Alison Lees

Head of Dept. Cell & Molecular Sciences
Cell and Molecular Sciences
E: alison.lees@hutton.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)1382 568834
  Science Research Interests
  • Delivery of a research programme focusing on applied potato pathology, integrated pest management (IPM@Hutton) and translational science.
 
  • Late Blight IPM: informing management decisions and appropriate use of fungicides through a knowledge of pathogen phenotype and host resistance and use of disease forecasting models
 
  • Other research interests include potato rot and blemish pathogens, disease resistance testing, diagnostics and risk-assessment for soil-borne potato diseases.
 
  • Recent involvement in lettuce downy mildew research and provision of race characterisation testing to an industry consortium.

Research

Tools for Integrated Pest Management of potato diseases

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Previously Topic A Lead (Plant Health) & Project Lead ‘Integrated Crop Protection’ RESAS Strategic Research Programme 2022-27

IPM of potato late blight through improved in-field detection of Phytophthora infestans, appropriate use of fungicides and host resistance and alternatives to conventional pesticides.

Coordinator of the SusCrop ERA-NET Project ECOSOL: Eco-friendly solutions for the integrated management of late and early blight of potatoes’

A coordinator of Euroblight – A potato late blight Network for Europe.

DNA-based diagnostics to investigate the epidemiology of potato diseases and for disease risk assessment.

IPM of aerial oomycetes including Bremia lactucae on lettuce

Epidemiology and control of soil-borne potato diseases: black dot (Colletotrichum coccodes), powdery scab (Spongospora subterranea) and Rhizoctonia.

Other Activities  

Alison is a key staff member leading Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM) research at the James Hutton Institute.

Current secretary of the EAPR Council

Plant Pathology

 

Editor for Plant Pathology

Publications

Journals

Books / chapters

  • Lees, A.K.; Bittara, F.; Secor, G. (2019) Powdery scab of potato caused by Spongospora subterranea, In: Campos, H., Ortiz, O. (eds.) The Potato Crop – Its Agricultural, Nutritional and Social Contribution to Humankind. Springer
  • Lees, A.K. (2018) Fungal diseases affecting potato storage, In: Wale, S. (ed.) Achieving Sustainable Cultivation of Potatoes: Volume 2: Production and Storage, Production and Sustainability. Cambridge, Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Ltd., 179-185
  • Colon, L.T.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Gronbech-Hansen, J.; Lassen, P.; Andrivon, D.; Hermansen, A.; Zimnoch-Guzowska, E.; Lees, A.K. (2005) Eucablight: a late blight network for Europe., In: Haverkort, A.J. and Struik, P.C (eds.). Potato in Progress: Science Meets Practice. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, pp290-297
  • Kerby, N.W.; Dale, M.F.B.; Lees, A.K.; Taylor, M.A.; Bradshaw, J.E. (2005) Breeding and diagnostic developments for better storage of potatoes to meet future industry needs., In: Potato in Progress: Science Meets Practice (eds. Haverkort, A.J. and Struik, P.C.), Wageningen Academic Publishers, Wageningen, pp76-85. (Proceedings of the Potato 2005 Congress, Emmeloord, Netherlands, 5-7 September 2005.)
  • Parry D.W.; Pettitt T.R.; Jenkinson P.; Lees A.K. (1994) The cereal fusarium complex., In: Blakeman, J.P. & Williamson, B. (eds.). Ecology of Plant Pathogens. CABI, Wallingford, pp301-320.

Technical / contract reports

  • Cooke, D.; Lees, A. (2021) Population monitoring and fungicide sensitivity testing of Phytophthora infestans across GB 201921 Project annual report for 201920, AHDB Research Report.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Chapman, A.; Cooke, L.R.; Bain, R. (2014) GB Late Blight Populations: monitoring and implications of population changes. Reporting Period 2009-2012., Potato Council Final Report (R423), 94pp.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Chapman, A.; Cooke, L.R.; Bain, R. (2014) GB Late blight populations: monitoring and implications of population changes., Potato Council Final Report, R423.
  • Lees, A.; Cooke, D,.E.L.; Toth, I.; Dolan, A.; SRUC; Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. (2014) Scottish Government Plant Health Workshop., Rapporteur, Scottish Government Plant Health Workshop, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, 8 December 2014.
  • Brierley, J.L.; Lees, A. (2012) International diagnostics collaboration: informing management of potato diseases through epidemiology and diagnostics., R422 Final Report. Potato Council Ltd, Stoneleigh.
  • Carnegie, S.F.; Campbell, H.; Heaton, K.; Wale, S.; Davey, T.; Roberts, A.M.I.; Kirkwood, M.; Lees, A.K. (2010) Research project report: Independent variety trials 2009., Potato Council Ltd., Stoneleigh, Report No 2010/12, 41pp.
  • Wale, S.; Lees, A.K.; Peters, J.; Brierley, J.L.; Woodhall, J.W.; Davey, T. (2010) Final report: Extending the scope of modern potato diagnostics and their interpretation., Potato Council Ltd, Stoneleigh.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Shaw, D.S.; Bain, R.; Ritchie, F.; Taylor, M. (2010) Final report: Survey of GB blight populations., Potato Council, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
  • Torrance, L.; Toth, I.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Fenton, B.; Blok, V.C.; Lees, A.K. (2010) Risks of new or emerging pests and pathogens posed by environmental change., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2009, pp14-17.
  • Lees, A.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Fenton, B.; Newton, A.C. (2010) Understanding pathogen biodiversity as a key to controlling crop diseases., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2009, pp24-25.
  • Wale, S.; Hilton, A.; Lees, A.K.; Brierley, J.L.; Peters, J.; Gladders, P.; Bradshaw, N. (2008) Developing effective integrated control measures for the control of black dot., R249 Final Report. Potato Council Ltd, Stoneleigh.
  • Brierley, J.L.; Lees, A.; Hilton, A.; Wale, S.; Peters, J.; Elphinstone, J.; Boonham, N. (2008) Improving decision making for the management of potato diseases using real-time diagnostics., R253 Final Report, Potato Council Ltd, Stoneleigh.
  • Brierley, J.L.; Lees, A.K.; Wale, S.; (2008) Powdery scab: strains and conducive conditions. A review of literature and other sources of information., Research Review, Potato Council Ltd., Stoneleigh, 43pp.
  • Lees, A.K.; Brierley, J.L.; Stewart, J.A.; Sullivan, L.; Cullen, D.W. (2006) Molecular diagnostics: quantitative tools for investigating potato pathogens., Annual Report of the Scottish Crop Research Institute for 2006, pp26-27.

Conference papers

  • Paveley, N.; Young, C.; Fraaije, B.; van den Bosch, F.; Kildea, S.; Burnett, F.; Havis, N.; Lees, A.; Lynott, J.; Bain, R.; Corkley, I.; Ritchie, F. (2023) Choice of resistance management tactics: how flexible should we be?, Reinhardsbrunn Symposium 2023, 24-27 April 2023, Friedrichroda, Germany
  • Cooke, D.; Lees, A.; Kessel, G.; Andrivon, D.; Hansen, J.G. (2021) Mitigating the impact of the evolving population of Phytophthora infestans on potato late blight management, Presentation at BSPP ‘Our Plants Our future’ conference. Edgbaston, UK, Dec 6-8 2021.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lynott, L.; Sullivan, L.; Skelsey, P.; Torro-Galiana, A.; Lees, A.K. (2020) Integrated potato late blight management in response to an evolving pathogen population., Proceedings, The Dundee Conference: Crop Protection in Northern Britain, Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee, 25-26 February 2020, pp205-210.
  • Ritchie, F.; Paveley, N.; Carolan, K.; Lees, A.L.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Bain, R.; van den Bosch, F. (2019) Integrated control to manage pathogen evolution., Proceedings of The 17th EuroBlight Workshop, York, UK, 12-15 May 2019. WUR -Special Report No 19, 2019, pp79-86.
  • Ritchie, F.; Paveley, N.D.; Carolan, K.; Lees, A.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Bain, R.A.; Van den Bosch, T.B.M. (2019) Integrated control to manage pathogen evolution., The 17th EuroBlight Workshop, York, UK, 12-15 May 2019. (Presentation)
  • Andrivon, D.; Puidet, B.; Kiiker, R.; Wilk, N.; Mabon, R.; Guibert, M.; Le, V.H.; Heikemo, H.; Hansen, J.G.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Aurousseau, F.; Corbiere, R.; Deweigenaere, P.; Saubeau, G.; Chatot, C.; Schepers, H.T.A.M.; Evenhuis, A.; Lucca, F.; Kessel, G.J.T. (2019) Phenotypic traits of the new Phytophthora infestans genotypes expanding in Europe., The 17th EuroBlight Workshop, York, UK, 12-15 May 2019. Powerpoint presentation, 16 slides.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Hansen, J.G.; Lassen, P.; Sanmohan, B.; Lees, A.K.; Kessel, G.J.T. (2018) Tracking populations of Phytophthora infestans from field to continent via the EuroBlight database., Invited speaker at International Congress of Plant Pathology, Boston, USA, 28 July – 3 August 2018.
  • Brierley, J.L.; Sullivan L.; Lynott, J.L.; Lees, A.K. (2018) Predictive diagnostics for soil-borne diseases of potato: an essential component of IPM., Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2018: The Dundee Conference, Environmental Management and Crop Production, Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee, 27-28 February 2018. Conference Proceedings, pp267-270.
  • Toth, I.K.; Lees, A.; Neilson, R.; Brierley, J.; Bienkowski, D. (2018) Research on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for potato., Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2018: The Dundee Conference, Environmental Management and Crop Production, Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee, 27-28 February 2018. Conference Proceedings, pp187-192.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Hansen, J.G.; Lassen, P.; Lees, A.K.; Kessel, G.J.T. (2018) The Euroblight approach to pathogen monitoring to tackle the global challenge of potato late blight management., 10th World Potato Congress, Biodiversity, Food Security, and Business, Cusco, Peru, 27-31 May 2018. Invited presentation.
  • Cooke, D.E.; Randall, E.; Sullivan, L.; Lees, A.K. (2018) The origins and implications of a novel population of Phytophthora infestans on potato crops in Scotland., Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2018: The Dundee Conference, Environmental Management and Crop Production, Apex City Quay Hotel, Dundee, 27-28 February 2018. Conference Proceedings, pp203-208.
  • Andrivon, D.; Hansen, J.G.; Runno-Paurson, E.; Eikemo, H.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Gaucher, D.; Glorvigen, B.; Barbary, A.; Aurousseau, F.; Corbiere, R.; Mabon, R.; Le, V.H.; Chatot, C. (2017) IPMBlight 2.0: using pathogen population information to improve late blight control., Presentation, EAPR 20th Triennial Conference Versailles, France, 9-14 July 2017.
  • Lees, A.K.; Brierley, J.L.; Roberts A.G. (2017) Summary of powdery scab research in Scotland: investigations of infection of potato by Spongospora subterranea and host resistance., Proceedings of the 3rd International Powdery Scab Workshop, Einsiedeln, Switzerland, 18-21 July 2016. Potato Research 60, 205-207.
  • Hansen, J.G.; Lassen, P.; Roer Hjelkrem, A-G.; Eikemo, H.; Cucak, M.; Lees, A.; Gaucher, D.; Chatot, C.; Kessel, G. (2017) Integration of pathogen and host resistance information in existing DSSs – introducing the IPMBlight2.0 approach., In: Schepers, H.T.A.M. (ed.). Proceedings of the 16th Euroblight Workshop, Aarhus, Denmark, 14-17 May 2017. PAGV Special Report No.18, 147-158.
  • Ritchie, F.; Bain, R.; Lees, A.; Boor, T.; Paveley, N. (2017) Predicting the combined efficacy of host resistance and fungicides., In: Schepers, H.T.A.M. (ed.). Proceedings of the 16th Euroblight Workshop, Aarhus, Denmark, 14-17 May 2017. PAGV Special Report No.18, 139-146.
  • Andrivon, D.; Corbiere, R.; Hansen, J.G.; Eikemo, H.; Puidet, B.; Gaucher, D.; Chatot, C.; Aurousseau, F.; Barbary, A.; Glorvigen, B.; Lees, A.; Cooke, D.E.L. (2017) IPMBlight2.0 : using pathogen population information to improve late blight control., In: Schepers, H.T.A.M. (ed.). Proceedings of the 16th Euroblight Workshop, Aarhus, Denmark, 14-17 May 2017. PAGV Special Report No.18, 33-38.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Skelsey, P.; Dancey, S.; Randall, E.; Sullivan, L.; Lees, A.K. (2016) Potato late blight research update; populations, primary inoculum and predictions., The Dundee Conference: Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2016, Dundee, 23-24 February 2016, pp211-216.
  • Brierley, J.; Sullivan, L.; Lynott, J.; Lees, A. (2016) The effect of increased soil organic matter on severity of disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG3 on potato., The Dundee Conference: Proceedings of Crop Protection in Northern Britain 2016, Dundee, 23-24 February 2016, pp 267-272.
  • Hansen, J.G.; Andersson, B.; Sjoholm, L.; Liljeroth, E.; Edin, E.; Bain, R.A.; Lees, A.; Ritchie, F.; Kildea, S.; Cooke, L.; Young, G.; Filippov, A.; Hannukkala, A.; Hausladen, H.; Hausvater, E.; Hermansen, A.; Naerstad, R.; Kapsa, J.; Runno-Paurson, E.; Koppel, M.; Musa, T.; Gulbis, G.; Ronis, A. (2015) Epidemics and control of early & late blight, 2013 & 2014 in Europe., Proceedings of the 15th Euroblight Workshop, Brasov, Romania, 13-15 May 2015. PPO Special Report No.17, Wageningen DLO Foundation, pp11-30.
  • Ritchie, F.; Bain, R.A.; Lees, A.K.; Dyer, C. (2014) Evaluating cultivar-based integrated control with reduced fungicide inputs for the control of potato late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, in the UK., Proceedings Crop Protection in Southern Britain: Precision Decisions for Profitable Cropping, Peterborough, UK, 25-26 November 2014. Association of Applied Biologists, 127, 71-76.
  • Lahuf, A.A.; Lees, A.K.; Torrance, L.; Roberts, A.G. (2014) Identification of sources of resistance to potato mop-top virus and its vector Spongospora subterranea., Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain, Environmental Management and Crop Protection, West Park Conference Centre, Dundee, 25-26 February 2014, pp277-283.
  • Bain, R.A.; Ritchie, F.; Lees, A.K.; Dyer, C. (2014) Practical Lessons for Northern Britain from a three-year feasibility study of cultivar resistance-based integrated control of potato blight (P. infestans)., Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain
  • Lahuf, A.A.; Lees, A.K.; Torrance, L.; Roberts, A.G. (2014) Identification sources of resistance to Potato mop-top virus and its vector Spongospora subterranea., Crop Protection in Northern Britain, Environmental Management and Crop Protection, West Park Conference Centre, Dundee, 25-26 February 2014.
  • Brierley, J.; Lynott, J.; Sullivan, L.; Hawes, C.; Lees, A. (2014) Introduction and persistence of seed and soil-borne potato pathogens within a rotation., Proceedings Crop Protection in Northern Britain, Environmental Management and Crop Protection, West Park Conference Centre, Dundee, 25-26 February 2014.
  • Brierley, J.; Lynott, J.; Sullivan, L.; Hawes, C.; Lees, A. (2014) Introduction and persistence of seed and soil-borne potato pathogens., Crop Protection in Northern Britain, Environmental Management and Crop Protection, West Park Conference Centre, Dundee, 25-26 February 2014.
  • Hansen, J.G.; Andersson, B.; Bain, R.A.; Lees, A.; Ritchie, F.; Kildea, S.; Cooke, L.; Young, G.; Filippov, A.; Hannukkala, A.; Hausladen, H.; Hausvater, E.; Heldak, J.; Vrabcek, P.; Hermansen, A.; Naerstad, R.; Kapsa, J.; Koppel, M.; Musa, T.; Gulbis, G.; Ronis, A.; Schepers, H.; Vogelaar, K.; Vanhaverbeke, P.; Kanetis, L. (2013) The development and control of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) in Europe in 2012., Proceedings of the 14th Euroblight Workshop, Limassol, Cyprus, 12-15 May 2013. PPO Special Report No. 16, pp11-26.
  • Bain, R.A.; Convery, C.; Lees, A.K.; Schepers, H.T.A.M. (2013) Tuber blight in relation to Phytophthora infestans genotype., Proceedings of the Fourteenth EuroBlight Workshop, Limassol, Cyprus, 12-15 May 2013.
  • Bain, R.A.; Ritchie, F.; Lees, A.K.; Dyer, C.; Schepers, H.T.A.M. (2013) Impact of fungicide input on leaf blight (Phytophthora infestans) development on different potato cultivars., Proceedings of the Fourteenth EuroBlight Workshop, Limassol, Cyprus, 12-15 May 2013.
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K.; Lassen, P.; Hansen, J.G. (2012) Making sense of Phytophthora infestans diversity at national and international scales., Proceedings of 13th EuroBlight Workshop, St Petersburg, Russia, 9-12 October 2011.
  • Chapman, A.; Lees, A.K.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Cooke, L.R. (2012) Competition between genotypes of Phytophthora infestans., Proceedings of 13th Euroblight Workshop. St Petersburg, Russia, 9-12 October 2011.

Conference posters / abstracts

  • Lees, A.K (2023) Plant Health Projects, Potatoes in Practice, 10 August 2023, Dundee
  • Lees, A.; Lynott, J.S. (2023) Fluazinam and Metalaxyl sensitivity in P infestans, Potatoes in Practice, 10 August 2023, Dundee
  • Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.; Kessel, G.; Andrivon, D.; Lassen, P.; Hansen, J.G. (2018) Understanding Phytophthora infestans populations at local and global scales., Phytopathology, 108, S1.263. Abstract.
  • Skelsey, P.; Lees, A.; Torrance, L. (2017) Blightsense: Development of a rapid biosensor system for in-field detection of Phytophthora infestans., In: Schepers, H.T.A.M. (ed.). Proceedings of the 16th Euroblight Workshop, Aarhus, Denmark, 14-17 May 2017. PAGV Special Report No.18, 239. (Poster)
  • Carolan, K.; Bain, R.; Lees, A.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Ritchie, F.; Paveley, N.; van den Bosch, F. (2017) To make cultivar resistance durable spray fungicide., In: Schepers, H.T.A.M. (ed.). Proceedings of the 16th Euroblight Workshop, Aarhus, Denmark, 14-17 May 2017. PAGV Special Report No.18, 237. (Poster)
  • Lees, A.; Skelsey, P.; Cooke, D.E.L. (2017) Smartspray: Optimised detection and control of potato blight: sensing pathogens to inform smart spray decisions., In: Schepers, H.T.A.M. (ed.). Proceedings of the 16th Euroblight Workshop, Aarhus, Denmark, 14-17 May 2017. PAGV Special Report No.18, 235. (Poster)
  • Roberts, A.G.; Tillemans, V.; Chapman, S.; McGeachy, K.; Torrance, L.; Brierley, J.L.; Lees, A.K. (2017) New insights into the lifecycle of Spongospora subterranea: a microscope study., In: Proceedings of the 3rd International Powdery Scab Workshop, Einsiedeln, Switzerland, 18-21 July 2016. Potato Research 60, 200-201. Abstract.
  • Lees, A.; Cooke, D.; Dancey, S.; Skelsey, P. (2017) Potato late blight: tools for integrated pest management., Potato Late Blight: Tools for Integrated Pest Management. Proceedings of AAB Conference ‘Advances in IPM’, Harper Adams 26-27 September 2017.
  • Bienkowski, D.; Lees, A.K.; Gallagher, C.; Neilson, R. (2016) In-field detection of potato disease can analysis of UAV imaging differentiate between crop stresses?, European Association for Potato Research Pathology & Pests Section Meeting, Dundee, 7-11 August 2016.
  • Schepers, H.T.A.M.; Lees A.K.; Hansen J.G. (2016) Best Agricultural practices and chemical control of potato late blight in Europe., Compendio de Resúmenes XXVII Congreso Asociación Latinoamericana de la Papa (ALAP), Panama City, 22-26 August 2016.
  • Lahuf, A.A.; Lees, A.K.; Torrance, L.; Roberts, A.G. (2014) Identification sources of resistance to potato mop-top virus and its vector Spongospora subterranea., Crop Protection in Northern Britain, Environmental Management and Crop Protection, West Park Conference Centre, Dundee, 25-26 February 2014.
  • Lees, A.; Brierley, J. (2013) Predicting soil-borne disease as a tool for management., 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.
  • Lahuf, A.A.; Sullivan, .L.; Lees, A.; Torrance, L.; Roberts, A.G. (2013) New genetic sources of resistance to potato mop-top virus and its vector Spongospora subterranea., International Advances in Plant Virology Conference, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, 25-27 September 2013. Poster session.
  • Brierley, J.L.; Lees, A.K.; Sullivan, L.; Wale, S.; Kiezebrink, D. (2012) The effect of Spongospora subterranea soil inoculum levels on powdery scab., 8th World Potato Congress, Edinburgh, 27 May 2012 (Poster).
  • Lees, A.K.; Brierley, J.L.; Sullivan, L. (2011) Is there any relationship between level of S. subterranea inoculum and disease?, Proceedings of the 2011 Powdery Scab Workshop, Zurich, Switzerland. August 2011.
  • Stroud, G.P.; Harper, J.; Wale, S.; Lees, A.K.; Brierley, J.L.; Peters, J.C. (2010) Post-harvest development of black dot (Colletotrichum coccodes) on potato., EAPR Pathology Section Meeting, Carlow Ireland, 13-16 September 2010 (Abstract).
  • Peters, J.C.; Woodhall, J.W.; Brierley, J.L.; Wale, S.; Lees, A.K. (2010) Spatial distribution of soil-borne pathogens to inform disease risk prediction., EAPR Pathology Section Meeting, Carlow Ireland, 13-16 September 2010 (Abstract).
  • Lees, A.K.; Carnegie, S.F.; Shaw, D.S.; Bain, R.A. (2010) The effect of P. infestans population changes on host resistance ratings., 12th EuroBlight Workshop, Arras, France, 3-6 May 2010 (Poster).
  • Chapman, A.; Cooke, L.R.; Cooke, D.E.L.; Lees, A.K. (2010) P. infestans: monitoring and implications of population changes., 12th Euroblight Meeting, Arras, France, 3-6 May 2010 (Poster).
  • Gopalakrishnan, V.; Lees, A.K.; Torrance, L.; Roberts, A.G. (2009) Acquisition and transmission of PMTV by Spongospora subterranea., Association of Applied Biologists. Potatoes: Viruses and their Vectors, SASA, Edinburgh, 16 September 2009 (Poster).