Duties/Specialties:

Conduct research on the ecology and pathology of shellfish pathogens, and to manage the shellfish disease monitoring and shellfish health certification programs.

Current Research:

Molecular marker based strategies for domestication and genetic improvement in the hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria. M. Camara, K. Reece, L. Ragone Calvo. USDA - National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. October 2002-September 2005. 

Elucidating the life cycle of Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX) using an experimental approach and molecular diagnostics E.M. Burreson, L.M. Ragone Calvo, N.A. Stokes. NOAA/SeaGrant,Oyster Disease research Program. October 2001-September 2003. 

In situ determination of Perkinsus marinus transmission dynamics in low salinity habitats: for disease avoidance management strategies and oyster restoration K. Paynter, K. Reece, L.M. Ragone Calvo, E.M. Burreson. NOAA/Sea Grant, Oyster Disease research Program. October 2001-September 2003. 

Influence of Host Genetic Origin and Geographic Location on QPX Disease in Hard Clams, Mercenaria Mercenaria. L.M. Ragone Calvo, E.M. Burreson, R.M. Smolowitz, D. Leavitt, J. Kraeuter, S.E. Ford.  NMFS Saltonstall-Kennedy Program. May 2000-October 2001.

Publications: 

Ragone Calvo, LM., C. F. Dungan, B. S. Roberson and E. M. Burreson. 2002.  A systematic evaluation of factors controlling Perkinsus marinus transmission dynamics in the lower Chesapeake Bay, Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. In Press. 

Ragone Calvo, L.M., Gustavo W. Calvo, and Eugene M. Burreson. 2002. Dual disease resistance in a selectively bred eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, Strain Tested In Chesapeake Bay. Aquaculture. 220(1-4):69-87.  

Stokes, N.A., L.M. Ragone Calvo, K. S. Reece, and E. M. Burreson. (2002) Molecular diagnostics, field validation, and phylogenetic analysis of Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX), a pathogen of the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. In Press. 

Ragone Calvo, L.M., R.L. Wetzel, E.M. Burreson.  2001. Development and verification of a model for the population dynamics of the protistan parasite Perkinsus marinus within its host, the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica in Chesapeake Bay. Journal of Shellfish Research 20(1): 231-241. 

Ragone Calvo, L. and E.M. Burreson. 2001. Status of the major oyster diseases in Virginia—2000. A summary of the annual monitoring program. Virginia Institute of Marine Science Marine Resource Report, 2002-1. 

Ragone Calvo, L. and E.M. Burreson. 2000. Status of the major oyster diseases in Virginia—1999. A summary of the annual monitoring program. Virginia Institute of Marine Science Marine Resource Report, 99-3. 

Ragone Calvo, L.M. and J.G. Walker and E.M. Burreson. 1998. Prevalence and distribution of QPX, Quahog Parasite Unknown, in hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria in Virginia.  Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 33:209-219. 

Oliver, L.M., W.S. Fisher, S.E. Ford, L.M. Ragone Calvo, E.M. Burreson, E.B. Sutton, J. Gandy. 1998. Perkinsus marinus distribution and seasonal variation in oysters Crassostrea virginica from Florida, Virginia and New York. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. 34:51-61. 

Anderson, R.S., L.L. Brubacher, L.M. Ragone Calvo, E.M. Burreson and M.A. Unger. 1998. Effect of in vitro exposure to tributyltin and hypoxia on the progression of Perkinsus marinus infections and host defense mechanism in oysters, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin). Journal of Fish Diseases 21:371-380. 

Ford, S.E., R. Smolowitz, L.M. Ragone Calvo, R.D. Barber, and J.N. Kraeuter. 1997.  Evidence that QPX (Quahog Parasite Unknown) is not present in hatchery-produced hard clam seed.  Journal of Shellfish Research. 16(2):519-521.