Matthew Dickinson

Contact

• workRoom C32 Plant Sciences
  Sutton Bonington Campus
  Sutton Bonington
  Leicestershire
  LE12 5RD
  UK
• work0115 951 3236
• fax0115 951 3251
• matthew.dickinson@nottingham.ac.uk
• http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/~sbzpjs/

Research Summary

Research and Interests Current work in the group is focused on phytoplasma and virus diseases of plants and development & use of diagnostic methods for monitoring microbial populations. In… read more

Recent Publications

• NEJAT, N, VADAMALAI, G, SIJAM, K and DICKINSON, M, 2011. First Report Of Spiroplasma Citri (-Induced) Associated With Periwinkle Lethal Yellows In Southeast Asia
• FLINT, LJ, BOONHAM, N, TURNER, J, FOX, A and DICKINSON, M, 2011. Could viruses of wheat prevent supply meeting demand? In: American Phytopathological Society (APS)/International Plant Protection Congress(IPPS) Joint Meeting. S53-S53
• XU, JH, LINNING, R, FELLERS, J, DICKINSON, M, ZHU, WH, ANTONOV, I, JOLY, DL, DONALDSON, ME, EILAM, T, ANIKSTER, Y, BANKS, T, MUNRO, S, MAYO, M, WYNHOVEN, B, ALI, J, MOORE, R, MCCALLUM, B, BORODOVSKY, M, SAVILLE, B and BAKKEREN, G, 2011. Gene Discovery In Est Sequences From The Wheat Leaf Rust Fungus Puccinia Triticina Sexual Spores, Asexual Spores And Haustoria, Compared To Other Rust And Corn Smut Fungi Bmc Genomics. 12, -
• BEKELE, B, ABATE, E, ASEFA, A and DICKINSON, M, 2011. Incidence Of Potato Viruses And Bacterial Wilt Disease In The West Amhara Sub-Region Of Ethiopia Journal Of Plant Pathology. 93(1), 149-157

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Current Research

Research and Interests Current work in the group is focused on phytoplasma and virus diseases of plants and development & use of diagnostic methods for monitoring microbial populations. In phytoplasma work, Phil Swarbrick is a post-doctoral researcher working on a BBSRC-DFID project jointly with Joseph Nipah and Egya Ndede Yankey (Coconut Research Programme OPRI, CSIR, Sekondi, Ghana) on Cape St Paul wilt disease in Ghana (a coconut lethal yellowing-type disease). This work is investigating the possibility that phytoplasmas are transmitted through seed (Nipah et al. 2007), and examining the nature of resistance and tolerance to phytoplasmas in coconut. This project is aimed at improving the use of replanting programmes with resistant germplasm to combat coconut lethal yellowing type diseases and address the 'Millennium Development Goals' by reducing poverty in coconut growing communities of Ghana and worldwide. In addition, in Leverhulme / Royal Society Africa Award funded research and a collaboration with Neil Boonham and Jenny Tomlinson (Fera, York), we are developing methods for in-field phytoplasma diagnostics based on isothermal amplification methods. In other phytoplasma research, Melanie Tuffen is undertaking a University of Nottingham BBSRC-targeted priority PhD studentship to examine the molecular basis of phytoplasma diseases using Catharanthus rosea (Madagascan periwinkle) as a model system, and Berhanu Bekele Fiyssa is a visiting Rothamsted Fellow from Ethiopia (Sept 2009 - May 2010) working on diagnostics for detection of the papaya dieback phytoplasma, and investigations into identifying the potential vectors and alternate hosts. In other studies we are developing improved microbial diagnostic techniques and using some of these techniques to study microbial populations. Jenny Tomlinson is undertaking a PhD with us based at Fera, York, to develop improved nucleic acid based field testing techniques for plant pathogens. We also have projects involving the use of the T-RFLP technique to monitor changes in microbial (fungal and bacterial) communities. Sarah Deery is working on a Horticultural Development Council (HDC) funded project jointly with Tim O'Neill (ADAS, Boxworth) to monitor rhizosphere micro-organisms in protected tomato crops with the aim of improving our understanding and management of root diseases. Clement Gravouil is working on a joint project with Adrian Newton and Ingo Hein (SCRI) to examine multiple disease interactions on cereals and interactions with other crop environment organisms, and Giovanni Cafa is working on a joint project with Richard Thwaites (Fera, York) to develop T-RFLP for monitoring changes in microbial populations in recycled and stored water. To extend these diagnostic techniques further, Gary Devine has recently started a PhD (jointly with Neil Boonham, Fera) to develop Clondiag arrays for fungal diagnostics, whilst Linda Cholerton (jointly supervised with Steve Rossall and Rupert Fray), is working on developing biological control strategies for oil-seed rape. In virus research, Rose Souza-Richards is undertaking a DEFRA Plant Health Fellowship PhD (jointly with Neil Boonham and Adrian Fox, Fera) to further develop diagnostics for potato viruses, Kim Davie is working on a Potato Council-funded project at SASA, Edinburgh with Christophe Lacomme on potato virus Y, and Laura Flint is working on an HGCA-funded PhD primarily at York with Steve Parker, Neil Boonham and Adrian Fox (Fera) to study viruses of cereals in the UK. In addition to these research activities, I am a Senior Editor for the 'Journal of Plant Pathology', an editor for 'Pla

• NEJAT, N, VADAMALAI, G, SIJAM, K and DICKINSON, M, 2011. First Report Of Spiroplasma Citri (-Induced) Associated With Periwinkle Lethal Yellows In Southeast Asia
• FLINT, LJ, BOONHAM, N, TURNER, J, FOX, A and DICKINSON, M, 2011. Could viruses of wheat prevent supply meeting demand? In: American Phytopathological Society (APS)/International Plant Protection Congress(IPPS) Joint Meeting. S53-S53
• XU, JH, LINNING, R, FELLERS, J, DICKINSON, M, ZHU, WH, ANTONOV, I, JOLY, DL, DONALDSON, ME, EILAM, T, ANIKSTER, Y, BANKS, T, MUNRO, S, MAYO, M, WYNHOVEN, B, ALI, J, MOORE, R, MCCALLUM, B, BORODOVSKY, M, SAVILLE, B and BAKKEREN, G, 2011. Gene Discovery In Est Sequences From The Wheat Leaf Rust Fungus Puccinia Triticina Sexual Spores, Asexual Spores And Haustoria, Compared To Other Rust And Corn Smut Fungi Bmc Genomics. 12, -
• BEKELE, B, ABATE, E, ASEFA, A and DICKINSON, M, 2011. Incidence Of Potato Viruses And Bacterial Wilt Disease In The West Amhara Sub-Region Of Ethiopia Journal Of Plant Pathology. 93(1), 149-157
• BEKELE, B, HODGETTS, J, TOMLINSON, J, BOONHAM, N, NIKOLIC, P, SWARBRICK, P and DICKINSON, M, 2011. Use Of A Real-Time Lamp Isothermal Assay For Detecting 16Srii And Xii Phytoplasmas In Fruit And Weeds Of The Ethiopian Rift Valley Plant Pathology. 60(2), 345-355
• BEKELE, B, ABEYSINGHE, S, HOAT, TX, HODGETTS, J and DICKINSON, M, 2011. Development Of Specific Seca-Based Diagnostics For The 16Srxi And 16Srxiv Phytoplasmas Of The Gramineae Bulletin Of Insectology. 64, S15-S16
• HODGETTS, J, TOMLINSON, J, BOONHAM, N, GONZALEZ-MARTIN, I, NIKOLIC, P, SWARBRICK, P, YANKEY, EN and DICKINSON, M, 2011. Development Of Rapid In-Field Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (Lamp) Assays For Phytoplasmas Bulletin Of Insectology. 64, S41-S42
• YANKEY, EN, SWARBRICK, P, DICKINSON, M, TOMLINSON, J, BOONHAM, N, NIPAH, JO and QUAICOE, RN, 2011. Improving Molecular Diagnostics For The Detection Of Lethal Disease Phytoplasma Of Coconut In Ghana Bulletin Of Insectology. 64, S47-S48
• NEJAT, N, SIJAM, K, ABDULLAH, SNA, VADAMALAI, G, SIDEK, Z and DICKINSON, M, 2010. Development Of A Taqman Real-Time Pcr For Sensitive Detection Of The Novel Phytoplasma Associated With Coconut Yellow Decline In Malaysia Journal Of Plant Pathology. 92(3), 769-773
• TOMLINSON, JA, DICKINSON, MJ and BOONHAM, N, 2010. Detection Of Botrytis Cinerea By Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Letters In Applied Microbiology. 51(6), 650-657
• DICKINSON, M, 2010. Mobile Units Of Dna In Phytoplasma Genomes
• TOMLINSON, JA, DICKINSON, M, HOBDEN, E, ROBINSON, S, GILTRAP, PM and BOONHAM, N, 2010. A Five-Minute Dna Extraction Method For Expedited Detection Of Phytophthora Ramorum Following Prescreening Using Phytophthora Spp. Lateral Flow Devices Journal Of Microbiological Methods. 81(2), 116-120
• TOMLINSON, JA, BOONHAM, N and DICKINSON, M, 2010. Development And Evaluation Of A One-Hour Dna Extraction And Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay For Rapid Detection Of Phytoplasmas Plant Pathology. 59(3), 465-471
• NEJAT, N, SIJAM, K, ABDULLAH, SNA, VADAMALAI, G and DICKINSON, M, 2010. Molecular Characterization Of An Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Associated With Proliferation Of Periwinkle In Malaysia African Journal Of Biotechnology. 9(15), 2305-2315
• AKHTAR, KP, DICKINSON, M, HODGETTS, J, ABBAS, G, ASGHAR, MJ, SHAH, TM, ATTA, BM, AHMAD, M and HAQ, MA, 2010. The Phytoplasma Disease 'Mung Bean Phyllody' Is Now Present In Pakistan
• TOMLINSON, JA, DICKINSON, MJ and BOONHAM, N, 2010. Rapid Detection Of Phytophthora Ramorum And P. Kernoviae By Two-Minute Dna Extraction Followed By Isothermal Amplification And Amplicon Detection By Generic Lateral Flow Device Phytopathology. 100(2), 143-149
• HODGETTS, J., CHUQUILLANGUI, C., MULLER, G., AROCHA, Y., GAMARRA, D., PINILLOS, O., VELIT, E., LOZADA, P., BOA, E., BOONHAM, N., MUMFORD, R., BARKER, I. and DICKINSON, M., 2009. Surveys reveal the occurrence of phytoplasmas in plants at different geographical locations in Peru Annals of Applied Botany. (In Press.)
• YU, M., HODGETTS, J., ROSSALL, S. and DICKINSON, M., 2009. Using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) to monitor changes in fungal populations associated with plants Journal of Plant Pathology. (In Press.)
• NEJAT, N., SIJAM, K., ABDULLAH, S.N.A., VADAMALAI, G. and DICKINSON.M., 2009. Phytoplasmas associated with disease of coconut in Malaysia are from two different phylogenetic groups and occur in other plant species Plant Pathology. (In Press.)
• HODGETTS, J., BOONHAM, N., MUMFORD, R. and DICKINSON, M., 2009. A panel of real-time PCR assays for improved universal and group specific detection of phytoplasmas, based on the 23S rRNA gene Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 75, 2945-2950
• AKHTAR, KP, SHAH, TM, ATTA, BM, DICKINSON, M, HODGETTS, J, KHAN, RA, HAQ, MA and HAMEED, S, 2009. Symptomatology, Etiology And Transmission Of Chickpea Phyllody Disease In Pakistan Journal Of Plant Pathology. 91(3), 649-653
• AKHTAR, KP, SARWAR, G, DICKINSON, M, AHMAD, M, HAQ, MA, HAMEED, S AND IQBAL, MJ,, 2009. Sesame Phyllody Disease: Its Symptomatology, Etiology, And Transmission In Pakistan Sesame Phyllody Disease: Its Symptomatology, Etiology, And Transmission In Pakistan. 33(5), 477-486
• MAFIA, R. G., BARRETO, R. W., VANETTI, C. A., HODGETTS, J., DICKINSON, M. and ALFENAS, A. C., 2008. A phytoplasma associated with witches' broom disease of Tabebuia pentaphylla in Brazil PLANT PATHOLOGY. VOL 57(NUMBER 2), 365-365
• NEJAT, N., SIJAM, K., ABDULLAH, S.N.A., VADAMALAI, G. and DICKINSON, M., 2008. First report of a 16SrXIV, ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma cynodontis’ group phytoplasma associated with coconut yellow decline in Malaysia New Disease Reports. 17,
• HODGETTS, JENNIFER, BOONHAM, NEIL, MUMFORD, RICK, HARRISON, NIGEL and DICKINSON, MATTHEW, 2008. Phytoplasma phylogenetics based on analysis of secA and 23S rRNA gene sequences for improved resolution of candidate species of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma'. International journal of systematic and evolutionary microbiology. 58(Pt 8), 1826-37
• AKHTAR, K. P., DICKINSON, M., SARWAR, G., JAMIL, F. F. and HAQ, M. A., 2008. First report on the association of a 16SrII phytoplasma with sesame phyllody in Pakistan PLANT PATHOLOGY. VOL 57(NUMBER 4), 771-771
• AKHTAR, K. P., SHAH, T. M., ATTA, B. M., DICKINSON, M., JAMIL, F. F., HAQ, M. A., HAMEED, S. and IQBAL, M. J., 2008. Natural occurrence of phytoplasma associated with chickpea phyllody disease in Pakistan - a new record PLANT PATHOLOGY. VOL 57(NUMBER 4), 771-771
• HODGETTS, J., BALL, T., BOONHAM, N., MUMFORD, R. and DICKINSON, M., 2007. Use of terminal restriction fragment length olymorphism (T-RFLP) for identification of phytoplasmas in plants Plant Pathology. 56(3), 357-365
• NIPAH, J.O., JONES, P. and DICKINSON, M.J., 2007. Detection of lethal yellowing phytoplasma in embryos from coconut palms infected with Cape St Paul wilt disease in Ghana Plant Pathology. 56, 777–784
• MEAKIN, H. AND DICKINSON, M, 2007. Microbial contamination of ready-to-eat salad vegetables. Outlooks on Pest Management. 5, 225-227
• DICKINSON, M.J., 2007. The phytoplasmas. Outlooks on Pest Management. 18, 160-163
• HODGETTS J, HARRISON N, MUMFORD R, BOONHAM N AND DICKINSON M, 2007. Phylogenetic analysis of phytoplasmas based on sequences derived from the secA and 23S rDNA genes. Bulletin of Insectology. 60, 343-344
• NIPAH JO, JONES P, HODGETTS J, DICKINSON, M, 2007. Detection of phytoplasma DNA in embryos from coconut palms in Ghana, and kernels from maize in Peru. Bulletin of Insectology. 60, 385-386
• SEYMOUR, F.A., CRITTENDEN, P.D., DICKINSON, M.J., PAOLETTI, M., MONTIEL, D., CHO, L. and DYER, P.S., 2005. Breeding systems in the lichen-forming fungal genus <i>Cladonia</i> Fungal Genetics and Biology. 42(6), 554-563
• WARRINER, K., IBRAHIM, F., DICKINSON, M., WRIGHT, C. and WAITES, W. M., 2005. Seed decontamination as an intervention step for eliminating Escherichia coli on salad vegetables and herbs Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture. VOL 85(ISSU 13), 2307-2313
• ZHANG,R., DICKINSON,M.J. and PRYOR,A.J, 2004. The gene product specified by a double stranded RNA in the flax rust (Melampsora lini) is expressed during rust growth Virus Genes. 29(3), 297-301
• EGEA-GILABERT, C., DICKINSON, M. J., BILOTTI, G. and CANDELA, M. E., 2004. Isolation of Resistance Gene Analogs in Pepper Using Modified AFLPs Biologia Plantarum. VOL 47(NUMBER 1), 27-32
• ZHANG, L., MEAKIN, H. and DICKINSON, M., 2003. Isolation of genes expressed during compatible interactions between leaf rust (<i>Puccinia triticina</i>) and wheat using cDNA-AFLP Molecular Plant Pathology. 4(6), 469-477
• WARRINER, K., IBRAHIM, K., DICKINSON, K., WRIGHT, C. and WAITES, W.M., 2003. Interaction of <I>Escherichia coli</I> with Growing Salad Spinach Plants Journal of Food Protection. 66(10), 1790-1797
• WARRINER, K., SPANIOLAS, K., DICKINSON, K., WRIGHT, C. and WAITES, W.M., 2003. Internalization of bioluminescent <I>Escherichia coli </I> and <I>Salmonella</I> Montevideo in growing bean sprouts Journal of Applied Microbiology. 95, 719-727
• MONTIEL, D., DICKINSON, M.J., LEE, H.A., DYER, P.S., JEENES, D.J., ROBERTS, I.N., JAMES, S., FULLER, L.J., MATSUCHIMA, K. and ARCHER, D.B., 2003. Genetic differentiation of the <i>Aspergillus</i> section <i>Flavi</i> complex using AFLP fingerprints Mycological Research. 107(12), 1427-1434
• WARRINER, K., IBRAHIM, F., DICKINSON, F., WRIGHT, C. and WAITES, W., 2003. Internalisation of human pathogens within growing salad vegetables. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Reviews. 20, 117-134
• DICKINSON, M., 2003. Molecular Plant Pathology
• MASSAWE, F.J., DICKINSON, M., ROBERTS, J.A. and AZAM-ALI, S.N., 2002. Genetic diversity in bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) landraces revealed by AFLP markers Genome. 45(6), 1175-1180
• WOOD, H. M., DICKINSON, M. J., LUCAS, J. A. and DYER, P. S., 2001. Cloning of the CYP51 gene from the eyespot pathogen Tapesia yallundae indicates that resistance to the DMI fungicide prochloraz is not related to sequence changes in the gene encoding the target site enzyme FEMS Microbiology Letters. VOL 196(NUMBER 2), 183-187
• STEELE, K. A., HUMPHREYS, E., WELLINGS, C. R. and DICKINSON, M. J., 2001. Support for a stepwise mutation model for pathogen evolution in Australasian Puccinia striiformis f.sp.tritici by use of molecular markers Plant Pathology. VOL 50(PART 2), 174-180
• ZHANG, L. and DICKINSON, M., 2001. Fluorescence from rust fungi: a simple and effective method to monitor the dynamics of fungal growth in planta Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology. VOL 59(PART 3), 137-142
• WOOD,H.L., DYER,P.S., DICKINSON,M.J. and LUCAS,J., 2000. The genetics of prochloraz resistance in {ITapesia yallundae}. In: Millenium Postgraduate Symposium p10. British Mycological Society..
• MPUNAMI, A., TYMON, A., JONES, P. and DICKINSON, M. J., 2000. Identification of potential vectors of the coconut lethal disease phytoplasma Plant Pathology. VOL 49(PART 3), 355-361
• EGEA, C., DICKINSON, M.J., CANDELA, M. and CANDELA, M.E., 1999. B-1, 3-Glucanase isoenzymes and genes in resistant and susceptible pepper cultivars infected with Phytophthora capsici Physiologia Plantarum. 107, 312-318
• MPUNAMI, A. A., TYMON, A., JONES, P. and DICKINSON, M., 1999. Genetic diversity in the coconut lethal yellowing disease phytoplasmas of East Africa Plant Pathology. VOL 48(NUMBER 1), 109-114
• HASHIM, M., ROBERTS, J.A., ROSSALL, S. and DICKINSON, M.J., 1997. Leaflet abscission and phytoalexin production during the response of two faba bean breeding lines to Botorytis infection Plant Pathology. 46(6), 989-996
• MPUNAMI, A., JONES, P., DICKINSON, M., TYMON, A. and HARRISON, N., 1997. Detection of coconut lethal disease (LD) in Tanzania by use of DNA probes and PCR. In: Proceedings of <i>the International Lethal Yellowing Workshop</i>, Elmina, Ghana, 5-10th November 1995 205-218
• AKHTAR, KP, SARWAR, G, DICKINSON, M, AHMAD, M, HAQ, MA, HAMEED, S and IQBAL, MJ, Sesame Phyllody Disease: Its Symptomatology, Etiology, And Transmission In Pakistan Turkish Journal Of Agriculture And Forestry. 33(5), 477-486
• HODGETTS, J, CHUQUILLANGUI, C, MULLER, G, AROCHA, Y, GAMARRA, D, PINILLOS, O, VELIT, E, LOZADA, P, BOA, E, BOONHAM, N, MUMFORD, R, BARKER, I and DICKINSON, M, Surveys Reveal The Occurrence Of Phytoplasmas In Plants At Different Geographical Locations In Peru Annals Of Applied Biology. 155(1), 15-27