Dr. J.N. Sharma, Plant Pathologist, Department of Mycology and Plant Pathology did his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. A meritorious student throughout, awarded merit scholarship in B.Sc. (Agri.), ICAR (HRDP) scholarship in M.Sc. (Agri.) and ICAR (UNDP) fellowship in Ph.D. He is credited with the diagnosis and control of premature leaf fall problem of apple in Himachal Pradesh and was awarded a certificate of honour and cash prize by Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan for this break- through. Recipient of  P.P. Singhal Memorial Pesticides India Commendation Award in 2000 from the Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology. He remained Councillor of Indian Phytopathological Society (North Zone) for 2003. He has published more than 45 research papers, 20 popular articles, 15 book chapters and 5 technical/information bulletins. Remained a member of various State level committees and designated as a Coordinator for research work on premature leaf fall problem of apple in Himachal Pradesh.