Dr. Malathi P is a Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology) at the Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, with 28 years of extensive experience in research and innovation. Her expertise lies in developing conventional and molecular means of disease management in sugarcane particularly red rot. Her pioneering research on mechanized means of treating planting materials towards integrated Disease Management Strategy has had a profound impact on the sustainability and productivity of sugarcane cultivation in India.

Significant Achievements

Dr. Malathi has made groundbreaking contributions in sugarcane pathology, leading to:

• Has one granted patent, on rapid treatment method for planting materials and a filed patent on "specific primers for red rot Pathogen - Colletotrichum falcatum detection".
• 15 externally funded research projects, with a combined budget of several crores, covering areas such as molecular characterization of fungal pathogens and antagonistic microbes for field application; diagnostics, bioagent-based nanotechnology, development and dissemination of disease management technologies
• 87 research papers, 25 books and book chapters, 38 technical papers, 36 extension publications, and >100 conference presentations.
• 13 prestigious individual awards, including:
  • Long-term Overseas Associateship by DBT (PDF in Seoul National University)
  • Five Fellow Awards of National Scientific Societies (2012 to till now)
  • Prestigious Sharda Lele Memorial Award (2021) from Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS)
  • Prof. MJ Narashiman Academic Merit Award for the Ph.D student (2020-21)
  • Noel Deer Gold Medal (2021) & STAI Silver Medal (2022)
  • Best Principal Scientist (2022) & Sir T.S. Venkatraman Award (2021-2022)
  • Pushpavathi Blessing Garapati Gold Medal Award from SISSTA (2023)
  • Most Cited Paper Award, Outstanding Award & Multiple Best Research Paper Awards

Notable Contributions

Dr. Malathi’s research has revolutionized sugarcane disease management through:

• Development of a mechanized system for sett treatment, which is widely adopted across India for disease control and healthy nursery programs.
• Pioneering molecular studies on the red rot pathogen, including genomics, proteomics, phylogenetics and functional genomics leading to targeted fungicidal management.
• Characterization of effective bioagents using Omics tools, paving the way for genetic engineering and biogenesis of nanomaterial based disease control.
• Implementation of an inter-institutional Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) strategy, involving seven ICAR institutes and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), expanding pests and disease control methods based on mechanized priming of planting material in other crops.
• Co-development of the ‘E-Ganna’ mobile app for on-spot disease diagnostics and recommendations by attending farmer’s queries through digital mode.

Overall, immense contributions in the field of sugarcane pathology is evidenced by patents, commercialized technology, publications in reputed journals, awards, externally funded projects, guiding Ph.D. and M.Sc. students and outreach activities in disseminating disease management technologies.

Eligibility for Innovative Researcher of the Year

Dr. Malathi P’s innovative approach, translational research, and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies in sugarcane pathology make her a deserving recipient of the Innovative Researcher of the Year in Scientific Laurels. Her pioneering mechanized disease management strategies and molecular breakthroughs continue to impact sugarcane cultivation nationwide.