Dr. Asharani Patel is a distinguished scientist in the Division of Plant Pathology at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Jharkhand. Dr. Patel has dedicated her academic career to the study of plant pathology, earning her Ph.D. in the field from the same esteemed institute between 2018 and 2022. Her doctoral research, supervised by Dr. Aundy Kumar, focused on the genetic and functional characterization of the endophytic bacterium Microbacterium testaceum against the rice blast disease pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae.
Dr. Patel’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from ANGRAU in Bapatla, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, in 2016, followed by a Master of Science from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, in 2018. Her master’s thesis, also under Dr. Kumar’s guidance, examined the role of bacterial volatiles in priming rice against blast disease.
Her contributions to the field of plant pathology are profound and wide-ranging. Dr. Patel has co-authored numerous high-impact research papers in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, Frontiers in Microbiology, and Microbial Ecology. Her research has significantly advanced our understanding of microbial interactions and plant disease management, particularly in rice.
Dr. Patel has been the recipient of several accolades, including the ASRB NET qualification for three consecutive years and multiple best presentation awards at national and international conferences. Her work on microbial volatiles and their role in plant defense has been particularly groundbreaking, earning her recognition in both academic and applied research circles.
In addition to her research achievements, Dr. Patel has actively contributed to the academic community through her involvement in various workshops and training programs, notably in genomics and metagenomics of plant pathogens. She is a life member of the Indian Phytopathological Society and the Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture. Dr. Asharani Patel’s exemplary work in plant pathology not only furthers scientific knowledge but also holds significant promise for sustainable agriculture and food security. Her dedication and achievements make her a deserving figure of recognition.
