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}},
First, I want to thank all those who have watched and provided feedback on the Robigalia Interview series.
Your feedback on this series has been overwhelmingly positive, so I will be continuing these interviews in 2026.
I have one more interview to be released this year, a conversation with my former PhD supervisor, Peri Tobias.
While I already have a shortlist of amazing and diverse interviewees for next year, your input is always important to me!
You can reply to this email to let me know who you would like to hear from in 2026, and/or what topics you would like to hear about.
Now, onto this week’s edition:
I share updates on seed-borne pathogens
I introduce a scientific researcher at Rafique Seeds in Bangladesh
I highlight four new jobs and 2 new PhD scholarships
Let’s dive in!
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Progress on seed-borne pathogens
S. R. Segalin et al., Response of the Soybean Seed-Borne Pathogens Diaporthe spp. and Cercospora spp. to Foliar Fungicides in Arkansas
César E. Falconí et al., Native Bacillus subtilis strains cultivated in a low-cost medium enhance maize growth and suppress seed-borne fungi by defense activation and rhizosphere colonization
Junfeng Ma et al., Molecular characterization of pea seed-borne mosaic virus and the RNA silencing suppression mechanism of HC-Pro
RESEARCHER OF THE WEEK
Meet Md. Daraj Uddin Prodhan
This week, I’m pleased to introduce Md. Daraj Uddin Prodhan, a scientific researcher at Rafique Seeds in Bangladesh.
Daraj’s interest in plant pathology began during his undergraduate years, during which he witnessed the impacts of late blight on local potato fields in his home district. Under the guidance of one of his professors, he began to understand the importance of plant disease management in securing food systems and supporting rural livelihoods.
During his master’s studies, Daraj explored the effects of salinity stress on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) and drought stress on lady’s finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under changing climatic conditions.
Now working as a Scientific Researcher, Daraj’s work involves diagnosing crop diseases, identifying pathogens and insect infestations, and investigating the causes of widespread wilting in economically important crops. This hands-on diagnostic work has not only deepened his passion for plant pathology but also deepened his understanding of plant health challenges in real-world agricultural systems.
One of his proudest achievements was leading a regional field survey that led to the early detection of an emerging fungal pathogen in maize. This initiative facilitated rapid response and the implementation of disease management protocols, underscoring to Daraj the importance of proactive surveillance combined with local expertise.
your work will have a greater impact if both researchers and farmers can apply your findings
To fellow plant pathologists, Daraj’s advice is to “build a strong foundation in both classical pathology and modern molecular techniques,” and to “embrace fieldwork, collaborate across disciplines, and prioritise clear communication”. He notes, “your work will have a greater impact if both researchers and farmers can apply your findings”.
Outside of his research, Daraj is an avid nature photographer. He especially enjoys capturing the beauty of fungi and diseased plant tissues!
Daraj is open to connecting and collaborating. 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 Scholarships
PhD scholarship, Molecular Plant Pathology & Crop Improvement, Maynooth University, apply by December 22, 2025
Preserving native biodiversity and wheat production in Bhutan, University of East Anglia, apply by January 7, 2026
New Jobs
Research Fellow (Genomics), University of Southern Queensland, apply by December 14, 2025
Laboratory Technician, DPIRD, Western Australia, apply by December 16, 2025
Agricultural Officer (Integrated Plant Health Management), FAO, Rome, Italy, apply by December 27, 2025
Plant health care technician, Arborcraft Tree Service, Victoria, apply ASAP
New Events/Seminars
No new events this week. Check out all open events on the events board 👇
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: