Ganpati Jagdale

In addition to my current research activities (see below), I am managing Nematology Diagnostic Laboratory that provides nematode diagnostic services to the citizens of the State of Georgia. The main aim of this lab is to provide accurate identification of plant-parasitic nematodes to extension personnel including crop specialists, County agents, public service assistants/associates (County based faculties) and researchers affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia. We annually receive and process over 6000 soil and root samples (diagnostic and research) from our clients for nematode assay. The accurate nematode diagnosis data generated from these samples supports the research and extension disease management programs related to the parasitic nematodes that infect a wide range of plants grown for Georgia plant industries. This includes large commercial growers and producers of different crops, nurseries, greenhouses, golf courses and homeowners. Nematology lab also provides diagnostic services to the Georgia Department of Agriculture to address plant-parasitic nematode related regulatory issues. In addition, this lab provides accurate identification of free-living (bacteriovorous, fungivorous and predatory) nematodes at their genus level to Soil Ecologists who generally use these data to study the importance of free-living nematodes in soil nutrient recycling and as bioindicators of soil health. Nematology Diagnostic Laboratory is also certified by APHIS to receive and process nematode samples from the outside the State of Georgia.
My current research is mainly focused on the implementation of different strategies to manage plant-parasitic nematodes impacting blueberry and peach industries. Specifically, we investigate the efficacies of different biological, cultural and chemical practices against plant- parasitic ring nematodes including Mesocriconema ornatum and Mesocriconema xenoplax that are responsible for causing replant disease in blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) and peach tree short life in peach (Prunus persica), respectively. Ours is the first study that demonstrated the ring nematode is a significant contributor to blueberry replant disease in Georgia (Jagdale et al., 2013: Journal of Nematology). My research interests also include identification of potential biological control agents, plant based nematicides and nematode- suppressive soil factors that can be used for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes of different crops grown in Georgia.