Professor of Plant Pathology

Purdue University
Botany and Plant Pathology, Lilly Hall
915 West State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2054

Office:  LILY 1-238
Phone:  (765) 494-4645
FAX:      (765) 494-0363
E-mail:   

Area: Soilborne Diseases - Etiology and management of soilborne diseases of melons

Perithecium and ascospores of Monosporascus cannonballus

Background

Ph.D., University of Florida, Plant Pathology

Martyn joined the Botany and Plant Pathology Department as Professor and Head in 1997. Prior to coming to Purdue, he spent 20 years at Texas A&M University. He has published over 100 scientific articles, including journal articles, book chapters and reviews, and technical publications. He has served as President of the Southern Division, American Phytopathological Society, and on the Plant Disesase Editorial Board. He has received several awards, including the Distinguished Teaching Award.

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Research Interests

My research has focused on soilborne diseases of watermelon and muskmelon, primarily Fusarium wilts and Monosporascus root rot/vine decline. Interests have been in the area of molecular evolution of pathogenic formae speciales and races of Fusarium oxysporum, and the biochemical and molecular aspects of systemic acquired resistance. I have described a new race of F. o. niveum (race 2) in the United States and co-released an improved PI line with resistance. The other disease studied is Monosporascus root rot/vine decline. This disease recently has become a limiting factor in melon production in several states and countries around the world. Together with my colleagues, we have developed a PCR-based detection method for this pathogen. We have also identified several dsRNA extra genetic elements that are responsible for fungal degeneration and transmissible hypovirulence. Research is underway to characterize these dsRNA with the ultimate goal of using them as a biological controls for Monosporascus root rot/vine decline. Due to administrative responsibilities as department head, my active research program has been shut down.

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Assistantships and Positions

Please contact me directly for information on assistantships and openings in my program. Follow these links for general information on graduate programs or employment announcements.

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Selected Publications

Martyn, R.D. 2007.  Late-season vine declines of melons: Pathological, cultural, or both?  2007. Acta Hort. 731:345-356.

Egel, D.S. and Martyn, R.D.  2007.  Fusarium wilt of watermelon and other cucurbits.  Plant Health Instructor. DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2007-0122-01.

Egel, D.S., Harikrishnan, R., and Martyn, R.D.  2005.  First report of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum race 2, causal agent of Fusarium wilt of watermelon, in Indiana.  Plant Dis. 89:108. 

Martyn, R.D. 2001. Plant Disease Lesson:  Monosporascus root rot and vine decline of melons.  Plant Health Instructor.  DOI: 10.1094/PHI-I-2002-0612-01.

Egel, D.S., Rane, K., Latin, R.X., and Martyn, R.D. 2000.  Mature watermelon vine decline: A disease of unknown etiology in Southwestern Indiana.  Plant Health Progress.  DOI: 10.1094/PHP-2000-2712-01-HN.

Batten, J.S., Lovic, B.R., Scholthof, K.-B., Miller, M.E., and Martyn, R.D.  2000. Potential for biocontrol of Monosporascus root rot / vine decline using hypovirulent strains of Monosporascus cannonballus. European J. Plant Pathol. 106:639-659.

Batten, J.S., Scholthof, K-B.G., Miller, M.E., and Martyn, R.D.  2000.  cDNA probes for detection of specific dsRNAs from the fungal pathogen, Monosporascus cannonballus.  J. Virol. Methods 84:209-215.

Miller, M.E., Martyn, R.D., and Bruton, B.D. 2000.  Muskmelon growth and yield in response to fumigation.  Acta. Hort. 510:179-185.

Gordon, T.R., and Martyn, R.D. 1997.  The evolutionary biology of Fusarium oxysporum.  Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 35:111-128.

Martyn, R.D., Batten, J.S., Park, Y.-J., and Miller, M.E.  1996.  First report of Monosporascus root rot/vine decline of watermelon in Mexico.  Plant Dis. 80:1430.

Martyn, R.D., and Miller, M.E.  1996.  Monosporascus root rot/vine decline: An emerging disease of melons world wide. Plant Dis. 80:716-725.