Pushpendra Gupta | Agricultural Biotechnology | Lifetime Achievement in Biotechnology Award

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Prof. Pushpendra Gupta | Agricultural Biotechnology | Lifetime Achievement in Biotechnology Award

Professor Emeritus at CCS University, India

Professor P. K. Gupta is an eminent geneticist and Honorary Emeritus Professor at Ch. Charan Singh University, Meerut, where he has also served as an INSA Senior Scientist. With a career spanning over six decades, he has contributed profoundly to the field of cytogenetics, crop improvement, molecular biology, and biotechnology. His prolific work includes over 500 research publications and more than 25 books, making him one of the most distinguished figures in agricultural genetics in India and internationally.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Professor Gupta’s academic foundation is rooted in biology, having earned a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Botany from Agra University, securing first division with distinctions. He pursued his Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Manitoba, Canada, in 1967 under a Commonwealth Scholarship, achieving an impressive 87% score, which laid the groundwork for his groundbreaking research in crop genetics and cytogenetics.

Experience

His professional journey began as a lecturer at Agra University and Gorakhpur University before joining Meerut University (now CCS University) in 1969, where he rose from Reader to Professor and served until 1997. Post-retirement, he continued his scientific contributions through CSIR, UGC, and INSA fellowships and remains associated as an Honorary Emeritus Professor. He has also held honorary positions abroad, including as Honorary Fellow at CIMMYT-BISA and Honorary Research Professor at Murdoch University, Australia. He has delivered invited lectures and collaborated with over 20 leading research institutions globally.

Research Interest

His diverse research interests include cytogenetic studies in cereals and pulses, interspecific hybridization in wheat and barley, molecular marker development, DNA sequence analysis, gene mapping, and genome evolution. He has been a pioneer in using molecular tools such as SSRs, SNPs, RFLPs, and GWAS for studying crop diversity, trait association, and gene tagging. His research also delves into induced mutations, population genetics, and bioinformatics, focusing on practical applications in crop biotechnology and genomics for sustainable agriculture.

Awards

Professor Gupta’s excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. Notably, he received the “Excellence in Agricultural Research” award by the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) in 2013 and the “Outstanding Researcher Award” by the Society for the Promotion of Plant Science Research. Additionally, he was awarded the Birbal Sahni Gold Medal by the Indian Botanical Society and was honored by Meerut University with the “Vishwavidyalaya Gaurav.” He is also a Fellow of all major national science academies in India, including FNA, FASc, FNASc, and FNAAS.

Publications

Among his vast contributions, the following selected publications represent his scientific impact:

  1. Gupta, P.K. (1963). Meiotic studies in some members of the tribe paniceae. Curr. Sci. 32: 180-181.
  2. Gupta, P.K. (1968). Homoeology of a rye (Secale cereale var. Dakold) chromosome. Wheat Inform. Serv. 27: 13-15.
  3. Gupta, P.K. (1969). Cytology of monosomic rye substitutions in wheat. Cytologia 34: 586-592.
  4. Gupta, P.K. and Fedak, G. (1985). Hybrids of Hordeum californicum with Agropyron caninum. Can. J. Genet. Cytol. 27: 381-387.
  5. Gupta, P.K. and Fedak, G. (1985). Genetic control of meiotic pairing in Hordeum polyploids. Can. J. Genet. Cytol. 27: 515-530.
  6. Gupta, P.K. and Fedak, G. (1986). Intergeneric hybrids of triticale and Agropyron intermedium. Can. J. Genet. Cytol. 28: 176-179.
  7. Gupta, P.K., Balyan, H.S. and Fedak, G. (1988). A study of D/R substitutions in triticales. Proc. 7th Int. Wheat Genet. Symp., Cambridge, UK: 297-301.

Each of these has been widely cited in the field, contributing significantly to understanding cytogenetics and hybridization in cereals.

Conclusion

Professor P. K. Gupta stands as a towering figure in Indian agricultural science, revered for his deep insight, vast scholarship, and lifelong dedication to research and education. His work has laid foundational principles in plant genetics and biotechnology and has directly influenced crop improvement strategies in India and beyond. Through his mentorship of over 80 Ph.D. students and enduring involvement in national and international scientific initiatives, he has cemented his legacy as a leader in genetic research. His lifelong passion for knowledge, excellence in teaching, and extensive contributions to global science continue to inspire future generations of plant geneticists and biotechnologists.

Krishnagowdu Saravanan | Agricultural Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Krishnagowdu Saravanan | Agricultural Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Assistant Professor at Arignar Anna College (Arts & Science), India

Dr. Krishnagowdu Saravanan is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of plant biotechnology, currently serving as Assistant Professor and Co-Ordinator of the Research and Development Cell & IPR Cell at the Post Graduate and Research Centre in Biotechnology, Arignar Anna College, Tamil Nadu. With a robust background in plant genetic engineering, abiotic stress management, and metabolic engineering, Dr. Saravanan has made significant contributions to crop improvement techniques. His dedication to the advancement of agricultural biotechnology is reflected through numerous research projects, scientific publications, and active roles in editorial and advisory boards of reputed journals.

Profile

Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Saravanan’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Arignar Anna College, followed by an M.Sc. in Biotechnology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Cheminformatics from Bharathiar University, achieving distinctions throughout. He completed his Ph.D. in Biotechnology in 2024 at Bharathiar University, specializing in plant molecular biology. His doctoral research focused on bioengineering flavonols to enhance salt tolerance in soybean via Arabidopsis MYB12 transcription factor expression, demonstrating both innovation and application in sustainable agriculture.

Experience

Dr. Saravanan has amassed diverse professional experience across research and academic institutions. His academic career began as a Project Fellow and later as Project Assistant at Bharathiar University. He then worked as a Scientist with VitaCrop Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with an Israeli firm, contributing to R&D initiatives on climate-resilient crops. Since September 2024, he has been an Assistant Professor at Arignar Anna College, where he also coordinates research and intellectual property initiatives. His work integrates teaching, research supervision, and innovation-driven administrative leadership.

Research Interest

Dr. Saravanan’s research interests center on plant transgenic technologies, metabolic engineering for secondary metabolite production, and the development of biostimulants to combat abiotic stress. His investigations delve into genetic transformation, molecular characterization, and the utilization of bio-based growth enhancers derived from invasive weed extracts and agricultural wastes. His multidisciplinary approach connects molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental sustainability, aiming to improve crop productivity and resilience under adverse conditions.

Award

Throughout his career, Dr. Saravanan has received numerous accolades recognizing his scientific contributions and teaching excellence. These include the “Future Leaders Industry Award 2025” by Scifax, the “Young Scientist Award 2024” by the Indian Society of Agricultural Science and Technology, and multiple best oral and poster presentation awards at national conferences. He has also been honored with the “Young Agriculture Research Scholar Award 2022” and a national-level DST-INSPIRE award for academic merit.

Publication

Dr. Saravanan has co-authored impactful research articles in high-quality peer-reviewed journals. Notable among these are:

  1. Optimization of callus induction and cell suspension system in Hemidesmus indicus in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 2025 – cited 5 times.
  2. Exogenous ascorbic acid priming in soybean under salinity stress, Crop Research, 2025 – cited 4 times.
  3. Transformation of bottom ash into vermicompost for maize, Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 2025 – cited 6 times.
  4. Genistein production via adventitious root culture in soybean, Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult, 2024 – cited 10 times.
  5. Biogenic carbon quantum dots for curcumin enhancement in turmeric, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2024 – cited 11 times.
  6. Genetic transformation of soybean using half-seed explants, 3 Biotech, 2023 – cited 13 times.
  7. Onion extract mitigating salt stress in soybean, Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2023 – cited 9 times.

These publications reflect his consistent focus on crop enhancement through both biotechnological and eco-friendly innovations.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Krishnagowdu Saravanan stands out as a forward-thinking biotechnologist whose research bridges traditional plant science with modern molecular tools. His expertise spans plant transformation, environmental sustainability, and the development of innovative bioproducts. With a growing record of high-impact publications, awards, and leadership in academia, Dr. Saravanan continues to influence the field of agricultural biotechnology while mentoring the next generation of scientists. His work is both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant, aligning with global goals for food security and sustainable agriculture.