Simon Shamoun

Research Scientist

Research on Invasive Alien Species & Phytosanitary

Natural Resources Canada

Current research and/or projects

Biography:

My passion, interest, and career in forestry began during pursuing my undergraduate degree in Forest Sciences. Since then, I studied and conducted research in Forest Pathology and Biotechnology with special emphasis on wood products pathology and histopathology, molecular genetic diversity of the Fusiform Rust of southern pines, at North Carolina State University, and University of Arkansas, U.S.A., respectively. As a Research Scientist with the Forest Invasive Alien Species & Phytosanitary research program at the Canadian Forest Service in Victoria, my current research projects are focussed on the biology, molecular detection & identification, and development of mitigation tools for the Sudden Oak Death-Phytophthora ramorum, decay fungi (e.g., Heterobasidion spp.) associated with wood products, and emerging invasive alien forest pathogens with an objective to protecting both Canadian forest ecosystems and market access for Canadian wood products.

Research and/or project statements

Current Research Projects:

  • Conducts research on biology, epidemiology & development of mitigation tools for phytosanitary risk analysis and management of Sudden Oak Death (SOD) disease caused by Phytophthora ramorum
  • Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Genomics- development of PCR-DNA based diagnostic markers for Phytophthora ramorum & other Phytophthora spp.and molecular elucidation of Phytophthora ramorum pathogenicity via whole-genome sequencing “next generation sequencing” using Illumina technology
  • Development of PCR-DNA based molecular diagnostic markers for identification & differentiation of Heterobasidion spp. complex, including the North American species (H. irregulare & H. occidentale), European species (H. parviporum, H. abietinum, & H. annosum sensu stricto) & Asian species for certification of wood products and green logs for phytosanitary and international trade purposes.
  • Detection and molecular characterization of dsRNA “Mycoviruses” genetic elements in Heterobasidion species complex and their potential use as epidemiological markers & elucidation of their biological significance as biocontrol agents for management of Heterobasidion root & butt rot pathogen
  • Research interests in development & production of biological control agents for management of major invasive alien & indigenous forest pathogens
  • CFS Genomics – Seeing the forest through the genes
  • Phytophthora ramorum, the canker fungus-like organism causing "sudden oak death"
  • Forest Invasive Alien species

Education and awards

Degrees:

  • B.Sc. (Hons.) Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq, 1972
  • M.Sc. Forest Pathology and Biotechnology, North Carolina State University, 1980
  • Ph.D. Forest Pathology and Biotechnology, University of Arkansas, 1988

Additional links

Research Gate Profile

Key publications

  1. Elliott, M.; Shamoun, S.F.; Sumampong, G. 2015. Effects of systemic and contact fungicides on life stages and symptom expression of Phytophthora ramorum in vitro and in planta. Crop Protection 67: 136-144. doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2014.10.008 .
  2. Riedel, M.; Werres, S.; Elliott, M.; McKeever, K.; Shamoun, S.F. 2012. Histopathological investigations of the infection process and propagule development of Phytophthora ramorum on Rhododendron leaves. Forest Phytophthoras 2(1). doi:10.5399/osu/fp.2.1.3036.
  3. Ramsfield, T.D.; Shamoun, S.F.; van der Kamp, B.J. 2012. Histopathology of the endophytic system and aerial shoots of Arceuthobium americanum infected by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Botany 90(1): 1-7. doi:10.1139/b11-081.
  4. Bailey, K.; Derby, J.; Boyetchko, S.; Sawchyn, K.; Becker, E.M.; Sumampong, G.; Shamoun, S.F.; James, D.; Masri, S.; Varga, A. 2012. In vivo studies evaluating commercial biofungicide suppression of blight caused by Phytophthora ramorum in selected ornamentals. Biocontrol Science & Technology 22(11): 1268-1283. doi:10.1080/09583157.2012.724659 .
  5. James, D.; Varga, A.; Becker, E.M.; Sumampong, G.; Bailey, K.; Elliott, M.; Masri, S.; Shamoun, S.F. 2012. Screening several disinfectants to assess their efficacy in controlling mycelia growth, sporangia germination, and recovery of viable Phytophthora ramorum. Crop Protection 42: 186-192. doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2012.07.007 .

For more publications by this author, consult the CFS publications database.

Contact

Research facility

Pacific Forestry Centre
506 West Burnside Road
Victoria, BC V8Z 1M5
Canada

Expertise

Environment›Nature & Wildlife›Forestry›Forest invasive alien species

Affiliations

Affiliations: