Mumta Chhetri

Mumta Chhetri is a Research Fellow in Cereal Rust Pathology at the University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences. She specializes in molecular mapping and genetic characterization of rust resistance in cereal crops, particularly wheat and barley. Her work has led to the identification and naming of three novel resistance genes: Yr58, Yr72, and Lr74. Chhetri holds an MSc in Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources from Wageningen University (Netherlands) and a PhD from the University of Sydney, supported by an Australian Leadership Award (2011). She is affiliated with the Sydney Institute of Agriculture.

Her research focuses on quantitative resistance mechanisms, genomic prediction of rust resistance, and deploying durable resistance genes in breeding programs. Recent projects involve mapping stripe rust resistance genes in wheat landraces and analyzing pathotype dynamics of Puccinia striiformis. Chhetri collaborates extensively with global institutions to address cereal rust challenges in agriculture.

Key contributions include advancing genomic tools for rust resistance breeding and informing disease management strategies. Awards include the Australian Leadership Award (2011). Her work has been featured in media outlets like Groundcover, highlighting rust pathogen monitoring and fungicide resistance issues.

Chhetri advises current research students (names not listed) and contributes to the Australian Cereal Rust Control Program. Her research integrates molecular genetics, field trials, and statistical modeling to enhance crop resilience against rust pathogens.