| Degree | University | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore | Plant Pathology |
| MSc (Agri.) | University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore | Plant Pathology |
| BSc (Agri.) | University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore | Agriculture and allied subjects |
My experience includes over 20 years of teaching, research, and extension in the field of Plant Pathology. I have been actively involved in offering courses to undergraduate B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture, postgraduate M.Sc. (Agri.), and Ph.D. students, while mentoring numerous Master’s and Doctoral scholars. My research expertise spans Fungal Pathology, variability studies, and molecular characterization of plant pathogens and bioagents. I have contributed significantly to understanding the variability of Rhizoctonia solani and developing strategies for managing sheath blight disease in rice. I am also proficient in molecular techniques for the identification of pathogens and bioagents, including molecular data analysis. I have extensive experience in mass multiplication of pathogens and bioagents, artificial inoculation methods, and screening techniques for identifying resistant sources. My broader research interests include major diseases of cereals and vegetable crops, with a focus on plant–pathogen interactions and sustainable disease management through microbiome engineering. I have participated in several national and international conferences and have published over 50 research articles in NAAS-rated, peer-reviewed journals, and organized training programmes. I have also served as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator in externally funded projects, contributing to advancements in sustainable crop health management.