Research Pathologist
USDA ARS
Jackson, Tennessee, United States
Dr. Mengistu has over 25 years of post-graduate research experience and is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in his discipline. Dr. Mengistu’s contribution are evidenced by his authorship of 150 publications, including 110 refereed journal articles, five book chapters and authored or co-authored 111 presentations. His publications are highly cited, as monitored in ISI Web of Science. He is recognized for his national and international leadership as point person for his ability in evaluation of the host-pathogen interaction that has a fundamental applied approach. His earlier research at the University of Wisconsin on black leg and brown stem rot of soybean are not only the first to be developed but are also the mainstay methods to determine pathogenicity grouping, sexual mating of L. maculans and population density of Phialophora gregata. His research at the ARS includes the development of a high throughput disease screening for field and greenhouse protocols and pathogen characteristics that has enabled breeders to release resistant germplasms against diseases of Phytophthora rot, Charcoal rot, Phomopsis Seed Decay, soybean cyst nematode and Frogeye leaf spot. Dr. Mengistu has contributed to the development and co-release of sixteen soybean germplasm lines. Commercial and public breeders, international organizations and Plant Pathologists utilize his screening techniques and the germplasms releases. Dr. Mengistu’s current research emphasis is on Charcoal rot and frogeye leaf spot diseases. The diversity of significant accomplishments in Dr. Mengistu’s research highlights his vast experience that resulted in new methodologies useful to agriculture.
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P-268 - Evaluating resistance to frogeye leaf spot in soybean breeding lines
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM HST