Thomas Forge, Ph.D.

Applied Soil Ecology / Nematology
Current research and/or projects
General area of research is applied soil ecology, with an emphasis on: (1) Ecology and management of plant-parasitic nematodes; and (2) Integrated root health management for perennial horticulture crops.
Current projects:
- Impacts of plant-parasitic nematodes on perennial fruit production in British Columbia
- Comparative tolerance and resistance of new cherry and apple rootstocks to plant-parasitic nematodes
- Identification and distribution of plant-parasitic nematode species of concern to agriculture in western Canada
- Pre-plant soil and water management practices to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes and improve replant establishment of perennial fruit crops
- Interactive influences of organic amendments, mulches and alternative irrigation practices on nematode population dynamics in orchards and vineyards
Education and awards
- Ph.D. (Plant Pathology), University of Wisconsin-Madison
- B.Sc. (Biology), Kansas State University
Key publications
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Watson, T.T., Forge, T.A., Nelson, L.M. (2018). Pseudomonads contribute to regulation of Pratylenchus penetrans (Nematoda) populations on apple. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, [online] 64(11), 775-785. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2018-0040
2018 - View publication details
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Zasada, I., Peetz, A., Forge, T. (2017). Pratylenchus species associated with blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) and weed species in the Pacific North-west of North America. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, [online] 39(4), 497-502. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07060661.2017.1367724
2017 - View publication details
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Forney, C.F., S. Blatt, T. Forge, D. Neilsen, J.A. Cline, K.D. Munro Pennell and S.A.E. Fillmore. 2017. Rootstock effects on phloem amino acid composition: Role in aphid resistance. ASHS Annual Meeting Sept 19-22, 2017, Waikoloa, Hawaii, USA (abstract) https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2017/webprogramarchives/Paper26286.html
2017 - View publication details
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Watson, T.T., Nelson, L.M., Neilsen, D., Neilsen, G.H., Forge, T.A. (2017). Soil amendments influence Pratylenchus penetrans populations, beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms, and growth of newly planted sweet cherry. Applied Soil Ecology, [online] 117-118 212-220. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.04.014
2017 - View publication details
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Watson, T.T., Nelson, L.M., Neilsen, G.H., Neilsen, D., O'Gorman, D.T., and Forge, T.A. (2016). "Control of Pratylenchus penetrans on sweet cherry using organic soil amendments.", Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. (Abstract)
2016 - View publication details
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O'Gorman, D.T., Haag, P., Forge, T.A., and Urbez-Torres, J.R. (2016). "Identification and characterization of the fungal pathogens inhabiting the root zone of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.", Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. doi : 10.1080/07060661.2016.1139308 (Abstract)
2016 - View publication details
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O'Gorman, D.T., Haag, P., Urbez-Torres, J.R., Forge, T.A., Nelson, L.M., and Toivonen, P.M.A. (2016). Characterization and management of two cherry diseases in the Okanagan: cherry slip skin and cherry replant disease. AIP-ASP reporting: BC Cherry Growers Association/Summerland Varieties Corp - Interim Report, January 1,2016. (Report)
2016 - View publication details
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Forge, T.A., Neilsen, D., Neilsen, G.H., Hannam, K.D., Randall, P., and Wambold, L. (2016). "Water-conserving mulch and micro-irrigation practices affect assemblages of nematodes parasitizing winegrape in the Okanagan Valley.", Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology. (Abstract)
2016 - View publication details
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Lang, G., Blatt, S.E., Forge, T.A., Lordan, J., Neilsen, D., Reig, G., and Robinson, T. (2016). "Integrating Sweet Cherry Canopy Architectures and Rootstocks in Different Environments: the NC140 Trial Results from Michigan, New York, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.", XI International Symposium on Integrating Canopy, Rootstock and Environmental Physiology in Orchard Systems.
2016 - View publication details
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Neilsen, D., Neilsen, G.H., Forge, T. and Lang, G.A. 2016. Dwarfing rootstocks and training systems affect initial growth, cropping and nutrition in 'Skeena' sweet cherry. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 1130:199-206
2016 - View publication details
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Fentabil, M.M., Nichol, C.F., Neilsen, G.H., Hannam, K.D., Neilsen, D., Forge, T.A., Jones, M.D. (2016). Effect of micro-irrigation type, N-source and mulching on nitrous oxide emissions in a semi-arid climate: An assessment across two years in a Merlot grape vineyard. Agricultural Water Management, [online] 171 49-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2016.02.021
2016 - View publication details
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Forge, T., Kenney, E., Hashimoto, N., Neilsen, D., Zebarth, B. (2016). Compost and poultry manure as preplant soil amendments for red raspberry: Comparative effects on root lesion nematodes, soil quality and risk of nitrate leaching. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, [online] 223 48-58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2016.02.024
2016 - View publication details
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Hannam, K.D., Neilsen, G.H., Forge, T.A., Neilsen, D., Losso, I., Jones, M.D., Nichol, C., Fentabil, M.M. (2016). Irrigation practices, nutrient applications, and mulches affect soil nutrient dynamics in a young merlot (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyard. Canadian Journal of Soil Science, [online] 96(1), 23-36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjss-2014-0118
2016 - View publication details
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Hannam, K.D., Kehila, D., Millard, P., Midwood, A.J., Neilsen, D., Neilsen, G.H., Forge, T.A., Nichol, C., Jones, M.D. (2016). Bicarbonates in irrigation water contribute to carbonate formation and CO2 production in orchard soils under drip irrigation. Geoderma, [online] 266 120-126. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2015.12.015
2016 - View publication details
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Forge, T., Neilsen, G., Neilsen, D. (2016). Organically acceptable practices to improve replant success of temperate tree-fruit crops. Scientia Horticulturae, [online] 200 205-214. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2016.01.002
2016 - View publication details
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Wallace, B.M., Krzic, M., Newman, R.F., Forge, T.A., Broersma, K., Neilsen, G. (2016). Soil aggregate dynamics and plant community response after biosolids application in a semiarid grassland. Journal of Environmental Quality, [online] 45(5), 1663-1671. http://dx.doi.org/10.2134/jeq2016.01.0030
2016 - View publication details
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Zebarth, B.J., Ryan, M.C., Graham, G.L., Forge, T.A., and Neilsen, D. (2015). "Addressing groundwater nitrate contamination associated with intensive agricultural production systems: The Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer case study.", Internal Association of Hydrogeologists – Canadian National Chapter Annual Meeting, Waterloo, ON, Canada, October 27-30, 2015.
2015 - View publication details
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Neilsen, D., Neilsen, G.H., and Forge, T.A. (2015). "Precision nutrient and water management for irrigated woody perennial crops.", AAFC Science Day, July 9, 2015. (Presentation)
2015 - View publication details
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Watson, T.T., Nelson, L.M., Neilsen, D., Neilsen, G.H., O'Gorman, D.T., and Forge, T.A. (2015). "Control of Pratylenchus penetrans on sweet cherry using organic soil amendments.", Canadian Phytopathological Society BC. Regional Meetings, Abbotsford, BC, October 21, 2015. (Presentation)
2015 - View publication details
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Neilsen, D., Smith, C.A.S., Neilsen, G.H., and Forge, T.A. (2015). "Underlying Challenges and Issues in Adaptation Research.", Agriculture and Climate Change Adaptation Research Workshop, Kelowna, BC, December 10, 2015. (Abstract)
2015 - View publication details
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Contact
Research facility
Expertise
Affiliations
- Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, University of British Columbia-Okanagan
- Test Site Manager, AAFC Minor Use Pesticides Program
- Society of Nematologists
- Canadian Phytopathological Society
- American Phytopathological Society
- Soil Ecology Society
- BC Agricultural Climate Adaptation Research Network