Hello, I am

Prem Pratap Singh

Postdoctoral Scholar | Plant Scientist

Plant scientist with expertise in plant-pathogen interactions and multi-omics analysis. Currently investigating grapevine-virus interactions using transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. Proficient in R, Python, GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, RNA-seq, and bioinformatics pipelines.

Prem Pratap Singh

About Me

I am a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Davis, investigating grapevine-virus interactions using transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches, building on foundational GRBV research. I lead CDFA/USDA-funded projects on grapevine virus impacts.

My doctoral research at Banaras Hindu University focused on developing nano-encapsulated antifungal formulations against food-borne pathogens. I engineered chitosan-based delivery systems that significantly inhibited Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin contamination.

With a track record of 20+ publications, grant contributions, and mentorship experience, I am passionate about translating fundamental research into practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and food safety.

Research Interests

Grapevine-Virus InteractionsMulti-Omics IntegrationPostharvest Biology & Food SafetyNanoencapsulationPlant VolatilesComputational Biology

Skills & Expertise

Analytical Techniques

GC-MSLC-MS/MSRT-qPCRDigital PCRRNA-seqSEM ImagingSpectral Analysis

Data Science & Bioinformatics

R (Bioconductor, DESeq2, ggplot2)PythonMulti-omics IntegrationStatistical ModelingPathway Enrichment Analysis

Research Areas

Plant PathologyGrapevine VirologyPostharvest BiologyFood SafetyAflatoxin Analysis

Formulation & Delivery

Nano-encapsulationChitosan MatricesEssential Oil FormulationsSustained-release Systems

Experience

Sep 2023Present

Postdoctoral Scholar

University of California, Davis

Davis, CA, USA

Leading multi-omics research on grapevine-virus interactions under CDFA and USDA-funded projects.

  • Led a multi-year, omics-driven project to dissect metabolic and transcriptional impacts of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) on Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot berries and wine quality
  • Developed and validated RT-qPCR and digital PCR assays to quantify GRBV titers across >10 vineyard blocks
  • Integrated multi-platform datasets (GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, RNA-Seq) to identify putative biomarkers linked to virus-induced changes
  • Presented results at national conferences (ASEV and ASPB), contributing to stakeholder outreach and industry workshops
20172023

Ph.D. Research Scholar

Banaras Hindu University

India

Doctoral research on nano-encapsulated plant-based bioactive formulations against food-borne pathogens.

  • Engineered a nano-encapsulated essential oil formulation using chitosan-gel matrices, significantly inhibiting Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 production
  • Set up a multi-disciplinary R&D pipeline integrating antifungal screening, GC-MS metabolomics, SEM imaging, and gene expression analysis
  • Developed a green, cost-effective, and scalable chitosan-based delivery system with sustained release over 60 days
  • Published 10+ peer-reviewed articles and presented findings at 5+ national conferences

Education

20122015

20122015

B.Sc. in Botany

Banaras Hindu University

India

Foundation in plant sciences and biological research methods.

20152017

20152017

M.Sc. in Botany (Gold Medalist)

Banaras Hindu University

India

Specialization: Plant Pathology and Plant Protection, Microbial Genetics and Biotechnology, Conservation and Restoration Ecology

20172023

20172023

Ph.D. in Plant Pathology/Postharvest/Food Safety

Banaras Hindu University

India

Thesis: Assessment and amelioration of plant-based bioactive formulation against food-borne pathogens

Research Impact

2,326

Total Citations

25

h-index

40

i10-index

Since 2021

1,895

Citations

24

h-index

38

i10-index

Citations per Year

30
2019
140
2020
270
2021
380
2022
410
2023
370
2024
420
2025
80
2026

Publications

Grapevine Red Blotch Disease: An Emerging Threat to Global Viticulture

P. P. Singh, K. Reddy, A. M. Boghozian, A. Oberholster, M. R. Sudarshana

In Pipeline(2025)

Temporal Dynamics of Grapevine red blotch virus accumulation in Grapevine leaves is Influenced by Fruit Maturity Stages

P. P. Singh, H. Scully, K. Reddy, A. M. Boghozian, C. Medina-Plaza, A. Oberholster, M. R. Sudarshana

In Pipeline(2025)

Systematic elucidation of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus inhibition: Integrating EOs-based formulation with mathematical modeling and transcriptomic analysis

P. P. Singh, R. Singh, P. K. Verma, B. Prakash

In Pipeline(2025)

Assessment of Trachyspermum ammi essential oil against Aspergillus flavus, aflatoxin B1 contamination, and post-harvest quality of Sorghum bicolor

P. P. Singh, A. K. Jaiswal, R. Singh, A. Kumar, V. Gupta, T. S. Raghuvanshi, A. Sharma, B. Prakash

Food Chemistry(2024)Paper

Essential oils as green promising alternatives to chemical preservatives for agri-food products: New insight into molecular mechanism, toxicity assessment, and safety profile

B. Prakash, P. P. Singh, V. Gupta, T. S. Raghuvanshi

Food and Chemical Toxicology(2024)Paper

Insights into the antimicrobial efficacy of Coleus aromaticus essential oil against food-borne microbes: Biochemical and molecular simulation approaches

P. P. Singh, A. K. Jaiswal, T. S. Raghuvanshi, B. Prakash

Food and Chemical Toxicology(2023)Paper

24 peer-reviewed publications in journals including Food Chemistry, Scientific Reports, and Food Control.

Research Projects

GRBV Impact on Wine Quality

Multi-year, omics-driven project funded by CDFA and USDA to dissect the metabolic and transcriptional impacts of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus on Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot berries and wine quality.

RNA-SeqGC-MSLC-MS/MSRPython
Ct

GRBV Quantification Assays

Developed and validated RT-qPCR and digital PCR assays to quantify GRBV titers across >10 vineyard blocks, enabling spatial and seasonal tracking of infection load.

RT-qPCRDigital PCRStatistical Modeling

Nano-encapsulated Antifungal Formulation

Engineered a chitosan-gel matrix nano-encapsulated essential oil formulation that significantly inhibited Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 production in postharvest applications.

Nano-encapsulationChitosanGC-MSSEM
GC-MSRNA-SeqLC-MS/MS

Multi-omics Biomarker Discovery

Integrated multi-platform datasets (GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, RNA-Seq) to identify putative biomarkers linked to virus-induced changes in grape cell wall composition and metabolite profiles.

BioconductorDESeq2Pathway AnalysisData Visualization
60 daysTime

Sustained-Release Delivery System

Developed a green, cost-effective, and scalable chitosan-based delivery system with enhanced formulation stability and sustained release over 60 days in postharvest conditions.

Chitosan MatricesEssential OilsFormulation Chemistry
O-ROSUpDown

Antifungal Mechanism Elucidation

Multi-disciplinary R&D pipeline integrating antifungal screening, GC-MS metabolomics, SEM imaging, and gene expression analysis to uncover mechanisms involving oxidative stress and membrane disruption.

TranscriptomicsMetabolomicsGene ExpressionMolecular Docking

Get In Touch

I am open to research collaborations, academic discussions, and consulting opportunities. Whether you have questions about my research or want to explore potential collaborations, feel free to reach out!