معرفی
Sunish Kumar Sehgal is an Associate Professor and Winter Wheat Breeder in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science at South Dakota State University. He earned his PhD in plant breeding and genetics from Punjab Agricultural University and previously served as a research scientist at Kansas State University (2006-2014). Since joining SDSU in 2014, he leads the winter wheat breeding program focused on developing high-yielding cultivars resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses.
His research specializes in wheat breeding and genetics, with emphasis on enhancing productivity through resistance to diseases (Fusarium head blight, rusts, wheat streak mosaic virus) and tolerance to environmental stresses (drought, winter hardiness). He also investigates end-use quality traits through genomic approaches.
His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on genomic prediction models, disease resistance gene mapping, and quality trait improvement in winter wheat. Research integrates high-throughput phenotyping, machine learning, and genomic technologies to accelerate wheat improvement.
Awards and Honors:
- F.O. Butler Award Excellence in Research (2023)
- AHPS Excellence in Research Award (2023, 2022)
- Best of Show Millers Award (2022, 2021)
- Early Career Speaker Award (2010)
- K-State Make A Difference Award (2010)
He teaches Advanced Plant Breeding and mentors graduate students. He has released multiple winter wheat cultivars including Oahe, Thompson, Winner, Draper, SD Andes, SD Midland, and SD Pheasant. His extension activities include field days and grower education across South Dakota.
