QualificationsPh.D., University of California, Riverside, Plant Pathology, 1994. B.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Agronomy, 1987. Expertise and Research Interests- Diseases of vegetable crops, especially cucurbits (cantaloupe, cucumber, pumpkin, squash and watermelon) and sweet potatoes - Postharvest diseases - Penicillium molds of citrus - Integrated pest management - Fungicide resistance Other ExpertiseCucurbit downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) Cucurbit powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) Rhizopus soft rot of sweetpotatoes (Rhizopus stolonifer) Ozone injury in watermelon Sweetpotato souring Future ResearchSouthern Region IPM program: Integrated management of cucurbit downy mildew. Since 2004, cucumber growers in the eastern U.S. have been severely affected by this disease. We are investigating aspects of fungicide resistance, host specialization and disease forecasting (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/cucurbit/) USDA-Risk Avoidance and Mitigation Program: Development of grower decision-making tools to reduce risk and enchance sustainability of southern sweetpotato pest management systems. My role in this 4-year, 4-state (NC, LA, MS, AL) project is to address the pathology issues related to sweetpotato production. This includes preharvest conditions and their effect on postharvest susceptibility to diseases such as Rhizopus soft rot and bacterial stem and root rot. We are also characterizing the postharvest handling of sweetpotatoes by conducting in-depth packinghouse surveys. National Research Inititiative (NRI): Creation of a national training program in crop biosecurity for first detectors. This 3-year project involves cooperators from across the US with co-project directors Kathleen Wright (Kansas State Univ) and Howard Beck (Univ of Florida). Our objective is to develope learning modules that will quickly and effectively deliver training in crop biosecurity to crop consultants and county agents throughout the US. Industrial RelevanceAs an extension plant pathologist, my goal is to develop and disseminate information that is timely and relevant to agriculture and allied industries. I address current problems in production agriculture and provide guidance on disease management to many different organizations and individuals within NC, the US and abroad. KeywordsCOS Keywords:Citrus Fruits, Crop Science, Pest Management, Plant Diseases or Pathology, Vegetables.Additional Terms:Cucurbit, Integrated Pest Management, Plant Disease Management, Sweet Potato, Vegetable.Languages(Reading, Writing, Speaking)Spanish: (Fluent, Fluent, Fluent) Portuguese: (Functional, Functional, Functional) Guarani: (Basic, Basic, Basic) MembershipsAmerican Phytopathological Society Gamma Sigma Delta International Society for Horticultural Science Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society Honors and Awards2006, Best of show award, Technical Art category,
Society of Technical Communications, Carolina Chapter
2006, NC Cooperative Extension Service Foundation Search for Excellence Award; Specialists category,
NC Cooperative Extension Service,
North Carolina State University
2006, Induction into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension,
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,
North Carolina State University
2006, Outstanding Extension Service Award,
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,
North Carolina State University
2006, Alumni Outstanding Extension and Outreach award,
NC State Alumni Association,
North Carolina State University
2005, Leadership Award,
North Carolina Vegetable Growers Association
2004, Educator of the year award,
NC Vegetable Growers Association
2000, Oustanding Educational Program,
NC Assoc. Coop. Ext. Specialists,
North Carolina State University,
Extension
2000, Extension Publication,
American Soc. Hort. Sci. Southern Region,
Commercial Production of Pickling and Slicing Cucumbers in NC
1999, Extension Publication,
American Soc. Hort. Sci, Southern Region,
NC Commercial Vegetable Recommendations
1994, J. V. Leary Award,
Dept. Plant Pathology,
University of California, Riverside,
most outstanding student research presentation
1994, James & Adeline Wallace Annual Prize,
College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences,
University of California, Riverside,
most outstanding research related to citrus
Previous Positions1997-2003, Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist,
North Carolina State University,
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences,
Plant Pathology
1994-1997, Farm Advisor,
University of California,
Plant Pathology,
Cooperative Extension Service - Imperial County
1988-1994, Graduate Research Assistant,
University of California, Riverside,
Natural and Agricultural Sciences,
Plant Pathology
1986-1988, Agronomist/Chemist,
CL Technology, Inc.
1985-1985, Agricultural Internship,
Salyer American
1984-1984, Agricultural Internship,
University of California
Funding Received
Publications
Profile DetailsLast Verified: 7/6/2006 COS Expertise ID #877002 Reference this profile directly: http://myprofile.cos.com/gholmesnc Individual Expertise profile of Gerald J. Holmes, Copyright Gerald J. Holmes. © COS ExpertiseTM, 2009, ProQuest LLC All rights reserved. |