Nikhil Ashtekar
Plant Pathologist, Mycologist and IPM Expert
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About
Innovative R&D Scientist and Plant Pathologist with 10+ years of experience in fungal diagnostics and crop protection. Proven track record in managing multi-location field trials for industry leaders including Bayer, Syngenta, and BASF to secure government label-claim approvals. Specialist in the integration of AI/ML with plant pathology to automate disease identification and optimise sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
Expertise spans regulatory submissions, toxicity assessment, and genomic R&D, with a focus on delivering scalable, technology-driven solutions for global agriculture.
Experience
Assistant Professor - Agriculture Science Centre (Krishi Vigyan Kendra), Baramati - Baramati
(2025-10)
- AI Product Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams in developing a computer-vision app for real-time fungal disease identification, bridging traditional pathology and machine learning.
- Data-Driven Diagnostics: Developing and training ML models for high-accuracy disease prediction across major crop systems (Grapes, Sugarcane, Maize, Banana), focusing on early-stage pathogen detection.
- Field Validation: Executed comprehensive disease diagnostics in open-field and closed-cultivation environments to validate AI model performance under diverse environmental conditions.
- Stakeholder Advisory: Translate complex pathological data into actionable advisory services for farmers, improving plant health outcomes and optimising chemical intervention strategies.
Visiting Professor - Fergusson College - Pune
(2025-08 - 2025-10)
- Curriculum Design: Developed and delivered postgraduate modules on Fungal Diversity, Modern Classification, and Bioprospecting.
- Technical Training: Mentored Master's students in advanced electrochemical and radioactive techniques, focusing on laboratory precision and technical communication.
Postdoctoral Associate - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, North Carolina
(2023-12 - 2024-12)
- Genomic R&D: Investigated the evolution of virulence and antifungal resistance in Ajellomycetaceae pathogens through an NIH-funded genomic research project.
- Comparative Analysis: Evaluated 50 years of genomic shifts to pinpoint specific genetic regions driving resistance to chemical treatments working with cross functional teams
- Bioinformatics Integration: Deployed Python and MATLAB for next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis and development of molecular diagnostic pipelines.
CSIR Senior Research Fellow - Agharkar Research Institute - Pune
(2021-04 - 2023-03)
- Taxonomic Discovery: Led a polyphasic taxonomic research project resulting in the discovery and characterisation of three novel Penicillium species (P. sankaranii, P. sanjayi, P. uttarakhandense).
- Knowledge Transfer: Spearheaded seminars on advanced research methodologies, improving technical standards and peer-review quality within the scientific community.
Senior Research Fellow - ICAR - National Research Centre for Grapes - Pune
(2014-12 - 2017-03)
- Trial Leadership: Managed multi-location R&D trials evaluating fungicide and virucide efficacy for global partners including Bayer, BASF, and Syngenta.
- Regulatory Compliance: Supported successful label-claim approval of proprietary chemistries by delivering high-quality technical reports and SAS-based data analysis.
- IP & Application Strategy: Pioneered a "spray positioning" technique integrating biologicals with chemical fungicides, reducing chemical reliance while maintaining vineyard productivity.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Plant Pathology - MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune (2023-04)
Master of Science - Department of Botany - Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune (2012-05)
Bachelor of Science - Department of Botany - Fergusson College, Pune (2010-05)
