Erik L. Stromberg

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Professor

401 Price Hall (0331)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Phone: (540) 231-7871
Fax: (540) 231-7477
E-Mail: elstrom at vt.edu

Education| Interests| Research Support| Awards| Experience| Technical Committees| Selected Publications| Online Resources

Education

  • Ph.D., Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, 1977
  • B.S., University of California, Riverside, California, 1968
  • A.A., Fresno City College, Fresno, California, 1966

Research and Extension Interests

  • Gray leaf spot resistance in maize involves the evaluation of maize germplasm for resistance to gray leaf spot caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis. Work with previous students (Dr. P.J. Donahue and M.R. Carter), collaborator Dr. Saghai Maroof has done much to determine how resistance is inherited, where genes for resistance are located on the maize chromosomes, and methods to incorporate such resistance in high yielding hybrid combinations by means of RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphisms) assisted breeding. This work is reported in a recent article with M.A. Saghai Maroof in Theor Appl Genet 93-539-546 and a U.S. Patent was awarded to VPI&SU, M.A. Saghai Maroof and E.L. Stromberg on 16 Nov 96.
  • Reduction of the economic impact of take-all caused by Gauemannomyces graminis var. tritici on Virginia wheat production. This involves the management of fertility, crop rotations, seed treatment fungicides, biological agents (Burkholderia cepacia and some 20 other genera and species), and the development of DNA specific probes to detect the presence of this pathogen. This work has been done in conjunction with my two Ph.D. graduate students, Mr. Brooks Crozier and Ms. Sansanalak Rachdawong and a Master of Science student Ms, Indira Genowati. Support has been provided in part by the Virginia Small Grains Board, agri-chemical companies, and with Dr. D. P. Roberts of the USDA, ARS, Biocontrol of Plant Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD.
  • Refinement of economic thresholds for the control of foliar diseases in wheat for powdery mildew, stagonospora leaf and glume blotch, and tan spot.
  • Evaluation of various chemical and biological seed treatments for control of disease in wheat to control seedling diseases, improve seedling vigor, control powdery mildew, and barley yellow dwarf virus.
  • Evaluation of wheat germplasm for resistance to fusarium head scab in cooperation with Dr. C.A. Griffey, small grains breeder, two research associates, and a graduate student to identify potential sources of scab resistance (from Chinese spring wheat germplasm) and incorporate into soft-red winter wheats adapted for Virginia and study the edaphic conditions that predispose wheat to scab epidemics.

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Selected Research Support

  • Virginia Small Grains Board
  • USDA, Fusarium Head Blight Initiative, ASPIRES Program of Virginia Tech
  • Virginia Crop Improvement Association
  • Independent Professional Seedsmen Association
  • Hybrid Seed Corn Industry
  • Agri-Chemicals Industry
  • Virginia Corn Board
  • Virginia Soybean Board

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Awards

  • 2006 - Recognition of Outstanding Service, American Phytopathological Society, APS Treasurer, 2003-2006, August 2006.
  • 2001 - Recognition of Outstanding Service, American Phytopathological Society, APS Council, Division Councilor, 1998-2001.
  • 2000 - Distinguished Service Award, Potomac Division, The American Phytopathological Society.
  • 1997 - The Henderson Award, in Recognition as Outstanding Faculty Member, Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
  • 1996 - U.S. Patent No. 5,574,210, November 12, 1996. "Gray leaf spot resistant corn and the production thereof" For the use of molecular markers in breeding resistance to Cercospora zeae-maydis in corn.
  • 1996 - The Virginia Small Grains Association, in Recognition for the Development in Implementing Scientifically Based Economic Recommendations for Wheat Disease Control.

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Experience

  • Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, 1994 to present.
  • Associate Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, 1986 to 1993.
  • Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, 1981 to 1985.
  • Plant Pathologist and Adjunct Assistant Professor, USDA, APHIS, PPQ, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108.
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331.

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Multi-State Technical Committees

  • Member, Multi-state Research Project, NCERA208, "Response to Emerging Threat: Soybean Rust" (since inception 2002)
  • Member, Multi-state Research Project, NCR 184, "Management of small grain diseases". (since inception 2002)
  • Member, Multi-state Research and Information Exchange Project, NE-124, "Northeast Corn Improvement Committee" (since 1988)
  • Member, Multi-State, Southern Plant Diagnostic Network, Virginia representative (since inception 2002)

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Selected Publications

Selected Refereed Publications * indicates graduate student

  1. Hu, J.*, C. Hong, E. Stromberg, and G. Moorman. 2007. Effects of Propamocarb Hydrochloride on Mycelial Growth, Sporulation, and Infection by Phytophthora nicotianae Isolates from Virginia Nurseries. Plant Disease Apr 2007, Volume 91, Number 4: 414-420.
  2. Schmale, D., A. Wood-Jones, M. Hansen, E. Stromberg, and C. Roane. 2007. First report of Cephalosporium gramineaum, causal agent of Cephalosporium stripe of wheat, in a commercial winter wheat field in Virginia. Plant Dis.91:329-329.
  3. Bush*, E. A., Stromberg, E. L., Hong, C., Richardson, P. A., and Kong, P. 2006. Illustration of key morphological characteristics of Phytophthora species identified in Virginia nursery irrigation water. Online. Plant Health Progress doi:10.1094/PHP-2006-0621-01-RS.
  4. Griffey, C., J. Chen*, M. Saghai-Maroof, E. Stromberg, R. Biyashev, W. Zhao, M. Chappell, T. Pridgen, Y. Deng, Z. Zeng. 2006. Validation of two major quantitative trait loci for fusarium head blight resistance in Chinese wheat line W14. Plant Breeding 125:99-101.
  5. Stromberg, E.L. and C. Kenley. 2006. Evaluation of foliar fungicides for the control of gray leaf spot of corn in Virginia, 2005. Fungic. Nematic. Tests. 61:FC061. URL:www.apsnet.org/online/fntests/vol61/fc061/htm
  6. Stromberg, E.L. 2006. Evaluations of fungicides for the control of fusarium head blight (FHB) and stripe rust on wheat in Virginia, 2005. Fungic. Nematic. Tests. 61:FC017. URL:www.apsnet.org/online/fntests/vol61/fc017/htm
  7. Bush*, E.A., C. Hong, and E.L. Stromberg. 2003. Fluctuations of Phytophthora and Pythium Species in Components of a Recycling Irrigation System. Plant Dis. 87: 1500-1506.
  8. Stromberg, E.L. and C.C. Kenley. 2004. Resistance and agronomic characters of corn hybrids under natural gray leaf spot disease pressure, Wythe Co., VA, 2003. Bio. Cult. Control Tests. Report 19:FC001.
  9. Stromberg, E.L. and C.C. Kenley. 2004. Resistance and agronomic characters of corn hybrids under natural gray leaf spot disease pressure, Montgomery Co., VA, 2003. Bio. Cult. Control Tests. Report 19:FC002.
  10. Stromberg, E.L. and C.C. Kenley. 2004. Evaluation of selected fungicides and biological agents for the control of fusarium head blight in Sisson soft red winter wheat in Virginia, 2003. Fungic. Nematic. Tests. Report 59:CF021.
  11. Stromberg, E.L. 2003. Evaluation of selected fungicides and biological agents for the control of fusarium head blight in Sisson soft red winter wheat in Virginia, 2002. Fungic. Nematic. Tests. Report 58:CF005.
  12. Stromberg, E.L. and L.E. Flinchum**. 2003. Evaluation of foliar fungicides for control of gray leaf spot of corn in Virginia, 2002. Fungic. Nematic. Tests. Report 58:FC002.
  13. Stromberg, E.L. and L.E. Flinchum**. 2003. Resistance and agronomic characters of corn hybrids under natural gray leaf spot pressure, Wythe Co., 2002. Bio. Cult. Control Tests. Report 18:C001.
  14. Stromberg, E.L. and L.E. Flinchum**. 2003. Resistance and agronomic characters of corn hybrids under natural gray leaf spot pressure, Montgomery Co., 2001. Bio. Cult. Control Tests. Report 18:C002.
  15. Rachdawong*, S., C.L.Cramer, E.A. Grabau, G.H. Lacy and E.L. Stromberg. 2002. Gaeumannomyces graminis: PCR differentiation for take-all varieties avenae, graminis, and tritici. Plant Dis. 86: 652-660.
  16. Ward, J.M., E.L. Stromberg, D.A. Nowell, and F.W. Nutter. 1999. Gray leaf spot: A disease of worldwide importance in maize production. Plant Dis. 83: 884-895.
  17. Herbert, D.A., Jr., E.L. Stromberg, G.F. Chappell, and S.M. Malone. 1999. Reduction of yield components by barley yellow dwarf infection in susceptible winter wheat and winter barley in Virginia. J.Prod. Agric. 12:105-109.
  18. Roberts, D.P., E.L. Stromberg, G.H. Lacy and J.S. Buyer. 1999. Biological disease control: Considerations for seed treatment and stand establishment. Acta Horticulturae: 504:69-74.

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Selected Handbooks and Extension Publications

  1. Stromberg, E.L. 2007 (updated up to 3 times per year). Integrated Disease Management in Small Grains. (pictures, biology, cultivar susceptibility and resistance, cultural and chemical control recommendations http://www.ppws.vt.edu/stromberg/smallgrain/sgrain.html This site receives between 25,000 to 40,000 "hits" per year.
  2. Grisso, R., D. Holshouser, E. Bush, P. Phipps, and E. Stromberg. 2006. Asian Soybean Rust, Frequently Asked Questions VI: Sprayer and Nozzle Technology. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pub. 450-306. 4 pp.
  3. Holshouser, D., E. Bush, P. Phipps, and E. Stromberg. 2006. Asian Soybean Rust, Frequently Asked Questions V: Monitoring, Tracking, and Scouting. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pub. 450-305. 3 pp.
  4. Holshouser, D., P. Phipps, E. Stromberg, and E. Bush. 2006. Asian Soybean Rust, Frequently Asked Questions IV: Monitoring, Cropping Systems and Cultural Practices. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pub. 450-304. 3 pp.
  5. Phipps, P., E. Stromberg, D, Holshouser and E. Bush. 2006. Asian Soybean Rust, Frequently Asked Questions III: Monitoring, Control with Fungicides. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pub. 450-303. 4 pp.
  6. Stromberg, E., E. Bush, D, Holshouser and P. Phipps,. 2006. Asian Soybean Rust, Frequently Asked Questions II: Monitoring, Identification, Biology and Ecology. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pub. 450-302. 3 pp.
  7. Bush, E. Stromberg, E., P. Phipps and D, Holshouser. 2006. Asian Soybean Rust, Frequently Asked Questions I: Background and General Information. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pub. 450-301. 4 pp.
  8. Stromberg, E., P. Phipps, A. Grybauskas, and R. Mulrooney. 2006. Pest Management Guide for Field Crops - Diseases and Nematodes: Grain Crops, Soybeans, Forages. pp 75-105. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pub. 450-016. 4 pp. (updated annually).
  9. Phipps, P., S. Koenning, S. Rideout, and E. Stromberg. 2006. Common diseases of soybean in the mid-Atlantic Region. pp 9-15. In: Soybean Rust Management in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Publication. 32 pp.
  10. Phipps, P., D. Partridge, E. Stromberg, S. Rideout, G. Chappell, and D. Holshouser. 2005. Response of soybeans to foliar sprays of fungicides in 2005. Virginia Cooperative Extension Pub. 450-561. 14 pp.
  11. Stromberg, E.L. 2000. Gray leaf spot of corn. VCES Publication 450-612 (3 pages) on web at http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/plantdiseasefs/450-612/450-612.html
  12. Stromberg, E.L. 1993. Disease control: Yield protecting factors. p.33-42. in, Intensive soft red winter wheat production: A mangement guide. Alley, M.M., D.E. Brann, E.L. Stromberg, E.S. Hagood, A. Herbert, and E.C. Jones. VCES Publication 424-803. 60 pp.

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Selected Book Chapters

  1. Stromberg, E.L. 2007. Powdery mildew of wheat. IN Compendium of Diseases and Insects of Wheat. Ed. W. Bockus. APS Press, St Paul, MN (IN PRESS).
  2. Stromberg, E.L. and G.H. Lacy. 2001. Pathogen. IN Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, O.C. Maloy and T.D. Murray, eds. pp.733. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York. 1346pps.
  3. Stromberg, E.L. and G.H. Lacy. 2001. Pathogen-Sucept Interaction. IN Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, O.C. Maloy and T.D. Murray, eds. pp.735. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York. 1346pps.
  4. Stromberg, E.L. and G.H. Lacy. 2001. Pathogenesis. IN Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, O.C. Maloy and T.D. Murray, eds. pp.736. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York. 1346pps.
  5. Stromberg, E.L. and G.H. Lacy. 2001. Pathogenicity. IN Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, O.C. Maloy and T.D. Murray, eds. pp.739. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York. 1346pps.
  6. Lacy, G.H. and Stromberg, E.L. 2001. Suscept. IN Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, O.C. Maloy and T.D. Murray, eds. pp. 991. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York. 1346pps.
  7. Lacy, G.H. and Stromberg, E.L. 2001. Susceptibility. IN Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, O.C. Maloy and T.D. Murray, eds. pp.991. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York. 1346pps.
  8. Lacy, G.H. and Stromberg, E.L. 2001. Virulence. IN Encyclopedia of Plant Pathology, O.C. Maloy and T.D. Murray, eds. pp.1081-1082. John Wiley & Sons, Inc, New York. 1346pps.
  9. Stromberg, E.L., E.S. Hagood, A.G. Hager, and D.G. White. 1999. Part II. Noninfectious or Abiotic Disease. Pgs. 64-70 in Compendium of Corn Diseases, Third Edition, D.G. White, ed. APS Press.
  10. Shaner, G., E.L. Stromberg, G.H. Lacy, K.R. Barker, and T.P. Pirone. 1992. Nomenclature and concepts of pathogencity and virulence. pp. 47-66 in Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 30:47-66. Annual Reviews, Inc., Palo Alto, CA.

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Online Resources

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