Tennessee names new plant pathologist

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has named Dr. Prabha Liyanapathiranage the new State Plant Pathologist. As the state’s plant pathologist, Liyanapathiranage is responsible for diagnosing plant diseases, identifying plant pests, educating plant inspectors and stakeholders about invasive pests, and collaborating with pathologists on existing and emerging pathogens of regional, national, and international significance. “Prabha’s expertise in academia and in research make her a perfect fit for this leadership role,” Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “She’s worked more than 10 years with institutions dedicated to agriculture, and she has extensive publications and accolades that highlight her commitment to advancing the field of plant pathology.” During her master’s degree program, Liyanapathiranage focused on identifying sustainable approaches for managing soil-borne diseases in woody ornamental nurseries in Tennessee. After completing her Ph.D., she joined Tennessee State University’s Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tenn., as a post-doctoral researcher. There, she played a crucial part in conducting research on vascular streak dieback, a significant threat to woody ornamental production in the southeast. Given Tennessee’s prominence as the leading redbud producer in the nation, the economic impact of this issue is considerable, and her research has made a significant contribution towards addressing...