Welcome to another edition of the Robigalia Roundup!
If you’re new here, Robigalia is your weekly roundup of the latest research, researchers, scholarships, and opportunities in plant pathology globally. Make sure you’re a subscriber to have these opportunities and events delivered directly to your inbox every Monday.
NOTES FROM THE HOST
Hello {{first_name | Robigalia Readers}},
This week, I’ve made your job and scholarship search easier by launching the Robigalia Opportunities and Events Board. This simple and FREE database allows you to filter open opportunities by date and location.
Also in this week’s edition:
I highlight 4 new research papers focusing on fungal pathogens
I introduce a PhD researcher from the State University of Maringa, Brazil
I list 5 new job opportunities and 1 new PhD scholarship
Let’s dive in!
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Lisa. A Kelly et al., Fabaceous and Cucurbitaceous Hosts Are Infected With Distinct Populations of the Powdery Mildew Species Podosphaera xanthii
David E. Perez-Leyva et al., Quantitative Resistance of Papaya Fruit to Anthracnose Is Associated With Surface Topography, Timely Defences and Reduced Susceptibility Factors
Eva Garcia et al., Isolation, Phylogenetic Inferences, and Early Diversification of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa in Cova da Beira Region, Portugal
Nickolas N. Rajtar et al., Surveys of nurseries, forests and waterways in Minnesota revealed the presence of 14 new records of Phytophthora species
RESEARCH STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Meet João Vitor Alves
I’m happy to introduce this week’s research student of the week, João Vitor Alves from the State University of Maringa, Brazil.
João’s interest in plant pathology began during his biology degree when he started researching plant diseases and defence mechanisms. In 2018, he started his Master’s in Genetics and Plant Breeding. During this time, he worked with fungi from the Colletotrichum genus, major disease-causing agents in tropical ornamental plants like Heliconia. His project focused on using resistance inducers to control anthracnose in Heliconia psittacorum x spathocircinata cv. Golden Torch.
João also took part in the "Plant Pathology Clinic" project, which involved analysing samples of diseased plants sent by farmers growing crops such as soybean, maize, cotton, passionfruit, and pineapple. Responsible for identifying causal pathogens and recommending management strategies, this role helped João strengthen his understanding of plant diseases, host defence mechanisms, and the diversity of pathogens affecting different crops.
Now in his PhD, João continues working Colletotrichum spp., specifically Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the causal agent of anthracnose in common beans. His research aims to map genes responsible for resistance to different C. lindemuthianum races in common bean. As part of his PhD, he has conducted experiments at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), gaining valuable experience in diseases, genetics, and genomics applied to host resistance.
Always be willing to learn, and stay open to change
For students just starting, João’s advice is: “always be willing to learn, and stay open to change. Science moves forward through questions and dedication, and each discovery brings us closer to a future with more resilient and productive crops.”
Beyond his Ph.D., João aims to further research and contribute to the development of more sustainable agriculture with innovative solutions for plant resistance. He is actively seeking postdoctoral opportunities where he can apply his knowledge and continue exploring ways to enhance plant health and resistance.
If you would like to connect with João, you can contact him via LinkedIn.
OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
New plant pathology opportunities are listed below. For the full list of live opportunities and events, head to my Opportunities and Events Board using the buttons below.
New PhD/Master’s Scholarships
Doctoral student in the field of molecular plant pathology, Technical University of Munich, Closes August 31, 2025
New Jobs
Project Associate-II - Deciphering the seed transmission of turnip mosaic virus in mustard, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Closes August 14, 2025
Assistant Professor of Plant Biology, Lehman College of The City University of New York, Closes September 1, 2025
Assistant Professor, Tenure-track - Plant Pathology (Vegetable Pathology), Cornell University, Closes September 25, 2025
Post Doc Research Fellow, North Dakota State University, Open until filled
Microbiologist (Contract), Bayer, Open until filled
New Events
Micro-Course – Fungicide Resistance Demystified: Essential Knowledge for Modern Agriculture, Virtual, September 3, 2025 → November 19, 2025
MEME OF THE WEEK
THAT’S A WRAP
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