CURRICULUM VITAE
ANDREA FICKE
OFFICE
Andrea Ficke
Bioforsk Plantehelse
Cereal crops
Hogskøleveien 7
1432 Ås
e-mail: andrea.ficke@bioforsk.no
EDUCATION
1995
Vordiplom, Microbiology and Botany, Georg-August University, Goettingen,
Germany
1996
Graduate school, Department of Plant Biology, Georg-August University,
Goettingen, Germany
2002
Ph.D., Plant Pathology, Cornell University. Dissertation: Changes in the
susceptibility of developing grape berries to Uncinula necator: Effect of
ontogenic resistance on pathogen establishment and development, potential host
barriers to infection, and host responses to inoculation and infection.
HONORS
1996
Fulbright Scholar. A national competitive program of the US Department
of State that brings citizens of other countries to the US for graduate study
at U.S. universities.
1996
Foreign Student Scholarship of Cornell University.
1999
Eugene Saari Award. Awarded annually to support presentation of
noteworthy research by graduate students at the national meeting of the
American Phytopathological Society (see: Phytopathology 89:S25).
1999 - 2000
Mario Einaudi Center Scholar. Proposal: Molecular and anatomical
aspects of ontogenic resistance to powdery mildew in grape vines. The
Einaudi Center at Cornell University administers a competitive program to
support graduate students conducting short-term research in countries
outside the United State.
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2001
I. E. Melhus Graduate Student Symposium Scholar. Proposal: Ontogenic
resistance and plant disease management: A case study of grape powdery
mildew. A competitive program in which four graduate students are
selected each year from a worldwide pool to present their research at a
special symposium at the annual meeting of the American
Phytopathological Society (see: Phytopathology 92:671-675).
2002
Research Fellow, DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst).
A competitive program administered by the German Academic Exchange
Service to support post graduate training of German scientists at partner
institutions. Proposal: Biosurfactant producing Pseudomonas to control
Phytopthora in different crops with Dr. Jos Raaijmakers at Wageningen
University.
2002 - 2003
EPS (Experimental Plant Sciences of the Netherlands) Postdoctoral
Fellow. A competitive program to support postdoctoral research at partner
institutions. Proposal: Responses of oomycete pathogens to metabolites
produced by Pseudomonas flourescens with Dr. Jos Raaijmakers at
Wageningen University.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
1996
Graduate assistant to Professor Gerhard Wolf at the Georg-August
University, Goettingen. Research Project: Efficacy of biological control
measures and pesticide applications for management of black stem rot of
wheat.
1996-1998
Graduate student in residence, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell
University's main campus in Ithaca, NY, USA. Completed comprehensive
coursework in Plant Pathology. Completed research training project with
Prof. Eric Nelson: Extraction of root exudates from cottonseeds and
evaluation of effects on Pythium ultimum. Additional training and work
experience in Cornell's Plant Disease Diagnosis Lab.
1998-2002
Advanced to PhD candidate and joined Professor Robert C. Seem's
laboratory at Cornell's Department of Plant Pathology at the New York State
Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. Dissertation research focused
on morphological, physiological and molecular factors involved in
development of ontogenic resistance in grape berries. Methodology applied
included brightfield, phase contrast, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy,
scanning, environmental, and transmission electron microscopy. Developed
methods for controlled inoculation of disease-free fruit in field studies of the
nascent development of mildew colonies. Isolated RNA from grape berry
skins and tested for induction of pathogenesis related proteins during
infection of resistant vs susceptible berries. Outcomes of this research are
now the basis of improved management programs for grapevine powdery
mildew worldwide.
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2002-2004
Post doctoral scientist at Department of Plant Pathology, Wageningen
University, The Netherlands. In collaboration with Dr. Jos Raaijmakers, my
work focused on the efficacy and mode of action of a surface tension
reducing, zoosporocidal cyclic lipopeptide produced by P. fluorescens in
controlling oomycete root and leaf diseases. This project involved in depth
molecular work aiming to analyze so-called ‘biosurfactants’ and their effect
on , including chemical analysis, microscopic observation and bioassays of
disease in several field crops.
2007-2009
Pre-breeder for Cucurbitaceae at Rijkzwaan The Netherlands. Assessed
breeding priorities and lead short and long term projects to improve disease
and stress resistance, fruit qualities and plant architecture in melon, water
melon, cucumber and pickles.
01.01.2009
-30.7.2009
01.09.2009
- currently
Breeding manager of the Cucumber Department at Rijkzwaan B.V., The
Netherlands. Overseeing and organizing research activities in cucumber
breeding. Management of staff at the cucumber department. Continued prebreeding work in cucumber and melon.
Cereal Plant Pathologist at Bioforsk Plant Health and Plant Division in Ås,
Norway. Collecting and analyzing data on Leaf Blotch Diseases in Norway,
their epidemiology, biology and the effect of changing climate on disease
risk and impact on yield. Studying Fusarium Head Blight epidemics and
toxin production. Utilizing recent and current data for disease forecasting
models.
ACADEMIC LEAVES
Nov - Dec 1998
Visiting scholar, CSIRO Horticulture Unit, Molecular Plant Pathology
Laboratory CSIRO, University of Adelaide, South Australia. Isolated
grape berry RNA and screened for PR gene induction in a collaborative
effort with Dr. Ian Dry
Oct - Dec 1999
Visiting scholar, CSIRO Horticulture Unit, Molecular Plant Pathology
Laboratory CSIRO, University of Adelaide, South Australia.
Continued work with Dr. Ian Dry on the molecular aspects of
ontogenic resistance in grape berries to powdery mildew.
Oct 2000 - Jan 2001 Visiting scholar at CSIRO, Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory,
University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, South Australia.
Continued collaboration with Drs. Ian Dry and Simon Robinson
on induction of PR genes, including a germin-like protein during
infection of grape berries by Uncinula necator. Investigated papillum
formation and other host responses to infection in susceptible and
resistant berries. Further, recorded the effect of the resistance gene
run-1 in grape leaves on powdery mildew establishment.
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Oct - Dec 2001
Visiting scholar at CSIRO, Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory,
University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, South Australia. Continued
collaboration with Drs. Ian Dry and Simon Robinson on morphological
and physiological responses of Vitis vinifera berries to U. necator.
TEACHING
1997
Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous molds (Teaching assistant to Dr.
George Hudler)
2003 - 2004
Molecular Plant Ecology Practical course (Teaching assistant to Dr. Jos
Raaijmakers)
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND WORKING GROUPS
American Phytopathological Society
International Working Group on Grapevine Powdery and Downy Mildew Modeling
International Organization for Biological Control
RESEARCH GRANTS
1999 - 2002
Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Wilcox, W.F., Goffinet, and Ficke, A.
Development of Practical Models for use in the Management of Grape
Powdery Mildew: Resistance to Powdery Mildew in Grape Berries.
USDA Viticulture Consortium Competitive Grants Program.
1998 - 2001
Ficke, A. Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Wilcox, W.F., and Goffinet,
M. Anatomical, morphological, and genetic basis of ontogenic
resistance to powdery mildew in grapevine. Kaplan Research
Foundation Competitive Grants Program.
2002-2003
Ficke, A., Raaijmakers, J.M. Biosurfactant producing Pseudomonas to
control Phytopthora in different crops. DAAD (Deutscher
Akademischer Austausch Dienst), competitive foreign exchange
program..
2002-2003
Ficke, A, Raaijmakers, J.M. Responses of oomycete pathogens to
metabolites produced by Pseudomonas fluorescens. EPS
(Experimental Plant Sciences), competitive post doctoral grant
program.
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PUBLICATIONS
Books, Book Chapters, and Proceedings
Ficke, A., de Souza, J., de Boer, M., Geerds, C., Raaijmakers, J. 2004. Biosurfactants and
biological control of plant pathogens. In: Multitrophic Interactions in Soil and
Integrated Control (eds.: Sikora, R., Gowen, S., Hauschild, R., and Kiewnick, S).
IOBC wprs BulletinVol. 27 (1), pp.63-66.
Gadoury, D.M., Ficke, A., Seem, R.C., Wilcox, W.F. 1999. Ontogenic Resistance to
Powdery Mildew (Uncinula necator) in Grape Berries Proc. 1st Int. Conf. Powdery
Mildews, 29 Aug-3 Sept. 1999. 92pp.
Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Ficke, A., Wilcox, W.F., and Dry, I.B. 2002. Ontogenic
resistance to Uncinula necator in grape berries: Impacts upon the pathogen, disease
progress, and management of powdery mildew. pp 52-53 in: Proc. 4th Int. Workshop
on Grapevine Downy and Powdery Mildew, Napa, California, 30 Sept. - 4 Oct.,
2002. UC Davis Press. 88 pp.
Refereed Journal Papers
Ficke, A, J. M., Tran Ti Thu, H., Geerds,C., and Raaijmakers, J.M., 2008. Efficacy of
controlling various diseases in crop plants by Pseudomonas fluorescens, SS101.
In preparation.
Tran, H., Ficke, A., Asiimwe, T., Hoefte, M., Raaijmakers, J.M. 2007.Role of the cyclic
lipopeptide massetolide A in biological control of Phytopthora infestans and in
colonization of tomato plants by Pseudomonas fluorescens. New Phytologist
175:731-742.
Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Wilcox, W.F., Henick-Kling, T., Conterno, L., Day, A., and
Ficke, A. 2007. Effects of diffuse colonization of grape berries by Uncinula necator
on bunch rots, berry microflora, and juice and wine quality. Phytopathology
97:1356-1365.
Ficke, A., Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C, Godfrey, D., and Dry, I.B. 2004. Host barriers and
responses to Uncinula necator in developing grape berries. Phytopathology 94:438445.
Ficke, A. Gadoury, D.M. Seem, R.C., and Dry, I.B. 2003. Effects of ontogenic resistance
upon establishment and growth of Uncinula necator on grape berries.
Phytopathology 93:556-563.
Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Ficke, A., and Wilcox, W.F. 2003. Ontogenic resistance to
powdery mildew in grape berries . Phytopathology 93:547-555.
Ficke, A. Gadoury, D.M., and Seem, R.C. 2002. Ontogenic resistance and plant disease
management: A case study of grape powdery mildew. Phytopathology 92:671-675.
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Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Ficke, A., and Wilcox, W.F. 2001. The epidemiology of
powdery mildew on Concord grapes. Phytopathology 91:948-955.
Hill.G.T., Mitkowski, N.A., Aldrich-Wolfe, L., Emele, Jurkonie, D.D., Ficke, A. Maldonado-Ramirez, S., Lunch, S. T. and Nelson, E.B. 2000. Methods for assessing the
composition and diversity of soil microbial communities. Appl. Soil Ecol. 15:25-36.
Published Abstracts of Presentations at Scientific Meetings
Ficke, A., Elen, O., Abrahamsen, U., Brodal, G. 2010. Leaf blotch disease complex in
Norwegian wheat. Phytopathology 100:S36
Ficke, A., Abrahamsen, U., Rafoss, T. 2010. The effect of small shifts in climate conditions
on the epidemiology of leaf blotch diseases in Norwegian wheat. NJF report Vol 6,
Nr 1, S:96
Ficke, A., Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Goffinet, M., and Dry, I.B. 2001. Comparison and
contrast of ontogenic resistance to Uncinula necator in Chardonnay and Concord
grape berries. Phytopathology 91:S194.
Ficke, A., Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Goffinet, M.C., and Dry, I.B. 2001. Characterization
of potential host barriers to Uncinula necator in developing grape berries.
Phytopathology 91:S28.
Ficke, A., Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Goffinet, M., and Dry, I. 2000. Anatomical
responses in grape berries to infection by Uncinula necator. Phytopathology 90:S24.
Gadoury, D.M., Ficke, A., Seem, R.C., Wilcox, W.F., and Dry, I. 2000. Ontogenic
resistance to powdery mildew (Uncinula necator) in grape berries. Proc. 5th
International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture and Oenology. 16-20 January
2000, Melbourne, Australia.
Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., Ficke, A. Wilcox, W.F., and Henick-Kling, T. 2000. Diffuse
infections of Uncinula necator predispose grape berries to bunch rot and spoilage
microorganisms, and degrade wine quality. Phytopathology 90:S26.
Ficke, A., Gadoury, D.M., Seem, R.C., and Dry, I.B. 1999. Pathogen development and host
response during infection of grape berries by Uncinula necator. Phytopathology
89:S25.
Gadoury, D.M., Ficke, A., Seem, R.C., Wilcox, W.F., and Dry. I. 1999. Ontogenic
resistance to powdery mildew (Uncinula necator) in grape berries. Proc. 1st Int.
Conf. Powdery Mildews. Avignon, France, 29 Aug. - 2 Sept. 1999.
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