I studied Plant Pathology (epidemiology) and Plant Ecology at Wageningen University, The Netherlands. After graduation in 1980, I started a PhD research on ‘risk analysis for biological control of Prunus serotina by the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum’ (De Jong, 1988; De Jong et al., 1990). After PhD graduation in 1988, I visited Canada in 1992 and did research about natural occurrence of C. purpureum in relation to its intended use as a 'mycoherbicide'. We wrote a joint paper (De Jong et al., 1996). Then I met Koppert Biological Systems, a Dutch biocontrol company. My continuous efforts in biocontrol research has eventually led to the release of Chondrostereum purpureum as a biocontrol agent to control stump sprouting in Prunus serotina and other hardwoods. Koppert marketed this mycoherbicide as BioChon, by early 1997 (de Jong, 2000).

In 1993, I visited Quebec City (Canada), and accompanied a Canadian MSc student for a simulation study of spore dispersal of C. purpurem. This study took place at the Dept of Theoretical Production Ecology in Wageningen. In Switzerland (Prof. Holdenrieder, ETHZ, Zurich) I introduced the mycoherbicide BioChon by performing a biocontrol trial. We wrote a joint paper (de Jong et al., 1996). In Flanders (Belgium), I assisted with the first biocontrol trials of Prunus serotina with help of BioChon (Van den Meersschaut et al., 1999). On the island of Nantucket (USA), I investigated natural occurrence of basidiocarps of C. purpureum for a biocontrol of scrub oak (de Jong, 1995). In 1996, I gave a reading at the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada).

In New Zealand, I started an ambitious risk analysis for biological control of Cirsium arvense by the omnivorous fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Stationed at home, I conducted most of the research in close co-operation with Dr Bourdôt and his team at AgResearch as some sort of telejob: we had almost daily communications over E-mail, while I visited New Zealand five times. It has all been published (de Jong et al., 1997, 1998-2001; Bourdôt et al., 2000, 2001).

Since 2001 I am affiliated with 'Biological Farming Systems' (Wageningen University) of Prof. dr ir Ariena van Bruggen as a guest. I completed a paper on modelling of spore dispersal of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in pasture (de Jong et al. 2001). In this rather mathematical-physical paper, the discovery is described that S. sclerotiorum can be applied as a biocontrol agent for creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense) at negligible risk by managing a dense grass cover in the biocontrol site. Moreover we discovered that the yearly epidemic of apple scab can slowed down by establishing dense vegetation beneath apple trees. In co-operation with Biological Farming Systems, a PhD research on this subject is to be established.

[Meindert D. de Jong, born on 12 June 1955, Leeuwarden, NL; married, 3 children.

I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. I had my first MS-exacerbation in 1980. I am on disability law and unable to work for >80% since 1984. I wrote my PhD thesis in the time period 1984-1988 while being very ill due to MS as explained in: MS-One to One Nevertheless, I am still in a relatively good shape, explained as: "Fully ambulatory without aid, self-sufficient, up and about almost 12 hours a day despite relatively severe disabilities, able to walk 500 m without aid or rest". I used to follow many medical therapies with steroids. Since 1999, I am on 'Interferon' again (Rebif 44). Right now, I am not that exhausted anymore. Walking, speaking, and vision is about alright. My EDSS=4]

Referees:

dr Graeme Bourdot, AgResearch, NZ graeme.bourdot@agresearch.co.nz

Prof. VanBruggen,Biologial Farming Systems ariena.vanbruggen@wur.nl

Prof. Holdenrieder, Forest Pathology, ETHZ holdenrieder@fowi.ethz.ch