Contact
Email
Phone
Location
109 Fernald Hall

Fax
(413) 545-2115

My appointment to the University of Massachusetts includes extension, teaching and research. My major extension activities are in the Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic and Nematode Assay Lab. The Plant Clinic provides support for the UMass Vegetable, Floriculture, Turf and Fruit IPM programs. My research program is targeted to the vegetable, floriculture and turf industries. Current research projects include late blight of potato and tomato, downy mildew of basil and cucurbits, Phytophthora blight of cucurbits, and management of nematodes in turf grasses. I am also working on a perennial canker disease of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) in Bangladesh. I teach Plant Pathology, Diagnostic Plant Pathology, Forest Pathology and Mycology. I have also taught courses in Turfgrass Pathology, Nematology and Biological Control of Plant Diseases. I taught Diagnostic Plant Pathology at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) twice, with the support of a Fulbright Scholar award in 2006 and 2014, and received a USDA grant to develop the first dedicated plant disease diagnostic clinic in Bangladesh.

Curriculum Vitae

Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology & Nematology

EDUCATION

Ph.D.  Plant Pathology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 1981.

M.S.  Natural Resources (Plant Pathology), University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 1977.

B.S.  Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 1972.

PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS

  • Diagnostic plant pathology
  • Diseases of vegetables, ornamentals, and turf
  • Biological control of plant pathogens

AWARDS

  • Fellow of the American Phytopathoogical Society
  • Award of Merit from the Northeast Division of the American Phytopathological Society for outstanding commitment and contributions to plant pathology

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES (1999-PRESENT)

2016 USAID/Winrock volunteer, Farmer to Farmer Training; Nepal 1 Jun-20 Jun. Clubroot of brassicas

2014 Fulbright Scholar, taught Diagnostic Plant Pathology for one semester in Bangladesh

2012 Plant Disease Diagnostic Workshop in Kabul and Herat, Afghanistan.

2008 Developed and taught a workshop on diagnostic plant pathology in Bangladesh; help establish the first dedicated plant disease diagnostic clinic in Bangladesh.

2006  Fulbright Scholar, taught Diagnostic Plant Pathology for one semester in Bangladesh

2003-present  Professor, Department of Plant Soil and Insect Sciences. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. Extension/Teaching/Research.

2003-07  Cooperating U.S. Scientist for USDA/Bangladesh Integrated Pest Management Project

1999-2003  Cooperating U.S. Scientist for USDA/Bangladesh Integrated Pest Management Project

TEACHING EXPERIENCES

University of Massachusetts

  • 572- Nematology (with lab)
  • 535- Diagnostic Plant Pathology (with lab)
  • 525-Mycology (with lab)
  • 505- Introductory Plant Pathology (with lab)
  • 597p- Biological Control of Plant Diseases
  • 526- Forest Pathology
  • 385- Biotechnology (Immunodiagnostic techniques module)
  • 107- Plant Pathology Lab for Non-Woody Plants
  • 106- Plant Pathology Lab for Woody Plants
  • 105- Turf Pathology Lab
  • 104- Introductory Plant Pathology
  • Contributed Lectures to: 550-Plant Disease Management, 190a- Horticulture, 523- Biological Control, Mass Bay Community College

Virginia Western Community College

  • Developed and taught Diseases of Ornamentals

MEMBERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES

  • American Phytopathological Society
  • Canadian Phytopathological Society
  • Mycological Society of America
  • Society of Nematologists

INVITED SEMINARS AND SYMPOSIA (2014-PRESENT)

2018 “Teaching and Learning Plant Pathology Abroad, University of California, Riverside

2018 “Introduction to Plant Parasitic Nematodes, Eastern CT State College, Willimantic CT

2018 “Teaching and Learning Plant Pathology Abroad, University of Connecticut, Storrs

2014 “History of farming in America”, Bangladesh Association of American Society

2014 “Using Pesticides Intelligently in Bangladesh”, 5th International Symposium for educational sustainable development

2014 “Diagnostic Plant Pathology”, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University

2014 “Collaborative Research Projects”, Jagannath University

2014 “Diagnostic Plant Pathology”, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University

2014 “Workshops on diagnostic plant pathology”, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University

AD HOC REVIEWER

  • Journal of Herbs and Spices
  • HortScience
  • Plant Health Progress
  • Environmental Pollution

SERVICE TO PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES (2000-PRESENT)

2015-2018 Senior Editor, Plant Disease

2012-2014  Senior Editor, APSnet Education Center

2006-2009  Councilor, Northeast Division (NED), American Phytopathological Society

2003  Nominations Committee, Northeast Division (NED), American Phytopathological Society

2002-03  Ecology Committee, Society of Nematology

2000-03  Site Selection Committee, NED, American Phytopathological Society

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Refereed Journal Articles (2016-Present)

  • Abbasi, K., Wick, R., and Zafari Doustmorad. 2020. Chitinase activity of biocontrol fungi isolated from the  golden potato cyst nematode and their antagonist potential. EC Agriculture 6.4:5-15.
  • Brennan, R. J. B., Glaze-Corcoran, S., Wick, R., and Hashemi, M. 2019. Biofumigation: An alternative  strategy for the control of plant parasitic nematodes. Journal of Integrative Agriculture. 18:2-12.
  • Zinat, S. R., Akhter, A., Yeasmin, F. H., Wick, R., and Hossain, M. D. 2019. Crown rot incidence of  strawberry in Bangladesh and its biological control. Bangladesh Journal of Plant Pathology  34:25-31.
  • Wyenandt, C. A., Maimone, L.R., Homa, K., Madeiras, A., Wick, R. L. and J.E. Simon 2018. Detection  of  downy mildew (Peronospora belbahrii) in seed of basil (Ocimum spp.) following field epidemics in  southern New Jersey. HortTechnology 28:637-641.
  • Sultana, N., Yeasmin, F. H., M. R. Islam, Wick, R., and Delwar, H. 2017. Botrytis blight of gladiolus in  Mymensingh and its management. Bangladesh Phytopathological Society 33:65-70.
  • Castro-Rocha, A., Hulvey, J. P., Wick, R., Shrestha, S. K. and Lamour, K. 2017 Genetic diversity of  Phytophthora capsici recovered from Massachusetts between 1997 and 2014. Mycological  Progress 16:999-1006.
  • Allan-Perkins, E., Manter, D., Wick, R. Ebdon, S., & Jung, G. 2017. Nematode Communities on putting  greens, fairways and roughs of organic and conventional cool-season golf courses. Applied Soil  Ecology 121:161-171.
  • Abbasi, K., Zafari, D., and Wick, R. 2017. Evaluation of chitinase enzyme in fungal isolates obtained from  golden potato cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis). Zemdirbyste-Agriculture 104:179-184.
  • Guo, L., Allen, K. S., Deiulio, G., Zhang, Y., Madeiras, A., Wick, R. L. and Ma, L-J. 2016. A de novo- Assembly based data analysis pipeline for plant obligate parasite metatranscriptomic studies.  Frontiers in Plant Science 11: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.00925.
  • Brazee, N.J., Wick, R. L. and Hulvey, J. P. 2016. Phytophthora species recovered from the Connecticut  River  Valley in Massachusetts, USA. Mycologia 108:6-19.
  • Farhana, T. Wick, R. L. and Islam, M. T. 2016. First report of Phytophthora nicotianae on Catharanthus  roseus in Bangladesh. Journal of Plant Pathology 98:181.

Fungicide and Nematicide Tests

  • S. L. Slinski, R. L. Wick 2004. Evaluation of fungicides for “rescue management” of Phytophthora  drechsleri crown rot of million bells, 2003.Fungicide Nematicide Tests, 59:OT026.
  • Wick, R. L., and Massoni, S. C., 2005. Evaluation of fungicides for control of dollar spot, 2004. Fungicide  Nematicide Tests 60: T027.
  • S. L. Slinski, R. L. Wick. 2004. Evaluation of fungicides for control of Phytophthora drechsleri crown rot  of million bells, 2003. Fungicide Nematicide Tests, 59:OT025.
  • Wick, R. L. Dicklow, M. B. 2003. Evaluation of fungicides for “rescue management” of Pythium  irregulare  root rot of New Guinea impatiens, 2001. Fungicide Nematicide Tests, 58OT024.
  • Wick, R. L. and Dicklow, M. B. 2003. Evaluation of fungicides for control of Pythium irregulare root rot  of  New Guinea impatiens, 2001. Fungicide Nematicide Tests, 58OT024.
  • Wick, R. L., Smith, N. L. and Dicklow, M. B. 2002. Evaluation of fungicides for crown rot of verbena, 2001.  Fungicide Nematicide Tests 57:T09.
  • Wick, R. L., Dicklow, M. B and Rungrassamee, W. 2002. Evaluation of TerraPy-G for managing plant  parasitic nematodes in turf, 2001 Fungicide Nematicide Tests 57:T09
  • Wick, R. L. and Dicklow, M. B. 2002. Evaluation of fungicides for Phytophthora crown rot of verbena, 2001.  Fungicide Nematicide Tests 57:0T30.
  • Wick, R. L. and Dicklow, M. B. 2001. Timing of Nemacur for control of root-knot nematodes, 1999.  Fungicide Nematicide Tests 56:T10.
  • Wick, R. L. and Nissenbaum, T. 1998. Timing of Nemacur applications for management of cyst  nematodes  1996-1997. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 53:271-272.
  • Wick, R. L. and Reid, T. 1995. Evaluation of nematicide for control of Heterodera iri under putting green  conditions, 1993. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 50:211.
  • Wick, R. L. and Haviland, P. 1995. Evaluation of fungicides for Pythium root and crown rot of hybrid seed geraniums, 1994. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 50:389.
  • Wick, R. L. and Harwood, K. 1994. Evaluation of nematicides for control of ectoparasitic nematodes under  putting green conditions, 1992. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 49:193.
  • Wick, R. L. and Haviland. 1994. Evaluation of fungicides for Phytophthora blight and stem rot of vinca,  1993.  Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 49:375.
  • Wick, R. L. and Kroll, T. K. 1985. Field evaluation of chemical and biological control agents for bean root rot in Massachusetts. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 40:66.

Biological and Cultural Tests (2000-Present)

  • Slinski, S. L. and Wick, R. L., 2006. Evaluation of cucurbit species resistance to Plectosporium tabacinum,  2005. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 21:V022.
  • Wick, R. L., and Massoni, S. C., 2006. Evaluation of AgroNeem® for controlling nematodes in golf  greens, 2005. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 21: T003.
  • Wick, R. L., and Massoni, S. C., 2005. Evaluation of Neo-Tec® for controlling nematodes in golf greens.   Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 20: T002.
  • Wick, R. L., and Massoni, S. C., 2005. Evaluation of Neo-Tec® for controlling nematodes in golf greens.   Biological and Cultural Tests for Control of Plant Diseases 20: T002.
  • Wick, R. L. and Abbott, E. 2004. Evaluation of BioNem L® for controlling nematodes in golf  greens, 2003.Biological and Cultural tests for control of Plant Diseases19:T003.
  • Wick, R. L. and Abbott, E. 2004. Evaluation of Neo-Tec® for controlling nematodes in golf  greens 2003. Biological and Cultural tests for control of Plant Diseases19:T005.
  • Wick, R. L. and Abbott, E. 2004. Evaluation of Dragonfire®  and Rutopia® for controlling  nematodes in golf greens, 2003. Biological and Cultural tests for control of Plant   Diseases 19:T004.
  • Dicklow, M. B. and Wick, R. L. 2003. Evaluation of lime application on Superbells cultivars and their  resistance to Phytophthora drechsleri and Pythium species, 2002. Biological and Cultural tests for  control of Plant Diseases 18:O005.
  • Wick, R. L. and Abbott, E. 2003. Evaluation of PKX(TM)+JetWet(TM) for controlling nematodes in golf  greens- Northfield, MA, 2002. Biological and Cultural tests for control of Plant Diseases  18:T013.
  • Wick, R. L. and Abbott, E. 2003. Evaluation of PKX(TM)+JetWet(TM) for controlling nematodes in golf  greens- Amherst, MA, 2002. Biological and Cultural tests for control of Plant Diseases 18:T014.
  • Wick, R. L. and Nissenbaum, T. 2000. Evaluation of disease-suppressive growing media and biological  control agents for Pythium root rot of geranium, 1999. Biological and Cultural Tests for Control  of  Plant Diseases V15:68.

Plant Disease Management Reports

  • Scheufele, S. B., Campbell-Nelson, K. and Wick, R. L. 2015. Evaluation of copper fungicides for  management of basil downy mildew in organic systems. 9:V001. American Phytopathological  Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2009. Evaluation of DiTera for controlling lance nematode in golf greens. Plant  Disease Management Reports (online). Report  4: N028. The American Phytopathological Society, St.  Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2009. Evaluation of thiophanate methyl and iprodione for controlling lance nematode in golf greens. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report  4: T044. The  American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2008. Evaluation of DiTera for controlling nematodes in golf greens. Plant  Disease Management Reports (online). Report  3: T020. DOI:10.1094/PDMR03. The American  Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2008. Evaluation of wintergreen oil and D-Limonene for controlling nematodes in  golf greens. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report  3: T021.  DOI:10.1094/PDMR03. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2008. Evaluation of Neo-Tec S.O. for controlling nematodes in golf greens.  Plant  Disease Management Reports (online). Report  3: T022. DOI:10.1094/PDMR03. The American  Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Babineau, D. 2008. Evaluation of NatureCur for controlling nematodes in golf greens. Plant  Disease Management Reports (online). Report  3: T023. DOI:10.1094/PDMR03. The American  Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Stone, L. 2008. Evaluation of Root RX® for controlling nematodes in golf greens. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report  2: T026. DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Stone, L. 2008. Evaluation of Agroneem® for controlling nematodes in golf greens.  Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report  2: T025. DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The  American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Stone, L. 2008. Evaluation Efficacy of fungicides for controlling Pythium root rot of  geranium. Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report  2: OT007.  DOI:10.1094/PDMR02. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Stone, L. 2007. Evaluation of Neo-Tec® for controlling nematodes in golf greens. Plant  Disease Management Reports (online). Report  1: T056. DOI:10.1094/PDMR01. The American  Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.
  • Wick, R. L. and Stone, L. 2007. Evaluation of Agroneem® for controlling nematodes in golf greens.  Plant Disease Management Reports (online). Report  1: T057. DOI:10.1094/PDMR01. The  American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.

Books

  • Daughtrey, M., Wick, R. L. and Peterson, J. 1995. Compendium of Flowering Potted Plant Diseases. APS Press, St. Paul. 128 pp.

Chapters in Books (2016-Present)

  • LaMondia, J. A., R. L. Wick and N. A. Mitkowski. 2018.  Plant Parasitic Nematodes of New England – Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.  Pages 1-25. In, Subbotin, S. and Chitambar, J., Ed. Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Sustainable Agriculture of North America. Vol.2 - Northeastern, Midwestern and Southern USA. Springer, Switzerland. 457 pp.
  • Wick, R. W., 2017. Diseases of Kalanchoe. In: A Handbook on Florist Crop Diseases 2017.  Eds. Robert J. McGovern and Wade H. Elmer, Springer publishing Co. New York. https://meteor.springer.com/container/contribute.jsf?id=63423
  • Wick, R. W., 2017. Diseases of Holiday Cacti: Schlumbergera and Hatiora. In: A Handbook on Florist Crop Diseases 2017.  Eds. Robert J. McGovern and Wade H. Elmer, Springer publishing Co. New York. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-32374-9_48-1
  • Wick, R. L. 2016. Plectosporium Blight: 2016. Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases, APS Press

Encyclopedia Entries

  • Wick, R. L. 2001. Etiology, Causal Agent, Abiotic, Biotic, Insect Induced Diseases, Koch’s Postulates In: Maloy and Murray. Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, Vol 1 & 2. John Wiley and Sons. NY 1346 pp.

Bulletins

  • Wick, R. L. 1985. Plant disease diagnostic training in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Project Phase II. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council And International Agency Development Service. PM-7-85. 2l pp.

The Herbarist (A publication of the Herb Society of America)

  • Wick, R. L. 1997. Fusarium wilt of basil. The Herbarist 63: 49-52.
  • Wick, R. L. and Pan, Z. 1998. Development of a DNA probe for the detection of Fusarium in Basil. The Herbarist 64:44-46.

Papers and Posters Presented (2010-Present)

  • Allen, K.S., Higgins, G., Ma, L-J, Wick, R.L. 2017. Survival of Peronospora belbahrii sporangia affected by temperature and relative humidity. Oral session presented at: American
  • Phytopathological Society Northeastern Division Annual Meeting; Quebec City, Canada.
  • LaMondia, J. A. and R. L. Wick. 2012. Potyvirus infection of potato may threaten other solanaceous crops.  Phytopathology http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PHYTO-102-1-S1.1.
  • Wick, R. L, Brazee, N. J. and Wick, H. C. 2010. Colonization of Peronospora belbahrii by the Basidiomycetous yeast, Pseudozyma. Phytopathology 101:S263.
  • Egel, D., Ruhl, G., Hoke, S., Dicklow, M. B. and Wick, R. 2010. Black leg of basil caused by Plectosporium tabacinum is reported in the United States (Abstr.)
  • Madeiras, A. M., Wick, R. L. and Cooley, D. R. 2010. Sensitivity of Phytophthora capsici isolates from cucurbits in the northeastern U.S. to dimethomorph, cymoxanil, and mefenoxam. Phytopathology 100:S195 (Abstr.)