Patil steps up to lead international horticultural division
‘Food for health’ scientist seeks to expand global collaboration in horticultural research
Bhimu Patil, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Research Regents Professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Horticultural Sciences, was recently elected as vice president of the American Society for Horticulture Science, ASHS, International Division.
As vice president of the society’s international division, Patil wants to expand Texas A&M AgriLife’s and the society’s impact on the global horticulture stage.
He hopes to foster greater partnerships among professional societies including the International Society for Horticultural Sciences, American Chemical Society, the American Society of Plant Biologists, National Junior Horticultural Association, and the American Horticultural Therapy Association.
“Horticulture plays a crucial role in global food security, nutrition and sustainability,” he said. “New challenges and opportunities will arise worldwide as the field advances through interdisciplinary research, high-throughput approaches like phenomics, and as consumer preferences for locally grown, health-enhancing foods evolves. This ever-changing landscape makes collaboration essential.”
Vision for the future
Patil envisions a future where the society’s international division plays a pivotal role in shaping the global conversation on horticulture. He will seek to increase international membership engagement and promote greater collaboration among scientists worldwide.
His strategy begins with raising awareness about horticulture’s critical contributions to nutritional security and environmental sustainability. By promoting open access to research and upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity, Patil aims to make horticultural knowledge more accessible to researchers and practitioners worldwide.
“A key part of this is fostering a stronger professional community within ASHS, ensuring that voices from all backgrounds contribute to the field’s advancement,” Patil said. “I will work to enhance global awareness of horticulture, inspire future generations and ensure that ASHS continues to play a critical role in addressing emerging challenges.”
Patil’s new role with the ASHS drew praise from Amit Dhingra, Ph.D., head of the Department of Horticultural Sciences.
Patil’s election as vice president of the international division is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and contributions to the field, Dhingra said.
“Dr. Patil’s work at the intersection of nutrition, agriculture and human health has had a global impact, and his dedication to advancing scientific innovation aligns perfectly with our department’s mission of sustainability, wellness and food security,” Dhingra said. “I have no doubt that he will bring the same vision and passion to this position, helping shape the future of horticultural science worldwide.”
More about Patil
Patil serves as director of the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center at Texas A&M University and is and is an affiliated member of the Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture. He is also a chair of the International Society for Horticultural Sciences’, ISHS, Horticulture for Human Health division.
He co-founded the FAVHealth Human Health Properties of Fruits and Vegetables symposium series, where experts discuss the health benefits of horticultural crops. He’s also served as an editor for multiple volumes of Acta Horticulturae, ISHS’ peer-reviewed academic research journal.
Among his honors are the Fellow of the American Chemical Society, the American Society for Horticulture Science, the Brazilian Horticulture Society, the Indian Citriculture Society and the Indian Horticulture Society. Being named a Fellow is one of the highest accolades these organizations bestow, underscoring his exceptional contributions, deep expertise and significant impact in his field.
