Dr. Mirza Ashikul Beg

My primary research focuses on understanding plant–pathogen interactions, with a particular emphasis on mycology and fungal disease management. My PhD dissertation, titled "Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Alternaria spp., Botrytis spp., and Neopestalotiopsis spp. Isolates Associated with Fruit Rots on Blueberries in Georgia, USA," investigated economically important fungal pathogens affecting blueberry production. My research involved the isolation and characterization of fungal pathogens, assessment of their sensitivity to commonly used fungicides, and elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying fungicide resistance.

In addition to fungicide resistance, I am interested in plant disease epidemiology, including disease surveillance, forecasting, and the development of effective disease management strategies. My long-term research goal is to improve sustainable crop protection by integrating conventional plant pathology with modern diagnostic and management approaches.

In Bangladesh, my primary research objective is to identify and characterize the major pathogens responsible for yield losses in economically important crops. I aim to investigate pathogen diversity, biology, and epidemiology, and to develop effective disease management strategies using conventional plant pathology techniques and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Ultimately, my research seeks to contribute to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security by reducing crop losses caused by plant diseases.