Gireesh Chand, PhD, is currently associate professor-cum senior scientist in the Department of Plant Pathology at Bihar Agricultural University, India. He was previously assistant professor at N. D. University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad, India. His research specialization is in the study of molecular plant pathology of crop diseases and their management. He has a decade-long career dedicated to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate classes, research, and extension activities and has guided several MSc and PhD theses. He is the author or co-author of six books on plant pathology and has published numerous research papers, book chapters, and popular articles. He has presented many research papers at national and international seminars and symposia. With research specialization in the study of molecular plant pathology of crop diseases and their management, he has led more than 10 research projects. He received his PhD in plant pathology from C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology in Kanpur. India. He has received a number of awards and honors, including the P. R. Verma Award (2000), a PhD Research Fellowship, Best KVK Award (2005), SPPS Fellow Award (2009), ISHA Best Student-Guide Award (2010), Prof. M. J. Narsingham Award (2011), Young Scientist Award (2013), Best Paper Presentation Award (2014), and the Excellence in Teaching Award (2014). He visited Beijing, China, through the International Financial Support Scheme (2013) by DST, New Delhi. Santosh Kumar, PhD, is presently working as assistant professor-cum-junior scientist in the Department of Plant Pathology, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, India. He received his PhD in plant pathology from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India. Dr. Kumar was awarded Senior Research Fellowship, IARI, New Delhi, Rajiiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) through the University Grant Commission (UGC), New Delhi, during the PhD program. He has taught many undergraduate and postgraduate courses and is actively involved in teaching activity. He received a Young Scientist Award (2015) from Bioved, Allahabad. He has published many research papers, review papers, book chapters, and popular articles in international and national journals. He has also published one book and two extension bulletins on mushroom production. He has attended and presented at several national and international symposia and has received several best poster awards. His research interests include management of diseases of pulses and rice, biocontrol, and mushrooms.
