Marian McEwan

Seed Pathologist

Telephone Number
+44(0)131 244 8879

 

Research Interests/Areas of expertise

  • All aspects of seed health testing, test method development for new/improved seed health tests including development of quantitative real-time PCR assays for seed-borne pathogens.
  • Testing for Mycotoxins on cereal seed and identification of causal Fusarium species.

Biography

  • I trained as a seed analyst while employed at Scottish Agricultural Industries (SAI).
  • I joined SASA in 1991 as a seed analyst in the Official Seed testing Station (OSTS). I obtained a BSc (hons) in Life Sciences. I moved on to become a seed technologist in the OSTS conducting research and development in seed health and in 2009 became the Seed Pathologist for the OSTS. I am responsible for delivering a seed health testing service, managing a small team of trained analysts, training in seed health and carrying out and research and development.
Publications
McEwan M, Langan T, Cockerell V.  2018.  Emergence and seedling loss due to Microdochium species on spring oats and barley after a cold period. Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2018. :157-162.
McEwan M, Langan T, Cockerell V.  2018.  Identification of the Microdochium species responsible for reducing seedling emergence in spring oat and barley seed in Scotland. Abstracts from 8th ISTA SHC Seed Health Symposium. :21.
Taylor J, Murray M, Lowe A, McEwan M, Havis ND.  2016.  Evaluating testing methods for Fusarium Head Blight. Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2016. :161-166.
McEwan M, Cockerell V.  2016.  Identification of the Microdochium species causing reduced seedling emergence in spring oat and barley seed. Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2016. :105-110.
Orgeur G, McEwan M, Chamaille A, Litou B, Larenaudie M, Andro C, Rolland M, Grimault V.  2015.  Validation of detection protocol of Phoma lingam on Brassicae seeds by blotter or media. PDF icon Validation of detection protocol of Phoma lingam on Brassicae seeds by blotter or media (1.29 MB)
McNeil M, Langan T, Cockerell V.  2014.  Update on the effect on establishment of spring barley and oats by Microdochium nivale and M. majus. Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2014. :113-118.
McNeil M, Mackie J, Cockerell V.  2012.  The effect of Microdochium nivale and M. majus on the establishment of spring barley and oats: evidence of host preference. Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2014. :187-192.
McNeil M, Cockerell V.  2009.  Relationship between seedling emergence in winter wheat and levels of Microdochium nivale DNA determined by real-time PCR. BCPC Symposium Proceedings No. 83: Seed Production and Treatment in a Changing Environment. :102-107.
Cockerell V, Jacks M, McNeil M.  2009.  Spring cereal seed infected with Microdochium nivale: cause for concern? BCPC Symposium Proceedings No. 83: Seed Production and Treatment in a Changing Environment. :95-101.
Roberts AMI, Theobald CM, McNeil M.  2007.  Calibration of Quantitative PCR Assays. Journal of Agricultural, Biological & Environmental Statistics. 12(3):364-378.
Cockerell V, Paveley ND, Clark WS, Thomas JE, Anthony S, McEwan M, Roberts AMI, Bates J, Law J, Kenyon DM et al..  2004.  Cereal seed health and seed treatment strategies: Exploiting new seed testing technology to optimise seed health decisions for wheat.
McNeil M, Roberts AMI, Cockerell V, Mulholland V.  2004.  Real-time PCR assay for quantification of Tilletia caries contamination of UK wheat seed. Plant Pathology. 53(6):741-750.
Cockerell V, McNeil M.  2004.  Using seed health testing results to make balanced seed management decisions. Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2004. :117-122.
Cockerell V, Mulholland V, McEwan M, Paveley ND, Clark WS, Anthony S, Thomas JE, Bates J, Kenyon DM.  2002.  Control of seed and soil-borne diseases: importance of seed health. HGCA R&D Conference 2002, Agronomic intelligence: the basis for profitable production. :3.1-3.11.
McEwan M, Mulholland V.  2002.  Development of molecular diagnostic assays for seed-borne pathogens of wheat. Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2002. :127-132.PDF icon Development of molecular diagnostic assays for seed-borne pathogens of wheat.pdf (99.53 KB)
Cockerell V, Mulholland V, McEwan M, Paveley ND, Clark WS, Anthony S, Thomas JE, Bates J, Kenyon DM, Taylor EJA.  2001.  Seed treatment according to need in winter wheat. BCPC Symposium Proceedings No. 76: Seed Treatment: Challenges and Opportunities. :111-116.
Mulholland V, McEwan M.  2000.  PCR-based diagnostics of Microdochium nivale and Tilletia caries infecting winter wheat seed. EPPO Bulletin. 30(3-4):543-547.
Mulholland V, McEwan M, Cockerell V.  1999.  Quantification of Microdochium nivale and Tilletia caries on winter wheat seed, using the PCR MIMIC technique. Proceedings of the 3rd International Seed Testing Association Plant Disease Committee, Seed Health Symposium . :86-90.