LUDHIANA: The Department of Plant Pathology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), in association with the Indian Society of Plant Pathologists (INSOPP), organized a highly informative lecture on the “Emerging Role of Illumina and Nanopore Sequencing Technologies in Plant Pathogen Diagnostics”, on March 03, 2025. Dr Harvinder Bennypaul, Research Scientist at The Centre for Plant Health, Sidney, BC, Canada, and an alumnus of the Department of Plant Pathology was the distinguished speaker.
Dr Bennypaul, a renowned expert in the said field, discussed modern sequencing technologies, specifically Illumina and Nanopore, and how these are revolutionizing the diagnosis of plant diseases. These advanced techniques, he highlighted, enable rapid, accurate detection of various plant pathogens, including viruses, phytoplasmas, and other destructive pathogens. The lecture underscored the potential of these technologies to transform plant pathology research by providing faster diagnostic tools that are essential for managing plant health at a global scale.
One of the key points discussed during the lecture was how these sequencing methods can aid in the regulation of the introduction of exotic pests into new regions. Dr Bennypaul emphasized that early and precise pathogen detection is crucial in preventing the spread of invasive plant diseases, which could otherwise have devastating impacts on agriculture and biodiversity. The lecture also provided valuable insights into the practical applications of these sequencing technologies for researchers, plant health professionals, and agricultural policymakers.
Dr P.S. Sandhu, Head of the Department of Plant Pathology, and Vice-President of INSOPP, felicitated Dr Bennypaul with a memento and acknowledged his achievements in the field of Plant Pathology. Dr Sandhu also warmly appreciated Dr Bennypaul’s consistently long standing association with PAU. The event was well-attended by students and faculty from Plant Pathology, Entomology, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology disciplines.