K. B. Pun, currently working as the Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences & Technology at Assam downtown University, Guwahati (Assam), has an illustrious career spanning 37 years in the field of research, teaching, extension and administration in various capacities. Dr. Pun has served Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat (Assam), National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack (Odisha) and ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He has also served ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Gogamukh (Assam) as its Nodal Officer and later on as the Consultant. He is a plant virologist and has varied research interests and experiences. His research area centered around identification, characterization and management of virus(es) and virus-like pathogens affecting rice, large cardamom, citrus and a few vegetable crops. Dr. Pun has contributed more than 70 research papers in the national and international journals of repute.

Maria Modi, a distinguished scholar with a PhD in Plant Pathology from Annamalai University, Chidamabaram, Tamil Nadu. With extensive expertise in plant-microbe interactions, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of plant Diseasess and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Modi’s research focuses on developing eco-friendly strategies to manage plant pathogens, aiming to enhance crop resilience and ensure food security. Her work, recognized both nationally and internationally, continues to influence advancements in plant health and sustainable agriculture.

Suresh Patil, a prominent academic and researcher in Plant Pathology, currently serving as an Assistant Professor cum Junior Scientist in the Department of Plant Pathology at Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, within Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour. With an impressive academic and research background, Dr. Patil is ideally suited to lead the editorial team for the forthcoming book.
Dr. Suresh Patil completed his undergraduate studies at the College of Agriculture, Raichur, and pursued his master’s degree at UAS GKVK, Bengaluru and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from UAS Dharwad during 2013.He was qualified with ICAR-NET. He has extensive ten years research as well as teaching experience for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students and acquainted with basics and principles of Plant pathology, host-pathogen interaction, screening for Diseases resistance, advances in molecular plant pathology and integrated Diseases management.

Bandana Saikia, is serving as an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Assam down town University, Guwahati (Assam). Dr. Saikia has started her career as teacher in Daffodil College of Horticulture, Khetri, Guwahati. She earned her Ph.D. from Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in 2023, focusing on the interactions between endophytic and rhizospheric microbes in tomato plants. Dr. Saikia's academic achievements are highlighted by several prestigious awards, including the, University Gold medal, DST-INSPIRE fellowship and the Bayer fellowship. Her work has been widely published in reputed journals in form of research (4) and review (1) papers, and she has authored several book chapters (10). Dr. Saikia has also gained international exposure through a diploma in ‘International Agriculture and Rural Development’ from Cornell University and represented India in the Asian Association of Agricultural Colleges and Universities study tour in Maejo University, Thailand. Dr. Saikia continues to make significant contributions to the field of agricultural sciences.

Sunita J. Magar, faculty of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani completed her B. Sc. Ag. in Year 2001, M. Sc. Ag. Plant Pathology in Year 2003 and Ph. D. in Plant Pathology in the year 2007 from VNMKV, Parbhani. She is having experience of more than 16 years. She guided more than 39 M. Sc. Student as a Research Guide and as SAC member of more than 54 students of various disciplines. As a CO-organizing Secretary successfully organized IPS (WZ) symposium in 2015. Acted as Co-PI in Research Scheme. She has conferred upon as Fellow of Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi. Awarded with Best Oral (05) and Poster (05) Presentation Awards in National and International conferences. She has been awarded with Best Women Scientist Award (2017), Agrocare Idol Award (2020), Women Scientist Award (2018), Best Teacher Award (2023), She has published 72 Research papers in NAAS rated journals, 02 books, 15 book chapters, 03 technical articles.