Akshaya Biswal

Akshaya Biswal is an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Georgia (UGA), affiliated with the Department of Horticulture and the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (IPBGG). His work focuses on advancing peanut genetics, breeding, genomics, and genetic engineering to enhance crop yield, quality, and disease resistance, particularly in Georgia.

Education:

• B.S. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, Utkal University, India (1994)
• M.S. in Biotechnology, Banaras Hindu University, India (1996)
• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India (2010)

Research Interests:

• Functional mechanisms of peanut stem rot disease resistance
• Peanut genetic transformation and genome editing
• Molecular plant breeding and precision genetic technologies

His research bridges biotechnology and field application, including developing high-efficiency genetic transformation protocols for wheat and enhancing disease-resistant crop varieties.

Grants & Professional Activities: Dr. Biswal contributes to UGA's research and service activities (95% research, 5% service). He collaborates with institutions like CIMMYT and focuses on global crop challenges, such as maize lethal necrosis and climate-smart rice.

Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the Plant Center and the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (IPBGG).