PhD - Plant Pathology (Virology), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 1984
MS - Botany, University of Kerala, India

Biological and serological characterization of CTM, CTLV, and CEV. Aphid transmission studies on CTV. Production of virus-free plants through shoot-tip grafting and biological indexing. A state law mandates the use of only virus-free budwood for citrus propagation by year 2002.

Development of micro-budding procedure for faster propagation with reduced cost in order to plant ultra-high density planting as a management strategy for CTV and other diseases. Alternative approaches to disease management; soil solarization for the management of citrus nematode and Phytophthora, biological control for postharvest fruit decay caused by Penicillium digitatusm, and fruit handling and shipment practices for better decay control.

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