Person

Ernest C Bernard

Institute Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology

Specialization: Nematology & Soil Zoology

Overview

I've been a member of the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department since 1977, initially hired by Dr. Carroll Southards right after graduate school. Raised in Detroit, my early passion for nature led me to Michigan State University where I earned my B.S. in 1972 and M.S. in 1974. Under the late C. W. Laughlin, I pursued my M.S. studies.

Continuing in nematology at the University of Georgia, I earned my Ph.D. in 1977 under Richard S. Hussey, focusing on nematicide movement in soil and population dynamics of cotton nematodes. Throughout my tenure at Tennessee, I've concentrated on root-knot nematode management, nematode community structures in nurseries and annual crops, as well as nematode systematics.

I've also dedicated significant effort to the taxonomy of Collembola and Protura. My achievements owe much to the outstanding graduate students I've had the privilege to work with. Their successes bring me immense satisfaction.

My extensive training in entomology, plant pathology, and nematology enables me to contribute to various courses in the department. Additionally, I've been deeply involved in scientific editing, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Nematology, and as an editor for Zootaxa. I'm honored to be a Fellow of the Society of Nematologists and was named the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumnus in Entomology in 2018.

Research Focus

My research interests are extremely broad-based; however, my main focus is on the taxonomy and community composition of soil micro- and mesofauna, with emphasis on nematodes, springtails (Collembola) and Protura.

Teaching Focus

I'm dedicated to nurturing students' growth and ensuring their ultimate success through offering guidance, correction, and meaningful rewards to drive their progress forward.

Research Questions
  • Biodiversity of nematodes, Collembola, and Protura.
  • Effects of forest and grassland disturbance on nematode communities
  • Potential of root-knot nematodes to parasitize fiber and CBD varieties of Cannabis sativa (hemp)
  • Occurrence and identification of plant-parasitic nematodes on commercial crops in Tennessee
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
EPP 313 - Introductory Plant Pathology
3 credit hour(s)

Introduction to the microorganisms and environmental conditions causing disease in plants. Biology of pathogens, host-pathogen interactions, and disease development and principles of control.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and 1 lab.

Other Instructors: Kariyawasam, Gayan Kanishka

EPP 520 - Nematology
3 credit hour(s)

Survey of the phylum Nematoda, including free-living, insect-parasitic, vertebrate-parasitic, and plant-parasitic groups. Emphases will be on identification, collecting methodologies, economic importance, and applications to pest management and soil health.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lectures and 2 hours lab.
Recommended Background: 8 hours of biology.

EPP 531 - Special Problems in Entomology, Nematology and Plant Pathology
1 - 3 credit hours

Comprehensive individual study of current problems.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.

Other Instructors: Trigiano, Robert N | Hajimorad, Reza | Shirsekar, Gautam

EPP 548 - Taxonomy of Adult Insects
4 credit hour(s)

Classification, phylogeny, and distribution of insects and related arthropods. Lectures on theory and practice of insect systematics and major features of insect evolution. Laboratory practice on methods of collection, preservation, and study of insects, with emphasis on order and family identification of adults. Substantial insect collection, one or more field trips, and a taxonomically oriented project required.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and 4 hours lab.

Other Instructors: Moulton, Kevin

FYS 129 - Special Topics Seminar
1 credit hour(s)

In these seminars, students will engage in active and experiential learning with UT faculty. All special topics are small seminars designed to encourage the exchange of ideas between professors and students. For a current list of course topics consult http://fys.utk.edu/fys129/.
Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.

Other Instructors: Grant, Jerome F

Picture of Ernest C Bernard
155 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Pathology/Nematology, University of Georgia, 1977

Ernest C Bernard

Institute Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology
Picture of Ernest C Bernard image
155 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4560
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Pathology/Nematology, University of Georgia, 1977
Overview

I've been a member of the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department since 1977, initially hired by Dr. Carroll Southards right after graduate school. Raised in Detroit, my early passion for nature led me to Michigan State University where I earned my B.S. in 1972 and M.S. in 1974. Under the late C. W. Laughlin, I pursued my M.S. studies.

Continuing in nematology at the University of Georgia, I earned my Ph.D. in 1977 under Richard S. Hussey, focusing on nematicide movement in soil and population dynamics of cotton nematodes. Throughout my tenure at Tennessee, I've concentrated on root-knot nematode management, nematode community structures in nurseries and annual crops, as well as nematode systematics.

I've also dedicated significant effort to the taxonomy of Collembola and Protura. My achievements owe much to the outstanding graduate students I've had the privilege to work with. Their successes bring me immense satisfaction.

My extensive training in entomology, plant pathology, and nematology enables me to contribute to various courses in the department. Additionally, I've been deeply involved in scientific editing, serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Nematology, and as an editor for Zootaxa. I'm honored to be a Fellow of the Society of Nematologists and was named the Michigan State University Distinguished Alumnus in Entomology in 2018.

Research Focus

My research interests are extremely broad-based; however, my main focus is on the taxonomy and community composition of soil micro- and mesofauna, with emphasis on nematodes, springtails (Collembola) and Protura.

Teaching Focus

I'm dedicated to nurturing students' growth and ensuring their ultimate success through offering guidance, correction, and meaningful rewards to drive their progress forward.

Research Questions
  • Biodiversity of nematodes, Collembola, and Protura.
  • Effects of forest and grassland disturbance on nematode communities
  • Potential of root-knot nematodes to parasitize fiber and CBD varieties of Cannabis sativa (hemp)
  • Occurrence and identification of plant-parasitic nematodes on commercial crops in Tennessee
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
EPP 313 - Introductory Plant Pathology
3 credit hour(s)

Introduction to the microorganisms and environmental conditions causing disease in plants. Biology of pathogens, host-pathogen interactions, and disease development and principles of control.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and 1 lab.

Other Instructors: Kariyawasam, Gayan Kanishka

EPP 520 - Nematology
3 credit hour(s)

Survey of the phylum Nematoda, including free-living, insect-parasitic, vertebrate-parasitic, and plant-parasitic groups. Emphases will be on identification, collecting methodologies, economic importance, and applications to pest management and soil health.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lectures and 2 hours lab.
Recommended Background: 8 hours of biology.

EPP 531 - Special Problems in Entomology, Nematology and Plant Pathology
1 - 3 credit hours

Comprehensive individual study of current problems.

Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 9 hours.

Other Instructors: Trigiano, Robert N | Hajimorad, Reza | Shirsekar, Gautam

EPP 548 - Taxonomy of Adult Insects
4 credit hour(s)

Classification, phylogeny, and distribution of insects and related arthropods. Lectures on theory and practice of insect systematics and major features of insect evolution. Laboratory practice on methods of collection, preservation, and study of insects, with emphasis on order and family identification of adults. Substantial insect collection, one or more field trips, and a taxonomically oriented project required.

Contact Hour Distribution: 2 hours lecture and 4 hours lab.

Other Instructors: Moulton, Kevin

FYS 129 - Special Topics Seminar
1 credit hour(s)

In these seminars, students will engage in active and experiential learning with UT faculty. All special topics are small seminars designed to encourage the exchange of ideas between professors and students. For a current list of course topics consult http://fys.utk.edu/fys129/.
Grading Restriction: Satisfactory/No Credit grading only.
Repeatability: May be repeated. Maximum 2 hours.

Other Instructors: Grant, Jerome F