Kathy-Lawrence-headshot-Auburn-ENPP

Kathy Lawrence

Professor

Entomology & Plant Pathology

(334) 844-1950 

  lawrekk@auburn.edu 

  

Get In Touch

Address:
209 Life Science Building
Auburn Univ, AL 36849

Biography

EDUCATION

  • 1993 Ph.D., Mississippi State University (Plant Pathology)
  • 1988 1988 M.S., Mississippi State University (Plant Pathology)
  • 1981 1981 B.S., New Mexico State University (Agronomy, Crop Science)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • 2013-Present Professor, Auburn University
  • 2004-13 Associate Professor, Auburn University
  • 1999-03 Assistant Professor, Auburn University
  • 1996-99 Associate Professor, Northeast Louisiana University
  • 1992-96 Assistant Professor, Northeast Louisiana University

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • 2020-2025 Joe Kloepper Endowed Professor.
  • 2019-2024 Alumni Professor. Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University.
  • 2018 Dean’s Grantsmanship Award, College of Agriculture, Auburn University
  • 2017 Dean’s Grantsmanship Award, College of Agriculture, Auburn University
  • 2016-2019 Treasurer for the Society of Nematology
  • 2013 Dean’s Grantsmanship Award, College of Agriculture, Auburn University
  • 2012 Dean’s Grantsmanship Award, College of Agriculture, Auburn University
  • 2011 Distinguished Service Award, Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America
  • 2009 Syngenta Award for Research, Society of Nematologists
  • 2008-10 Editor in Chief, Nematropica
  • 2008-09 President of the Cotton Disease Council
  • 2003 Distinguished Service Award, Southern Soybean Disease Workers
  • 1997 Agriculture Teacher of Merit, National Association of College Teachers of Agriculture
  • 1996-98 Tom Scott Professorship, Department of Agriculture, Northeast Louisiana University

Research

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Ares of expertise are in soil borne and foliar fungal diseases specifically plant parasitic nematodes and fungi attacking field crops, vegetables and ornamentals with emphasis on nematode and fungal pathogen interactions and host-pathogen relationships in the natural environment. The goals of my applied research (Hatch Project # ALA015-2-14003) are to develop and evaluate ecologically based plant disease management programs for the economically important crops in Alabama, and to deliver these programs to growers. My basic research uses a multidisciplinary approach to address fundamental questions in plant parasitic nematode pathogenicity as well as fungal pathogen interactions and host-pathogen relationships.

Courses

COURSES TAUGHT

  • PLPA 3000 – 4 credits General Plant Pathology and Laboratory – This is an upper level undergraduate course is designed give students an appreciation of general Plant Pathology. The Plant pathology course introduces students to 1) living and non-living entities which incite plant diseases; 2) the mechanisms and environmental conditions which stimulate plant disease; 3) the interactions between the disease causing agents and the environments and; 4) the methods of preventing, managing, or alleviating the damage of plant disease. Lectures concentrate on providing students with a visual symptoms and signs of plant disease with an understanding of the organisms that cause disease under what specific environmental conditions. Disease management is demonstrated in the laboratory with emphasis on sustainable and economical pest management strategies. Laboratories are designed with experiments to validate to students IPM practices in cropping systems common in the southeastern region.
  • PLPA 3003/3004 – 4 credits Plant Pathology Distance Education – This is the distance education or Auburn Online version of plant pathology available to students who are not on campus during the summer. Lecture materials are identical to the classroom version of this class. Laboratories have been modified to work with the distance educations technologies.
  • PLPA 5060/6060 – 3 credits Plant Disease Management – undergraduate/graduate.
    This course is co-taught by Dr. Kloepper and Dr. Lawrence. The course is designed to instill in students the classical options for managing plant diseases. Management is stressed rather than complete disease control to emphasize that economically and environmentally some disease will always be present when crops or ornamentals are grown. After completion of the course, students will be competent to review current literature on disease management options and design a treatment regime for any plant disease that they encounter. Examples of successful sustainable IPM programs will be presented as case studies. Field trips provide students with hands-on experience in different aspects of the pest management decision-making process.
  • PLPA 5203/6204 – 4 credits Mycology Distance Education – undergraduate/graduate.
    This is a comprehensive survey of the fungi, their evolution, morphology and ontogeny of reproductive
    structures. The focus is on plant pathogens. Multimedia lecture medium.
  • PLPA 5500/6500 – Plant Nematology and Laboratory – undergraduate/graduate.
    This upper level undergraduate /graduate level course designed to introduce students to plant parasitic nematodes in relation to plant disease. The course outlines a basic understanding of all types of nematodes and their importance in the environment and as animal, human, and plant parasites. The nature of nematology pathogenicity; principles of plant disease management and current production practices will be discussed. Laboratories will focus on collection techniques, isolation or extraction methods and identification of plant pathogenic nematodes. The nematode collection allows students real hands on experience collecting, extracting, preserving and identifying nematodes common to key commodity and ornamental crops.
  • PLPA 5503/6506 – Plant Nematology Distance Education – undergraduate/graduate.
    Presentation of nematodes in relation to plant diseases; identification of plant parasitic nematodes;
    nature of pathogenicity; principles and practices of management; and recent advances in phytonematology.
    Multimedia lecture medium.
  • PLPA 7080 – 3 credits Field Survey of Plant Pathology – graduate.
    This is a graduate level class covering the practical aspects of plant diseases under field conditions. Multiple on-site visits via field trips which may cover multiple states are experienced. The class also experiences plant disease management through industry, research, extension, and governmental agencies tours. Discussion of IPM as it relates plant diseases observed and these agencies that focus on management are discussed.

Publications

SELECT PUBLICATIONS

  • Lawrence, K. S., and G. W. Lawrence. 2023. Fusarium Seedling Disease of Cotton. (In Press) in Cotton Compendium. eds. Kirpatrick Rothrock, and Woodward. American Phytopathological Society Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota.
  • Lawrence, G.W. and K. S. Lawrence. 2023. The Reniform Nematode. Pages (In Press) in Cotton Compendium. eds. Kirpatrick Rothrock, and Woodward. American Phytopathological Society Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota.
  • Lawrence, Kathy S. 2021. Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and its interactions with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Chapter 14: pages 94-100 in Integrated nematode management: state of the art and visions for the future. eds Richard Sikora, Johan Desaeger and Leendert Molendijk for CABI. DOI:10.1079/9781789247541.0014
  • Lawrence, K. S., and G. W. Lawrence. 2020. Plant-Parasitic Nematode Management Chapter 12: pages 164-180 in Conservation Tillage Systems: Production, Profitability and Stewardship. eds J. Bergtold, R. Raper, G. Hawkins, and K. Iversen. CRC Press LLC. eds: Sergei A. Subbotin and John J. Chitambar
  • Lawrence, K. S., and G. W. Lawrence. 2015. Chapter 12: Pest Management: Nematodes. In Conservation Tillage Systems: Production, Profitability and Stewardship. eds J. Bergtold, R. Raper, G. Hawkins, and K. Iversen. CRC Press LLC.
  • Krishna Kumar, K. V., M.S. Reddy, J.W. Kloepper, K. S. Lawrence, X.G. Zhou, D.E. Groth, S. Zhang, R. S. Rao, Q. Wang, M. R. B. Raju, S. K. Raju, W. G. D. Fernando, H. Sudini, B. Du, and M. E. Miller. 2011. Chapter 9: Commercial Potential of Microbial Inoculants for Sheath Blight Management and Yield Enhancement of Rice. In Bacteria in Agrobiology: Crop Ecosystems. eds D.K. Maheshwari. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
  • Dyer, David R., Molli Newman, Kathy S. Lawrence. 2022. Diversity and temporal distribution of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum races and genotypes as influenced by Gossypium cultivar. Frontiers of Fungal Biology Sec. Fungi-Plant Interactions. DOI.org/10.3389/ffunb.2022.1022761.
  • Klink, Vincent P., Nadim W. Alkharouf, Kathy S. Lawrence, Bisho R. Lawaju, Keshav Sharma, Prakash M. Niraula, Brant T. McNeece. 2022. The heterologous expression of conserved Glycine max (soybean) mitogen activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) paralogs suppresses Meloidogyne incognita parasitism in Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton). Transgenic Res. doi.org/10.1007/s11248-022-00312-y.
  • Niraula, Prakash M., Brant T. McNeece, Keshav Sharma, Nadim W. Alkharouf, Kathy S. Lawrence, and Vincent P. Klink. 2022. The central circadian regulator CCA1 functions in Glycine max during defense to a root pathogen, regulating the expression of genes acting in effector triggered immunity (ETI) and cell wall metabolism. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 185:198–220. doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2022.05.028.
  • Gordon, Kara L., Drew W. Schrimsher, and Kathy S. Lawrence. 2022. Additional fertilizer and nematicide combinations on upland cotton to manage Rotylenchulus reniformis and Meloidogyne incognita in Alabama. Journal of Nematology Vol 54: 1-15. DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2022-003.
  • Groover, Will, L and Kathy S. Lawrence. 2021. Evaluation of a new chemical nematicide, fluazaindolizine (ReklemelTM active), for plant-parasitic nematode management in bermudagrass. Journal of Nematology Vol. 53: 1-14. DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2021-043.
  • Rondon, Marina N. and Kathy Lawrence. 2021. The fungal pathogen Corynespora cassiicola: A review and insights for target spot management on cotton and Soya bean. Journal of Phytopathology 2021; 00:1-10. DOI: 10.1111/jph.12992.
  • Sanchez, WinDi, David Shapiro, Geoff Williams, and Kathy Lawrence. 2021. Entomopathogenic nematode management of small hive beetles (Aethina tumida) in three native Alabama soils under low moisture conditions. Journal of Nematology 53:1-14. DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2021-063.
  • Lawaju BR, Groover W, Kelton J, Conner K, Sikora E, Lawrence KS. 2021. First report of Meloidogyne incognita infecting Cannabis sativa in Alabama. Journal of Nematology. DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2021-052. PMID: 33959722; PMCID: PMC8098102.
  • Beckmann J.F., Dormitorio T., Oladipupo, S. O., Terra, M. T. B., Lawrence, K., Macklin, K.S., Hauck, R., Heterakis gallinarum and Histomonas meleagridis DNA Persists in Chicken Houses Years after Depopulation, Veterinary Parasitology (2021), DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109536
  • Hassan, Mohannad, K., Kathy S. Lawrence, Edward J. Sikora, Mark R. Liles, and Joseph W. Kloepper. 2021. Enhanced biological control of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, by combined inoculation of cotton or soybean seeds with a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium and pectin-rich orange peel. Journal of Nematology 53:1-17. DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2021-058.
  • Klink, Vincent P., Omar Darwish, Nadim W. Alkharouf & Katherine S. Lawrence. 2021. The impact of pRAP vectors on plant genetic transformation and pathogenesis studies including an analysis of BRI1-ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (BAK1)-mediated resistance. Journal of Plant Interactions, 16:1, 270-283, DOI: 10.1080/17429145.2021.1940328.
  • Land, Caroline J., Gary E. Vallad, Johan Desaeger, Edzard Van Santen, Joe Noling, and Kathy Lawrence. 2021. Supplemental fumigant placement improves root-knot and Fusarium wilt management for tomatoes produced on a raised bed, plasti-culture system in Florida’s Myakka fine sand. Plant Disease. DOI/pdf/10.1094/PDIS-03-21-0543-RE
  • Nyaku, S. T., V. R. Sripathi, K. Lawrence, and G. Sharma. 2021. Characterizing Repeats in Two Whole-Genome Amplification Methods in the Reniform Nematode Genome. International Journal of Genomics. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5532885.
  • Niraula, Prakash M., Xuefeng Zhang, Dragica Jeremic, Katheryn S. Lawrence, and Vincent P. Klink. 2021. Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase /hydrolase increases tightly-bound xyloglucan and chain number but decreases chain length contributing to the defense response that Glycine max has to Heterodera glycine. PLOS ONE 16(1): e0244305. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244305
  • Koebernick, J., G. Kaplan, K. Lawrence, J. Patel, S. Brown, and R. Sikkens. 2021. Response to nematicide by cotton genotypes varying in reniform nematode resistance. Crop Science 61:929–935. DOI: 10.1002/csc2.20346102.
  • Lawaju BR, Niraula P, Lawrence GW, Lawrence KS and Klink VP. (2020). The Glycine max Conserved Oligomeric Golgi (COG) Complex Functions during a Defense Response to Heterodera glycines. Frontiers of Plant Science. 11:564495.doi: 10.3389/fpls.2020.564495.
  • Groover, W., and K. S. Lawrence. 2020. Plant health evaluations of Belonolaimus longicaudatus and Meloidogyne incognita colonized bermudagrass using remote sensing. Journal of Nematology 52:1-13. DOI: 10.21307/jofnem-2020-109.
  • Dyer, David R., William Groover, Kathy S. Lawrence. 2020. Yield loss of cotton cultivars due to Rotylenchulus reniformis and the added benefit of a nematicide. Plant Health Progress 21:113-118. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-10-19-0073-RS
  • Groover, Will, David Held, Kathy Lawrence, and Kendra Carson. 2020. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria: a novel management strategy for Meloidogyne incognita on turfgrass. Pest Management Science DOI:10.1002/ps.5867.
  • Sharma, Keshav, Prakash M. Niraula, Hallie A. Troell, Mandeep Adhikari, Hamdan Ali Alshehri, Nadim W. Alkharouf, Kathy S. Lawrence & Vincent P. Klink. 2020. Exocyst components promote an incompatible interaction between Glycine max (soybean) and Heterodera glycines (the soybean cyst nematode). Scientific Reports 10:15003. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72126-z.
  • Subedi, Pratima, Kaitlin Gattoni, Wenshan Liu, Kathy S. Lawrence, and Sang-Wook Park, 2020. Current utility of plant growth –promoting rhizobacteria as biological control agents towards plant-parasitic nematodes. MDPI Plants 9: 1167. DOI:10.3390/plants9091167.
  • Groover, W., K. S. Lawrence, and P. Donald. 2020. Temporal distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes on select bermudagrass sites in Alabama. Nematropica 50:77-85. https://journals.flvc.org/nematropica/article/view/124876
  • Niraula, Prakash M., Kathy S. Lawrence, and Vincent P. Klint. 2020. The heterologous expression of a soybean (Glycine max) xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) suppresses parasitism by the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. PLOS ONE (Accepted) PONE-D-20-03012R1
  • Avelar, Sofia, Roberto Ramos-Sobrinho, Kassie Conner, Robert L. Nichols, Kathy Lawrence, and Judith K. Brown. 2020. Characterization of the Complete Genome and P0 Protein for a Previously Unreported Genotype of Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Virus, an Introduced Polerovirus in the United States. Plant Disease 104:780-786. DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-06019-1316-RE
  • Dyer, David R., William Groover, and Kathy S. Lawrence. 2020. Yield loss of cotton cultivars due to Rotylenchulus reniformis and the added benefit of a nematicide. Plant Health Progress 21: 113-118. DOI: 10.1094/PHP-10-19-0073-RSW.
  • Austin, Brant T. McNeece, Keshav Sharma, Prakash M. Niraula, Katheryn S. Lawrence and Vincent P. Klink. 2019. An expanded role of the SNARE-containing regulon as it relates to the defense process that Glycine max has to Heterodera glycines. Journal of Plant Interactions 14:1. 276-283, DOI: 10.1080/17429145.2019.1622043.
  • Disi, J. O., Mohammad, H.K., Lawrence, K. Kloepper, J. and Fadamiro, H. 2019. A soil bacterium can shape belowground interactions between maize, herbivores and entomopathogenic nematodes. Plant Soil (2019) 437:83–92. doi.org/10.1007/s11104-019-03957-7.
  • McNeece, B. T. Sharma, K. Lawrence, G. W., Lawrence, K. S. and Klink, V. P. 2019. The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene family functions as a cohort during the Glycine max defense response to Heterodera glycines. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 137:25-41. doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.01.018.
  • Hall, Meredith, K. S. Lawrence, D. Shannon, T. Gonzales, and M. Newman. 2019. First Report of Binucleate Rhizoctonia AG-G on Common Turmeric (Curcuma longa) in the United States. Plant Disease https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-18-1583-PDN
  • Lawaju, B.R., Lawrence, K.S., Lawrence, G.W., and Klink, V.P. 2018. Harpin-inducible defense signaling components impair infection by the ascomycete Macrophomina phaseolina. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 129:331–348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.06.020
  • Till, Stephen, Kathy Lawrence and Patricia Donald. 2018. Nematicides, Starter Fertilizers, and Plant Growth Regulators Implementation into a Corn Production System. Plant Health Progress 19: 242-253. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-18-1550-PDN
  • Avelar, Sofia, Drew W. Schrimsher, Kathy S. Lawrence, and Judith K. Brown. 2018. First report of cotton leafroll dwarf virus associated with cotton blue disease symptoms in Alabama. Plant Disease. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-18-1550-PDN
  • Xiang, Ni, K.S. Lawrence, and P.A. Donald. 2018.Biological control potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria suppression of Meloidogyne incognita on cotton and Heterodera glycines on soybean: A review. Journal of Phytopathology. 2018; 1–10.
  • Xiang, Ni, K.S. Lawrence, J.W. Kloepper, and P.A. Donald. 2018. Biological control of Rotylenchulus reniformis on soybean by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Nematropica: 48:116-125.
  • Crutcher, F. K., L. S. Puckhaber, R. K. Stipanovic, A. A. Bell, R. L. Nichols, K. S. Lawrence, J. Liu. 2017. Microbial resistance mechanisms to the antibiotic and phytotoxin Fusaric acid. Journal of chemical Ecology October 6, 2017. DOI 10.1007/s10886-017-0889-x
  • Gosse, H. N., K. S. Lawrence, and Sang-Wook Park. 2017. Underground mystery: the role of chemotactic attractants in plant root and phytonematode interactins. Scientia Ricerca 1(2): 83-87.
  • Hall, M., K. Lawrence, W. Groover, D. Shannon, and T. Gonzalez. 2017. First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on Curcuma longain the United States. Plant Disease 101 (10):1826. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-03-17-0409-PDN.
  • Moye, Hugh. H. Jr., N. Xiang, K. Lawrence, and E. van Santen. 2017. First Report of Macrophomina phaseolinaon Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) in Alabama. Plant Disease 101 (5): 842. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-12-16-1750-PDN.
  • Xiang, Ni, K.S. Lawrence, J.W. Kloepper, P.A. Donald, and J.A. McInroy. 2017. Biological control of Heterodera glycines by spore-forming plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on soybean. PLOS ONE 12(7): e0181201. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181201.
  • Dyer, D., N. Xiang, and K. S. Lawrence. 2017. First report of Catenaria anguillulae infecting Rotylenchulus reniformis and Heterodera glycines in Alabama. Plant Disease. 101(8):1547. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-03-17-0366-PDN.
  • Xiang, Ni, K.S. Lawrence, J.W. Kloepper, P.A. Donald, J.A. McInroy, and G.W. Lawrence. 2017. Biological control of Meloidogyne incognita by spore-forming plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on cotton. Plant Disease 101(5): 774-784. http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PDIS-09-16-1369-RE.
  • Land, C. J., K. S. Lawrence, C. H. Burmester, B. Meyer. 2017. Cultivar, irrigation, and soil contribution to the enhancement of Verticillium wilt disease in cotton. Crop Protection 96:1-6.
  • Xiang, Ni and K. S. Lawrence. 2016. Optimization of In Vitro Techniques for Distinguishing between Live and Dead Second Stage Juveniles of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita. PLOS ONE: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154818
  • Land, C. J., K. S. Lawrence, and M. Newman. 2016. First Report of Verticillium dahliae on Cotton in Alabama. Plant Disease 100:1 http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-10-15-1143-PDN.
  • Zhao, C., Y. Feng, R. Mathew, K. Lawrence, and S. Fu. 2015. Soil microbial community structure and activity in a 100-year-old fertilization and crop rotation experiment. Journal of Plant Ecology doi:10.1093/jpe/rtv007
  • Lee, H. K., G. W. Lawrence, J. L. DuBien and K. S. Lawrence. 2015. Seasonal variation and cotton-corn rotation in the spatial distribution of Rotylenchulus reniformis in Mississippi cotton soils. Nematropica 45:(72-81).
  • Drew W. Schrimsher, Kathy S. Lawrence, Roelof B. Sikkens, and David B. Weaver. 2014. Nematicides enhance growth and yield of Rotylenchulus reniformis resistant cotton genotypes. Journal of Nematology 46:367-375.
  • Ruijuan Li, Aaron M. Rashotte, Narendra K. Singh, David B. Weaver, Kathy S. Lawrence, Robert D. Locy. 2014. Integrated signaling networks in plant responses to sedentary endoparasitic nematodes – a perspective. Plant Cell Report Journal. Plant Cell Rep 2015 Jan 11;34(1):5-22. Epub 2014 Sep 11.
  • Nyaku, Seloame T., Venkateswara R. Sripathi, Ramesh V. Kantety, Sarah B. Cseke, Ramesh Buyyarapu, Robert Mc Ewan, Yong Q. Gu, Kathy Lawrence, Zachary Senwo, Padmini Sripathi, Pheba George, and Govind C. Sharma. 2014. Characterization of reniform nematode genome through Shotgun Sequencing. Genome 06/2014; 57(4):1-13. DOI: 10.1139/gen-2014-0019.
  • Castillo, J. D., Lawrence, K. S., and Kloepper, J. W. 2013. Biocontrol of the reniform nematode by Bacillus firmus GB-126 and Paecilomyces lilacinus 251 on cotton. Plant Disease 97:967-976.
  • Moore, S. R., and K. S. Lawrence. 2013. The effect of soil texture and irrigation on Rotylenchulus reniformis and cotton. Journal of Nematology 45:99-105.
  • K. Vijay Krishna Kumar, S. KR. Yellareddygari, M. S. Reddy, J. W. Kloepper, K. S. Lawrence, M. E. Miller, H. Sudini, E.C. Surendranatha Reddy, X. G. Zhou and D. E. Groth. 2013. Ultrastructural studies on the interaction between Bacillus subtilis MBI 600 (Integral®) and the rice sheath blight pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani. African Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 7:2078-2086.
  • Seloame T. Nyaku, Ramesh V. Kantety, Yonathan Tilahun, Kathy S. Lawrence, Khairy M. Soliman, Ernst Cebert, and Govind C. Sharma. 2013. 18S and ITS1 Genomic Sequence Variations in Rotylenchulus reniformis Isolates from Alabama. The Journal of Cotton Science 17:184–194.
  • Nyaku ST, Sripathi VR, Kantety RV, Gu YQ, Lawrence K, et al. (2013) Characterization of the Two Intra-Individual Sequence Variants in the 18S rRNA Gene in the Plant Parasitic Nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis. PLoS ONE 8(4): e60891. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0060891.
  • Bennett, Rebecca S., Tamara Z. Scott, Katheryn S. Lawrence, and Gary W. Lawrence. 2013. Sequence characterization of race 4-like isolates of Fusarium oxysporum from Alabama and Mississippi. Journal of Cotton Science 17:1-6.
  • Wheeler, T. A., K. S. Lawrence, D. O. Porter, W. Keeling, and B. G. Mullinix, Jr. 2013. The relationship between environmental variables and response of cotton to nematicides. Journal of Nematology 45: 8-16.
  • Rothrock, C. S., S. A. Winters, P. K. Miller, E. Gbur, L. L. Verhalen, T. S. Isakeit,W. E. Batson Jr., F. M. Bourland, P. D. Colyer, T. A. Wheeler, H. W. Kaufman, G. L. Sciumbato, P. M. Thaxton, K. S. Lawrence, W. S. Gazaway, A. Y. Chambers, M. A. Newman, T. L. Kirkpatrick, J. D. Barham, P. M. Phipps, F. M. Shokes, D. R. Sumner, L. J. Littlefield, G. B. Padgett, R. B. Hutmacher, R. M. Davis, R. C. Kemerait, K. W. Seebold Jr., J. D. Mueller, and R. H. Garber. 2012. Importance of fungicide seed treatment and environment on seedling diseases on cotton. Plant Disease 96:1805 – 1817.
  • Matsye, P. D., G. W. Lawrence, R. M. Youssef, K. Kim, K. S. Lawrence, B. F. Matthews, and V. P. Klink. 2012. The expression of a naturally occurring, truncated allele 4 of an a-SNAP gene suppresses plant parasitic nematode infection. Plant Molecular Biology DOI: 10.1007/s11103-012-9932-z.
  • Moore, S. R., and K. S. Lawrence. 2012. Rotylenchulus reniformis in cotton: current methods of management and the future of site-specific management. Nematropica 42:227-236.
  • Krishna Kumar, K. V., S. KR. Yellareddygari, M. S. Reddy, J. W. Kloepper, K. S. Lawrence, X. G. Zhou, H. Sudini, D. E. Groth, S. Krishnam Raju, M. E. Miller. 2012. Efficacy of Bacillus subtilis MBI 600 against Sheath Blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani and on growth and yield of rice. Rice Science 2012 19:55−63.
  • Sikora, E. J., Murphy, J. F., K. S. Lawrence, and Mullen, J. M. 2011. Survey of fungal,nematode and viral diseases of soybean in Alabama. Plant Health Progress. doi:10.1094/PHP-2011-1227-01-RS.
  • Moore, S. R., K. S. Lawrence, F. J. Arriaga, E. van Santen, C. H. Burmester. 2011. Influence of water infiltration and root growth on the downward dispersion of Rotylenchulus reniformis. Nematropica 41:73-79.
  • Castillo, J. D., and K. S. Lawrence. 2011. First report of Catenaria auxiliaris parasitizing the reniform nematode Rotylenchulus reniformis on cotton in Alabama. Plant Disease 95:490. DOI/abs/10.1094/PDIS-07-10-0524.
  • Sikkens, R. B., D. B. Weaver, K. S. Lawrence, S. R. Moore, and E. van Santen. 2011. LONREN upland cotton germplasm response to Rotylenchulus reniformis inoculation level. Nematropica 41:66-72.
  • Krishna Kumar, K. V., M.S. Reddy, J.W. Kloepper, S. KR. Yellareddygari, K. S. Lawrence, X. G. Zhou, H. Sudini, M. E. Miller, R. P. Appa, R. E. C. Surendranatha, S. R. Niranjana, and N. S. Chandra. 2011. Plant growth-promoting activities of Bacillus subtilis MBI 600 (INTEGRAL®) and its compatibility with commonly used fungicides in rice sheath blight management. International Journal of Microbiology Research 3:120-130.
  • Krishna Kumar, K. V., M.S. Reddy, S. KR. Yellareddygari, J.W. Kloepper, K. S. Lawrence, X. G. Zhou, H. Sudini, and M. E. Miller. 2011. Evaluation and selection of elite plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for suppression of sheath blight of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani in a detached leaf bio-assay. 2011. International Journal of Applied Biology and Pharmaceutical Technology 2:488-495.
  • Krishna Kumar, K. V., M.S. Reddy, J.W. Kloepper, K. S. Lawrence, S. KR. Yellareddygari, X. G. Zhou, H. Sudini, E.C. Surendranatha Reddy, D.E. Groth and M. E. Miller. 2011. Screening and Selection of Elite Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) For Suppression of Rhizoctonia solani and Enhancement of Rice Seedling Vigor. Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology 5:641-651.
5-Kathy-Lawrence-Lab

Dr. Lawrence’s Lab

Current Graduate Students

  • Claire Schloemer – M. S. Student, Entomology. Thesis: Evaluation of organic amendments and cover crops on insects and nematodes in Sweet Potato production.
  • Drew Schrimsher – PhD. Student. Plant Pathology. Dissertation: Cotton cultivar response to Meloidogyne incognita.

Completed Dissertation & Thesis

William Groover – Ph.D. Plant Pathology, Dissertation: Evaluation of UAS equipped with multispectral cameras as a diagnostic tool for soil-borne diseases in warm-season grasses.

  • Current position: Regional Agronomist BASF South Carolina and East Georgia.

David Dyer – Ph.D. Plant Pathology, Dissertation: Evaluating the presence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum races throughout a cotton growing season.

  • Current position: Corteva CPD&D North American Field Scientist at the Florida Research Center in Myakka City, Florida.

Marina Nunes Rondon – Ph.D. Plant Pathology, Dissertation: Investigation of the Corynespora cassiicola pathogen and its interaction with soybean.

  • Current position: Syngenta Seeds Plant Pathologists Scientist Uberlandia, MG, Brazil.

Kate Armstrong – M.S. Plant Pathology, Thesis: Evaluation of Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis nematode resistant cotton cultivars with supplemental Corteva Agriscience nematicides.

  • Current position: PhD. Student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

Kara Gordon – M.S. Plant Pathology, Thesis Management of Rotylenchulus reniformis and Meloidogyne incognita on Gossypium hirsutum in Alabama and the economic impact of additional fertilizer and nematicide applications.

  • Current position: Rice Tech. Research Scientist Houston, TX

WinDi Sanchez – M.S., Plant Pathology, Thesis: Entomopathogenic nematodes as part of an integrated pest management program for control of small hive beetles (Aethina tumida)

Kaitlin Gattoni – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Thesis: Systemic induced resistance to M. incognita by Bacillus spp.

  • Current Position: Ph.D. candidate Department of Plant Pathology. University of Florida
  • Accomplishments: Has presented 3 conference oral presentations; Published 2 conference papers; and won first place as “Outstanding Graduate Student Presentation” at the Beltwide Cotton Conference, San Antonio, Texas, 2018 and first place as “Outstanding Graduate Student Presentation” at the Southern Soybean Disease Workers Conference, Panama City, Florida, 2019.

Ni Xiang – Ph.D. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated Fall 2016, Dissertation: Biological control of Bacillus spp. on Root-knot and Soybean Cyst nematode

  • Current Position: Nematologist, Bayer Crop Science, ST. Louis , MO
  • Accomplishments: Has presented 4 conference oral presentations or posters; Published 1 refereed journal article; 6 peer-reviewed papers; and 3 conference papers. 2016 International Student award, Auburn University; 2016 Graduate Travel Fellowship, Auburn University; 2015 Graduate Travel Fellowship, Auburn University; and 2013-2014 Outstanding Ph.D. Student Award, Entomology & Plant Pathology, Auburn University.

Daniel Dodge – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Spring 2017, Thesis: Development of an integrated pest management program for Root knot nematode management is soybeans in Alabama utilizing plant hormones, starter fertilizers, and nematicides.

  • Current Position: Nematologist Valent BioSciences, Libertyville, IL
  • Accomplishments: Has presented 2 conference oral presentations or posters; Published 1 Peer-reviewed papers and 1 conference paper.

Stephen Till – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Fall 2017, Thesis: An integrated approach to improving corn plant health in Meloidogyne incognita infested fields with nematicides, plant growth regulators, and starter fertilizers.

  • Current Position: AGRI-AFC Agronomist &Technology Manager for South Alabama, Florida and South Mississippi located in Headland, Alabama.
  • Accomplishments: Has presented 2 conference oral presentations or posters; Published 1 Peer-reviewed papers and 1 conference paper.

Meredith Hall – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2017, Thesis: Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and fungal susceptibility of turmeric (Curcuma spp.) selections.

  • Accomplishments: Has presented 2 conference oral presentations or posters; Won “Outstand Graduate Student Poster Presentation” in the graduate student presentation contest at the Society of Nematology Meeting of the Americas in Montreal, Canada in July 2016.

Justin Luangkhot – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Spring 2016, Thesis: Development of an integrated pest management program for plant parasitic nematode control on cotton in Alabama utilizing plant hormones, starter fertilizers, and nematicides.

  • Current Position: Research and Development with Wilbur Ellis located in Kennewick, WA.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 8 conference oral or poster presentations; Published 4 Peer-reviewed papers and 2 conference papers. Awarded the Outstanding MS Student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University 2014-2015.

Caroline Land – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2015, Thesis: The study of applied management options to enhance crop protection against Verticillium wilt in Gossypium hirsutum.

  • Current Position: Research and Development Scientist with Syngenta Crop Protection Katy, TX
  • Accomplishments: Presented 4 conference oral presentations or posters; Published 9 Peer-reviewed papers; and 1 conference paper. Awarded the Outstanding MS Student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University 2013- 2014. Won “First Place” and “Second Place” in the graduate student presentation contest at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in 2014 and 2015.

Amber Smith – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Spring 2015, Thesis: Cotton Cultivar Response to the Fusarium Wilt Root-knot Nematode Disease Complex and the Identification of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum Races in Alabama.

  • Current Position: Research Scientist – Plant Pathologist and Nematologist with Hubbard Agricultural Science located in Kennewick, WA.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 4 conference oral presentations or posters; Published 2 Peer-reviewed papers; and 2 conference paper. Won “Second Place”and “First Place” in the graduate student presentation contest at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in 2014 and 2015.

David Bailey – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2014

  • Current Position: CPS Agricultural Technology Specialist in North Alabama and Central Tennessee located in Huntsvilles, Alabama.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 2 conference papers; Published 10 Peer-reviewed papers.

Drew Schrimsher – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2013., Thesis: The Studies of Plant Host Resistance to the Reniform Nematode in Upland Cotton and the Effects of Bacillus firmus GB-126 on Plant-Parasitic Nematodes.

  • Current Position: AGRI-AFC Agronomist &Technology Manager for South Alabama, Flordia and South Mississippi located in Slocomb, Alabama.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 5 conference papers; Publishing 1 paper from thesis; Published 10 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the Outstanding MS Student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University 2011- 2012.

Scott R. Moore – Ph.D. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2012, Dissertation: Evaluation of the Interactions of Soil Edaphic Characteristics and nematicides with Rotylenchulus reniformis and Developing Models for Prescription Management in Cotton.

  • Current Position: Syngenta Research and Development Scientist II, Biological Assessment- North America Product Evaluation located in Monroe, LA.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 9 conference papers; Publishing 4 papers from dissertation; Published 42 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the 2012 Competitive Monetary Award for Excellence in Graduate Research, Alabama Cotton Commission; Awarded the 2012 Cotton Disease Council Graduate Student Paper Competition, 1st Place; Awarded the 2010 Society of Nematologists Student Paper Competition, 2nd Place; Awarded the Outstanding PhD Student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University 2010-2011.

Juan David Castillo – Ph.D. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Fall 2012, Dissertation: Biocontrol of the Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) with the fungi Paecilomyces lilacinus and the bacterium Bacillus firmus, and mix of PGPR strains on Cotton crops in Alabama.

  • Current Position: Biointeractions and Plant Health, Wageninger UR, located in the Netherlands.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 5 conference papers; Published 1 book chapter; Publishing 4 papers from dissertation; Published 6 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the 2012 Nathan A. Cobb Nematology Foundation John M. Webster Outstanding Student Award

Tamara Z. Scott – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2012, Thesis: Cultivar Susceptibility to the Fusarium Wilt Complex and Race Characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum.

  • Current Position: MD Anderson Hospital Histology Technician located at Houston TX.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 2 conference papers; Publishing 1 papers from her thesis; Published 6 Peer-reviewed papers

Dustin M. Herring – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2011

  • Current Position: Monsanto Farm Research Associate located at the FTS Farm Winterville, MS.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 2 conference papers; Published 5 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the 2010 Cotton Disease Council Graduate Student Paper Competition 1st Place; Awarded a 2010 Bayer Crop Science Summer internship; Awarded the Outstanding M. S. Student in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University 2009-2010; Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Graduate Student Council representative 2009 – 2010

Scott R. Moore – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Fall 2009, Thesis: Dimensional Movement of Rotylenchulus reniformis.

  • Accomplishments: Presented 6 conference papers; Published 2 papers from his thesis; Published 37 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the 2009 Dow Agro Sciences Travel Award, Society of Nematologists; Awarded the 2009 Cotton Disease Council Graduate Student Paper Competition Top 3; Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology Graduate Student Council representative 2008 – 2009. Awarded the 2008 – 2009 Outstanding Master’s Student, Auburn University Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Juan David Castillo – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Fall 2009, Thesis: Identification of Nematode Species by FAME Analysis.

  • Current Position: Syngenta Research and Development Scientist I located in Gainesville, FL.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 10 conference papers; Published 2 papers from his thesis; Published 17 Peer-reviewed papers Awarded Second Place in the American Phytopathological Society Southern Division Graduate Student Competition, February 2009; Awarded First Place in the Cotton Disease Council Graduate Student Competition, January, 2009; Awarded the Outstanding Masters Graduate Student in Plant Pathology, May 2008; Awarded First Place in the Auburn University Graduate Student Forum, Science Category, March 2008.

Taylor B. Hatchet – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Spring 2009, Thesis: urvey of the biological activity of 7,10,12-trihydroxy-8-octadecenoic acid (TOD) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its potential use to control Magnaporthe grisea and other plant pathogenic fungi.

  • Current Position: Co-Owner of Hatchet Farms, Jamison, Alabama.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 3 conference papers; Published 4 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the Outstanding Masters Graduate Student in Plant Pathology, May 2007.

Amy Dismuckes – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2008

  • Current Position: Horticulutre expension agent, Georgia

Stan R. Usery – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology,Graduated: Spring 2005, Thesis: Rotylenchulus reniformis tolerant and/or resistant cotton varieties.

  • Current Position: Co-owner of Usery Farms, and owner of Usery Nematode services in Elkmont, Alabama.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 4 conference papers; Published 1 paper from his thesis; Published 17 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the Outstanding Masters Graduate Student in Plant Pathology, May 2005

Jarrod R. Jones – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated:Summer 2004, Thesis: Cotton production utilizing winter cover crops for disease suppression and enhanced soil health.

  • Current Position: Assistant Director of the Gulf Coast Research Center, Auburn University.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 2 conference papers; Published 2 paper from his thesis; Published 17 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the Outstanding Masters Graduate Student in Plant Pathology, May 2004.

Nicholas W. Greer – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Summer 2004

  • Current Position: Aphis, Shreveport, LA.

Aaron J. Palmateer – Ph.D. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated:Summer 2003, Dissertation: Mycoflora relations and interactions with Rotylenchulus reniformis on cotton.

  • Accomplishments: Pres

Scott R. Moore – M.S. Student, Plant Pathology, Graduated: Fall 2009, Thesis: Dimensional Movement of Rotylenchulus reniformis.

  • Current Position: Associate Professor & Extension Specialist, Ornamental Plant Pathology, Tropical Research & Education Center of the University of Florida.
  • Accomplishments: Presented 4 conference papers; Published 4 papers from his dissertation; Published 57 Peer-reviewed papers; Awarded the competitive Auburn University Harry Merriwether Fellowship (2000-2003) monetary award of $4000; Awarded the Auburn University Graduate Student Research Award May 2003; Awarded the Outstanding Ph.D. student in the Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology at Auburn University May 2003; Awarded the Southern Division American Phytopathological Society travel award of $1000.

Graduate Students Advised As Committee Members

Jane Farr
M.S. 2012
J. F. Kloepper
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Director of the Plant Science Research Center, Auburn University.

Alexander Klapp
M.S. 2012
The use of Anaerobic Fermentation Acids and Aldehydes to Control Nematodes and Improve Soil Health.
R. Rodriguez-Kabana
Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

Santosh Shiwakoti
M.S. 2011
Management Effects on Yield and Flavonoid Content in American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora).
Dennis Shannon
Agronomy and Soils Department

Cigdem Surmelioglu
M.S. 2011
Genetic Resistance to Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) in Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
David Weaver
Agronomy and Soils Department

Marleny Cadena-Burkett
Ph.D. 2010
Studies on re-colonization of microbial populations in the rhizosphere of Chrysanthemum after soil steaming.
J. F. Kloepper
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Research Scientist with Pathway Biologicals, Tampa, FL

Carmilo Ramirez
2010
Mechanisms of action in Bacilli PGPR for Plant Growth Promotion and Biocontrol
J. F. Kloepper
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Professor University of Columbia

Vijay Kotamraju
2010
Commercial Potential of Microbial Inoculants for Sheath Blight Management and Yield Enhancement of Rice.
R.Muagala
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Extension Scientist India

George Matusick
Ph.D. 2010
Pathogenicity and virulence of root-inhabiting Ophiostomatoid fungi to PINUS species of the southeastern United States. School of Forestry
Dr. Lori Eckhart
Integrated Forest Pathology/Entomology
Postdoctoral Researcher, Australia

Natosha Simpson
M.S. 2010
Functional Genomics of Reniform Nematode Interactions with the Cotton Species, Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium longicalyx.
Dr. Ramesh Kantety
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Alabama A&M University

Geraldine Nicole Moss
M.S. 2010
Genomics of the Reniform Nematode Interactions with Cotton Species: Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium barbadense.
Dr. Ramesh Kantety
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Alabama A&M University

Robert McEwan
M.S. 2010
Rapid Detection of Rotylenchulus reniformis DNA in a Soil Metagenomic Pool and Evaluation of Tomato Germplasm for Resistance
Dr. Ramesh Kantety
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Alabama A&M University
Research Assistant Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis

Yonathan Tilahun
Ph.D. 2009
Gene expression during early infection to reniform nematode in Gossypium species.
Dr. Ramesh Kantety
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Alabama A&M University

Tatu Nyaku
M.S. 2009
Tomato gene expression during reniform nematode infections
Dr. Ramesh Kantety
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Alabama A&M University

Anthony Adesemoye
Ph.D. 2009
Dr. Joe Kloepper
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Auburn University

Jessica Cofield
M.S. 2009
Identification of genes involved in the production of a novel antifungal agent (7, 10, 12-trihydroxy-8(E)-octadecenoic acid) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Sang-Jin Suh
Microbiology Department
Auburn University

Billy Hatcher
M.S. 2009
Dr. John Murphy
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Auburn University

Sandeep Ready Marla
M.S. 2008
Evaluation of Crotalaria juncea populations as a summer covercrop to manage Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis.
Dr. Robin Huettle
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Auburn University

Marleny Cadena-Burkett
M.S. 2008
Suppressiveness of root-knot nematodes mediated by rhizobacteria.
Dr. Joe Kloepper
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Auburn University

Maria E. Rivas-Davila
Ph.D. 2005
Her research focuses on PGPR inoculation as alternative to nitrogen fertilization in turf grasses.
Dr. Joe Kloepper
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Patholog

Chris da Paz
Ph.D. 2004
Her research focuses on induced systemic resistance elicited by PGPR on soybean infected by Rhizoctonia solani: anatomical and biochemical features.
Dr. Joe Kloepper
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

Chris Partridge
Ph.D. 2002
His research is a revisionary study of the Haplotrichum-complex (Hyphomycetes) with a consideration of morphologically similar Cladosporium-like taxa
Dr. Gareth Morgan-Jones
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology

William Baker
Ph.D. 2002
His research is a revisionary study of several genera of lignicolous Hyphomycetes.
Dr. Gareth Morgan-Jones
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology

Hernan Garcia-Ruiz
M.S. 2002
Mature plant resistance of pepper to Cucumber mosaic virus
Dr. John F. Murphy
Dept. of Entomology and Plant Pathology