Dr. Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy Biography

Research

Low temperature or cold plasma applications for improving crop productivity and food safety; sustainable organic production of specialty vegetable and medicinal crops, turmeric and basil; and climate-smart agricultural practices with emphasis on agroforestry alley cropping.

Area of Expertise and/or Research:
Specialized in Agronomy and Crop Physiology.  Current research focuses on the development of sustainable organic production systems for vegetable and medicinal crops. Evaluation of low temperature plasma for increasing seed germination, improving plant growth and yield, and food safety, particularly fresh vegetables, poultry meat, and fish is another major area of research. Conducting research to identify and develop environmentally friendly, sustainable crop management practices for improved soil and crop productivity and profits.  Several years of field and greenhouse research experience in agronomy and physiology of a variety of field/row, vegetable, and medicinal crops.  Evaluation and development of production practices for medicinal plant species with; More than 10 years of research experience in evaluation of food-grade soybean – tofu, vegetable, and natto type, transgenic corn, sweet potato, and Irish potato. Evaluation of genotypes using growth, radiation use efficiency, and yield component analyses. Providing technical advice, guidance and help to limited resource farmers in the black belt counties of Alabama achieve self-sufficiency in sustainable organic production systems.   

Education

Ph.D. Agricultural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia   

M.S. Agronomy, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, India  

B.S.  Agricultural Sciences, Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, India.  

Publications

Refereed Journal Articles 

Jeffery A. Stewart, Karolina M. Pajerowska-Mukhtar, Arlene Bulger, Devaiah Kambiranda, Leopold Nyochembeng, and Srinivasa R. Mentreddy.  2023. Muscadine, Resveratrol (RSV) Synthesis, and the Nutritional Benefits to Humans and Plants. ACS Food Science & Technology 2023 3 (1), 3-14. DOI: 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.2c00176 

Paneru, B., Karki, U., Bhattrai, S., Ellis, N., Karki, L. B., & Mentreddy, S. R. 2023.  Suitable Browse Species for Small Ruminants: Growth Pattern and Animal Preference. Global Journal of Agricultural and Allied Sciences, 4(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.35251/gjaas.2022.001 

Mei Wang, Charles L. Cantrell, Suresh T. Mathews, Pradeep Paudel, Joseph Lee, and Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy.  Agronomy, Chemical Analysis, and Antidiabetic Activity of Basil (Ocimum Species). ACS Food Science & Technology 2022 2 (8), 1243-1256.  DOI: 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.2c00100  

Setzer, W.N., Lam Duong, Trang Pham, Ambika Poudel, Cuong Nguyen, and Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy., 2021. Essential Oils of Four Virginia Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginianum) Varieties Grown in North Alabama. Plants 2021, 10(7), 1397; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071397.  

Manjula Bomma, Lam Duong, Srinivas Rao Mentreddy, Florence Okafor, Qunying Yuan. 2021. Comparison of Phytochemical Composition, Free Radical Scavenging Activity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Herbs Against Two Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria. American Journal of Biomedical and Life Sciences; 9(3): 142-150. doi: 10.11648/j.ajbls.20210903.12  

Setzer, W.N.; Duong, L.; Poudel, A.; Mentreddy, S.R. Variation in the Chemical Composition of Five Varieties of Curcuma longa Rhizome Essential Oils Cultivated in North Alabama. Foods 2021, 10, 212. Short Biosketch_S.R. Mentreddy Page 2 of 3 https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10020212. 

Mentreddy, S.R., Lam Duong, L. Nyochembeng. E. Cebert, R. Gott, and K. G. Xu. 2020. Low Temperature Atmospheric Plasma Effects on Sprouting and Plant Growth of Turmeric (Curcuma spp.) Rhizomes in the Greenhouse and the Field. 3rd International Workshop on Plasma Agriculture. Greifswald, Germany. Mar 1 – 4, 2021.  

Manjula Bomma, Florence Okafor, S.R. Mentreddy, Leopold Nyochembeng, Vijaya Kumar Rangari, and Salam Khan.  2020.   The chemical composition, characterization, and combination effect of Ocimum campechianum leaf essential oils and bio-produced silver nanoparticles against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli. International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 10 (4): 518-526, DOI: https://doi.org/10.14741/ijcet/v.10.4.4. 

Mounika Pudota, Michelle Mbia, Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, and Dedrick Davis.  2020.  Near Surface Soil Temperature and Moisture Dynamics in an Alley Crop-based Agroforestry System. Temperate Agroforester, 26(1).  https://aftaweb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=266:near-surface-soil-temperature-and-moisture-dynamics-in-an-alley-crop-based-agroforestry-system&catid=145&utm_source=newsletter_64&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=temperate-agroforester-volume-26-number-1 

Karki Lila, U. karki and Srinivasa R. Mentreddy. 2020. Possibility of Shifting Domestic Supply Curve for Lamb and Goat Meat: The Case of Market Price Information in the Southeast USA.  Journal of Animal Science 98(2):4-4.  DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz397.009.  

Lokesh Mishra, Dipayan Sarkar, Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, and Kalidas Shetty.  2019.  Evaluation of Phenolic Bioactives Linked Anti-Hyperglycemic and Helicobactor pylori Inhibitory Activities of Asian Basil (Ocimum spp.) varieties. Journal of Herbal Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2019.100310 

Harjinder Kaur, Leopold Nyochembeng, Pratik Banerjee, Ernst Cebert, and S.R. Mentreddy.  2019. Fermentation Requirement of Shiitake mushroom [Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler] as a Potential Biopesticide.  Journal of Agricultural Science; Vol. 11 (13):  

Manjula Bomma, Florence Okafor, S.R. Mentreddy, L. Nyochembeng, W. Setzer, and B. Vogler. 2018.  Comparison of Methods of Extraction and Antimicrobial Activity of Six Ocimum Species against Human Pathogens.  Journal of Agriculture and Life Sciences Vol. 5, No. 2, December 2018 doi:10.30845/jals.v5n2p10. 

Manjula Bomma, Florence Okafor, S.R. Mentreddy, Leopold Nyochembeng, William Setzer.  2017. The Antimicrobial Activity of crude Leaf Extracts of Ocimum spp (O.basilicum and O.tenuiflorum) accessions on Bacterial Pathogens.  .  "ACMAP - 8th Annual Conference, Clemson, SC." Journal of Medicinally Active Plants 6, (1):21.  http://scholarworks.umass.edu/jmap/vol6/iss1/1 

Ly Nguyen, Lam T. Duong, Rao S. Mentreddy.  2019. The U.S. import demand for spices and herbs by differentiated sources. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 12 (2019) 13–20. 

Mounika Pudota, Varsha C. Anche, Andrea Byars, Suresh Kumar, Uma Karki, Lila B. Karki, Dedrick D. Davis, and Srinivasa R. Mentreddy. 2019.  Alley Cropping with Specialty Crops Under Pine and Pecan Stands.  Agroforestry Newsletter.  https://aftaweb.org/141-2019-vol-25/volume-25-number-2-july-2019/255-alley-cropping-with-specialty-crops-under-pine-and-pecan-stands.html 

Lila B. Karki1, Uma Karki, Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, Colmore S. Christian and Susan K. Bambo. 2018. Impact of agroforestry educational program:  A case of small-scale holders.  International Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Studies, Vol.5 (4): 37-50. 

Spencer, R., S.R. Mentreddy, and A. Majumdar.  2018.  Small-Scale Specialty Vegetable Production in the Southeast.  ACES Publication UNP 2115. 

Mahbub Hasan, Aschalew Kassu, and Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy.  2018.  Determination of Evapotranspiration for Cotton in Alabama by the Penman Method.  Int. J. of Hydrology Science and Technology. 

Mahbub Hasan, Aschalew Kassu, and Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy.  2018.   Maximum total rainfall and intensity by using Hershfield isohyet maps and Weiss equation.  Int. J. of Hydrology Science and Technology.  

Lila B. Karki, Uma Karki, Srinivasa Rao Mentreddy, Colmore S. Christian and Susan K. Bambo. 2018.  Impact of agroforestry educational program: a case of small-scale holders.  International Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Studies, Vol.5 (4): 37-50. 

Mentreddy, S.R., Ali Mohamad, and D. Ebodaghe.  2017.  Small Farms, Sustainability, and Environment: Current and Future Outlook. Pp. 215-220.  Proceedings of the 7th National Small Farm Conference.  Sept 20-22, 2016, Virginia Beach, VA.  (Refereed) 

Leopold M. Nyochembeng, Regine N. Mankolo, Srinivasa R. Mentreddy & Guru Mayalagu.  2014.  Cover crop, reflective polyethylene mulch and biofungicide effects on yield and management of diseases in field-grown organic tomato.  Journal of Agric. Sci., 6(12): 265-275. 

Sims, Cedric A., H. Rodolfo Juliani, S.R. Mentreddy, James E. Simon. 2013. "Essential Oils in Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) as Influenced by Planting Dates and Harvest Times in North Alabama,"Journal of Medicinally Active Plants2(3):33-41. Available at: http://scholarworks.umass.edu/jmap/vol2/iss3/3. 

Khatiwada J, Kallur V, Mentreddy S, Davis S, Washington D, et al. (2013) Effect of Momordica Charantia on the Cytotoxic and Virulence Responses of Campylobacter Jejuni Isolated from Poultry Fecal Samples. Med Aromat Plants 2: 117. doi:10.4172/2167-0412.1000117. 

Albert J. Zhang, Agnes Rimando, Wilbert Fish, Suresh T. Mathews, Srinivasa R. Mentreddy. 2012. Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) leaf extract inhibits mammalian alpha-glucosidase activity and suppresses postprandial glycemic response in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity and hyperglycemia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 143: 481-487. 

Gajula, D., M. Verghese, J.Boateng, L.Shackelford, S. R. Mentreddy, S. Cedric, D. Asiamah, and L.T.Walker.  2010.  Basil (Ocimum basilicum. L and Ocimum tenuiflorum. L) reduces Azoxymethane induced colon cancer tumors in Fisher 344 rats.  Res. J. Phytochem. 4(3): 136-145. 

Bishnoi, U.R., J.E. Willis, and S.Rao Mentreddy.  2010.  Methods to improve seed germination in purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea (L) Moench).  Agric. Biol. J. N. Am. 1(3): 185-188.  

Udai Ram Bishnoi, Suresh Kumar, and S.Rao Mentreddy.  2010.  Evaluation of winter canola fro forage and quality in comparison to winter wheat.  Int. J. Agric. Environ. & Biotech. 3(1): 1-5. 

Gajula, D., M. Verghese, J.Boateng, L.T.Walker, L.Shackelford, S. R. Mentreddy, J. Herring, and S. Cedric.  2009. Determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant and chemopreventive  potential of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum tenuiflorum L). Int’l. J. Cancer Res. 2009: 1-14. 

S.R. Mentreddy. 2007. Medicinal plants with potential antidiabetic properties.  J. Sci. Food Agric. 87: 743-750. 

Udai Bishnoi, Suresh Kumar, Ernst Cebert, and Rao Mentreddy.  2007.  Agronomic and economic performance of winter canola in Southeast US.  World Journal of Agric. Sciences 3(3): 263-268. 

Joshee, N., Rao S. Mentreddy, and Anand K. Yadav.  2007.  In Vitro propagation of Scutellaria integrifolia and effects of mycorrhizal fungi on growth and development of micropropagated plants.  Ind. Crops and Products 25: 169-177. 

Tianfu Han, Cunxiang Wu, Zhe Tong, Rao S. Mentreddy, Hua Yang, Kehui Tan, and Junyi Gai.  2006.  Postflowering Photoperiod Regulates Leaf Senescence, Seed Filling and Maturation in Soybean.  Environmental and Experimental Botany 55: 120-129. 

Mentreddy, S.R., A.I. Mohamed, and A.M. Rimando.  2005.  Medicinal plants with hypoglycemic/anti-hyperglycemic properties: A review.  pp. 341-353. M.J. Pascual-Villalobos, F.S. Nakayama, C.A. Bailey, E. Correal, and .W. Schloman (Eds.)  Proceedings of the International Conference of Industrial Crops and Rural Development.  Sept 17-22, 2005.  Murcia, Spain. 

T. Han, C. Wu, R. S. Mentreddy, J. Zhao, X. Xu, and J. Gai. 2005.  Post-flowering photoperiod effects on reproductive development and agronomic traits of field crops.  J. Agronomy & Crop Science 191, 255-262. 

Bishnoi, U.R., and Rao S. Mentreddy.  2004.  Comparative effects of nitrogen levels and cowpea stands on forage yield of pearl millet and sudax.  Crop Research 16: 86-93.  

Rao, M.S.S., B. Mullinix, M. Rangappa, E. Cebert, J.M. Joshi, A.S. Bhagsari, V.T. Sapra, and R. Dadson.  2002.  Genotype-environment interactions and yield stability of food-grade soybean genotypes. Agron. J. 94: 72-80. Paper selected for News Release by the American Society of Agronomy. 

Rao, M.S.S., A.S. Bhagsari, and A.I. Mohamed.  2002.  Fresh green seed yield and seed compositional traits of selected vegetable soybean genotypes.  Crop Science 42: 1950-1958. 

Bhardwaj, H.L., A.S. Bhagsari, J.M. Joshi, M. Rangappa, V.T. Sapra, and M.S.S. Rao.  1999.  Yield and quality of soymilk and tofu made from soybean genotypes grown at four locations.  Crop Sci. 39: 401-405. 

Rao, M.S.S., A.S. Bhagsari, and A.I. Mohamed.  1998.  Yield, Protein, and Oil Quality of Soybean Genotypes Selected for Tofu Production.  Plant Foods for Human Nutrition 52: 241-251. 

Rao, M.S.S. and N.J. Mendham.  1991. A comparison of Chinoli (Brassica campestris ssp. oleifera x ssp. chinensis) and B. napus oilseed rape using different growth regulators, plant densities and irrigation treatments. J. Agric. Sci., Camb. 117: 177-187. 

Rao, M.S.S., N.J. Mendham, and G.C. Buzza. 1991.  The effect of the apetalous flower character on radiation distribution in the crop canopy, yield and its components in oilseed rape (Brassica napus).  J. Agric. Sci., Camb. 117: 189-196. 

Rao, M.S.S. and N.J. Mendham.  1991.  Soil-plant-water relations of oilseed rape (Brassica napus and B. campestris).  J. Agric. Sci., Camb. 117: 197-205. 

Rao, M.S.S. and P.L. Raymer 1991. Vernalization and photoperiod requirements for the adaptability of oilseed  rape (Brassica napus and B. campestris) to the southeastern United States. In:  D.I. McGregor (ed.) Rapeseed in a Changing World.  3: 738-742. 

Mendham, N.J., M.S.S. Rao, and G.C. Buzza. 1991.  The apetalous  flower character as a component of a high yielding ideotype.   In:  D.I. McGregor (ed.) Rapeseed in a Changing World.  2: 596-600. 

Book 

Ravi R. Chinthakuntla, S.R. Mentreddy, F. Matta, and Umesh Reddy.  2009.  Breeding and Cultivation of Chile Pepper.  VDM Publishers, Munich, Germany. 

Book Chapters 

Mentreddy, S.R. 2015.  Non-timber forest products:  Forest farming In: (Ed.Uma Karki). Sustainable Agroforestry Practices in the Southeastern United States Handbook. Published by Southern SARE, US. 

Deborah R. Hill and Rao Mentreddy. 2012.  Forest Farming.  In:  Idassi, J.O. 2012 (Compiler). Profitable Farms and Woodlands.  A Practical Guide in Agroforestry for Landowners, Farmers and Ranchers.  USDA National Agroforestry Center, Lincoln, NE. 

Ali I. Mohamed and Rao S. Mentreddy.  2004.  Immature soybeans as a Functional Food.  In: Keshun Liu (ed.) Soybeans as Functional Foods. American oil Chemists Society.  Published Oct 15, 2004. 

S.R. Mentreddy, A. I. Mohamed, N. Joshee, and A. K. Yadav.  2002. Edamame: A nutritious vegetable crop.  p. 422-428.  In: J. Janick and A. Whipkey (eds.) Trends in New Crops and New Uses. ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA. 

Nirmal Joshee, Thomas S. Patrick, Rao S. Mentreddy, and Anand K. Yadav.  2002.  Skullcap (Scutellaria species): A potential medicinal crop. p. 580-586.  In: J. Janick and A. Whipkey (eds.) Trends in New Crops and New Uses.  ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA. 

Rao, M.S.S.  1991.  Photosynthesis.  Basic Micrometreology and Instrumentation.  Prepared for Winrock International by Principal Investigators: I.D. Flitcroft and E.T. Kanemasu. Co-Investigators: T.D.-Shah, G. Hoogenboom, and M.S. Rao. 

Rao, M.S.S.  1991.  Light Interception and Crop Growth.  Basic Micrometreology and Instrumentation.  Prepared for Winrock International by Principal Investigators: I.D. Flitcroft and E.T. Kanemasu. Co-Investigators: T.D.-Shah, G. Hoogenboom, and M.S. Rao.