Melissa P. Montecalvo
Scientist I/University Researcher III
Education
MS Plant Pathology minor in Horticulture/ BS Agriculture major in Plant Pathology
Specialization/Research Interests
Mycology, Plant Disease Diagnosis and Management, Biological Control of Plant Pathogens and Insect Pests
Biography
Melissa P. Montecalvo obtained her BS Agriculture (Major in Plant Pathology) and MS Plant Pathology Minor in Horticulture both at UPLB in 2008 and 2012, respectively. While taking her graduate studies, she worked under ACIAR-PCAARRD Mango Project. After graduation, she joined DOST-PCAARRD for two years. Now, she is a researcher at NCPC, CAFS, UPLB. Her completed research focused on mango disease management, botanicals for disease management, monitoring plant disease in relation to climate change, determining the extent of sugarcane leaf scald incidence and varietal reaction, NPV and entomopathogenic fungi against onion and fall armyworms, and utilization of irradiated carrageenan for rice. Her current RDE initiatives deal on fungal disease management and biological control of fungal pathogens and insect pests. Likewise, she is actively involved in pest and disease diagnosis as part of the NCPC Plant Health Clinic and Quick Response Team. She is an affiliate of local and international societies. She proactively shares her knowledge and expertise in various local seminars, workshops and trainings. She has also presented scientific papers in local and international conferences and published IEC materials, farm news, and journal articles.