Academic and Professional Background

• Background:

  I am an academic and a versatile researcher with a wide range of expertise in several fields of Biosciences including plant virology, molecular biology, cell wall biochemistry, phloem biology, plant tissue culture, and medicinal botany.

• Research:

  Molecular diagnostics and characterisation of viruses. Completed characterisation of a novel Tobamovirus. Currently involved in characterisation of Apple stem grooving virus, Alfalfa mosaic virus, variants of Citrus leaf blotch virus, Tobacco streak virus, novel flexiviruses infecting infecting Kiwfruit plants (Actinidia). Recently started work on characterisation of fungal virus - BVX.

  RAMESH R. CHAVAN, MICHAEL N. PEARSON & DANIEL COHEN 2009: Partial characterization of a novel Tobamovirus infecting Actinidia chinensis and A. deliciosa (Actinidiaceae) from China. European journal of plant pathology 124: 247-259. 2. PEARSON M.N., CHAVAN R. R & COHEN D. 2007: Viruses of Actinidia: Do they pose a threat to Kiwifruit production? Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 753:639-644.

• Publications:
  1. RAMESH R. CHAVAN, MICHAEL N. PEARSON & DANIEL COHEN 2009: Partial characterization of a novel Tobamovirus infecting Actinidia chinensis and A. deliciosa (Actinidiaceae) from China. European journal of plant pathology 124: 247-259. PEARSON M.N., CHAVAN R. R & COHEN D. 2007: Viruses of Actinidia: Do they pose a threat to Kiwifruit production? Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 753:639-644.
  2. PHILIP J. HARRIS, RAMESH R. CHAVAN & LYNNETE R. FERGUSON, 2005: Production and characterization of two wheat bran fractions: an aleurone rich and a pericarp rich fraction. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research: 536-545. LYNNETE R. FERGUSON, RAMESH R. CHAVAN & PHILIP J. HARRIS 2001: Changing concepts of dietary fiber: implications for carcinogenesis. Nutrition and Cancer, 39 (2): 155-169.
  3. R. R. CHAVAN, J. E. BRAGGINS & P. J. HARRIS 2000: Companion cells in the secondary phloem of Indian dicotyledonous species: a quantitative study, New Phytologist, 146: 107-118.
• Personal Resume: University of Auckland Standard ACADEMIC CV NAME: Ramesh R. Chavan CURRENT POSITION: Honorary Research Associate DEPARTMENT: School of Biological Sciences FACULTY: Science EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: 1981 Ph.D. Department of Bio-Sciences, SPU, V.V. Nagar, INDIA. 1973 M.Sc. Bangalore University, Bangalore, INDIA FIRST CLASS 1970 B.Sc. Bangalore University, Bangalore, INDIA FIRST CLASS 1967 Pre-University. Bangalore University, Bangalore, INDIA FIRST CLASS 1965 Matriculation, Higher Secondary Board, Karnataka, INDIA FIRST CLASS PREVIOUS APPOINTMENTS: 2002-2009 University of Auckland – Research Fellow - Plant Virology [Auckland UniServices Limited] 1998-2002 University of Auckland – Honorary Research Fellow 1996-1997 NMKRV PG Research Centre, Bangalore University, INDIA Professor of Botany 1990-1996 NMKRV PG Research Centre, Bangalore University, INDIA Reader in Botany 1990-1997 Karnataka State Pre University Board, Karnataka, INDIA Resource Scientist in Biology 1985-1990 DVS college of Arts and Science, Karnataka, INDIA Reader in Botany 1973-1985 DVS college of Arts and Science, Karnataka, INDIA Lecturer in Botany SIGNIFICANT DISTINCTIONS / AWARDS: 1996 – Professor of Botany awarded by The State Government of Karnataka, INDIA 1985 – Reader in Botany, awarded by The State Government of Karnataka, INDIA 1983 – University Grants Commission Research grant award, UGC, New Delhi, INDIA 1971 – 1981 University Grants Commission Scholarship, UGC, New Delhi, INDIA 1976 – National Service Scheme Programme officer, Ministry of Education and Social welfare, Govt. of INDIA 1971-1973 – National Merit scholarship, The State Government of Karnataka, INDIA 1967-1970 – National Merit scholarship, The State Government of Karnataka, INDIA PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES / SERVICE / OTHER ACTIVITIES: • Member of The American Phytological Society, • Member of New Zealand Microbiological Society, • Member of New Zealand Plant Protection Society • Member of Australasian Plant Pathology Society, • Member of International Association of Wood Anatomists, The Netherlands, • Member of Indian Botanical Society, TEACHING: [Undergraduate Programmes and Postgraduates] Overview: I have lectured at all levels from pre-degree programmes through to post-graduate papers. For BSc stage I, II and III, I have taught different subjects in Botanical sciences including Algae, Fungi [plant pathology], Virus, Mycoplasma, Bacteria, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms, [morphology, anatomy, reproduction and life histories of selected genera], Taxonomy of Angiosperms [40 families], Anatomy of Angiosperms, Angiosperm embryology, Plant physiology, Ecology, Cytology, Genetics and evolution for 17 years. I have also lectured on different aspects of Sericulture and Silk technology for five years from 1985 to 1990 for stage I, II and III B.Sc. degree classes at DVS college affiliated to The University of Mysore, INDIA. I have taught full theory papers of Cyto-genetics and Biostatistics for Year I M.Sc., and Plant Biotechnology for Year II M.Sc., in addition to handling of practical classes [Master of Science in Applied Botany - Medicinal and Aromatic Plants] at Post Graduate and Research Centre for Applied Botany, Bangalore University, Bangalore, INDIA. I have supervised 10 Tissue Culture and 2 Pharmacognosy dissertations for M.Sc. [M.Sc. by research]. RESEARCH SPECIALTIES / CAREER: CURRENT RESEARCH I am working on ‘Molecular diagnostics of viruses in post entry quarantine kiwifruit plants’ with Associate professor Mike N. Pearson, Plant and Fungal virologist, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland for seven years, since May 2002. Since 2006 I am also involved in the project ‘Evaluation and mitigation of virus risk to Kiwifruit production’ and ‘Characterization of viruses from field kiwifruit plants’ and an onshore survey of viruses in field kiwifruit fruit plants from different orchards of North Island in collaboration with Dr. Dan Cohen, Scientist, Plant and Food Research, Mt Albert, Auckland. 1. Currently involved in the characterization of unknown viruses in post entry quarantine kiwifruit plants using morphological, transmission, serological and molecular methods. 2. Characterized the complete genome of a novel Tobamovirus from two post entry quarantine Kiwifruit accessions viz. Actinidia chinensis and A. deliciosa. 3. Characterized the genome of four variants of Flexivirus related to Citrus leaf blotch virus from several post entry quarantine Kiwifruit accessions. 4. Established the presence of viruses / virus like agents [VLA] in 51 non-symptomatic post entry quarantine kiwifruit plants by herbaceous indexing from 458 kiwifruit accessions. In total 84 kiwifruit accessions were shown to be virus positive. 5. Standardised RNA extraction method from kiwifruit plant tissue for molecular detection of viruses. 6. Standardised one and two step RT-PCR techniques for detecting Apple stem grooving virus, Citrus leaf blotch virus and Tobamovirus from Actinidia. 7. Designed several diagnostic primers to Apple stem grooving virus, Alfalfa mosaic virus, Citrus leaf blotch virus and strains of Tobamovirus from Actinidia for kiwifruit virus survey. 8. Characterised partial genome of Apple stem grooving virus in one kiwifruit accession from quarantine plants. The virus showed complete DNA sequence homology with the ASGV described by Clover et al., 2003. 9. Involved in compilation of viral diagnostic results and writing reports periodically for Zespri Innovation, intended for submission to Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, NZ. 10. Maintained five level 3 quarantine glass houses, at AgriQuality, Lynnfield, Auckland with imported kiwifruit germplasm and herbaceous indicators used for indexing during 2002-2006, Since June 1998 I worked with Prof. Philip J. Harris and Dr John E. Braggins, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, investigating structure, histochemistry and biochemical composition of cell walls of Bryophytes. The techniques involved fluorescence microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, immunolocalization of pectic epitopes, determination of monosaccharide, pectic polysaccharides, galacturonic, and glucuronic and 4-O-methyl glucuronic acid composition of cell walls. In addition I have also investigated the physiology of water conduction in an endemic New Zealand moss Hypnodendron. In collaboration with Prof. Philip J. Harris, and Prof. Lynnette R. Ferguson, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, (University of Auckland), I have investigated the structure of different cell types in whole wheat bran, pericarp rich and aleurone rich fractions at light and scanning electron microscopic levels [before and after passage through rats], histochemistry of these fractions, determination of monosaccharide and pectic polysaccharide cell all compositions, (1-3, 1-4)- β–D-glucans, ferulic, p-coumaric, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic and syringic acid contents of wheat bran fractions. PREVIOUS RESEARCH Phloem and wood Biology I have investigated diverse aspects of secondary phloem in 125 tropical dicotyledons: involving i) analyses of 32 anatomical parameters in each plant, ii) establishing statistical relationships between 56 pairs of parameters in each plant, iii) evolving a mathematical model for depicting secondary phloem evolution using 16 stable parameters in each plant]. I was the Principal investigator of the project ‘Systematic anatomy of secondary phloem in dicotyledons’ funded by University Grants Commission, The Government of India. I have investigated xylem structure in timber yielding trees with special emphasis on nuclear degeneration in ray parenchyma during heart wood formation. Plant tissue culture I have worked in the field of plant tissue culture with due emphasis to micro-propagation of economically important medicinal and aromatic plants. I have worked on enhancement of the production of elite phytochemicals / secondary metabolites especially alkaloids, steroid and peroxidise contents by in-vitro manipulation of cultures from medicinal plants. I was involved in compilation of literature on plants used in gynaecological disorders and psychoneurotic drugs from ancient Vedic and modern literature. Supervised twelve M.Sc. students [M.Sc. by research] for dissertations entitled 1. Indigenous drugs used in gynaecological disorders - a review: Smita Bhat - 1996. 2. A composite study on indigenous psychoneurotic drugs: Rashmi M.N. - 1996. 3. Preliminary morphogenetic studies on Cardiospermum helicacabum Linn. :Srilakshmi M.G. - 1996. 4. Preliminary in vitro studies on Phyla nodiflora [L.,] Greene : Anitha T - 1996. 5. In vitro regeneration studies on Centella asiatica Linn.; by Latha - 1995. 6. Preliminary in vitro regeneration studies on Centella asiatica Linn.: Arathi S. - 1994. 7. Comparative phytochemical studies on in vivo and in vitro cultures of Centella asiatica Linn.; Smitha 1994. 8. Studies on micro-propagation of Armoracia rusticana Gaertn et al.: Veena - 1993. 9. Preliminary agro-physiological studies on in-vitro regenerated .A.rusticana Gaertn. et al.,: Vidya T.J.1993. 10. In vitro regeneration studies on Armoracia rusticana Gaertn. et al.: Renu Shylaja-1992. 11. Preliminary tissue culture studies on Tribulus terrestris Linn. :Mary Sujatha - 1992. 12. Some in vitro morphogenetic studies on Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. : Uma – 1992. KEY SKILLS 1. Excellent written and communication in English and four Indian languages. 2. Planning, designing and execution of scientific experiments for a specified target and writing reports. 3. Good liaising, organisational and time management skills. 4. Experience working in Level 3 quarantine facility for five years. I have managed five glass houses with Post entry quarantine Kiwifruit plants (healthy and virus positive plants), nursery stock of indicator plants used for herbaceous indexing and mechanically inoculated indicators. 5. Maintenance of viral culture in indicators, mechanical sap transmission of plant viruses, periodic symptom observation, recording and evaluation of the results. I have mechanically inoculated more than 30,000 indicators for characterization of viruses 6. Experience in maintenance and working in, PC 2 laboratory at The University of Auckland. 7. Experience in detection and diagnosis of viruses using morphological, transmission, serological and molecular methods. 8. Highly conversant with molecular biology techniques viz. Nucleic acid extraction (DNA and RNA), double strand RNA extraction, standard Reverse transcription - RT and Polymerase chain reaction - PCR, gradient PCR, Immunocapture RT-PCR, Multiplex RT-PCR (one and two step), Agarose gel electrophoresis, Poly acrylamide gel electrophoresis - PAGE, purification of DNA, gel extraction-purification of DNA, Partial purification of viruses, Single stranded conformation polymorphism - SSCP, Cloning, sequencing, DNA sequence alignment and editing using Sequencher 4.6, use of BioEdit software, Primer design, Clustal analysis, NCBI blasts, Recombination detection analysis and phylogenetic analysis using different softwares. 9. Serological / immunological techniques [Indirect and DAS ELISA]. 10. Transmission electron microscopy [grid formvar / parloidin coating, carbon coating, preparation of grid with viral sample and observation and micrometry]. 11. Immunosorbent Electron Microscopy [ISEM]. 12. Transmission electron microscopy for resin embedded samples [fixation of biological samples, embedding, ultramicrotomy, preparation of grid and observation]. 13. Scanning electron microscopy [including cold stage SEM] for EDAX ZAF quantification. 14. Field emission scanning electron microscopy [freeze drying, critical point drying, sputter coating]. 15. Immunochemistry/ immunolocalization techniques, immunofluorescence techniques. 16. Microtomy [rotary microtome, sledge microtome, cryo-microtome, ultramicrotome]. 17. Biochemistry of cell walls [analysis of structure and biochemical compositions of cell walls] and Histochemistry. 18. Vascular biology / plant anatomy [including wood, bark seed and developmental anatomy]. 19. Light microscopy [bright field, polarisation and DIC], fluorescence microscopy 20. Photo-microscopy / photomicrography. 21. Scientific / portrait photography, scanning and editing photographs. 22. Plant tissue culture [in vitro regeneration techniques and maintenance of cultures]. 23. Gas chromatography and HPLC. 24. Bio-statistical analysis. COMPUTER SKILLS: Conversant with usage of: • MS Word, MS Excel [statistical programs], MS Power point, MS Publisher, • Usage of databases, electronic journals and Endnote, • NIH Image system [Scion imaging], positive/ negative scanning • Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Page maker, Adobe Illustrator, • BioEdit, Oligo Analyser, Primer design, Sequencher 4.6, Sequin, Clustal X, MEGA 4, • Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. [Mac and PC user] PAPERS PRESENTED IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES: 1. Viruses in Kiwifruit plants: Are they a problem? , M. N. PEARSON, D. COHEN, R. R. CHAVAN and A. BLOUIN, 2008: Presented at 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Turin, Italy, IPPS. 2. MICHAEL N. PEARSON & RAMESH R. CHAVAN, DAN COHEN & ARNAUD BLOUIN, 2007: Identification of viruses in Actinidia germplasm from China. Crop Biosecurity symposium, Adelaide. Australasian Plant Pathology Society 3. MICHAEL N. PEARSON & RAMESH R. CHAVAN 2006: Two new viruses detected in Kiwifruit: Is this the tip of Iceberg? 7th Australasian Plant Virology Workshop, Perth. Australasian Plant Pathology Society. 4. PEARSON M. N., CHAVAN R. R. & COHEN D. 2006: Viruses of Actinidia: Do they pose a threat to Kiwifruit production? Kiwi 2006 - 6th International Kiwifruit Symposium, Rotorua, New Zealand, International Society of Horticultural sciences. 5. A Preliminary investigation on weight promoting action of a few indigenous drugs, R. R. CHAVAN, B.R. RAMAKRISHNA, and V. PRIYADARSHINI. : Presented at 35th World Congress on Natural Medicines, 14-16th March 1997, Tirupati, INDIA. 6. A preliminary study on antimicrobial and wound healing action of Curcuma longa Linn., B.R. RAMAKRISHNA, R. R. CHAVAN,, and M. S. HEMA MALINI. : Presented at 35th World Congress on Natural Medicines, 14-16th March 1997, Tirupati, INDIA. INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS ATTENDED: 1. 7th Australasian Plant Virology Workshop. Under the auspices of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society, Rottnest island, Perth, Australia - 2006. 2. 6th Australasian Plant Virology Workshop. Under the auspices of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - 2004. PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS Note: Major research work carried out in the project ‘Molecular characterisation of kiwifruit viruses’ from 2002-2009 is not published due to confidentiality of the project and is compiled in the technical Zespri project reports. 1. RAMESH R. CHAVAN, MICHAEL N. PEARSON & DANIEL COHEN 2009: Partial characterization of a novel Tobamovirus infecting Actinidia chinensis and A. deliciosa (Actinidiaceae) from China. European journal of plant pathology 124: 247-259. 2. PEARSON M.N., CHAVAN R. R & COHEN D. 2007: Viruses of Actinidia: Do they pose a threat to Kiwifruit production? Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 753:639-644. 3. PHILIP J. HARRIS, RAMESH R. CHAVAN & LYNNETE R. FERGUSON, 2005: Production and characterization of two wheat bran fractions: an aleurone rich and a pericarp rich fraction. Molecular Nutrition and Food Research: 536-545. 4. LYNNETE R. FERGUSON, RAMESH R. CHAVAN & PHILIP J. HARRIS 2001: Changing concepts of dietary fiber: implications for carcinogenesis. Nutrition and Cancer, 39 (2): 155-169. 5. R. R. CHAVAN, J. E. BRAGGINS & P. J. HARRIS 2000: Companion cells in the secondary phloem of Indian dicotyledonous species: a quantitative study, New Phytologist, 146: 107-118. 6. Y. THULAJAPPA, P. L. SEETHARAM, & R. R. CHAVAN 1996: New Expert Biology Vol. II, Expert Educational Publishers, Bangalore, INDIA, for revised Pre-University Syllabi of Government of Karnataka 7. P. L. SEETHARAM, Y. THULAJAPPA & R. R. CHAVAN 1995: Textbook of Biology Vol. I, Expert Educational Publishers, Bangalore, INDIA, for revised Pre-University Syllabi of Government of Karnataka. 8. R. R. CHAVAN, T. J. VIDYA & H. S. VEENA, 1993: A simple technique of hardening in vitro grown plantlets of Armoracia rusticana Gaertn et al., J. Swamy, Bot.cl. Vol 10[3] 101-106. 9. R. R. CHAVAN & V. RAGHAVENDRA, 1987: A mathematical model for a problem in botany, International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, UK Vol. 18[5] 735 – 739. 10. R. R. CHAVAN, 1986: Analysis of quantitative sieve plate parameters in some members of Asteraceae, IAWA Bulletin n.s., the Netherlands, Vol. 7[1], 53-61. 11. R. R. CHAVAN, 1985: Occurrence of nacreous wall, necrotic nucleus and nuclear crystal in secondary phloem. Indian Botanical Contactor, Vol. 2: [2] 45-46. 12. M. N. B. NAIR & R. R. CHAVAN, 1985: Dimensional analysis of some wood parameters in eleven timber trees, Indian Forester, Vol. III [6] 410-417. 13. R. R. CHAVAN & J.J. SHAH, 1983: Statistical approach for the understanding of secondary phloem in 125 tropical dicotyledons Proc. Indian. Natn. Sci. Acad. 49 B [1] 28-36. 14. R. R. CHAVAN & J. J. SHAH, 1983: Variation of P-protein in the sieve tube elements of secondary phloem of some angiosperms. Proc. Indian Natn. Sci. Acad. 49 B [1] 37-40. 15. R. R. CHAVAN, J. J. SHAH & K. R. PATEL, 1983: Isolated sieve tube[s] / elements in the barks of some angiosperms. IAWA Bulletin n.s., the Netherlands. Vol 4[4] 255-263. 16. M. N. B. NAIR & R. R.CHAVAN, 1983: Nuclear changes in the ageing ray parenchyma cells in relation to heart wood formation. IAWA Bulletin n.s., the Netherlands, Vol 4[4] 265-271. 17. R. R. CHAVAN, I.L. KOTHARI & J. D. PATEL, 1979: A simple area-calculating device [ACD] for biological system. Curr. Sci. Vol. 48 [17] 792-793. TECHNICAL REPORTS 1. COHEN, D., CHAVAN, R. R., BLOUIN, A., GREENWOOD, D. & PEARSON, M.N. 2008: Characterisation of kiwifruit viruses. Report for HortResearch (Pages1-35). 2. COHEN, D., CHAVAN, R. R., BLOUIN, A, & PEARSON, M.N. 2008: Evaluation and mitigation of virus risk to kiwifruit reduction – Year 3. Report for Zespri Innovation (Pages1-33). 3. COHEN, D., CHAVAN, R. R, BLOUIN, A., GREENWOOD, D. & PEARSON, M.N. 2007: Characterisation of kiwifruit viruses. Report for HortResearch (Pages1-32). 4. COHEN, D., CHAVAN, R. R, BLOUIN, A., van den BRINK, R. & PEARSON, M.N. 2007: Evaluation and mitigation of virus risk to kiwifruit reduction – Year 2. Report for Zespri Innovation (Pages1-36). 5. COHEN, D., BLOUIN, A., DAWSON, T., PEARSON, M.N. & CHAVAN, R. R. 2006: Evaluation and mitigation of virus risk to kiwifruit reduction – Year 1. Report for Zespri Innovation (Pages1-40). 6. CHAVAN, R. R. & PEARSON, M.N. 2006: Results of viral diagnostic tests conducted on kiwifruit plants held in quarantine at AgriQuality, Lynnfield, Auckland. Report for Zespri Innovation (Pages 1-61). 7. CHAVAN, R. R. & PEARSON, M.N. 2005: Results of viral diagnostic tests conducted on kiwifruit plants held in quarantine at AgriQuality, Lynnfield, Auckland. Report for Zespri Innovation. (Pages 1-156). 8. CHAVAN, R. R. & PEARSON, M.N. 2004: Diagnostic assays for viruses of kiwifruit plants. Report for Zespri Innovation, (Pages 1-77). ABSTRACTS 1. ARNAUD BLOUIN, DAVID GREENWOOD, ROBIN MACDIARMID, MIKE PEARSON, RAMESH R. CHAVAN & DAN COHEN, 2008: Generic method to identify plant viruses by mass spectrometry of their coat proteins: Abstract: 8th Australasian Plant Virology Workshop, Australasian Plant Pathology Society. 2. M.N. PEARSON, D.COHEN, R. R. CHAVAN, & A.BLOUIN 2008: Viruses in Kiwifruit plants: Are they a problem?: Abstract: 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology. Turin, Italy. 3. MICHAEL N. PEARSON & RAMESH R. CHAVAN, DAN COHEN & ARNAUD BLOUIN, 2007: Identification of viruses in Actinidia germplasm from China. Abstract: Crop Biosecurity symposium, Adelaide. Australasian Plant Pathology Society 4. MICHAEL N. PEARSON & RAMESH R. CHAVAN 2006: Two new viruses detected in Kiwifruit: Is this the tip of Iceberg? Abstract: 7th Australasian Plant Virology Workshop. Australasian Plant Pathology Society.