American Phytopathological Society

Potomac Division

January 28, 2005

Dear Colleagues,

     Plans are well underway for the next annual meeting of the Potomac Division of the American Phytopathological Society.  The program is filled with new and exciting sessions featuring three special SYMPOSIA entitled "Sudden Oak Death: East Coast Perspective", "Durable Resistance", and "Diagnostics in a Genomic Era"

     In addition, a special ROUNDTABLE WORKSHOP:  "Tricks of the Trade, Hints for Successful Molecular Methods Including Diagnostics" is being organized to provide a forum for Technical Support Staff to exchange key information on new technologies, as well as, how to obtain the best and reliable experimental results from established methods.  The short presentations by Support Staff individuals will also highlight critical steps that are not found in Materials and Methods sections of published papers.  This will be an opportunity for networking and learning in a unique kind of training session that will benefit the research programs in which all participants are involved.  The Workshop will be informal, encouraging discussion by all present.  Refreshments included. 

     Following a delicious banquet, Eric Erbe, Head of the Electron Microscopy Laboratory in Beltsville, will present a fascinating talk entitled "Agriculture, Snowflakes, and Avalanches:  Frontiers in Electron Microscopy".

     As in previous meetings, a highlight will be the Graduate Student Paper Competition of oral presentations, with cash awards for winners.

     The Local Arrangements Committee is planning another highlight, an EcoTour of Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore.

     The venue for our Division meeting is the ocean front Carousel Resort Hotel  in Ocean City, MD, where you will find excellent meeting rooms, a restaurant, an ice skating rink, indoor pool and spa, and fitness center. The room rates are very reasonable. Students are eligible to apply for Memorial Fund Travel Awards.

     It is my pleasure and privilege to extend this invitation for each of you to join your colleagues in Ocean City and share the wealth of plant pathology we have in the Potomac Division. 

     Please put the meeting dates of Wednesday, March 16, through Friday, March 18, 2005, on your calendar. 

     Attached are a brief summary Program and details for meeting and hotel registration and submission of abstract titles and full abstracts (see homepage).  Special, reduced Registration Fees are offered to Students, Emeritus members, and Technical Support Staff. 

     Please note that we are soliciting nominations for Secretary-Treasurer and Vice President of the Potomac Division.  If you are a member of the Potomac Division and would like to submit nominations for these offices please contact Dr. Bill Bruckart at 301/619-2846 (phone), 301/619-2880 (FAX), or wbruckart-at-naa.ars.usda.gov.

     Looking forward to your joining us for this exciting meeting,

     Bob Davis
     President, Potomac Division of the APS