College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Degrees:

B.S. Tribhuvan University
M.S. Tribhuvan University
Ph.D. Auburn University

Overview of current program

My research program focuses on various aspects of forest and shade tree pathology/health. My current focus is on Armillaria root rot in Prunus and other tree species. We investigate the mechanisms of disease resistance, fungal virulence factors, and how wound healing processes contribute to plant defense. We also explore the impact of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in enhancing tree health and improving pathogen resistance.

We employ a range of biochemical, histological, and molecular techniques to study tree defense mechanisms. A key aspect of our research is developing rapid screening methods to assess disease resistance in different tree species against root pathogens. Additionally, we focus on identifying and evaluating antimicrobial compounds and enzymes produced by trees as part of their natural defense against pathogens.

My program aims to advance both fundamental understanding and practical applications to improve disease management in the field. By integrating these research areas, we seek to develop novel strategies for managing tree diseases and promoting the health and sustainability of orchards and forests.

Courses Taught:

PLP 407 Diseases and Insects of Forest and Shade Trees 

Publications (in the last 5 years)

• *Devkota P., Iezzoni A., Gasic K., Reighard G., Hammerschmidt R., (2023) Developing in-vitro Armillaria root rot screening technique utilizing younger roots of Prunus genotypes HortScience, 58(10), 1163-1169.
• Gasic K., Adelberg j., Baumgartner K., Brannen P., Cai L., Calle A., Chavez D., Devkota , Gradziel T., Hammerschmidt R., Iezzoni A., Koc B., Mark T., Melgar J.C., Reighard G., Saski C., Schnabel G., Tharayil N., Vassalos M (2022) Solutions to the Armillaria Root Rot affecting the U.S. stone fruit industry. Acta Horticulturae proceedings of the 10^th ISHS Peach Conference.
• Mensah J.K., Devkota, Eckhardt L.G (2022). Sapwood growth and tolerance of Pinus taeda trees to Leptographium terebrantis inoculation. Forest Pathology, 52(2), e12740.
• *Devkota P, Hammerschmidt R. (2020) The infection process of Armillaria mellea and Armillaria solidipes. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 112, 101543.
• *Devkota, Iezzoni A., Gasic K., Reighard G., Hammerschmidt R., (2020) Evaluation of the susceptibility of Prunus rootstock genotypes to Armillaria and Desarmillaria species. European Journal of Plant Pathology,158, 177–193.
• *Devkota. P., Kloepper J., Enebak S. A., Eckhardt. L. G. (2020). Towards biocontrol of ophiostomatoid fungi by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria, Biocontrol Science and Technology, 30(1), 19-32.
• *Devkota. P. and Hammerschmidt. R. (2019). A rapid and holistic approach to screen susceptibility of Prunus species to Armillaria root rot. Forest Pathology, 49(5), e12547.
• Essien, C., Devkota, P., Via, B. K., & Eckhardt, L. G. (2019). Understanding relationship between the wood quality parameters and susceptibility of Pinus taeda to pine decline. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 77(6), 1117-1124.
• *Devkota. P., and Eckhardt. L. G. (2019). Intraspecific response of Pinus taeda to Grosmannia huntii and Leptographium terebrantis infection. Forest Pathology, 49(3), e12512.
• *Devkota. P., Enebak S. A., Eckhardt L.G. (2019). A Performance Comparison of Bareroot and Containerized Pinus taeda Seedlings as Affected by Ophiostomatoid Fungi. Tree Planter’s Note, 61(2), pp. 54-59.
• *Devkota. P., Mensah. J., Nadel. L., Matusick G., Eckhardt L. G. (2019). Pinus taeda L. response to differential inoculum density of Leptographium terebrantis colonized toothpicks. Forest Pathology, 49(1), e12474.

Selected Awards and Honors:

James Floyd Goggans’ Endowed Fellowship, Auburn University (2017).

Outstanding Graduate Student in Forest Biology 2016-2017, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University.

Dukes Award in Biological Sciences, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University (2017)

Second place in poster session at Southeastern Society of American Foresters Annual Conference, January 25, 2015.

Outstanding Graduate Student poster award at Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference, March 2-5, 2015

First place in Graduate Seminar Poster Session, Auburn University, April 2015.

Outstanding International Graduate Student Award, Auburn University (2015)

Drummond Fellowship 2015, Auburn University.

Auburn University Graduate Student Thesis/Dissertation Fellowship, 2015.