David Cooke

Senior Plant Pathologist
Cell and Molecular Sciences
T: +44 (0)1382 568831
  • Plant pathologist specialising in the study of Phytophthora species pathogenic on potato, soft fruit, forestry and plants in natural ecosystems.
  • Specific focus on improving potato late blight management through data on pathogen population change.
  • Interest and experience in the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for monitoring biodiversity and tracking invasive species.

Biography

    • First Class Honours Graduate in Agricultural Botany, University of Wales Aberystwyth.

    • PhD Plant Pathology, University of Wales Aberystwyth.

    • Employed at the Institute since 1994 as a project leader in plant pathology.

    • Senior Editor for Phytopathology (2015-18); Senior Editor for PhytoFrontiers 2020-

Research

  • Application of eDNA metabarcoding to examine diversity of Phytophthora and other Oomycete taxa in crops, forests and natural ecosystems. In 2025 Sefari Gateway Fellowship I am leading work towards a strategic routemap for efficient monitoring of Scotland’s environment. See also the completed PHYTO-THREATS project.
  • Development and exploitation of genetic markers (SSR, fungicide resistance and effector gene sequences) for examining the population biology, epidemiology and management of Phytophthora infestans (potato late blight).
  • Co-ordinator of pathogen data for European project examining populations of Phytophthora infestans (Euroblight). See data release on 2024 population “Results of the EuroBlight potato late blight monitoring in 2024” and maps.
  • Evolution and population genetics of the genus Phytophthora.
  • Soft fruit Phytophthora species: detection and control.
  • Potato late blight research to inform Integrated Pest Management (IPM) including the GB Potato crop Fight Against Blight campaign examining population change of Phytophthora infestans from 2003 to 2025. See report archive.
  • Epidemiology and risks posed by Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae to managed gardens and heathland in Scotland.

Publications

The following Publications have not yet been migrated to the James Hutton Institute's Pure service and relate to the research outputs from the two legacy organisations: The Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and The Scottish Crop Research Institute.

Journals

Books / chapters

  • Wilcox, W.F.; Cooke, D.E.L. (2010) Phytophthora root rot., American Phytopathological Society, St Paul, MN, 2nd edition.
  • Fry, W.E.; Grunwald, N.J.; Cooke, D.E.L.; McLeod, A.; Forbes, G.A.; Cao, K. (2009) Population genetics and population diversity of Phytophthora infestans., In: Lamour, K.H. & Kamoun, S. (eds.). Oomycete Genetics and Genomics: Diversity, Interactions and Research Tools. Wiley-Blackwell, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA, Chapter 7, 139-163.
  • Colon, L.T.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Gronbech-Hansen, J.; Lassen, P.; Andrivon, D.; Hermansen, A.; Zimnoch-Guzowska, E.; Lees, A.K. (2005) Eucablight: a late blight network for Europe., In: Haverkort, A.J. and Struik, P.C (eds.). Potato in Progress: Science Meets Practice. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, pp290-297
  • Birch, P.R.J.; Cooke, D.E.L. (2004) Mechanisms of infection – oomycetes., In: Goodman, R.G. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Plant and Crop Science. Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, pp697-700.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Williams, N.A.; Williamson, B.; Duncan, J.M. (2002) An ITS-based phylogenetic analysis of the relationships between Peronospora and Phytophthora., In: Spencer-Phillips, P.T.N., Gisi, U. & Lebeda, A. (eds.). Advances in Downy Mildew Research, Kluwer, Dordrecht, 161-165.
  • Duncan, J.M.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Birch, P.R.J.; Toth, R.L. (1998) Molecular variability in sexually reproducing fungal plant pathogens., In: Bridge, P., Couteaudier, Y. & Clarkson, J. (eds.). Molecular Variability of Fungal Pathogens. CAB International, Wallinford, pp19-39.

Technical / contract reports

  • Cooke, D.E.L. (2011) The impact of invasive plant pathogenic Phytophthora species on biodiversity., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2010, pp24-25.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Shaw, D.S.; Bain, R.; Ritchie, F.; Taylor, M. (2010) Final report: Survey of GB blight populations., Potato Council, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
  • Torrance, L.; Toth, I.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Fenton, B.; Blok, V.C.; Lees, A.K. (2010) Risks of new or emerging pests and pathogens posed by environmental change., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2009, pp14-17.
  • Lees, A.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Fenton, B.; Newton, A.C. (2010) Understanding pathogen biodiversity as a key to controlling crop diseases., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2009, pp24-25.
  • Wale, S.; Inglis, M.; Bain, R.; Davey, T.; Evans, A.; Bradshaw, J.E.; Phillips, M.; Jones, J.T.; Fenton, B.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Ramsay, G. (2008) Welcome to the Potatoes in Partnership open meetings 2008 which form part of knowledge transfer activities for RERAD funded research., SAC Information Note 105
  • Bengough, A.G.; Barlow, P.W.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Griffiths, B.S.; Humphris, S.N.; Iijima, M.; Killham, K.; Rodger, S.; Stubbs, V.; Valentine, T.A.; Young, I.M. (2004) Root border cells in plant-soil interactions., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2003/2004, 160-161.
  • Duncan, J.M.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Williams, N.A.; Mirabolfathy, M. (2001) Phytophthora and gummosis of pistachio in Iran., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2000/2001, 136-139.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Maughan, V.; Birch, P.R.J.; Toth, R.; Gourlay, F.; Carnegie, S.; Duncan, J.M. (2000) The status of Scottish late blight populations., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 1999/2000, 150-153.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Birch, A.N.E.; Birch, P.R.J.; Duncan, J.M.; Griffiths, D.W.; Lyon, G.D.; Trudgill, D.L.; Williamson, B.; Wilson, T.M.A.; Hillman, J.R. (1998) Are diseased and blemished foodstuffs good for you? The need for plant pathology., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 1997/98, pp54-60.

Conference papers

  • Nechwatal, J.; Bakonyi, J.; Cacciola, S.O.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Jung, T.; Nagy, Z.A.; Vannini, A.; Vettraino, A.M.; Brasier, C.M. (2011) The redesignation of Phytophthora taxon Salixsoil as Phytophthora lacustris sp. nov., COST Action FP0801 Meeting, Budapest, 21-22 November 2011.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Scibetta, S.; Schena, L.; Chimento, A.; Cacciola, S.O. (2011) Use of filtration and generic Phytophthora PCR for tracking diversity in natural ecosystems., COST Action FP0801 Meeting, Budapest, 21-22 November 2011.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Stewart, J. (2011) Screening Scottish heathland plant species for susceptibility to P. ramorum and P. keroviae., COST Action FP0801 Meeting, Budapest, 21-22 November 2011.
  • Cacciola, S.O.; Rizza, C.; Scibetta, S.; Faedda, R.; Pane, A.; Granata, G.; Schena, L.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Magnano di San Lio, G. (2011) Molecular monitoring of Phytophthora species in beech stands of natural parks in Sicily., COST Action FP081 Meeting, Budapest, 21-22 November 2011.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Bain, R.A.; Ritchie, F.; Taylor, M.; Shaw, D.S. (2010) An update on the status of P. infestans genotype 13 in GB., 12th Euroblight Meeting, Arras, France, 3-6 May 2010.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Hansen, J.G.; Birch, P.R.J. (2010) Molecular diversity of Phytophthora infestans populations at local and regional scales., KNPV Meeting. Wageningen, The Netherlands, 16 June 2010.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Birch, P.R.J. (2010) Ongoing change in populations of Phytophthora infestans in the GB potato crop., Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Congress, Toulouse, France, 6-8 June 2010.
  • Cano, L.M.; Raffaele, S.; Win, J.; Schornack, S.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Birch, P.R.J.; Kamoun, S. (2010) Comparative genome analysis of a strain from the UK blue 13 clonal lineage of Phytophthora infestans reveals significant genetic and expression polymorphisms in effector genes., Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Congress, France, 6-8 June 2010.
  • Gilroy, E.M.; Hein, I.; McLellan, H.; Breen, S.; Engelhardt, S.; Tian, Z.D.; Seman, Z.A.; Pritchard, L.; Armstrong, M.R.; Randall, E.; Avrova, A.O.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Vleeshouwers, V.G.A.A.; van West, P.; Whisson, S.C.; Birch, P.R.J. (2010) Using knowledge of RXLR effectors to seek durable resistance., Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Congress, Toulouse, France, 6-8 June 2010.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Hansen, J.G.; Lassen, P.; Andersson, B.; Bakonyi, J. (2009) From a European to a global database of Phytophthora infestans genetic diversity: examining the nature and significance of population change., In: Proceedings of the Third International Late Blight Conference, Beijing, China, 3-6 April 2008. Acta Horticulturae, 834, 19-26.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Zhan, J.; Hansen, J.S.; Lassen, P.; Birch, P.R.J. (2008) Molecular tools for analysis of populations of Phytophthora infestans at a local and global scale., Global Potato Conference 2008, New Delhi, India, 9-12 December 2008.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Bain, R.A.; Bradshaw, N.J.; Shaw, D.S.; Taylor, M.C. (2008) Examining the drivers in a dramatic shift in P. infestans populations., Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network, Birnam, 6-9 May 2008.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Hansen, J.G.; Lassen, P.; Andersson, B.; Bakonyi, J. (2008) From a European to a global database of P. infestans genetic diversity: examining the nature and significance of population change., 3rd International Late Blight Conference, Beijing, China, 3-6 April 2008, 834, pp19-26.
  • Shaw, D.S.; Evans, D.; Bufe, C.; Cooke, D.E.L. (2008) Can UK populations of P. infestans mate?, 11th Euroblight Workshop. Hamar, Norway, 28-31 October 2008.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Shaw, D.S.; Taylor, M.A.; Bain, R.A.; Ritchie, J. (2008) Drivers and possible consequences of a changing population of Phytophthora infestans on the GB potato industry., 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Turin, Italy, 24-29 August 2008.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Hansen, J.G.; Lassen, P.; Andersson, B.; Bakonyi, J. (2008) Eucablight pathogen database update., 11th Euroblight Workshop, Hamar, Norway, 28-31 October 2008.
  • Lees, A.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Stewart, J.A.; Sullivan, L.; Carnegie, S. (2008) Phytophthora infestans population changes: implications., 11th Euroblight Workshop, Hamar, Norway, 28-31 October 2008.
  • Lees, A.K.; Sullivan, L.; Williams, N.A.; Cooke, D.E.L. (2008) Using molecular tools to investigate the role of tuber and soil-borne inoculum of Phytophthora infestans., 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Turin, Italy, 24-29 August 2008.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Shaw, D.S.; Taylor, M.C.; Prentice, M.W.C.; Bradshaw, N.J.; Bain, R.A. (2008) The status of GB blight populations and the threat of oospores., Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2008, Dundee, 26-27 February 2008, pp217-222.
  • Green, K.R.; Dyer, W.; Falloon, P.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Chimento, A. (2008) Management of Phytophthora rot on UK asparagus Crops., XIth International Asparagus Symposium. The Netherlands, 16-19 June 2005 (Abstract).
  • Oliva, R.; Chacon, O.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Forbes, G.A. (2007) Is Phytophthora infestans a good taxonomist? Host recognition and co-evolution in the Phytophthora/Solanum interaction., Proceedings of the 6th International Solanaceae Conference, Madison, USA, 23-27 July 2006. Volume 745, pp465-470.
  • Lees, A.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Williams, N.; Sullivan, L. (2007) Genetic analysis of P. infestans populations in Scotland 1995-2004., Nordic Association of Agricultural Scientists Seminar ‘Integrated control of Potato Late Blight in the Nordic and Baltic Countries’, Helsinger, Denmark, 29 November – 1 December 2006, 2, 62.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Andersson, B.; Bakonyi, J.; Hansen, J.G.; Lassen, P.; Lees, A.K. (2007) Eucablight – one year on., Euroblight Workshop, Bologna, Italy, 2-5 May 2007.
  • Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa, R.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Banihashemi, Z. (2007) Phylogenetic relationships of Phytophthora cryptogea and P. drechsleri based on multiple gene genealogy., Proceeding of APS/DON meeting. San Diego, 28 July – 1 August 2007 (Poster).
  • Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa, R.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Banihashemi, Z. (2007) Identification of Phytophthora cryptogea and P. erythroseptica based on ribosomal oligonucleotides., Proceedings of APS/DON meeting. San Diego, 28 July – 1 August 2007.
  • Hansen, J.G.; Colon, L.T.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Lassen, P.; Nielsen, B.; Cooke, L.R.; Andrivon, D.; Lees, A.K. (2007) Eucablight – collating and analysing pathogenicity and resistance data on a European scale., Proceedings of Computer Aids for Plant Protection, Wageningen, Netherlands, 17-19 October 2006. Bulletin OEPP/EPPO 37, 383-390.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Williams, N.; Sullivan, L.; Taylor, M.A.; Shaw, D.S.; Bradshaw, N.J.; Bain, R.A. (2007) Survey of GB blight populations., EuroBlight Workshop, Bologna, Italy, 2-5 May 2007.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Gronbech-Hansen, J.; Lassen, P.; Andersson, B.; Bakonyi, J. (2007) Tracking P. infestans populations via molecular finger-printing and a comprehensive isolate database., EAPR Pathology Section Meeting, Hattula, Finland, 2-6 July 2007.
  • Zhan, J.; Lees, A.K.; Shaw, D.S.; Cooke, D.E.L. (2007) Temporal population genetic dynamics of Phytophthora infestans in Great Britian., EAPR Pathology Section Meeting, Hattula, Finland, 2-6 July 2007.
  • Lees, A.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Zhan, J. (2007) Tracking late blight in the field., EuroBlight Workshop, Bologna, Italy, 2-5 May 2007.

Conference posters / abstracts

  • Latorse, M.P.; Tarriotte Y.; Brozek V.; Yadjia H.; Veloso S.; Cooke, D.E.L.; (2011) Phytophthora infestans 13 A2, diagnostic and monitoring in 2009 and 2010., Proceedings of 13th Euroblight Workshop. Saint Petersburg, Russia, 9-12 October 2011. (Poster)
  • Graham, J.; Johnson, S.N.; Karley, A.J.; Mitchell, C.; Woodhead, M.; Brennan, R.M.; Cooke, D.E.L. (2011) How root and leaf traits of soft fruit help resist pest and pathogen attack., Fruit for the Future, Dundee, 14 July 2011. (Poster)
  • Chapman, A.; Cooke, L.R.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K. (2010) P. infestans: monitoring and implications of population changes., 12th Euroblight Meeting, Arras, France, 3-6 May 2010 (Poster).
  • Young, V.; Dolan, A.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Barker, H. (2007) Does Phytophthora Idaei pose a threat to the raspberry crop?., SCRI Website. SSCR Soft Fruit Event ‘Modern Soft Fruit Breeding/Industry – The Way Forward’, 2 November 2007 (Poster).
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Young, V.; Guy, D.C.; Duncan, J.M. (2003) Validation and exploitation of a PCR-based diagnostic for detecting Phytophthora in strawberry and raspberry., COST 836 Final Workshop. Ancona, 9-11 October 2003 (Poster).
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Young, V.; Duncan, J.M. (2003) The validation and exploitation of a PCR-based diagnostic test for detecting Phytophthora fragariae in strawberry and raspberry., Symposium on Raspberry, Cacak, Serbia and Montenegro, 28-30 October 2003 (Poster).
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Hussain, S.; Sullivan, L.; Williams, N.A.; Duncan, J.M. (2002) The development and use of co-dominant SNPs and SSRs in the study of gene flow in Scottish late blight populations., 7th International Mycological Congress, Oslo, 11-17 August 2002 (Abstract).
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Duncan, J.M.; Man in’t Veld, W.A.; Brasier, C.M. (2002) Evolutionary processes and genome organisation among emerging interspecific hybrids in Phytophthora species., 7th International Mycological Congress, Oslo, 11-17 August 2002 (Abstract).
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Birch, P.R.J.; Hussain, S.; Carnegie, S.; Duncan, J.M.; Gourlay, F.; Toth, R.; Young, V. (2002) Phytophthora infestans populations in Scotland: the implications of mixed mating types on potato late blight management., Late Blight: Managing the global threat, Proceedings of the Global Initiative on Late Blight (GILB) Conference, Hamburg, 11-13 July 2002 (Poster), 131.
  • Lees, A.K.; Hussain, S.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Duncan, J.M. (2002) The development of Phytophthora infestans specific primers and their use in epidemiological studies., Late Blight: Managing the global threat. Proceedings of the Global Initiative on Late Blight (GILB) Conference, Hamburg, 11-13 July 2002, 137 (Poster).
  • Mirabolfathy, D.; Ershad, D.; Alizadeh, A.; Duncan, J.M.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Williams, N.; Guy, D.C. (2001) The major species of Phytophthora causing gummosis of pistachio in Iran., Asian International Mycological Congress. Tehran, Iran, 17-20 September 2001 (Poster).

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