Photo by Sam Craft, Texas A&M AgriLife
Kranthi Mandadi will become director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco on June 1. Mandadi is a Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant pathologist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. He has served at the center for more than a decade.
Mandadi will oversee the administration of the center and its associated research properties while continuing to lead research. He will supervise all center operations, coordinating scientific teams to secure extramural funding and advancing the strategic goals of both the center and the agency. He is specifically tasked with fostering a culture of shared governance and establishing an external advisory committee to provide industry-driven guidance for the region.
Mandadi’s background in the Rio Grande Valley and Weslaco began in 2003 as a graduate student in the Citrus Center at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Subsequently, he pursued his doctorate at Texas A&M University. Mandadi returned to AgriLife Research in Weslaco in 2015 as an assistant professor. There he earned promotions to associate professor in 2020 and professor in 2024.
Mandadi is recognized for his leadership as the project director for a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Center of Excellence focusing on citrus diseases.
Mandadi has secured or co-led competitive grants totaling more than $54 million, with more than $11 million directly supporting his own research programs in crop improvement and biotechnology. He has authored 75 peer-reviewed publications and led a portfolio of 27 innovations, patents and invention disclosures focused on combating devastating plant diseases like citrus greening and potato zebra chip.
“My ongoing efforts are focused on translating research innovations into practical solutions for producers,” Mandadi said. “I look forward to strengthening partnerships among researchers, industry and regulatory agencies to support the mission of advancing sustainable production and economic resilience in South Texas.”
His leadership also extends to mentorship. He has supervised more than 70 researchers, including postdocs and students. Many of those have transitioned into vital roles within federal agencies and the agricultural industry.
Source: Texas A&M AgriLife
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