I have grown up in an Agricultural family in Northeast India. We grew seasonal crops, including rice, potatoes, mustard, sesame, and sugarcane, for self-consumption. However, I was unaware of the scientific research on crops until I visited Dibrugarh University, Assam, India, in 2005 as part of a school visit. For the first time, I saw plants growing in a laboratory, which ignited my interest in plant science research. In addition, my schoolteachers explained how we can improve crop varieties through breeding and modern technologies, such as biotechnology.​

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My research in plant biotechnology began during my undergraduate years, when I optimized in vitro seed germination methods for orchid seeds. Later, I joined IIT Guwahati for my master’s program in Biotechnology and developed an interest in transgenic research targeting agronomically important crops. I worked on rice and optimized the Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation protocol for Kola Joha, a scented rice cultivar in Northeast India. The developed protocol helped to produce transgenic Kola Joha lines overexpressing OsPAY1, a gene involved in rice plant architecture. Additionally, the developed method is expected to support the introduction of transgenes, including genome-editing technologies constructs, into Joha and other popular aromatic rice varieties in Northeast India.

 

My current work as an Associate Scientist-Crop Biotechnology at Clemson University extends this expertise and enthusiasm to horticultural and perennial crops. This research aims to develop transgenic peach rootstocks to manage Armillaria root rot, a destructive soil-borne fungal disease caused by Armillaria mellea and Daedalea caespitosa. Performing genetic transformation in recalcitrant species such as peaches is challenging; therefore, we are using both particle bombardment and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation methods. Upon successful optimization, these could lay the foundation for research on other Rosaceous trees, such as almond, plum, and apple, which are of high economic importance. To test the candidate gene before stable transformation, we have already optimized leaf protoplast transformation. The work on developing transgenic rootstock to combat Armillaria root rot led to the filing of a US patent.

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Another primary focus of my current research is the development of biocontrol agents. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, I am developing a novel biocontrol strategy to mitigate pre- and post-harvest aflatoxin contamination in crops by generating genetically stable (non-reversible) atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus strains. Additionally, I am developing dsRNA-based biopesticides that rely on Spray-Induced Gene Silencing of vital host-pathogen genes, offering non-transgenic, sustainable, species-specific control of fungal pathogens. In fact, my research interest in pathogen management was conceived during my undergraduate studies, where we focused on nanotechnology-driven biopesticide strategies, including silver and copper nanoformulations for managing fungal diseases in tea. Together, these experiences provide me with the technical foundations for starting independent research in pathogen management.

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During my Ph.D. at Clemson University, I worked on soybeans and peanuts. Since soybeans and peanuts account for over 90% of US oilseed production, developing climate-resilient varieties of these crops has been a primary objective for many US researchers. Therefore, my research examined the effects of drought (water stress) and heat stress (increased temperature) on soybeans and peanuts at different plant growth stages.  A multi-year, multi-location field study on soybean germination identified critical drought-tolerant genotypes with superior germination and better root traits. The identified genotypes can be incorporated into soybean breeding program to develop high-yielding drought-tolerant varieties. Parallelly, we extended our study to identify candidate metabolites associated with drought tolerance during germination, to lay the groundwork for metabolomics-based research on soybean germination.

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Heat and drought stress also impact the seed quality. Therefore, developing crops with heat and drought tolerance has been a breeding target. One of my studies examined the impact of heat and drought stress on the protein and oil content of high-protein (>50% seed protein) soybean lines developed by the USDA-ARS. Despite exposure to higher temperatures and water stress during seed formation, these soybean lines maintained their protein content and oil composition unaffected, confirming resilience to climate-associated stresses. Similarly, I identified peanut lines that retain oil quality unaffected even after exposure to heat stress during early flowering. These studies on soybeans and peanuts not only led to publications but also attracted the attention of the global scientific community, culminating in a win at an international conference.

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Over the next five years, I aim to develop an interdisciplinary research program that focuses on, but is not limited to, cereal, oilseed, and horticultural crops. Climate change, particularly rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns, has threatened agricultural productivity globally. Therefore, I will continue to study how increased temperature and water stress affect seed composition in crops cultivated in the region where I work. My next research project will be to develop biotechnological solutions for managing fungal pathogens. This will integrate non-transgenic strategies, such as CRISPR and dsRNA-based approaches, for sustainable crop protection. I will also continue my research on A. flavus and A. parasiticus to produce safer, export-quality seed grain.

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I also endeavor to cultivate inquisitive minds through my active mentoring.