Areas of expertise
About
I conduct basic and applied research on important thrips, whitefly, and aphid transmitted plant viruses (Tospoviruses, Geminiviruses, and Potyviruses) affecting several crops in Georgia and in Southeastern United States. My goal is to understand these viral pathosystems at micro and macro levels. My lab is currently involved in studying the process of virus-transmission by vectors, component (vector-virus-host plant) interactions, and dissecting the various factors that mediate these interactions by employing behavioral, biochemical, serological, and molecular approaches. My research also aims to understand the various factors that influence the ecology and epidemiology of these insect-transmitted viruses.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Entomology
University of Idaho, ID, United States (2006)
Master of Science, Entomology
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India (2001)
Bachelor of Science, Agronomy and Crop Science
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India (1999)
Scholarly Works
- Thrips Vectors of Tospoviruses, JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT, (2011).
- Transmission of Pantoea ananatis and P-agglomerans, Causal Agents of Center Rot of Onion (Allium cepa), by Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci) Through Feces, PHYTOPATHOLOGY, (2014).
- Temporal Effects of a Begomovirus Infection and Host Plant Resistance on the Preference and Development of an Insect Vector, Bemisia tabaci, and Implications for Epidemics, PLOS ONE, (2015).
- Epidemiology of spotted wilt disease of peanut caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus in the southeastern U.S., VIRUS RESEARCH, (2011).
- Direct and indirect effects of a thrips-transmitted Tospovirus on the preference and fitness of its vector, Frankliniella fusca, ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, (2012).
Contact
Mailing Address
1109 Experiment Street
Redding Building 239
Griffin, GA 30223
Shipping Address
1109 Experiment Street
Redding Building 239
Griffin, GA 30223
