CURRICULUM VITAE - JOHN V. DA GRAÇA EDUCATION: University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: 1971 : BSc(Agric), majoring in Plant Pathology 1975 : MSc(Agric) cum laude (Plant Virology) 1981 : PhD (Plant Virology) EMPLOYMENT HISTORY 1. 1974-1979. Professional Officer (1974-76) and Senior Professional Officer (1976-79) at the Citrus & Subtropical Fruit Research Institute, Nelspruit, South Africa 2. 1979-1999. Lecturer (1979-84), Senior Lecturer (1984-90), Associate Professor (1991-98), Professor (1998-99) in the Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. 3. July 1999-Aug 2008, Deputy Center Director, Texas A & M University-Kingsville Citrus Center and the Texas Agriculture Experiment Station, Weslaco, USA. Tenured 2002. Associate professor (1999-2003), professor (since 2003). Interim Chair, Department of Agronomy & Resource Sciences (July 2004-Jan 2005). Interim Center Director (Jan 2005- Jan 2006); Sept 2008- Director, Texas A & M University-Kingsville Citrus Center CONTACT INFORMATION Mailing address: Texas A & M University-Kingsville Citrus Center, 312 N. International Blvd., Weslaco TX 78599 Email : john.dagraca @tamuk.edu Telephone : (956) 447 3361 RECENT SELECTED PUBLICATIONS Refereed journal articles Schneider, S. J., J. V. da Graça, M. Skaria, C. R. Little, M. Sétamou, & M. Kunta. 2013. A visual rating scale for quantifying the severity of greasy spot disease on grapefruit leaves. International Journal of Fruit Science 13: 459-465. Kunta, M., M. Palm, J. Rascoe, P. B. de Sa, L. W. Timmer, J. V. da Graça, R. L. Mangan, N. S. A. Malik, B. Salas, A. Satpute, M. Sétamou, & M. Skaria. 2013. Sweet Orange Scab with a new scab disease syndrome of citrus in the U.S.A. associated with Elsinoë australis. Tropical Plant Pathology 38: 203-212 Skaria, M. & J. V. da Graça. 2012. History lessons towards proactive citrus canker efforts in Texas. Subtropical Plant Science 64: 29-33. Reddy, V. P., M. Kunta, S. D. Nelson, J. V. da Graca and M. Skaria. 2010. Gene expression studies in sour orange and C-22 rootstocks challenged with the fungus, Phytophthora nicotianae and the nematode, Tylenchulus semipenetrans. Pest Technology 4: 29-34. Thomas, T. P., M. Kunta, J. V. da Graça, A. Bhattacharya, M. Sétamou and M. Skaria. 2010. Effect of viroids on resistance to Phytophthora infection of citrus. HortScience 45: 1069-1072. da Graca, J V, J V French, P S Haslem, M Skaria & M Setamou. 2008. Survey for Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, and citrus huanglongbing (greening disease) in Texas. Subtropical Plant Science 60: 21-26. da Graça, J V, M Sétamou, M Skaria & J V French. 2007. Arthropod vectors of exotic citrus diseases: a
risk assessment for the Texas citrus industry. Subtropical Plant Science 59: 64-74. Gottwald, T R, J V da Graça & R B Bassanezi. 2007. Citrus huanglongbing: The pathogen and its impact. Plant Health Progress doi 10.1094/PHP-2007-0906-01-RV. Kunta, M., J V da Graça & M Skaria. 2007. Molecular detection and prevalence of citrus viroids in Texas. HortScience 42: 600-604. Chen, T-Y, J V French, T-X Liu & J V da Graça. 2006. Predation of Galendromus helveolus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Brevipalpus californicus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae). Biocontrol Science and Technology 16: 753-759. Herron, C M, T E Mirkov, J V da Graça & R F Lee. 2006. Citrus tristeza virus transmission by the Toxoptera citricida vector: in vitro acquisition and transmission and infectivity immunoneutralization experiments. Journal of Virological Methods 134: 205-211. Herron, C M, T E Mirkov, N Solís-Gracia, C J Kahlke, M Skaria & J V da Graça. 2005. The severity of Citrus tristeza virus isolates from Texas. Plant Disease 89: 575-580. Hernández-Jasso, J C, J V da Graça & E S Louzada. 2004. Identification of differentially expressed genes in Poncirus trifoliata triggered by Citrus tristeza virus inoculation. Subtropical Plant Science 56: 26-32. Chen, T-Y, J V French, T-X Liu & J V da Graça. 2003. Residual toxicities of six pesticides to predaceous mite Galendromus helveolus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) on Texas citrus. Subtropical Plant Science 54: 40-45 RECENT BOOKS AND BOOK CHAPTERS Hilf, M E, L W Timmer, R. G Milne, & J V da Graca (editors). 2010. Proceedings of the 17 th Conference of the International Organization of Citrus Virologists, IOCV, Riverside. da Graça, J V & S P van Vuuren. 2010. Managing Citrus tristeza virus losses using cross protection. pp 247-260, In: Citrus tristeza virus Complex and Tristeza Diseases. A. V. Karasev & M. E. Hilf (eds.). APS Press da Graca, J V & L Korsten. 2004. Citrus huanglongbing: Review, present status and future strategies. pp 229-245. In: Diseases of Fruits and Vegetable Diagnosis and Management, Vol. 2 (S.A.M.H.Naqvi, ed.) Kluwer Press. da Graca, J V & S P van Vuuren. 2003. Viroids in Africa. pp 290-292. In: Viroids (A Hadidi, R Flores, J W Randles & J S Semancik, eds). CSIRO. RECENT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS Da Graca, J. V. 2013. Etiology, history, worldwide situation of Huanglongbing. 3 rd International Citrus Quarantine Pest Workshop, Manzanillo, Mexico Da Graca, J. V. 2013. Progress and perspectives on international research on HLB and its vector. 3 rd International Citrus Quarantine Pest Workshop, Manzanillo, Mexico Da Graca, J.V., M.Setamou, W.Li, M.Nakhle, J.Rascoe and M.Kunta. 2013. Huanglongbing in Texas. 19 th Conference, International Organization of Citrus Virologists, Skukuza, South Africa Kunta, M., J.V. da Graca and N. Onelge. 2013. First report of citrus viroid V in citrus plants in Texas. 19 th Conference, International Organization of Citrus Virologists, Skukuza, South Africa Setamou, M., J. V. da Graca and M. Kunta. 2013. First detection of HLB and implementation of its mitigation efforts in Texas. 3 rd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, Orlando FL Parra, C. C., M. Kunta, J. V. da Graca. 2013. Full transcriptome analysis of huanglongbing (HLB)- infected Valencia sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). 3 rd International Research Conference on
Huanglongbing, Orlando FL Kunta, M, C. de la Garza, J.V. da Graca, M. Setamou and E. S. Louzada. Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus detection in leaves, roots from infected trees and leaves of new shoots from the stumps of the infected sweet orange trees in Texas. 3 rd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, Orlando FL Setamou, M. and J. da Graca. Risk based HLB surveys and contingency plans: The Texas experience. International Society of Citriculture Conference (HLB Workshop), Valencia, Spain Setamou, M., J. da Graca, D. Bartels, & M. Ciomperlik. Development and implementation of area-wide Asian citrus psyllid management strategies in Texas, USA. International Congress of Entomology, Daegu, S. Korea Da Graca, J.V., M.Setamou, M.Skaria & M.Kunta. 2012. Surveys for citrus huanglongbing in Texas lead to early detection. American Phytopathology Society Caribbean Division, South Padre Island, TX Setamou, M., J.V.da Graca, D.Bartells & M. Ciomperlik. 2012. Proactive areawide management of the Asian citrus psyllid for HLB mitigation in Texas. American Phytopathology Society Caribbean Division, South Padre Island, TX Setamou, M. and J. da Graca. 2012. Risk based HLB surveys and contingency plans: The Texas experience. International Society of Citriculture Conference (HLB Workshop), Valencia, Spain Setamou, M., J. da Graca, D. Bartels, & M. Ciomperlik. 2012. Development and implementation of area-wide Asian citrus psyllid management strategies in Texas, USA. International Congress of Entomology, Daegu, S. Korea da Graca, J.V. 2011. Huanglongbing situation in the USA. FAO Regional Consultation on the Status of HLB and Management Perspectives in Latin America and Caribbean. Santiago, Chile Sandoval, J. L., M. Setamou and J. V. da Graca. 2011. Host preference and suitability of native rutacece for the development of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. 2 nd International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, Orlando FL Kunta, M., J. V. da Graca, M. Setamou & M. Skaria. 2010. "Inconclusive" quantitative PCR for the presence of HLB in Texas orange jasmine plants. 18th Conference, International Organization of Citrus Virologists, Campinas, Brazil Tanner, J.D., M. Kunta, J.V. da Graca, M.Skaria & S.D. Nelson. 2010. Evidence for citrus tatterleaf seed transmission in citrus. 18th Conference, International Organization of Citrus Virologists, Campinas, Brazil da Graca, J.V. 2010. Recent developments in citrus improvement schemes. 6th Citrus Research Symposium, Central Drakensberg, South Africa da Graca, J.V. 2010. Etiology, history and world situation of huanglongbing. 2nd International Workshop on Citrus Huanglongbing, Merida, Mexico da Graca, J. 2009. Citrus greening (HLB) background and overview. Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) & Potato Zebra Chip (ZC) Conference, McAllen TX
da Graca, J., G. Pietersen & S. P. van Vuuren. 2009. Research on HLB in South Africa. Annual Meeting, American Phytopathological Society, Portland, OR. da Graca, J. V. 2008. Citrus huanglongbing and its psyllid vector, Diaphorina citri threats to the citriculture of Mexico and the USA.. 10 th International/35 th National Congress, Mexican Phytopathology Society, Monterrey, Mexico. da Graca, J.V., M.Skaria, M.Setamou, M.Kunta, M.Arredondo & B.Salas. 2008. Texas steps up surveys for huanglongbing and the Asian citrus psyllid. International Research Conference on Huanglongbing, Orlando, FL da Graca, J. V. 2008. Biology, history and world status of huanglongbing. International Workshop on Citrus Huanglongbing, Hermosillo, Mexico. MEMBERSHIP & LEADERSHIP IN PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES: American Phytopathological Society (APS)(Chairman Tropical Disease Committee 2003) International Organization of Citrus Virologists (IOCV)(Chairman 2004-2007) International Society for Citriculture (ISC) Subtropical Agriculture & Environments Society (President 2008-09), Treasurer (2013) Southern African Society for Plant Pathology (Secretary1984-1987) RECENT REVIEW PANELS 2010-2013 member of review panel for Florida CRDF proposals 2012 member of review panel for California Citrus Clonal Protection Program 2010 member of review panel for South African citrus budwood program 2009 member of the University of Florida T-Star proposals review committee 2009 Chair of the Univ.Florida/IFAS panel for USDA special grants (earmark) funding Detection & epidemiology 2010 - Chair of the Univ.Florida/IFAS panel for USDA special grants (earmark) funding Epidemiology of canker and/or greening RECENT GRANTS USDA-APHIS-PPQ Citrus commodity pest survey 2011-12 - $582,256 (co-pi) USDA-NCPN " Texas Citrus Clean Plant Program 2012-13" - $111,244 (PI) USDA-APHIS Citrus germplasm safekeeping $119,383 (PI) Texas Citrus Producers Board Citrus virus free budwood program 2012-13 - $96,008 (PI) Texas Citrus Producers Board Citrus Center Core Research Initiative 2011 $50,598 (PI) USDA-APHIS-PPQ Citrus commodity pest survey 2011-12 - $582,256 (co-pi) USDA-NCPN " Texas Citrus Clean Plant Program 2011-12" - $122,881 (PI) USDA-APHIS-PPQ A pilot project: area wide management of Asian citrus psyllid in Texas 2010. $500,000 co-pi (PI M.Setamou) USDA-APHIS-PPQ Citrus germplasm safekeeping 2010 - $235,000 (PI)
USDA-NCPN " Texas Citrus Clean Plant Program" - $125,756 (PI) US Dept Commerce EDA Protecting Disease Free Citrus Budwood via Insect Resistant Screenhouses 2009 $400,000 (PI) USDA-APHIS-PPQ A pilot project: area wide management of Asian citrus psyllid in Texas 2009. $500,000 co-pi (PI M.Setamou) FCPRAC Alternative hosts of HLB to assist in diseases management 2009 $615,000 (co-pi; PI R.Brlansky) USDA-APHIS-PPQ Citrus germplasm safekeeping 2008 and 2009 $100,000 x 2(PI) USDA-APHIS PPQ Citrus commodity pest and disease survey 2008 $209,000 (co-pi) GRADUATE STUDENT ADVISEMENT (graduation year) C. M. Herron, PhD (2003) C. J. Kahlke, MS (2004) S. R. Palle, MS (2004) T. Thomas, MS (2006) S. Marepally, MS (2008) V. Reddy, MS (2008) J. Sandoval, MS (2010) J. Tanner, MS (2010) J. Alejandro, MS (current) J. Herrera MS (current) COURSES TAUGHT University of Natal : Virology 320 (1979-1999) Plant Pathology 332 (1980-99) Plant Pathology 428 (1980-99) Microbiology 210 (1979-99) TAMUK : PLSS 6390 (Citrus & Subtropical Fruits) - guest lecture (2000, 2002, 2004) Precision Citrus Orchard Management Continuing Education course co-ordinator & 1 class (2001 & 2003) PLSS 3344 (Fruits & Vegetable Production) - guest lecture (2003, 2005, 2013) PLSS (Pests and Diseases) guest lecture (2006) PLSS 6377/4325 (Plant Breeding & Genetics) guest lecture (2008) PLSS 4331 (Greenhouse Crop production) guest lecture/ field tour (2011) PLSS 6390 Food Safety & Plant Biosecurity - (recorded interview/class)(2011) TAMU: PLPA 620 (Plant Virology) - guest lecture (2002) PLPA 623 (Disease of field crops) field tour (2004), guest lecture (2013) Updated : 9/16/2013