Thomas Forge, Ph.D.

Research Scientist

Applied Soil Ecology / Nematology

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Summerland Research & Development Centre

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. 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

  19. 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

  20. 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

Contact

Research facility

Summerland Research and Development Centre
4200 Highway #97
Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0
Canada

Expertise

Agriculture›Nematology
Agriculture›Pathology›Plant pathology
Agriculture›Pest management›Minor use pesticides
Plant›Nematology›Cyst
Plant›Nematology›Vermiform

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

Language

English