Professor of Zoology and Nematology, Programa de Fitopatologia, Colegio de Postgraduados, Texcoco, Mexico.
Rev: 9/29/2020
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Born in Mexico City in 1945, Professor Cid del Prado (Nacho) received his early training in Nematology at the Autonomous Mexican National University (UNAM), where he worked on nematode parasites of reptiles, and then at the Colegio de Postgraduados in Texcoco where he worked on the taxonomy of the Criconematidae. He completed his PhD in 1982 in the Department of Nematology at the University of California, Davis where he discovered, described, and studied the biology of a new heteroderid parasite of redwood trees, Rhizonemella sequoiae. His subsequent collaborations in Callifornia and Rothamsted led him deeper into the taxonomy of the Nematoda and also into the applied aspects of the damage caused by, and management of, plant-parasitic nematodes. His taxonomic work with Maggenti, Subbotin, Ferris and others has included descriptions of new plant-parasitic species but he has also delved into the lesser-known taxa, including descriptions of species in the Tripylidae and the Chambersiellidae. Actually, a field excursion or even a walk through a botanical garden with Nacho, is an adventure in itself. Few stones are left unturned, roots examined, bark shaved off trees or moss collected for later examination. You definitely need to take a backpack to carry specimens back to the lab which, incidentally may be the back room of his house, which is complete with microscopes and other necessary equipment, so that nights and weekends of discovery are not missed.. |
Dr. Cid del Prado's applied work, with his many students, has centered on the management of root galling species of Meloidogyne and Nacobbus and especially on environmentally friendly and economically viable approaches to reducing their damage. As Mexican agricultural production systems have become more intensive, the recent work has focussed on greenhouse production systems. With his students, he has devised management plans that involve combinations of biofumigation with decomposing plant residues and animal manures, combined with the application of biolgical antagonists.
The opportunity to attend a lecture by Nacho, either in a classroom setting, at a professional society symposium, or during outreach to agricultural producers, is an experience that should not be missed. Attendees emerge from the experience with a renewed vigor, understanding and enthusisam. He is passionate about ensuring that there will be new generations of scientidsts to lead nematological teaching, research and extension into the future. In that regard, he enthusiastically accepts invitations to provide short courses on nematode biology and managemnt at institutions throughout Central and South America.
Dr. Cid del Prado's scientific contributions have been recognized by his induction in the prestigious Mexican Academy of Sciences and his receipt of the Extraordinnary Service in Nematology award of the Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America.
(adapted in part from the 2019 program of the ONTA awards banquet in San Jose, Costa Rica).