Postdoctoral Scholar at UC Davis
Plant scientist with expertise in plant-pathogen interactions and multi-omics analysis. Currently investigating grapevine-virus interactions using transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. Proficient in R, Python, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, RNA-seq, and bioinformatics pipelines.
About Me
I am a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Davis, investigating grapevine-virus interactions using transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches, building on foundational GRBV research. I lead CDFA/USDA-funded projects on grapevine virus impacts.
My doctoral research at Banaras Hindu University focused on developing nano-encapsulated antifungal formulations against food-borne pathogens. I engineered chitosan-based delivery systems that significantly inhibited Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin contamination.
With a track record of 20+ publications, grant contributions, and mentorship experience, I am passionate about translating fundamental research into practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and food safety.
Research Interests
Skills & Expertise
Analytical Techniques
Data Science & Bioinformatics
Research Areas
Formulation & Delivery
Experience
Sep 2023 — Present
Sep 2023 — Present
Postdoctoral Scholar
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA, USA
Leading multi-omics research on grapevine-virus interactions under CDFA and USDA-funded projects.
- Led a multi-year, omics-driven project to dissect metabolic and transcriptional impacts of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) on Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot berries and wine quality
- Developed and validated RT-qPCR and digital PCR assays to quantify GRBV titers across >10 vineyard blocks
- Integrated multi-platform datasets (GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, RNA-Seq) to identify putative biomarkers linked to virus-induced changes
- Presented results at national conferences (ASEV and ASPB), contributing to stakeholder outreach and industry workshops
2017 — 2023
2017 — 2023
Ph.D. Research Scholar
Banaras Hindu University
India
Doctoral research on nano-encapsulated plant-based bioactive formulations against food-borne pathogens.
- Engineered a nano-encapsulated essential oil formulation using chitosan-gel matrices, significantly inhibiting Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 production
- Set up a multi-disciplinary R&D pipeline integrating antifungal screening, GC-MS metabolomics, SEM imaging, and gene expression analysis
- Developed a green, cost-effective, and scalable chitosan-based delivery system with sustained release over 60 days
- Published 10+ peer-reviewed articles and presented findings at 5+ national conferences
Education
2017 — 2023
2017 — 2023
Ph.D. in Plant Pathology/Postharvest/Food Safety
Banaras Hindu University
India
Thesis: Assessment and amelioration of plant-based bioactive formulation against food-borne pathogens
2015 — 2017
2015 — 2017
M.Sc. in Botany (Gold Medalist)
Banaras Hindu University
India
Specialization: Plant Pathology and Plant Protection, Microbial Genetics and Biotechnology, Conservation and Restoration Ecology
2012 — 2015
2012 — 2015
B.Sc. in Botany
Banaras Hindu University
India
Foundation in plant sciences and biological research methods.
Research Impact
2,326
Total Citations
25
h-index
40
i10-index
Since 2021
1,895
Citations
24
h-index
38
i10-index
Citations per Year
Publications
Grapevine Red Blotch Disease: An Emerging Threat to Global Viticulture
P. P. Singh, K. Reddy, A. M. Boghozian, A. Oberholster, M. R. Sudarshana
Temporal Dynamics of Grapevine red blotch virus accumulation in Grapevine leaves is Influenced by Fruit Maturity Stages
P. P. Singh, H. Scully, K. Reddy, A. M. Boghozian, C. Medina-Plaza, A. Oberholster, M. R. Sudarshana
Systematic elucidation of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus inhibition: Integrating EOs-based formulation with mathematical modeling and transcriptomic analysis
P. P. Singh, R. Singh, P. K. Verma, B. Prakash
Assessment of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil against Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin B1 contamination, and post-harvest quality of Sorghum bicolor
P. P. Singh, A. K. Jaiswal, R. Singh, A. Kumar, V. Gupta, T. S. Raghuvanshi, A. Sharma, B. Prakash
Essential oils as green promising alternatives to chemical preservatives for agri-food products: New insight into molecular mechanism, toxicity assessment, and safety profile
B. Prakash, P. P. Singh, V. Gupta, T. S. Raghuvanshi
Insights into the antimicrobial efficacy of Coleus aromaticus essential oil against food-borne microbes: Biochemical and molecular simulation approaches
P. P. Singh, A. K. Jaiswal, T. S. Raghuvanshi, B. Prakash
32 publications (24 journal articles, 8 book chapters) in venues including Food Chemistry, Scientific Reports, and Food Control.
Research Projects
GRBV Impact on Wine Quality
Multi-year, omics-driven project funded by CDFA and USDA to dissect the metabolic and transcriptional impacts of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus on Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot berries and wine quality.
Identified key metabolic pathways disrupted by GRBV, informing vineyard management for the $58B California wine industry.
GRBV Quantification Assays
Developed and validated RT-qPCR and digital PCR assays to quantify GRBV titers across >10 vineyard blocks, enabling spatial and seasonal tracking of infection load.
Enabled early detection and spatial mapping of virus spread, helping growers make informed replanting decisions.
Nano-encapsulated Antifungal Formulation
Engineered a chitosan-gel matrix nano-encapsulated essential oil formulation that significantly inhibited Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 production in postharvest applications.
Achieved >90% aflatoxin inhibition using green, food-safe materials — a viable alternative to synthetic preservatives.
Multi-omics Biomarker Discovery
Integrated multi-platform datasets (GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, RNA-Seq) to identify putative biomarkers linked to virus-induced changes in grape cell wall composition and metabolite profiles.
Discovered novel biomarkers that could serve as diagnostic tools for early GRBV detection in field conditions.
Sustained-Release Delivery System
Developed a green, cost-effective, and scalable chitosan-based delivery system with enhanced formulation stability and sustained release over 60 days in postharvest conditions.
Extended antifungal protection from days to 60+ days, reducing reapplication frequency and cost for food storage.
Antifungal Mechanism Elucidation
Multi-disciplinary R&D pipeline integrating antifungal screening, GC-MS metabolomics, SEM imaging, and gene expression analysis to uncover mechanisms involving oxidative stress and membrane disruption.
Revealed a dual-target mechanism (membrane disruption + oxidative stress) opening new avenues for rational antifungal design.
Latest from the Blog
View all posts →From Single-Cell Four-Omics to Spatial Maps: The Multi-Omics Shift Plant Pathology Can’t Ignore
Today’s multi-omics news highlights how single-cell “four-omics” and spatial omics are rapidly maturing into practical toolkits—opening a clearer path to pinpoint where plant defenses and pathogen pressures actually play out inside tissues.
From Crop Residues to Cross-Omics: A Practical Path to Predicting Plant Disease Before Symptoms
Today’s thread connects two often-separated worlds—how pathogens persist in crop residues and how modern cross-omics integration can turn messy, incomplete datasets into earlier, more actionable disease signals. The takeaway: pairing residue ecology with multi-omics modeling is a realistic route to better forecasting and management decisions.
Cross‑Kingdom RNA Signals and Climate Extremes: Two Forces Rewriting Plant–Microbe Outcomes
New reporting on cross‑kingdom RNA effects in arbuscular mycorrhiza and a Nature piece on climate extremes highlight how molecular dialogue and environmental volatility jointly reshape plant health—pointing to research opportunities that connect interaction biology with field‑scale risk.
Get In Touch
I am open to research collaborations, academic discussions, and consulting opportunities. Whether you have questions about my research or want to explore potential collaborations, feel free to reach out!
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