Jul 27, 2018

Gubler, game-changing grape researcher, dies

Walter “Doug” Douglas Gubler, 72, passed away July 19 in Santa Clara, Utah.

The California Association of Winegrape Growers joined the many who praised Gubler for his significant contributions to the winegrape industry. The UC Davis Department of Plant Pathology wrote that Doug and his team made important discoveries, including innovations in management of Botrytis bunch rot, development of the Gubler-Thomas risk assessment model for powdery mildew, and characterization of the complex etiology of canker and vine decline diseases in grapes

According to an obituary, he was born Jan. 28, 1946, in St. George, Utah, to June Gubler and Thelma Whipple Gubler of Santa Clara. He was raised in Santa Clara Utah, and he graduated from Dixie High School in 1964.

Doug earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Botany from Southern Utah University, a Master’s of Science in Plant Pathology from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of California, Davis.

Doug worked one year as a research scientist with Campbell Soup Company, and then moved to UC. Davis as an Extension plant pathologist. Called an “academic legend” by his colleagues, he was a co-author on over 120 refereed journal publications, 165 book chapters, 1 authored book, six books edited, and 168 abstracts. His research in powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot were game-changers for the grape industry. He also completed valuable research for the tree fruit, strawberry, and melon industries. He gave over 40 talks a year and consulted in over 63 countries. He was recognized globally as a leading expert in his field and received accolades from many groups, organizations, and associations for his contributions. Doug mentored many graduate students, post-docs, and researchers during his career, and his legacy will live on through their continued efforts.

For the complete obituary, visit here.

Marty Fischer, CEO of AgroThermal Systems, for which Dr. Gubler served on the company’s Science Advisory Board, issued the following statement:

“It was with great sadness that we learned last Friday of Dr. Doug Gubler passing from a long battle with heart disease. Doug served on our Science Advisory Board and guided our development and evaluation for new approaches to controlling powdery mildew with thermaculture.

We valued his friendship, enthusiasm, wisdom and guidance. Doug touched the lives of many in and outside our industry over the course of his long successful career and he did so with great humility and respect for everyone around him.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family for their loss. It is with great appreciation that we celebrate his expertise and commitment to pioneer new ideas that improve the way our crops are produced and to teach his understanding to all who would listen. It was a pleasure to know and work with him. Rest in peace.

Doug and his wife were on their way back to California from their new home in St. George, Utah when his death occurred. Doug was planning to do powdery mildew evaluations for the second year of trials in Napa and Sonoma on Tuesday, July 24. Our good friends at Caltec Ag were able to free up Dr. Tome Martin-Duvall to do the evaluations. More work is planned through veraison, and we will provide you with the data and conclusions when they are completed by Dr. Martin-Duvall.

Doug’s work with us will continue with Tome who actually worked with Doug at UC Davis in her early career and has done extensive work with powdery mildew control most of her professional life.Doug was unique. His expertise and scientific developments grew over his entire career to the point where he was generally recognized as the leading expert in the world on powdery mildew. He was on the leading edge of new development to signal and treat infestations including our unique approach with heat. The recognition received, honors and awards are extensive. He will be missed by all who worked with him and his many achievements are to be celebrated.”