Vedant Gautam

Conducting whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analyses of fungal pathogens affecting pulse and oilseed crops. Performing genome assembly, annotation, and characterization of virulence factors and secondary metabolite-associated genes.

Investigated histopathological changes and transcriptome-level responses in direct-seeded rice infected with Meloidogyne graminicola, identifying key defense-associated gene networks through differential gene expression analysis. Conducted ¹H-NMR metabolomics profiling of rice roots to uncover resistance-associated metabolic biomarkers and pathway-level reprogramming under nematode stress.

Taught Plant Nematology to M.Sc. students for two consecutive academic sessions with a class strength of 24 students in each batch. Assisted in delivering lectures, practical demonstrations, and student discussions related to nematode biology, plant–nematode interactions, and disease management.

Conducted training sessions on agriculture and sustainable crop management practices for approximately 800 agricultural entrepreneurs. Delivered technical guidance on plant health, disease management, and modern agricultural practices through interactive training and extension activities.

Worked on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in chickpea to identify genomic regions associated with resistance against Pratylenchus thornei. Integrated large-scale phenotypic screening data with genomic datasets for marker-trait association analysis.

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Banaras Hindu University, India. Thesis focused on histopathological changes, transcriptome profiling, and differential gene expression analysis in direct-seeded rice against Meloidogyne graminicola.

M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from Jawaharlal Nehru Agriculture University, India.

B.Sc. in Plant Pathology from Jawaharlal Nehru Agriculture University, India.