CSIRO PUBLISHING www.publish.csiro.au/journals/app Australasian Plant Pathology, 2008, 37, 203-- 219 The history of plant and soil nematology in Australia and New Zealand, with particular reference to the contributions of six pioneering nematologists G. R. StirlingA,E, G. W. YeatesB, K. DaviesC and M. HoddaD ABiological Crop Protection Pty Ltd, 3601 Moggill Road, Moggill, Qld 4072, Australia. BLandcare Research, Private Bag 11052, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. CPlant and Food Science, Waite Campus, The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia. DCSIRO Entomology, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. ECorresponding author. Email:
[email protected] Abstract. In an era of rapid technological advancement, it is easy to overlook those who established the knowledge base that underpins today’s research programs. This paper traces the history of plant and soil nematology in Australia and New Zealand and recognises six pioneers who contributed significantly to its development, namely N. A. Cobb, R. C. Colbran, H. R. Wallace, A. F. Bird, J. M. Fisher and W. C. Clark. Collectively, these scientists described many unique and economically important nematodes, advanced our understanding of the biology and ecology of both plant-parasitic and free- living species, laid the foundation for many of the nematode control measures that are in use today and also contributed to the development of the discipline of nematology at an international level. Additional keywords: Heterodera, Meloidogyne, plant pathology, Radopholus. Introduction In both Australia and New Zealand, nematodes have been first to suggest that mosquitoes could transmit disease and his recognised as plant pests and as contributors to soil processes microscopic investigations led to the discovery of the worm that for more than 100 years.