Research Director, Pennsylvania Campuses

Email: arash.ghale@rodaleinstitute.org
Phone (office):  610-683-1475
Phone (cell): 802-734-5561
Address: 611 Siegfriedale Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530

Arash is an Agroecologist with interests in the field of sustainable agriculture and crop diversification. His professional goal is to promote sustainable agriculture through the implementation of cost-effective changes striving towards holistic and ecologically sound management of crop production.

The projects that Arash conducts contribute to the development of new high-value crops to encourage product diversification and strengthen financial viability of farms. Arash strongly believes that the increased farm income generated from high value crops will improve the quality and sustainability of family farms. Arash joined the Rodale Institute’s research team in 2022 to lead the specialty crops and hemp research projects in regenerative organic agroecosystems. Integrated pest management studies, agrivoltaics and precision agriculture research projects are also conducted by his team at RIPOC through colloboration with other research and education institutes and universities.

Arash has been serving as the Director of Research for Rodale Institute since July 2023. His responsibilities cover the Institute’s headquarters and Pennsylvania campuses, including the Pocono Organic Center, a Rodale Institute Regional Resource Center.

Select Publications

  • Ghalehgolabbehbahani, A., O. Vestrheim, M. Skinner, J. Li & S. Schneebeli. 2022. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-Based Quality Assessment of Vermont-Grown Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)-Optimal Drying Conditions and Mechanistic Implication. ACS Food Science & Technology. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.1c00404
  • Ghalehgolabbehbahani, A., C. Frank Sullivan, A. Davari, B.L. Parker, A. Razavi, M. Skinner. 2022. Evaluation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum and the predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus against Rhizoglyphus robini under laboratory conditions. Exp Appl Acarol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-022-00719-6
  • Sullivan C.F., Ghalehgolabbehbahani A., Parker B.L., Skinner M. 2022. Mortality of various-age larval winter ticks, Dermacentor albipictus, following surface contact with commercial mycoacaricides. Experimental Parasitology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108292
  • Davari, A., B.L. Parker, C. Frank Sullivan, A. Ghalehgolabbehbahani, M. Skinner. 2021. Biological control of Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis using a selfsustaining granular fungal treatment. Bulletin of  Entomological Research.  https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485321000365
  • Ghalehgolabbehbahani, A., B.L. Parker & M. Skinner. Saffron and Solar Farms: A Win/Win for the Environment and Agriculture. 2021. North American Center for Saffron Research and Development. Burlington, VT. https://www.uvm.edu/~saffron/Resources/PeckSolarReport2020.pdf
  • Ghalehgolabbehbahani, A., M. Skinner., B.L. Parker., A. Razavi., P. Reese & A. Davari. 2020. A standardized method for rearing Rhizoglyphus robini (Astigmata: Acaridae). J. of Plant Disease and Protection. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41348-020-00381-3
  • Koocheki, A., M. Nassiri., A. Ghalehgolabbehbahani, S. Moinaldini & A. Davari. 2019. Evaluation of intactness trend for crop species diversity in North, Central (Razavi) and South Khorasan Prov. (Iran) during 1983-2008. J. of Agroecology. 11:155-170 (In Persian, abs. in English).
  • Skinner, M., A. Ghalehgolabbehbahani & B.L. Parker. 2018. Harvesting and Processing Saffron Flowers. UVM North American Center for Saffron Research and Development. Burlington, VT.
  • Skinner, M., B.L. Parker & A. Ghalehgolabbehbahani. 2018. Summer Sampling of Your Saffron Bed for Corm Survival. UVM North Amer. Ctr for Saffron Research & Devel. Burlington, VT.

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