Dr. Gotthold Steiner (1886-1961): versatile nematologist

Swiss-born Dr. Gotthold Steiner was a pioneer in formulating the discipline of nematology. He worked with the American nematologist NA Cobb and together they were responsible for acceptance of the concept of nematode phytoparasites. Steiner had special expertise in anatomy, morphology, phytonematology, marine nematodes, nutrition, mermithids, and selected invertebrate taxa. He authored 191 scientific papers, established the ubiquitous phytoparasitic genus Helicotylenchus, described the pinewood nematode, and did significant work with three important economic pests, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Heterodera rostochiensis, and H. schachtii. He was responsible for introducing training programs in nematology in USDA laboratories.