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}},
Between travel and some illness, I don’t have much to say here this week (which I’m sure is a surprise to anyone who has met me).
While I feel this newsletter edition is a little less inspired than what I usually produce, if I learned anything from last week’s interview with Thaís Boufleur, it’s that we need to keep putting in the effort when we don’t feel like it.
In case you missed the callout last week, the call for Researcher Student of the Week features for 2026 is now open!
About a year ago, I introduced the research student of the week section, highlighting the amazing work of plant pathology research students from around the world.
Through the newsletter and socials, these features will put you in front of ~8,000 plant pathologists from over 40 countries.
Complete the Google Form with your details, and I’ll be in touch with the next steps 👇
Now, onto this week’s edition:
I share updates on the control agents of Penicillium digitatum
I introduce a PhD student at Anand Agricultural University
I highlight several new jobs
Let’s dive in!
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Progress on control agents of Penicillium digitatum
María del Carmen García-Custodio et al., Antioxidant and Antifungal Effects of Six Plant Essential Oils Against Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum
Simone Piancatelli et al., Chitosan inhibits the growth of Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum and protects oranges from green and blue mold during postharvest
Mingchen Yang et al., Sodium Cuminate Inhibits the Mycelial Growth of Penicillium digitatum by Inducing Oxidative Stress and Damaging the Cell Membrane
RESEARCH STUDENT OF THE WEEK
Meet Pragadeeshwaran Tamilvanan
This week, I’m pleased to introduce Pragadeeshwaran Tamilvanan, a recent Master’s graduate and now PhD student at Anand Agricultural University.
Pragadeeshwaran’s interest in plant pathology began during his undergraduate studies, where he learned about the devastating effects of plant diseases on local agriculture in his village. Witnessing the rapid spread of Phytoplasma-induced Little Leaf disease in brinjal fields drove him to understand pathogens at a molecular level.
Pragadeeshwaran’s MSc at Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, focused on the synergistic effects of bacterial biocontrol agents and GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) chemical treatments against green mould rot caused by Penicillium digitatum (Pers.) Sacc. in Citrus spp. His study investigated the combined application of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum with sodium bicarbonate to reduce post-harvest fruit losses. This included evaluating disease incidence and biocontrol efficacy, as well as GC-MS analysis to identify potential antimicrobial compounds in bacterial metabolites.
Pragadeeshwaran is proud of his work developing an integrated treatment strategy that significantly reduced green mould incidence in citrus fruits without relying on conventional fungicides. Noting “it feels rewarding to contribute to eco-friendly, farmer-friendly alternatives that can be practically adopted.”
To fellow plant pathologists, Pragadeeshwaran says: “Stay grounded in the field, and never underestimate the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. Field observation is as crucial as lab work, as it allows you to understand the disease in its environment.”
Beyond his academic interest, Pragadeeshwaran has a deep fascination with fungi and enjoys sketching microscopic fungal structures during his free time, serving as a creative outlet that also helps him better understand fungal morphology!
Pragadeeshwaran is open to connecting and collaborating. You can connect with 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.
Scholarship Highlights
Finding the genetic source of disease resistance in maize through proteomics, The University of Edinburgh, Apply by December 14, 2025
Job Highlights
Research & Development Manager - 12-month fixed term contract, Hort Innovation, Sydney, apply ASAP
Entomologist, Limpopo, South Africa, Apply ASAP
Event/Seminar Highlights
The cellular mechanics of symbiosis: sensing friend from foe, EMBL Heidelberg, March 12, 2026 → March 17, 2026
MEME OF THE WEEK
THAT’S A WRAP
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See you next Monday
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P.S. Why Robigalia? The name originates from the Ancient Roman festival dedicated to crop protection. You can read all about the history here: