Person

Nar B. Ranabhat

Assistant Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology

Specialization: Pathogen Detection and Diagnostic & Pathogen Characterization

Overview

I began my journey with the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in July 2023 as an assistant professor and Extension Plant Pathologist located at the Central Region Agricultural Extension and UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center, Nashville, TN. Prior to this role, I worked as a post-doctoral researcher at Kansas State University in the Plant Biosecurity lab, where my research revolved around screening, molecular diagnosis and genotyping of a select agent bacterial pathogen, Rathayibacter toxicus, in a BSL-3 biocontainment environment. I received my Ph.D. in plant pathology at Kansas State University where I focused on characterization and phylogenetic analysis of wheat RNA viruses using high-throughput Nanopore sequencing. Further, I also worked on host-resistant varietal screening nurseries of viral and fungal pathogens.

My master’s degree from Montana State University delved into the impact of agronomic practices on disease incidence and severity of soil-borne and foliar fungal pathogens as well as mite-virus complexes in the Montana cropping system. The major project there focused on how the presence of alternative hosts and daily mean temperature influence the wheat streak mosaic virus infection and its Eriophyid mite vector infestation.  Furthermore, I hold a master’s degree in Agriculture in Tropics and sub-tropics from the University of Hohenheim, Germany where I explore the suitability of pollen as an alternative food for predatory mites a biocontrol agent of small arthropods such as spider mites and thrips of high-value ornamental crops. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. Throughout my academic journey, I have always enjoyed interacting with growers, understanding their challenges and sharing knowledge.

My research and extension efforts have primarily focused on developing educational programs and applied research in the area of sustainable plant disease management. This is achieved through early and accurate disease diagnosis and understanding the interactions of host-pathogen-vector with their environment. The main priority of my program is to support the ornamental plants, nursery plants and turf growers in the State of Tennessee through collaborative research and extension activities. I am committed to encouraging young scientists in STEM and to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. 

Research Focus

As an extension plant pathologist, I am dedicated to addressing key disease challenges in ornamentals, nursery plants, and turf. My research stems from direct input of county agents and growers, focusing on challenges faced by growers.

Outreach Focus

My primary objective is to provide support to Tennessee’s ornamental nursery plants and turf growers by working with Extension agents, Extension specialists, growers, other stakeholder groups of green industry, and the general public.

Teaching Focus

My Extension program is centered around educating and training in disease diagnosis and management. My passion for teaching lies in igniting student’s/audience’s curiosity and expanding perspectives in plant pathology.

Research Questions
  • What cause my plants to become sick?
  • Why is accurate diagnosis important for disease management?
  • What are the best management practices for managing diseases of ornamentals and nursery plants and turf in Tennessee?
  • How can we identify pathogen in the fields?
  • What are the major pathogens of ornamentals and nursery plants?
  • Why do my fungicide or antibiotics fail to suppress pathogen pressure?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
EPP 509 - Plant Health Diagnostics – Horticultural and Specialty Crops
3 credit hour(s)

Practical experience diagnosing plant health problems caused by insects, nematodes, microbial pathogens, and abiotic stresses. Students will use modern plant health diagnostics tools and techniques both in the laboratory and field to diagnose health problems of horticultural crops, orchard, and specialty crops in fields, orchards, forests, and urban landscapes.

Contact Hour Distribution: One week summer workshop.
Comment(s): Offered in odd years at the Soil, Plant and Pest Center in Nashville, TN.

Other Instructors: Gireesh, Midhula

Picture of Nar B. Ranabhat
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Pathology/Phytopathology, Kansas St Univ Manhattan, 2022
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources

Nar B. Ranabhat

Assistant Professor | Entomology and Plant Pathology
Picture of Nar B. Ranabhat image
370 Plant Biotechnology Building
2505 E J Chapman Drive
Knoxville, TN 37996-4500
Education and Training
  • Doctorate, Plant Pathology/Phytopathology, Kansas St Univ Manhattan, 2022
Responsible Area(s)
  • Agriculture and Natural Resources
Overview

I began my journey with the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department in July 2023 as an assistant professor and Extension Plant Pathologist located at the Central Region Agricultural Extension and UT Soil, Plant and Pest Center, Nashville, TN. Prior to this role, I worked as a post-doctoral researcher at Kansas State University in the Plant Biosecurity lab, where my research revolved around screening, molecular diagnosis and genotyping of a select agent bacterial pathogen, Rathayibacter toxicus, in a BSL-3 biocontainment environment. I received my Ph.D. in plant pathology at Kansas State University where I focused on characterization and phylogenetic analysis of wheat RNA viruses using high-throughput Nanopore sequencing. Further, I also worked on host-resistant varietal screening nurseries of viral and fungal pathogens.

My master’s degree from Montana State University delved into the impact of agronomic practices on disease incidence and severity of soil-borne and foliar fungal pathogens as well as mite-virus complexes in the Montana cropping system. The major project there focused on how the presence of alternative hosts and daily mean temperature influence the wheat streak mosaic virus infection and its Eriophyid mite vector infestation.  Furthermore, I hold a master’s degree in Agriculture in Tropics and sub-tropics from the University of Hohenheim, Germany where I explore the suitability of pollen as an alternative food for predatory mites a biocontrol agent of small arthropods such as spider mites and thrips of high-value ornamental crops. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. Throughout my academic journey, I have always enjoyed interacting with growers, understanding their challenges and sharing knowledge.

My research and extension efforts have primarily focused on developing educational programs and applied research in the area of sustainable plant disease management. This is achieved through early and accurate disease diagnosis and understanding the interactions of host-pathogen-vector with their environment. The main priority of my program is to support the ornamental plants, nursery plants and turf growers in the State of Tennessee through collaborative research and extension activities. I am committed to encouraging young scientists in STEM and to mentor undergraduate and graduate students. 

Research Focus

As an extension plant pathologist, I am dedicated to addressing key disease challenges in ornamentals, nursery plants, and turf. My research stems from direct input of county agents and growers, focusing on challenges faced by growers.

Outreach Focus

My primary objective is to provide support to Tennessee’s ornamental nursery plants and turf growers by working with Extension agents, Extension specialists, growers, other stakeholder groups of green industry, and the general public.

Teaching Focus

My Extension program is centered around educating and training in disease diagnosis and management. My passion for teaching lies in igniting student’s/audience’s curiosity and expanding perspectives in plant pathology.

Research Questions
  • What cause my plants to become sick?
  • Why is accurate diagnosis important for disease management?
  • What are the best management practices for managing diseases of ornamentals and nursery plants and turf in Tennessee?
  • How can we identify pathogen in the fields?
  • What are the major pathogens of ornamentals and nursery plants?
  • Why do my fungicide or antibiotics fail to suppress pathogen pressure?
Courses
Below are courses taught during the current or past three academic years. Consult Timetable for the most current listing of courses and instructor(s).
EPP 509 - Plant Health Diagnostics – Horticultural and Specialty Crops
3 credit hour(s)

Practical experience diagnosing plant health problems caused by insects, nematodes, microbial pathogens, and abiotic stresses. Students will use modern plant health diagnostics tools and techniques both in the laboratory and field to diagnose health problems of horticultural crops, orchard, and specialty crops in fields, orchards, forests, and urban landscapes.

Contact Hour Distribution: One week summer workshop.
Comment(s): Offered in odd years at the Soil, Plant and Pest Center in Nashville, TN.

Other Instructors: Gireesh, Midhula