Shridhar Jambagi

I am a researcher in plant–microbe interactions. My work integrates molecular biology, plant pathology and omics approaches to understand how interactions among plants, pathogens and beneficial microorganisms determine plant health and to generate knowledge that can support sustainable crop production and plant resistance breeding. 

My current research focus on red clover, an important forage legume in Sweden. I study its responses to fungal pathogens, particularly Fusarium avenaceum and Sclerotinia trifoliorum, and explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying resistance. I also study beneficial root-associated microorganisms and how they may contribute to plant health and disease suppression.

Research projects
Breeding for root rot and clover rot resistance in red clover
Within SLU Grogrund, I work on understanding and improving red clover resistance to soilborne diseases. The research includes Fusarium root rot and clover rot caused by S. trifoliorum, with emphasis on pathogen biology, plant defence responses and resistance mechanisms. I use transcriptomics and functional genomics to identify plant genes associated with resistance to F. avenaceum and S. trifoliorum. The work is carried out in collaboration with researchers at SLU and Lantmännen.

A related aspect of my work focuses on the red clover root-associated microbiome. This research explores the diversity and composition of microorganisms associated with red clover roots and rhizosphere soil across Sweden. A major interest is understanding the roles of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms and how their interactions influence plant health. I am also  interested in Rhizobium symbiosis, nitrogen fixation and interactions involving other root-associated microbes.

Another area of my research is red clover genomics. We are developing haplotype-resolved genome assemblies and improved reference annotations for European red clover accessions. These genomic resources will help resolve genetic variation in this highly heterozygous species and provide a stronger foundation for gene discovery, comparative genomics and future resistance breeding.

My research contributes knowledge relevant to sustainable agriculture, plant health and climate-resilient crop production. Soilborne pathogens and changes in environmental conditions can reduce the persistence and productivity of forage legumes. Understanding pathogen diversity, plant resistance and beneficial root-associated microorganisms can provide new knowledge for plant breeding and sustainable disease management.

My teaching experience is mainly in student supervision and research-based teaching. I have supervised Master's and Bachelor's-level students, students participating in plant–microbe interaction courses, and research staff.

I contribute expertise in plant pathology, plant–microbe interactions, molecular biology, genomics and experimental approaches for studying plant disease resistance.

I have also completed pedagogical training at SLU in Teaching in Higher Education, Educating for Critical Thinking and Criticality, Doctoral Supervision, and the Doctoral Co-Supervisory Role.

PhD in Plant Science, 2009–2014
University of Reading, United Kingdom
Research: Molecular studies of plant–pathogen interactions in strawberry.

MSc in Plant Biotechnology, 2005–2008
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India
Research: Sorghum transformation with maize Ac and Ds for functional genomics.

BSc in Agriculture, 2001–2005
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, India.

1. Anastasios Samaras, Evagelia Daskalaki, Shridhar Jambagi, Moses Biruma, Christina Dixelius, Georgios Tzelepis* (2026). A nuclear effector of Magnaporthe oryzae targets a mitogen-activated protein kinase to suppress basal plant defense. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 39 (3).
2. Shridhar Jambagi*, Christina Dixelius (2023). A robust hydroponic-based system for screening red clover (Trifolium pratense) for Fusarium avenaceum. Legume Science, 5 (4).
3. Shridhar Jambagi, Kristian Persson Hodén, Linda Öhlund, Christina Dixelius* (2023). Red clover root-associated microbiota is shaped by geographic location and choice of farming system. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 134 (4).
4. Megha Hastantram Sampangi-Ramaiah, Prajjal Dey, Shridhar Jambagi, Vasantha Kumari M.M., Ralf Oelmüller, Nataraja Karaba N., Ravishankar Kundapura Venkataramana, Ravikanth
G, Uma Shaanker R* (2020). An endophyte from salt-adapted Pokkali rice confers salt tolerance to a salt-sensitive rice variety and targets a unique pattern of genes in its new host. Scientific Reports, 10 (3237).
5. Vasanthakumari MM, Shridhar Jambagi, Madhura RJ, Nandhitha Mohanasundaram, Kasthuri Chinnasamy, Janardhana B, Nataraja Karaba N, Ravikanth Gudasalamani, Uma Shaanker Ramanan* (2018). Role of endophytes in early seedling growth of plants: a test using systemic fungicide seed treatment. Plant Physiology Reports, 24 (1), pp. 86 – 95.
6. Sangamesh MB, Shridhar Jambagi, Vasanthakumari MM, Nithin J Shetty, Hitesh Kolte,
Ravikanth G, Nataraja Karaba N, Uma Shaanker R* (2017). Thermotolerance of fungal
endophytes isolated from plants adapted to the Thar Desert, India. Symbiosis, 75 (2), pp.
135 – 147.
7. Shridhar Jambagi, Jim M Dunwell* (2017). Identification and expression analysis of Fragaria vesca MLO genes involved in interaction with powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis). Journal of Advances in Plant Biology, 1 (1).
8. Shridhar Jambagi, Jim M Dunwell* (2015). Global transcriptome analysis and identification of differentially expressed genes after infection of Fragaria vesca with powdery mildew
(Podosphaera aphanis). Transcriptomics: Open Access, 3 (1).
9. Shridhar Jambagi, Ramesh S Bhat, Sumangala Bhat, MS Kuruvinashetti* (2010). Agrobacterium-mediated transformation studies in sorghum using an improved gfp reporter gene. Journal of SAT Agricultural Research, 8 (1).