Mandadi named director of Texas A&M AgriLife center at Weslaco

ASA, CSSA, and SSSA member Kranthi Mandadi has been named director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco effective June 1, 2026.

Mandadi is a Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant pathologist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology. He has served at the center for more than a decade, contributing leadership and research excellence, including major impacts to citrus research.

In his new capacity, Mandadi will oversee the administration of the center and its associated research properties while continuing to lead research. He will supervise all center operations, coordinating scientific teams to secure extramural funding and advancing the strategic goals of both the center and the agency. He is specifically tasked with fostering a culture of shared governance and establishing an external advisory committee to provide industry-driven guidance for the region.

“My ongoing efforts are focused on translating research innovations into practical solutions for producers,” Mandadi says. “I look forward to strengthening partnerships among researchers, industry and regulatory agencies to support the mission of advancing sustainable production and economic resilience in South Texas.”