Terry Niblack
Dr. Terry Niblack was elected Fellow of the Society of Nematologists, August, 2012
Source: Nematology Newletter, September 2012
Rev. 01/01/2020
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Dr. Terry Niblack received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Tennessee, and her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Georgia. Following a two-year postdoc at Iowa State University, she joined the faculty at the University of Missouri at Columbia as an Assistant Professor. She remained at the University of Missouri for 13 years, rising to the level of full Professor before moving to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she worked for an additional 10 years. Last year, Dr. Niblack joined the Plant Pathology Department at The Ohio State University to serve as Chair. |
| Photo courtesy of J. Eisenback |
Dr. Niblack has developed
an innovative and productive research program on the biology, ecology, genetics,
and phenotypic variability of the soybean
cyst nematode (SCN), generating
over 60 peer reviewed publications. Her research has greatly improved our
understanding of hatching behavior,
dormancy, and overwintering in eggs of
SCN, as well as environmental factors influencing sex ratio. Her numerous
studies with resistant soybeans and
their effect on SCN populations have led
to more informed recommendations for deployment of resistance for managing SCN.
She has also developed
inbred lines of SCN that have been a valuable tool in
her own research as well as for others working in the area of genomics and
molecularworking in the area of genomics and molecular biology.
Perhaps Dr. Niblack’s greatest
contribution to nematology was her leadership role in developing the HG type
system for classifying genetic
variability of SCN populations. The previous “race
designation” system was based on population averages rather than genotypes
within the population.
The HG type system is a simple and direct way of indicating the ability of a
population to reproduce on resistant cultivars.
Many
bioenergy crops are new to agricultural production. Dr. Niblack and her group
were among the first to assess the potential of plant-parasitic
nematodes to damage these crops. In a recent survey of
Miscanthus and switchgrass from the Midwest and Southeast, they found
Helicotylenchus,
Pratylenchus, and Xiphinema to be prevalent across these regions, and clear
damage to Miscanthus from Longidorus breviannulatus.
In
addition to her outstanding research contributions to plant nematology, Dr.
Niblack has an exemplary teaching and extension track record. She
has contributed to the next generation of
Nematologists/Plant Pathologists through teaching numerous courses and training
graduate students. She
is a leader in state, regional, and national programs on management of SCN.
She has authored at least 59 extension publications (not including short bulletins) and has published three web guides on SCN management. In recognition of her outreach contributions related to SCN management, she has received five awards from industry, including her most recent Award for Faculty Excellence from Wyffels Hybrids.
Despite
her exceptionally productive research, teaching, and extension programs, Dr.
Niblack still finds time to serve the Society of Nematologists
(SON), as well as the American Phytopathological
Society (APS). She has served as Senior Editor for Annals of Applied Nematology
(1992-1996) and Plant Disease (2007-2009). Dr. Niblack has served on the
Executive Board of SON for nearly 10 years: first as a member (1994-1997), then
as Treasurer (1998-2001), and finally as Vice President, President elect,
President, and Past President (2002-2005). Currently, she is serving on the
Nematology Committee for APS (2007-present).