September 22, 1997
by Linda McCandless
Geneva, NY - Thomas J. Burr is one of two Cornell University
plant pathologists from the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station
in Geneva, NY, to be named a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society
at the 1997 APS Annual Meeting 
in
Rochester, NY, in August.
The distinction was conferred in recognition of his outstanding contributions in extension and research as relates to the science of plant pathology, to the profession, and to the Society. Election as a Fellow is a reflection of the high esteem in which a member is held by his or her colleagues.
Burr's research focuses on the biology and control of bacterial and fungal diseases of fruit crops. "When plant pathologists think of crown gall, Dr. Burr comes to mind," said Helene Dillard, chairwoman of the department. "Tom has made significant contributions to the understanding of Agrobacterium vitis and the Fellow Award recognizes his many outstanding contributions to the field of plant pathology. He is a prominent bacteriologist, and his advice is frequently sought on many bacterial diseases of fruits and vegetables." Dillard also lauded Burr's service on several key department, station, and college committees.
Burr's work with A. vitis has led to the development of strategies that are used for managing this important disease in vineyards. He and his colleagues developed methods for indexing grape cuttings for A. vitis that include the development and use of a species-specific monoclonal antibody. Methods for eradicating or greatly reducing A. vitis from grape propagation material, including shoot tip propagation and hot water treatments, were also developed. The indexing and eradication procedure are being implemented on a commercial scale for the production of grapevines are free of A. vitis.
Another disease management strategy being tested by Burr and his colleagues is to use Vitis rootstocks that are resistant to infection by A. vitis.
Burr has also made significant contributions to research on streptomycin resistance in plant pathogenic bacteria, including strategies based on ecological fitness of resistant strains and the use of alternative controls.
In research involving fungal disease of fruit, Burr recently initiated research involving biological control of apple scab using naturally occurring strains of bacteria and yeasts from orchards. Together with co-workers he recently identified epiphytic fungi from apple and pear that are important causes of fruit russet.
He maintains a 20 percent extension assignment and is frequently called upon by growers and extension agents to identify diseases, provide control recommendations, and present information on pathogen biology and control.
Burr earned a B.S. in agricultural science in 1971, and an M.S. in plant pathology in 1973 from the University of Arizona. He obtained his Ph.D. in plant pathology from the University of California-Berkeley, in 1977. He joined Cornell at the Geneva campus as assistant professor in 1977, was promoted to associate professor in 1983, and professor in 1991.
He has served as chair and member of the APS Bacteriology and Chemical Control committees, respectively, and as president of the Deciduous Tree Fruit Disease Workers. He was previously honored by APS, receiving the Ciba-Geigy and Lee M. Hutchins Awards in 1986 and 1990, respectively. He joins newly elected Fellow Gary E. Harman, as well as formerly elected Fellows from the Station, George Abawi, Herb Aldwinckle, Dennis Gonsalves, and Rosario Provvidenti in the distinction.
Click on photographs to view 300dpi version.
Contact: Linda McCandless, Communications Services
Telephone: (315) 787-2417
e-mail: llm3@cornell.edu
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