Hanu R. Pappu

Hanu R. Pappu is a Professor and holder of the Carl F. & James J. Chuey Endowed Chair in the Department of Plant Pathology at Washington State University's College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. His research focuses on plant virology, particularly viruses affecting horticultural crops, with emphasis on molecular biology, genomics, and control strategies.

Dr. Pappu earned his Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, an M.Sc. from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and a B.Sc. (Ag) from A.P. Agricultural University. His research program encompasses both fundamental and applied aspects of plant virus biology, with particular expertise in thrips-transmitted tospoviruses, plant pararetroviruses, potyviruses, and other viral pathogens affecting vegetables, ornamentals, and legumes.

His research interests span plant virology, molecular biology of plant viruses, virus-host interactions, genomics of plant pathogens, proteomics of plant viruses, and the regulatory framework for transgenic plants and GM crops. Dr. Pappu has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral pathogenesis, virus-vector interactions, and developing diagnostic tools and management strategies for viral diseases. His work bridges fundamental molecular studies with practical field applications for disease management.

Dr. Pappu's scientific publications demonstrate a strong focus on the epidemiology and molecular characterization of viruses affecting economically important crops, particularly tospoviruses like Tomato spotted wilt virus and Iris yellow spot virus. His research spans basic molecular studies through to field applications for disease management, with emphasis on integrated approaches combining genetic, cultural, and biotechnological solutions.

• Honorary Professor, University of Queensland, Australia (2019)
• Alexander von Humboldt Research Award (2018)
• Chuey Endowed Chair (2017)
• Fellow, American Phytopathological Society (2015)
• Fellow, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of India (2016)
• International Research Fellow, Japan Society for Promotion of Science (2015)

Dr. Pappu has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing significantly to the training of the next generation of plant pathologists. His research program has been supported by multiple grants from USDA, NSF, and other funding agencies, focusing on viral diseases of horticultural crops and their management. He leads several international collaborative projects with scientists across the globe, addressing viral diseases in diverse cropping systems.

Dr. Pappu directs a comprehensive research program that includes laboratory studies of virus biology, field evaluations of disease management strategies, and extension activities to disseminate knowledge to growers and stakeholders. His laboratory investigates multiple aspects of plant-virus interactions, with particular focus on molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and resistance, and he actively contributes to educational outreach through diagnostic services and development of educational materials for the agricultural community.