Prof.  Faisal  Hussain
Ghazi University,  Pakistan

Title: Aerobiology, Climate Change, and Biological Control: Integrated Strategies for Sustainable Management of Soil- and Air-Borne Phytopathogens

Abstract:

Climate change is reshaping the epidemiology, distribution, and intensity of plant diseases worldwide. Variations in temperature, humidity, and extreme weather events significantly influence the dispersal patterns of airborne inoculum and the persistence of soil-borne phytopathogens. Understanding the dynamics of long-distance aerial microbial dispersion and soil pathogen ecology has therefore become critical for sustainable agriculture. This keynote will highlight recent advances in aerobiology and plant disease forecasting, emphasizing how climatic variables drive pathogen spread and outbreak patterns. Special attention will be given to soil-borne pathogens affecting vegetable and field crops, and the emerging challenges posed by fungicide resistance and ecological imbalance. The lecture will further explore eco-friendly biological control strategies, including the use of antagonistic fungi, beneficial rhizobacteria, and biofertilizers, as sustainable alternatives to chemical control. Integrated disease management frameworks combining aerobiological monitoring, predictive modeling, and biocontrol interventions will be discussed as practical solutions for enhancing crop resilience. Drawing on international research experiences and case studies from South Asia and East Asia, this presentation aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective on mitigating plant disease risks in the era of climate change. The talk will conclude with future research directions focusing on microbial ecology, precision agriculture, and global collaborative networks for sustainable plant protection.

 

Keywords: Disease management, Aerobiology, Biological control, Soil- and air-borne phytopathogens, Climate change adaptation

Biography:

Dr. Faisal Hussain is an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan. He is a distinguished plant pathologist and mycologist with extensive experience in research, teaching, and academic administration. His research focuses on plant pathology, aerobiology, biological control, soil-borne phytopathogens, and sustainable disease management strategies in agricultural systems.

Dr. Hussain has published numerous research papers and scholarly books in national and international journals, contributing significantly to the understanding of long-distance aerial microbial dispersion, fungal diversity, and eco-friendly plant disease control approaches. He has international research exposure, including postdoctoral research at Kanazawa University, Japan, where he expanded his work on microbial ecology and plant–microbe interactions.

His current research integrates aerobiology, climate variability, and biocontrol strategies to develop sustainable solutions for crop protection under changing environmental conditions. He is actively engaged in international collaborations and promotes innovative, environmentally sound approaches for agricultural resilience and food security.