Rajagopalbabu Srinivasan

Rajagopalbabu (Babu) Srinivasan is a Professor of Entomology at the University of Georgia, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Griffin Campus. He leads the Srinivasan Lab, which conducts cutting-edge research on insect-transmitted plant viruses, focusing on thrips, whiteflies, and aphids as vectors affecting crops across Georgia and the southeastern United States.

Education & Training: While specific degrees are not listed, his extensive publication record and faculty position at UGA indicate advanced training in entomology, plant pathology, and virology.

Research Interests:

• Vector-virus-host plant interactions
• Epidemiology of thrips-, whitefly-, and aphid-transmitted viruses (e.g., Tospoviruses, Begomoviruses, Potyviruses)
• Mechanisms of virus transmission by insect vectors
• Integrated pest management (IPM) for virus control
• Host plant resistance and breeding for virus resistance
• Molecular and behavioral ecology of insect vectors

Recent Research Trends: His 2020–2024 publications emphasize genomic and transcriptomic analyses of vector-virus systems, population genetics of viral strains, host resistance mechanisms in peanut and tomato, and cultural/chemical IPM strategies for whitefly and thrips management in cucurbits and legumes.

Scientific Awards & Recognition: While no specific awards are listed, his leadership of a well-funded lab, extensive publication record (100+ papers), and mentorship of numerous graduate students and postdocs underscore his prominence in the field.

Advising & Grants:

• Current PhD students: Yi-Ju Chen, Michael Catto, Sudeep Pandey, Gurjit Singh
• Postdocs: Dr. Habibu Mugerwa, Dr. Saritha Kavalappara, Dr. Banani Mondal
• Recent graduates: Dr. Pin-Chu Lai (PhD), Dr. Saurabh Gautam (PhD), Dr. Wendy Marchant (PhD)
• Collaborates on USDA-NIFA, industry, and multi-state projects (e.g., Peanut Rx disease management)

Laboratory & Teams: The Srinivasan Lab (Griffin Campus) includes rearing facilities for whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci MEAM1/MED), thrips (Frankliniella fusca), and aphids (Aphis gossypii). Research teams focus on vector biology, virus diagnostics, and field trials across Georgia’s cropping systems.