Degree Program

MS Plant Sciences

Home University

Delaware State University

Home Mentor

Kalpalatha Melmaiee, Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Delaware State University

Cornell Mentor

Michael Gore and Kelly Robbins, School of Integrative Plant Science

About the Fellow

Venkata (Ven) Hemanth Limmada is a graduate student at Delaware State University, pursuing master’s degree in Plant Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Kalpalatha Melmaiee. His research focuses on characterization of strawberry germplasm against Anthracnose. This study includes systematic infection using fungal spore suspension and phenotyping the resistant traits by characterizing the morpho-physiological, and biochemical properties and understanding the genetic basis for resistance.

As a research assistant, he also involved in other research projects such as the evaluation of industrial hemp lines for high-temperature stress tolerance both under lab and field conditions and screening the strawberry germplasm for Botrytis resistance.

Ven obtained bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, India. He has actively participated in various scientific activities including mentoring high school students about the importance of plant sciences and serving as a panel member for university research day.