At Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, I studied sesame phyllody and phytoplasma biology, surveying disease across Tamil Nadu and confirming phytoplasma in symptomatic samples. I characterized pathogen diversity and examined the associated leafhopper.
I investigated the phytoplasma effectors PHYL1/SAP54 and SAP11 using molecular cloning and transient-expression assays in sesame and Nicotiana tabacum. I also measured effector transcripts and analyzed host gene expression.
For my M.Sc. research at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, I studied peanut root rots caused by Sclerotium rolfsii and Macrophomina phaseolina. I evaluated Bacillus antagonists, developed talc-based bioagent formulations and microbial consortia, and tested treatments in pot and micro-plot conditions.
My research combines plant disease diagnosis, molecular methods and biological disease management. I qualified ASRB-NET in Plant Pathology and have presented research on phytoplasma biology and Bacillus-based disease management.
