David Cooke

Cell and Molecular Sciences

Research Leader

David.Cooke@hutton.ac.uk

+44 (0)1382 568831

The James Hutton Institute
Invergowrie
Dundee DD2 5DA
Scotland UK

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 [2] 2020-

Current research interests

Development and exploitation of genetic markers (SSR, 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 [3]). See data release on 2020 population "Results of the EuroBlight potato late blight monitoring in 2020 [4]" and maps [5].
Evolution and population genetics of the genus Phytophthora.
Use of eDNA metabarcoding to examine diversity of Phytophthora species in crops, forests and natural ecosystems. In current funding I am testing the technology for improved plant biosecurity and management of Phytophthora [6] in nurseries in the PHYTO-THREATS [7] project.
Soft fruit Phytophthora species: detection and control.
AHDB Potatoes funded projects: "Monitoring GB Phytophthora infestans population change 2019-21" and PhD "Improved potato late blight management using sophisticated models of pathogen infection and spread" which has released the Hutton Criteria [8] to replace the Smith Period.
Epidemiology and risks posed by Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae to managed gardens and heathland in Scotland. Full report [9] and extension report [10] on risks as a result of disease spread on larch are available. In addition a review on threats Phytophthora species pose to plant health in Scotland [11].