Janak Joshi

Dr. Janak Joshi serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology within the College of Agriculture at Montana State University. His research centers on molecular mechanisms of disease resistance in Montana's key agricultural crops through the study of plant-microbe interactions.

Education

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2018

Research Focus: The Joshi lab investigates disease/pest management capabilities of protease inhibitors against bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. Utilizing metabolomics, proteomics, and genetics, the lab aims to develop diagnostic tools and enhance plant health in agricultural settings through molecular insights.

Publication Trends: Recent publications (2020-2022) demonstrate consistent focus on Pectobacterium strains causing soft rot and blackleg diseases. Key themes include host specificity, protease inhibitor mechanisms from wild potatoes, and ecological factors influencing plant susceptibility, driving sustainable disease management strategies.

Grants and Service: Dr. Joshi leads Montana Department of Agriculture-funded projects on Dickeya blackleg epidemiology and potato disease resistance gene discovery. He actively contributes to the American Phytopathological Society as current Bacteriology Committee Member (Nov 2024-Jul 2025) and former Chair (Aug 2023-Aug 2024).

Laboratory: Operating from Plant Biosciences Building 210, the Joshi lab employs interdisciplinary approaches to unravel molecular dialogues between plants and pathogens, translating findings into practical agricultural solutions.