Expertise in one line : Groundnut breeding, Genetics ,Cytogenetics, Rice breeding, Sugarcane breeding , Molecular breeding
Notable contributions :
Instrumental ( First and main contributor) in development, registration, release, notification and popularisation of thirteen varieties of groundnut viz. Narayani, Kalahasti, Prasuna, Abhaya, Rohini, Bheema, Greeshma, ICGV 00350, Dharani, Dheeraj, Nitya Haritha ,Pragati and Visista.
Associated with development, registration, release and popularisation of three varieties of groundnut released viz.Tirupati 2, Tirupati 3, Tirupati 4.
Among these, Narayani, Dharani, Rohini, Dheeraj, NityaHaritha and Visista are popular among farmers of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamilnadu and Karnataka.
More than 12,000 tonnes of breeder seed of these varieties was produced and supplied to seed production agencies, progressive farmers, Department of Agriculture etc. which helped in income generation (over 12 crores) and popularisation of these varieties as well.
Handled projects in collaboration with ICRISAT and DGR and four RKVY funded projects in collaboration with pathology and biotechnology, associated with three externally funded projects in collaboration with crop physiology; in total funds worth 5.34 crores were handled.
Involved in the development of infrastructure facilities i.e.Genomics lab, Oil quality lab and large scale seed processing unit, solar fencing, storage facility at RARS, Tirupati.
Germplasm collection/advanced breeding lines generated: 1100.
Registered TCGS 635 for pentafoliate character and associated with registration of TCGS 1862 for stem rot resistance in groundnut with NBPGR.
Studied inheritance of late leaf spot and rust resistance, leaf chlorophyll content, testa colour, pod characters, seed characters etc. in groundnut.
Associated with study on identification of markers for high oleic acid content and one of the collaborators in the project in the development of high oleic cultures.
Research Interests:
Groundnut breeding, millets and sugarcane breeding, cytogenetics and genetics.
Professional recognition :
Life member of Indian Science Congress association , Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Indian Society of Oilseeds Research, Society of Agri nano Technology, Andhra Pradesh Journal of Agricultural Sciences, IARI Alumni Association, SV Agricultural College Alumni Association.
Reviewer of Andhra Pradesh Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Legume Research, Indian Agricultural Science Digest, Andhra Agricultural Journal
Guided 16 M.Sc.(Ag.) and 8 Ph.D students
Resouce person/invited lectures: 93
External examiner ( UAS, Dharwad, TNAU Coimbatore, UAS, Bangalore, SPMU, Tirupati ).
Member of evaluation/ selection committee /expert: 77
Chaired technical sessions in seminars/ symposia
Administrative experience :
Principal Scientist ( Groundnut) : 2 years
Associate Dean, SVAC, Tirupati : one year
PG (OAM) : six months
Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding : 20 years ( RARS, Tirupati)
Research publications :
International/National Journals : 114
Conference proceedings: 90
Books and Book chapters: 18
Technical bulletins:25
Popular articles: 95
Awards & Honours :
Meritorious Research Scientist Award, 2005.
Best Agricultural Scientist Award District level- Ugadi Puraskaralu,2012.
Sri Neelakantapuram Kaverappa Gold medal on 9th September,2015 in 46th Annual convocation held at Bapatla.
Reviewer Excellence Award of ARCC Journals, Karnal,2016,2023.
Best Agricultural Scientist Award District level- Independence day celebrations,2018.