Bikash Ghimire
In his own words ...
Tell us about your background prior to starting to work at UGA.
I am originally from Nepal, where I earned a BS in Agriculture. Before moving to the U.S., I worked for over three years as an Agronomist and Plant Breeder at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council, a government research institute. My work focused on disease screening and management in cereal crops, particularly addressing grower’s challenges. I collaborated with both national and international partners to develop improved cultivars and integrated disease management strategies. I then completed my MS in Crop Science at Washington State University, where I focused on root phenotyping to support the development of drought-resilient wheat cultivars for the Pacific Northwest.
Tell us about your research here at UGA.
My research at UGA integrates both basic and applied approaches to addressing key diseases in turfgrass and bioenergy crops. I have collaborated with turfgrass breeding programs at UGA and NC State to identify genetic regions associated with resistance to Rhizoctonia large patch in zoysiagrass using QTL mapping. In partnership with the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the DOE’s Center for Bioenergy Innovation, I have also identified novel loci for false smut and rust resistance in a diverse switchgrass panel through genome-wide association studies. On the pathogen side, my work includes comparative genomics and fungicide resistance profiling of Clarireedia spp., the causal agent of dollar spot. From an applied perspective, I have led efficacy trials of both synthetic and biological fungicides against major turfgrass diseases. Recently, I developed biofungicide-based spray programs that effectively control both dollar spot and large patch. I am also investigating innovative, non-chemical management strategies in turfgrass, including UV-C light and nano-bubble water technologies.
What has been the best experience you've had so far at CAES?
I earned my PhD in Plant Pathology from UGA and have been part of CAES for several years. The most rewarding aspect has been the supportive academic and research environment. I have benefited greatly from the mentorship of my PI and other faculty, and the strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff has made the experience especially meaningful. That foundation of support, collaboration, and camaraderie is something I will carry with me throughout my career.
What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
With the skills and expertise I have gained at UGA, I aim to continue helping farmers address real-world challenges. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with growers and stakeholders to understand their needs and solve their problems. Moving forward, I see myself in a role where my research and outreach efforts can make a tangible impact, improve livelihoods, and drive change through translational research.
How has your experience at UGA changed you?
My experience at UGA has transformed me into a well-rounded scientist prepared to serve growers, stakeholders, and the scientific community. I have gained advanced technical skills, along with the ability to conduct impactful, solution-oriented research and effectively translate findings to end-users. The strong mentorship, collaborative environment, and professional growth opportunities at UGA have equipped me to step into the next phase of my career with confidence and a clear sense of purpose.
Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
My understanding of agriculture is deeply personal—it stems from growing up in a subsistence farming family in Nepal. To me, agriculture is more than just a profession: it’s a way of life. It sustains families, shapes communities, and is intricately woven into our values, culture, and traditions. Without agriculture, we lose not only our food security but also a fundamental part of our identity and progress, tracing back to the dawn of civilization and crop domestication.
What do you like to do outside of work — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, traveling, hiking, and cooking.