Dr. Mukesh, ICAR – IIWBR, India
Mukesh is a dedicated plant pathologist currently serving as a Young Professional-II at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Regional Station, Flowerdale (Shimla), Himachal Pradesh, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture (Plant Pathology) from Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, where his research focused on the etiology and management of wilt disease in pomegranate. With extensive research experience in plant pathology, Mukesh has worked on disease monitoring, pathogen identification, and sustainable disease management strategies. His expertise includes molecular diversity analysis, nematode disease identification, and chemical and biocontrol resource testing. He has actively engaged with farmers to address plant disease issues in apple orchards, organizing awareness programs and training sessions. Mukesh has presented his research at national and international conferences and has contributed to symposiums on plant health management. His current research focuses on wheat rust disease gene postulation and identifying new resistant genes, furthering his commitment to agricultural disease management and food security.
Professional Profile:
ORCID
Suitability for Best Researcher Award
Mukesh has demonstrated outstanding research capabilities in plant pathology, focusing on critical agricultural diseases affecting horticultural crops, particularly pomegranate. His extensive fieldwork, farmer engagement, and innovative disease management strategies highlight his significant contributions to sustainable agriculture. His work on pathogen identification, nematode infestations, and biocontrol solutions, along with participation in national and international conferences, showcases his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Given his expertise, hands-on experience, and commitment to solving real-world agricultural challenges, Mukesh is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
📚 Education:
🎓 Ph.D. (Agriculture) in Plant Pathology
- Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India
- Thesis: “Etiology and Management of Wilt Disease of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)”
- GPA: 7.1/10.0 (March 2023)
🎓 M.Sc. (Agriculture) in Plant Pathology
- Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India
- Thesis: “Studies on Cercospora Leaf and Fruit Spot Disease of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)”
- GPA: 7.3/10.0 (Dec 2017)
🎓 B.Sc. in Horticulture
- College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India
- GPA: 7.6/10.0 (June 2015)
💼 Work Experience:
🔬 Senior Research Fellow (May 2, 2022 – Oct 31, 2024)
- Project: Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project (Pest Surveillance/Forewarning System)
- Organization: Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India
🌾 Young Professional-II (From Feb 17, 2025)
- Project: Wheat rust disease gene postulation and identification of new resistant genes
- Organization: ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal (Haryana), Regional Station, Flowerdale (Shimla), Himachal Pradesh, India
🏆 Achievements & Contributions:
🌱 Farmer Engagement & Education: Conducted training sessions and awareness programs on pest and disease management in apple orchards across Kullu district.
🔍 Plant Disease Monitoring: Led field surveys, collected soil and plant samples, and diagnosed diseases using cultural, morphological, and molecular techniques.
🦠 Pathogen Identification & Research: Identified and submitted novel pathogen isolates to NCBI GenBank.
🧬 Nematode Disease Diagnosis: Diagnosed root-knot nematode infestations and analyzed larval morphology for accurate identification.
🧪 Chemical & Biocontrol Testing: Evaluated fungicides, nematicides, biocontrol agents, and organic amendments under lab, pot, and field conditions.
📊 Data Analysis & Interpretation: Used OPSTAT and RStudio for statistical analysis of experimental data.
🎖️ Awards & Honors:
Conference & Symposium Presentations:
- International Conference (CSATEH-2024, Nainital): Presented research on fungicide efficacy against pomegranate wilt disease.
- National Symposium (2018, Nauni, Solan): Developed a specialized culture medium for rapid isolation of Cercospora punicae.
- IPS North Zone Meet (2024, Palampur): Identified Fusarium spp. complex in wilt-infected pomegranate plants.
📜 Workshops & Training:
- Participated in workshops on plant pathology advancements and entrepreneur development for ripening chambers.
Publication Top Notes:
Understanding the dynamics of Meloidogyne incognita infestation in pomegranate orchards of Himachal Pradesh, India (year 2018, 2019 and 2021) and its management strategies