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Bhimanagouda S. Patil, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center Associate Professor and Graduate Faculty
Phone:956-968-2132 |
Background
Dr. Patil earned his undergraduate degree in agriculture at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore and M.S. degree in horticulture from UAS in Dharwad, India. He joined the Department of Horticulture, UAS in Dharwad, India as an Assistant Professor. He received his Ph.D. in Horticulture from Department of Horticulture, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas in 1994. He worked as Post doctoral research associate at Washington State University in Prosser, Washington and University of California in Parlier , CA. He became a member of the faculty at Texas A&M University-Kingsville Citrus Center in 1997. Currently, he is an adjunct graduate faculty member of Department of Horticultural Sciences in Texas A&M University in College Station, and graduate faculty member in Department of Agronomy and Resource Science in Texas A&M University-Kingsville in Kingsville. He is also serving as an associate member of faculty of nutrition at Texas A&M University, College Station.
Research Interests:Area of Research
Current research emphasis is on the citrus postharvest physiology, fruit quality and fruit size. Our laboratory seeks to isolate, characterize, and quantify citrus nutraceuticals (phytochemicals) and enhance nutraceutical levels through preharvest factors, such as growth regulators, rootstocks, climate, season and fertilizer practices. In 1992, the National Cancer Institute recognized citrus in the middle of the pyramid of cancer preventative fruits and vegetables. Our laboratory, collaborating with Vegetable Improvement Center , Institute of Bioscience and Technology , and Balyor College of Dentistry , seeks to enhance citrus nutraceuticals and bring citrus on the top of the pyramid. In order to maintain niche markets for red, juicy and sweet grapefruit from Texas in a challenging environment, growers must employ techniques that maximize fruit quality and nutritional value, e.g., the level of nutraceuticals (lycopene , lutein, zeaxanthin, limonoids , pectin , vitamin C).
On March 6, 2001, his research and teaching was recognized at the Science on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. His work was recognized by the Texas A&M Ag Program and recommended by the Vice Chancellor Dr. Ed Hiler and was well recieved and appreciated by the U.S. Rep. Ruben Hinojosa and U.S. Rep. Charles Steholm.
Other projects include improving citrus fruit quality and size as well as extend shelf life. Texas citrus industry faces major problem of sheepnosing. Our research goal is to evaluate sheepnosing in grapefruit and determine the causal factors such as temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, rootstocks, irrigation methods and stress. In collaboration with scientists in Israel, our focus is to improve fruit size through potassium and auxin as well as increase competitiveness of Texas Israeli citrus in export markets.
Teaching:
Current courses:
Teachning course “ Phytochemicals in Fruits and Vegetables to Improve Human Health ” through the co-operation of eight universities and several state and federal agencies in the U.S.. - Spring 1999, Spring 2001, and Spring 2003
Taught Citrus and Subtroipical Fruits course – Fall 1998, 2000, 2002
Coordinating in Tropical Horticulture course- Spring 1998, 2000
Cordinating ting in Internet Appilications in Horticulture course- Summer 1998, Summer 2001, Summer 2002
Graduate students/Post Doctoral Research Associate/Undergraduate Students
Professional Leadership Activities
Service to the University/Industry
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