2021 Most Influential Plant Pathologist in the Asia-Pacific: Dr. Krishna Reddy

Insights from 2021 Most Influential Plant Pathologist in Asia-Pacific: Dr. Krishna Reddy

Following APSA’s recent announcement and recognition of the 2021 most influential seed scientists in the Asia-Pacific (see end info for link), Asian Seed reached out to the five awardees for interviews to find out more about what drives them. These interviews will be published on APSA’s website on a weekly basis throughout the month of December. In this first iteration, we feature Dr. Krishna Reddy, Principal Scientist & Head, Division of Crop Protection, Indian Council of Agricultural Research or ICAR, who was named as the 2021 most influential plant pathologist in the Asia-Pacific. Dr. Reddy was formally awarded during the annual technical session of the Standing Committee on International Trade and Quarantine on November 22. Dr. Reddy, who was nominated by multiple members, scored the highest among besting five other nominees in this category, and is recognized as a distinguished plant pathologist with a distinguished career spanning three decades, in which he has built distinguished expertise in surveying and monitoring of plant pathogens, diagnosing and identifying emerging plant pathogens, as well as sources of resistance to major plant viruses, in addition to the development of a number of virus-resistant vegetable hybrid varieties. More details about his background and accomplishments are covered in the announcement story, linked at the end. Following is Asian Seed’s interview with Dr. Reddy.

Can you tell us about inspiration in your day-to-day work i.e. when you wake up and go to work, what is your drive and motivation?

My plant pathology education from the great teachers at S.V. Agricultural college, Tirupati, A.P., MAU, Parbhani and ICAR-IIHR, New Delhi shaped me up very well and created keen interest in plant diseases specially plant viruses. My passion for plant diseases made me to think [about the need] for identification of new pathogens and finding solutions for their management. While fungal and bacterial diseases can be managed through pesticides, plant viruses are difficult to manage and this fact motivated me to develop solutions for plant virus management. I am always interested to visit the fields and observe for diseases.

What are the biggest challenges/opportunities you see for the future of plant pathologists?

Change in cropping pattern, introduction of susceptible genotypes and climate change, which is leading to the emergence of new pathogens and or strains or races. The biggest challenges will be whitefly transmitted begomoviruses and aphid transmitted poleroviruses. Further challenges may arise due to multiple virus infection or multiple strain complexes, leading to the increase in susceptibility of genotypes of vegetable crops. There will be ample opportunities to tackle the complex disease problems through interdisciplinary research teams and the convergence of multiple organizations for faster development of technological solutions.

Do you have any specific advice for the new/next generation of plant pathologist?

They should have a keen interest in crop protection, not going by notion, [but they should] investigate and discover the cause of the disease. Try to understand the host pathogen interaction to unravel the mysteries of plant disease. Identification of disease resistance genes and incorporation of multiple genes for broad spectrum resistance will continue to be a necessity.  The application of new breeding technologies, genomic approaches and gene editing will be the future for plant pathologists and crop improvement. 

Do you have any mottos, beliefs or philosophies that guide you in your work/life that you can share with us?

I wanted to be in the medical profession and my destination led me to plant pathology. Commitment towards work and inventing new ways to control plant diseases to help provide resources for poor growers to grow healthy crops. Enjoy lifelong learning and practical exposure through world travel to understand the diversity. The lessons learned and knowledge gained triggered in me [the desire] to continue imparting knowledge on people in need, especially farmers and aspiring plant pathologists.  

Read more about Dr. Krishna Reddy and the other awardees and their accomplishments in our story here. See also, full interview with Dr. Manuel Logroño here, Dr. Conrado Balater here, and Dr. Sharan Angadi  here