On December 12, 2023, the Department of Microbiology at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani in Thiruvananthapuram, was honored to host a specialized lecture by Dr. Braham Dhillon, an eminent Plant Pathologist from the University of Florida, USA. The focus of the session was "Fungal Pathosystems of Palms, from Diagnostics to Management."
Dr. Dhillon, known for his expertise in plant mycology, has made significant contributions in studying palm pathogens, notably the Ganoderma species causing butt rot of palms. A graduate of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Dr. Dhillon has furthered his academic pursuits in the United States, culminating in a Ph.D.
The talk began with an overview of Ganoderma palm wilt disease, highlighting its impact on property and life. Dr. Dhillon emphasized non-destructive diagnostic methods, such as tomography and sonic tomography, for measuring disease intensity. His research primarily addresses the Ganoderma species' role in palm diseases, focusing on its economic and environmental ramifications.
Dr. Dhillon discussed innovative disease control strategies, including the use of Bio-control agents like fungal and bacterial endophytes. These approaches reflect a blend of advanced scientific methods and sustainable practices.
The session concluded with an engaging discussion between Dr. Dhillon, faculty, and students, covering research collaboration possibilities and academic exchange programs. Dr. Dhillon's talk was not only educational but also laid the groundwork for future cooperation between the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, and the University of Florida.
