Educational Background
B.A., 1971, Loyola University,
Chicago, Illinois.
Research Interests
As coordinator of the MU
Extension Plant Nematology Lab, my interests are in applied nematology
research with an emphasis on soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera
glycines). SCN is the number one pathogen on soybean and causes
an estimated $1 billion in losses each year to US soybean producers.
I provide soybean cyst nematode egg counts and conduct HG type tests
for soybean producers around the state. The soybean cyst nematode
problem in the state of Missouri is still serious. Most farmers manage
the pest by using resistant soybean lines, however failure to rotate
the “source of resistance” selects for populations of
the nematode that can break resistance decreasing the effectiveness
of their commercial soybean lines. I’m interested in ways of
educating soybean producers in this area about soybean cyst nematode
and its serious effects on yield.
Research Experience
1979-1987, Lab Technician
with Dr. Victor Dropkin, University of Missouri
1988-2002, Senior Research
Technician with Dr. Terry Niblack, University of Missouri
2002-present, Coordinator,
Extension Plant Nematology Lab, University of Missouri
2003-present, Research
Specialist with Dr. Melissa G. Mitchum, University of Missouri
Publications
Heinz R. D.,
Sweets L., and Mitchum M.G. 2006. Planting soybean resistant to soybean
cyst nematode is a widespread practice: should producers still send
in soil samples? Integrated Pest & Crop Management Newsletter.
Vol. 16, No. 1.
Niblack T. L., Wrather
J. A., Heinz R. D., and Donald P. A. 2003. Distribution
and virulence phenotypes of Heterodera glycines in Missouri.
Plant Dis. 87:929-932.
Colgrove A. L., Smith G.
S., Wrather J. A., Heinz R. D., and Niblack T. L.
2002. Lack of predictable race shift in Heterodera glycines
– field plots. Plant Dis. 86:1101-1108.
Pike S. M., Heinz
R. D., Walk T., Jones C., Kraus G. A., Gassmann W., Novacky
A. J., and Niblack T. L. 2002. Is change in electrical potential or
pH a hatching signal for Heterodera glycines? Phytopathology
92:456-463.
Presentations
Heinz R.D.,
Sweets L., and M.G. Mitchum. 2005. SCN-Resistant Soybeans Offer a
False Sense of Security to Missouri Producers, Southern States Soybean
Disease Conference, Jackson, TN.
