PhD scholar | Central Rice Research Institute | India
Aarthi is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies as a PG Scholar in Plant Pathology at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, where she focuses on advanced plant–microbe interactions. She holds a strong academic background in agricultural sciences, with specialized training in plant pathology, microbial biotechnology, and biocontrol strategies. Her primary research interests center on the exploration and application of endophytic microorganisms for the biological control of soilborne plant pathogens, alongside the development of sustainable disease management techniques. Emerging interests include molecular mechanisms underlying host–pathogen interactions and the integration of microbial metabolites into crop protection frameworks. Professionally, Aarthi has gained valuable academic research experience through her role at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, contributing to multiple laboratory and field-based studies on crop disease mitigation. Among her key scientific contributions, Aarthi has led investigations into the antifungal properties of endophytes against Rhizoctonia bataticola, revealing novel metabolite profiles and plant defense responses that offer potential for eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides. Additionally, her work on isolating and characterizing saline-tolerant endophytes for the management of groundnut root rot has provided promising insights for agriculture in saline-prone regions, supporting both crop resilience and sustainable farming practices. Her research has resulted in peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals such as Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology and Plant Science Today. Aarthi has been an active participant in scientific dissemination, engaging in peer review, conference presentations, and contributing to the academic community through institutional projects. She is affiliated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s research network and participates in broader academic and scientific societies related to plant pathology and agricultural innovation. Her vision is to harness microbial biodiversity to develop sustainable, scalable plant disease management solutions that can reduce chemical inputs, enhance crop productivity, and support global food security in the face of climate change.
Featured Publications
1. Aarthi. (2025). Biocontrol potential of endophytes against Rhizoctonia bataticola: Antifungal activity, metabolite profiling, and plant defense mechanisms. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 103(7), Article 102734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2025.102734
2. Aarthi. (2024). Isolation, identification, characterization and in vitro assay of saline tolerant endophytes against groundnut root rot caused by Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler. Plant Science Today, 11(4), 4882. https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.4882