Dr. Rahul Bhosale of the University of Nottingham is one of the lead researchers on the UK-CGIAR Centre’s project on the genetic improvement of pigeon pea. In this interview, he discusses his scientific background and outlines the goals of the project.
Q. What is your academic and professional background and how has it shaped your current thinking?
My academic journey started with an MSc in Bioinformatics and Biotechnology at the University of Pune (India), which provided me with a strong foundation in basic sciences and equipped me with both computational and experimental skills. This experience sparked my interest in applying these tools to complex biological questions in plant research, influenced by my agrarian family background.
I went on to pursue a PhD in Biochemistry and Biotechnology at VIB–University of Ghent (Belgium), where I developed expertise in plant systems biology with a particular focus on plant roots. Since then, I have been awarded several prestigious fellowships – including the Royal Society Newton International, Nottingham Research, and BBSRC Discovery Fellowships – which enabled me to establish an independent research programme and join the academic staff at the University of Nottingham.
Working internationally and across disciplines has specifically shaped my thinking towards integrative approaches to understanding plant root developmental programmes and how plants modulate them to adapt roots to stresses such as heat, drought and nutrient deficiency. This perspective guided not only my research into crop resilience but also how I collaborate across fields and mentor the next generation of scientists.
Q. Why have you decided to focus the project research on pigeon pea?
I am passionate about translating research from model plants to understudied crop species, which led to my secondment at ICRISAT for a year. This experience enabled me to work closely with researchers at ICRISAT and identify an unexplored yet shared research interest: root–soil interactions in legumes. When the opportunity arose to develop this project, we chose to focus on legumes and specifically on pigeon pea, due to its nutritional importance, climate resilience, and critical role in food security, particularly in semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa.
Despite its significance, pigeon pea has historically been under-researched compared to major crops, leaving a substantial gap in our understanding of its root biology and genetic potential for stress resilience. By investigating how pigeon pea roots interact with soil and fix nitrogen efficiently under different temperatures, we aim to develop improved cultivars that deliver higher yields while reducing reliance on fertilisers. This focus reflects my broader vision: translating fundamental insights from root biology into tangible solutions for sustainable agriculture and climate-smart cropping systems.
Q. How will the research for this project leverage the University of Nottingham’s scientific expertise and facilities?
This project will leverage the University of Nottingham’s internationally recognised expertise in plant and crop sciences, particularly in root biology, imaging, and functional genomics. My team is embedded within the School of Biosciences and collaborates closely with world-leading groups specialising in root development, soil interactions, and crop improvement.
The University provides access to unique facilities, including state-of-the-art root imaging platforms such as X-ray microCT, laser ablation tomography, and light sheet confocal microscopy, alongside advanced genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics infrastructures. These resources, combined with Nottingham’s strong track record in crop genetics and agricultural innovation, will enable us to deliver a comprehensive, systems-level understanding of root traits in pigeon pea.
Q. Why will collaboration with CGIAR and other research institutes be so crucial to the research?
Collaboration with CGIAR centres (such as ICRISAT and CIMMYT) and other international research institutes, including the University of Warwick, with its expertise in fundamental legume research and nodulation signalling pathways, is crucial for bridging cutting-edge science with real-world agricultural impact. These partnerships allow us to connect advanced genomics and imaging approaches developed at the University of Nottingham with field-based breeding programmes and agronomic expertise.
CGIAR centres have unparalleled experience working with pigeon pea and other underutilised legumes in regions where these crops are most vital. They provide access to diverse germplasm, novel genetic and genomic resources, transformation facilities, field sites, and farmer networks. Collaborating with these institutes ensures that our discoveries on root traits and stress resilience can be rapidly translated into practical breeding pipelines and deployed in environments where they will have the greatest impact.
Moreover, these collaborations strengthen capacity building and knowledge exchange with National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) in India and Africa, creating a pathway from fundamental science to sustainable agricultural solutions that improve food security and climate resilience globally.
Q. How do you see this project with the UK-CGIAR Centre evolving over the next few years?
I see this project with the UK-CGIAR Centre evolving into a model of translational research that links fundamental discoveries in root biology with large-scale crop improvement programmes. In the first phase, we will focus on decoding the genetic and physiological mechanisms that control root traits in pigeon pea under high temperature stress, using Nottingham’s advanced imaging and genomics platforms. As the project progresses, close collaboration with CGIAR and partner institutes will allow us to validate these findings in diverse germplasm and field environments, ensuring real-world relevance. Over the next few years, I envision the work expanding into breeding pipelines, delivering climate-resilient, nitrogen-efficient pigeon pea cultivars, while also building long-term research capacity through training, data-sharing platforms, and sustained international partnerships. Ultimately, this project will act as a catalyst for scaling similar root-focused strategies across other underutilised legumes that are important for global food security.
About the interviewee
Dr. Rahul Bhosale is an Associate Professor of Functional Genomics at the University of Nottingham, where he leads cutting-edge research focused on investigating molecular mechanisms underlying root adaptive responses to abiotic stresses, towards developing crops with improved stress resilience and yield stability. Dr. Bhosale’s outstanding achievements in his field include receiving several prestigious fellowships, including the BBSRC Discovery, Nottingham Research, and Newton International fellowships. In 2017, he was named as one of Forbes’ 30 European exceptional talents under age 30 in the Science & Healthcare category. Dr. Bhosale has contributed significantly to the advancement of his field, publishing over 30 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact scientific journals, including Science, Nature Communications, Nature Plants, PNAS, and Plant Cell.