2005 Austing Meeting Agenda
Will be updated by July 1, 2005
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2004 Annaheim Meeting Report
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2003 Charlotte Meeting Report
Meeting notes taken during meeting by A. Collins.
Revised by B. McSpadden Gardener 08/19/03.
1. Roll call and Review of 2002 meeting minutes.
Members present: B. McSpadden Gardener, B. Ownley, J. Stack, L. Thomashow, B. Jacobsen, S. Kiewnick, A. Collins., P. Kharbanda.
Members absent: W. Stoneman, K. Rao Vanga, L. Butler, Y. Shabana, A. Caesar, D. Weller, P. Adams
Other attendees: Approximately twenty other APS members attended the meeting, including D. Kobayashi, G. Yuen, J. Loper, W. Mahaffee, E. Rosskopf, G. Beattie, C. Bull, N. Khan, C. Press, B. Larkin, C. Yandoc, R. Ramarathnam, J. Hao, H. Abbas, and D. Schisler.
2. Committee membership:
a. Elect new Vice-chair (for 2003).
b. Welcome of new committee members.
c. Four members of the BCC rotated off prior to the 2003 meeting.
Barry Jacobsen was nominated and approved as Vice-Chair for 2003.
Incoming members include Dr. B. Jacobsen, Dr. S. Kiewnick, and Ms. A. Collins for the three open committee positions.
Member rotation of the committee included Drs. B. Duffy, S. Boyetchko, N. Kahn, and C. Press. Their service to the committee has been much appreciated.
3. Meeting Highlights
a. Nature and Application of Biocontrol Microbes I: Bacillus spp., Tues 9am - 12:30 pm
b. Oral Presentations Biocontrol/Impact of Herbicide Resistant Crops on Soil Microbes and Root Disease, Sunday Aug 10, 2 - 5pm
c. Comparative genomics: Insights into the Biology of Plant Associated Bacteria, Mon 8 am - noon.
d. Application of Biotechnology for Disease Control in Developing Countries, Mon 2 pm - 5 pm.
e. Others to be highlighted?
Meeting highlights were noted by the chair.
4. Update on Microbial Sequencing Initiative
a. Current listing and prioritization.
b. Progress on genomic sequencing of Pf-5.
c. Progress on funding initiatives for T-22.
d. Revisiting priorities and presenting new nominations.
The process of generating the current list of strains supported by the BCC was presented and discussed by the chair. Because a limited numbers of organisms can be put forth by APS, the BCC currently proposes 3 of Immediate Priority and several more in the High Priority categories, in recognition of APS’s limitations. Summary Comments provided to S. Gold were explained to the meeting attendees, and a request for further input made by B. McSpadden Gardener. Much discussion regarding the list followed. Items discussed included relevance of list to other societies, selection and prioritization criteria, and the ultimate use of the assembled lists.
It was noted that sequencing efforts were underway for strains related to those on the BCC list, including those of medical or industrial importance. It was noted that comparative studies should prove useful at further defining the relationships between biocontrol agents and pathogens as well as genes specific to those converse ecological functions. It was noted that such a comparison could be done with B. cereus, but concerns over the EPA's willingness to register such organisms were voiced as well. Additional concerns were raised over public support for sequencing of proprietary organisms. However, several committee members established that there was little or no conflict of interest regarding the strains recommended for immediate priority standing. One researcher relayed information that S. Jensen (U. Alberta) was currently working on sequencing of a P. polymyxa biocontrol strain. Efforts to contact and collaborate with that group were encouraged. B. Jacobsen indicated the need for sequencing of B. pumilis due to that strain’s commercial potential. Aspergillus flavus recognized as another organism deserving of sequencing. Support for retaining the list assignments was voiced from multiple attendees.
Motions were made for A. flavus and B. pumilus be added to list without priority indication. Motion second. Motion carried unanimously by those in attendance. A motion was made by B. Jacobson to make P. agglomerans C9-1, B. subtilis GB03 & T. harzianum T22 the top three recommendationse. Motion seconded by J Stack. Motion carries with only one dissent among meeting attendees. The explanation for the dissenting vote highlighted the importance for having lead investigators who can reasonably carry out such projects and promote the useful applications/analyses of genomic sequence information. In response, another attendee noted that the proposals will stand on their individual merits and that more importantly the list should highlight those strains for which the broadest support might be generated. C. Bull moves for a phytopathologist/biocontrol representative to work with A. Vidaver on ASM subcommittee to ensure that biocontrol research interests are put forward. C. Press was nominated for that service. Motion seconded by the chair. Motion carries unanimously.
An update on the genomic sequencing of Pf-5 was given. The sequence is publicly available through the group’s lab site or TIGR. Annotation not yet available but is anticipated sometime next year.
The chair noted movement to sequence T22. A proposal for sequencing T22 has been made with DOE and G. Harman will keep the committee informed of the status of that effort.
5. Symposia/Discussion Proposals for 2004
a. Nature and Application of Biocontrol Microbes II: Trichoderma spp.
b. John Bowers may submit a proposal for an I. E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium entitled “Graduate Student Research in Soil Microbiology and Rhizosphere Ecology.”
c. Others...
d. Appointment of delegate members to planning meeting.
Symposia suggestions included a continuation of the Nature and Application of Biological Control series, this one on Trichoderma biology. The chair noted that Dr. Gary Harman has agreed to coordinate that symposium.
The Melhus symposium temporarily discontinued, but graduate student participation was encouraged.
Symposium or discussion session concerning microbial inoculants, plant growth stimulants & compost teas proposed for 2005 by B. Larkin. Researchers in the area and current users/promoters are to be solicited for participation. Goals of such a symposium would be to help clear up misunderstandings about the utility of such practices. C. Bull proposes this for 2004 to bolster other sessions on alternative agriculture. “Microbial inoculants, biostimulants & compost teas: Practical alternatives for plant disease control or snake oil?”
The topic of "Endophytes & Plant Health" was proposed as a topic for a 2005 Symposium.
Motions supporting all of the above proposals were put forward and carried unanimously. B. Jacobsen agreed to work with B. Larkin to formulate proposals and present them to the program committee planning meeting.
6. Nomination for committee membership
a. Nominations for the five positions opening up next year will be considered
b. Nominations for 2004 vice chair from current members.
Note: Terms are for three years and begin with the 2004 meeting.
There will be six slots opening on the committee in 2004. Representation of broad diversity was encouraged by the Chair. 6 nominations were made at the meeting. A motion made to put forward to accept all six nominees. Motion carries. Additional nominees may be submitted by September 12 to the Chair-elect (B. Jacobsen) for consideration.
Voice nominations for the 2004 Vice-Chair included: B. Larkin and D. Schisler(declined nomination due to other commitments). Motion to elect B. Larkin made by chair. Motion carries.
7. Web Page Update
a. Usage statistics and new additions.
b. Recommended changes
Web site regularly visited. Statistics on usage include: Total Hits: >6000 to product list, >900 to microbial seq initiative, >400 to meeting information, and a few hundred for other information on the site. Sources: Majority of requests of US origin with a good mix of .com, .edu, and .net sources. Additional requests from over 80 countries around the globe, but these represent only about 15% of the total requests for information.
Removal of expertise section recommended due to lack of interest.
Motion made to remove expertise list from website due to low subscription of experts. Motion carries.
EPA must register any products as biocontrol agents for their inclusion on products list. Request made for information on products used outside US, S. Kiewnick volunteers to assist in that effort. Motion made to remove products of uncertain availability and limit new additions to those registered by reputable companies for use as biocontrol agents per se. Motion carries.
8. New Business
No additional business brought forward.
9. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 pm.
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2002 Milwaukee Meeting Report
Minutes prepared by B. McSpadden Gardener, reviewed and edited by William Stoneman
The meeting was called to order by William Stoneman, Chair and Co-Presided by Brian McSpadden-Gardener.
Roll call:
Current members in attendance (9): W. Stoneman, B. McSpadden Gardener, L. Butler, B, Ownley, C. Press, E. Rosskopf, J. Stack, V. Stockwell, and P. Warrior. Members absent (10). S. Boyetchko, A. Caesar, N. Khan, Y. Shabana, and K. Rao Vanga, R. Vargas, P. Kharbanda. B. Duffy, L Thomashow, and D. Weller were not in attendance because of late arrival. Over a dozen other non-members joined in the meeting discussions.
Nomination of new members
Three slots will be available to replace outgoing committee members: C. Press, E. Rosskopf, and P. Warrior. Several names were submitted: B. Jacobsen, N. Zender, A. Collins, M. Braverman, and D. Schisler. Additional nominations and selection will be conducted in the fall of 2002 by the new chair. B. Jacobsen was nominated and favored by those in attendance for the position of vice-chair. However, his appointment first requires acceptance as a committee member.
Discussion of APSBCC web-site
B. McSpadden Gardener noted that over 2000 visits were made to the committtee's web site, 40% of which following the publication of the May/June APSnet feature article on biological control of plant pathogens. Downloads from over 40 countries were detected. The most valueable resource based on downloads was the curated list of commercially available biological control agents, followed by the listings of links, biocontrol committee members, and meeting information. It was suggested that the listing of professionals with expertise in biocontrol be expanded, but such listings would remain voluntary. The committee and those in attendance also requested that the site be maintained and updated by BMG as long as he remains a member of APS. To improve the content of the web-site, it was also suggested to create a link to J. Kloepper's biocontrol newsletter. Someone also pointed out that the APSnet splash page for the BCC needed to be filled in, BMG said he would take care of that need.
Promotion of sponsored sessions
The three symposia sponsored by the biological control committee at the 2002 meeting were briefly described and those in attendance were encouraged to attend.
Proposals for Upcoming Meetings
C. Press suggested co-sponsorship with the bacteriology committee of a symposium highlighting comparisons of closely related species of Agrobacterium/Rhizobium and Pseudomonas. Current genome sequencing projects provide a unique opportunity to compare pathogens and non-pathogens of closely related bacterial species.
J. Bowers solicited support for the Soil Microbiology and Soilborne Plant Pathogens Committee's proposal for a Melhaus Graduate Student symposium on soil microbiology.
B. McSpadden Gardener proposed a series of symposia on important biocontrol genera. The idea would be to have one symposium in 2003 on Bacillus, 2004 on Trichoderma, and 2005 on Pseudomonas, so as to review in-dept the advances in the fundamental biology and ecology of these important genera. A specific listing of topics and suggested speakers was provided.
After discussion of all proposals, all were unanimously supported by the committee and those in attendance.
Adjournment
No additional business was requested by those in attendance, so the meeting was adjourned.
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2001 Salt Lake City Meeting Report
Current Committee Chair: William F. Stoneman, billstoneman@home.com
Immediate Past Chair: Caroline Press, pressc@bcc.orst.edu
Current Vice Chair: Brian McSpadden-Gardener , bbmg+@osu.edu
Current Committee Members/Terms:
William F. Stoneman - Chair
Brian B. McSpadden Gardner - Vice Chair
Susan M. Boyetchko (2003)
Larry Butler (2004)
Anthony Caesar (2004)
Brion K. Duffy (2003)
Naseem I Khan (2003)
Brian McSpadden Gardner (2003)
Bonnie Ownley (2004)
Caroline M. Press (2003)
Erin N. Rosskopf (2002)
Yasser Shabana (2004)
Virginia O Stockwell (2002)
William F. Stoneman (2004)
Krishna Rao Vanga (2004)
Prem Warrior (2002)
Outgoing Committee Members:, Douglas Gurian-Sherman (2001), Donald Huber
(2001), Linda L. Kinkle (2001), David O. TeBeest (2001), Raj
S. Utkhede (2001)
Annual Report: Minutes of the 2001 meeting of the APS Biological Control subject matter committeeSalt Lake City, UT
Bill Stoneman as acting chair opened the meeting and explained that
C. M. Press was out due to maternity. The minutes of the 2000 meeting were
voted on and passed without discussion.
A call for nominations for vice chair were made. Brian McSpadden-Gardner volunteered and was voted in as Vice-Chair for 2002.
The following new committee members were nominated from the floor by
nomination or volunteering:
Jim Stack, Gary Yuen, Linda Thomashaw, Charles Bacon, Pamela Adams
Others volunteered during the meeting on a sign-up form circulated,
they include:
Danisha Seth, Sarah Savchuk (s), David Weller, Prem D. Kharbanda (s
= student member)
Brian McSpadden Gardener has established a website for the group which
previously has not been open to the public. The address is
http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/aspbcc/ There are links to past reports,
to experts who will only be listed if they submit their own information
to
Brian, images and a list of commercial products is being developed.
The job listings are being dropped because APS has done such a good job.
Also meeting summaries will be listed. The issue of infringement on
images was discussed.
Brian is on the committee until 2003 and will serve as Webmaster until
that time.
2002-list of potential sessions was put together by C. M. Press and the former and new ideas were discussed.
a)A session suggested by Brion Duffy was previously postponed until
2002.
b)The idea of a commercial product presentation was met with enthusiasm.
This will be a workshop or teach-in and focus on educating extension
members. This will be in Plant Disease Management section. Co-Chairs
are Bill Stoneman and Prem Warrior
c)V.O. Stockwell asked that the Biocontrol-in mixtures with chemicals
topic be postponed.
d)Linda Thomashow presented an idea on the genomics of P. fluorescens
Pf-5. A consortium of researchers would like a 2 hr discussion in 2002
and a full day in 2003 to compare genomes of this organism with P.
putida, P. aeurginosa, and P. syringae. This was overwhelmingly approved.
This will be in Molecular microbe plant interactions section
e)We were asked to co-sponsor a chestnut blight discussion session
by Jane Cummings-Carlson. We agreed to co-sponsor this topic in the
biology of pathogens section
f) Deb Fravel from Soil Micro and root diseases committee asked for
co-sponsorship for a session on Quantitative aspects of biological control.
Bill planned to talk to her and Brion to see if his session could be
merged with her idea since there was much overlap.
Yasser Shabana explained IMPECCA and the international effort to control
water hyacinth in Africa. Biological methods are being studied or
employed there. The website is www.impecca.net.
Self-Evaluation: The APS biological control committee is functioning
from the perspective of meeting regularly during the annual meeting to
discuss sessions and symposia. There is a lack of activity during the
year. Individuals do complete certain activities during the year. One example
is
the establishment of a website and preparation for sessions for the
annual meeting.
As Chairman of the Biological Control subject matter committee for 2001,
I am not sure that I will have the time to generate additional activities
or
functions. I will work with one other member on a proposed session
for 2002 if it is accepted by the governance committee.
Submitted: William F. Stoneman
2001 Salt Lake City Meeting Agenda
Current Committee members: Susan
M. Boyetchko (2003), Larry Butler (2004), Anthony
Ownley (2004), Caroline M. Press
(2003), Erin N. Rosskopf (2002), Yasser Shabana (2004),
Agenda:
Review and approve minutes from 2000 meeting.
Committee membership:
Elect new Vice-chair (who will
succeed Bill Stoneman as the current Vice-chair)
Nomination of new members (we
have five members rotating off this year; a
committee roster can be found
under membership on this web site).
Launch of
Biological control committee website (Brian McSpadden-Gardener).
Yasser
Discuss special sessions for Milwaukee (July 27-31, 2002).
Brion Duffy has rescheduled his
previous proposal on "Creating the right
environment for biological
control of soilborne diseases" to 2002?
Bill Stoneman has suggested a
session on upcoming/available commercial
biocontrol agents similar to
industry sessions on new products. Prem has suggested
Virginia Stockwell suggested
"Is chemical control really compatible with
Biocontrol?" or
alternatively "Integrated strategies to biocontrol and chemical
mixtures" (tentative title)
for a special session. Suggested
speakers: Gary Harman -
Joyce Loper is planning a session
on the Genomics of Pseudomonas fluorescens,
Pf5 for 2002. This is the first?? example of a well characterized
biocontrol
organism that will be sequenced
and a draft sequence is anticipated to be completed
Jane Cummings-Carlson would like
to request co-sponsorship for a discussion
session on Chestnut blight.
Topic: Chestnut Blight: A
10-year Case Study of
Disease Management with Emphasis
on Biological Control through Hypoviruses,
Fungal and Virus Population
Biology and Epidemiology.
IMPECCA
Yasser Shabana would like to say
a few words to the committee about IMPECCA (The