the American Phytopathological Society, Albuquerque, NM. Aug.10-14.
  7. Umesh, K. C. 1994. Management strategies for soilborne diseases in a field/vegetable crops farming operation. Farm Advisors training, Imperial County, CA. Feb. 24.
  8. Umesh, K. C. and H. Ferris. 1992. Interspecific competition between Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Pratylenchus neglectus on barley. Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Aug. 2-6.
  9. Umesh, K. C. and H. Ferris. 1991. Effect of temperature on the biology of Pratylenchus neglectus. Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Baltimore, MD. Jul. 7-11.
  10. Umesh, K. C., K. Krishnappa, and D. J. Bagyaraj. 1989. Interaction of Radopholus similis with Glomus fasciculatum in banana. Annual meeting of the Society of Nematologists, Davis, CA. Aug. 13-17.
  11. Krishnappa, K., N. G. Ravichandra, and K. C. Umesh. 1987. Nematode parasites of fruit crops in India. 8th workshop of the All India coordinated research project on plant-parasitic nematodes with integrated approach for their control. New Delhi, June 9-12.

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

  • 1. The Society of Nematologists (SON)
  • The American Phytopathological Society (APS)

RESEARCH GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

  1. University of California Davis, Graduate Research Award, 1990-91 and 1991-92.
  2. Jastro-Shields Graduate Research Scholarship, University of California, Davis, 1991-1992.
  3. Non-resident Tuition Fellowship, Fall 1988, Spring 1989, Winter 1989, and Fall 1990
  4. University of Agricultural Sciences' Gold Medal in Plant Pathology (1987) [GPA: 4.00/4.00]
  5. ASPEE, Agricultural Research and Development Foundation Jr. Fellowship in Nematology (1984-1986).
  6. University of Agricultural Sciences’ General Scholarship (1980-1984).