Served as the Project Coordinator (Biotechnology) of the Kerala Agricultural University for 15
years.
Involved in 22 externally aided research projects / University projects.
List of projects handled as Principal Investigator (External funding)
In vitro crop improvement / genetic transformation of horticultural crops
Techniques could be standardized for Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation in medicinal plants. Considerable work done, for evolving a vector, for chloroplast transformation, in Centella asiatica. Chloroplast transformation of Centella asiatica and Solanum dulcamera was attempted using biolistic method. Molecular analysis of the spike branching trait in black pepper could be initiated. Techniques could be standardized for the protoplast culture of mango, pepper and Centella asiatica.
Molecular marker analysis of horticultural crops
Molecular characterization of ecotypes / varieties of crops, including medicinal plants, ornamental crops, vegetable and spice crops was done. RAPD analysis of the clones and intraclones of banana, mango and the ecotypes of several medicinal plants has been done. Clones / inctraclones of banana belonging to various genomic groups were subjected to field evaluation and RAPD analysis. Two hundred trees of traditional mango varieties of southern Kerala were evaluated based on morphological and RAPD profiles. Reported the positive effect of green leaves used in traditional preparations on DNA repair.
Juvenile adult phase change in plants
Maturity barrier problem associated with the in vitro propagation of tree crops was analysed using molecular tools. DNA methylation in juvenile and mature plants of Eucalyptus camaldulensis was contrasted. Rejuvenation treatments for improving the response of mature explants with respect to shoot multiplication and rooting of eucalyptus could be devised. DFR gene activity in juvenile and mature phase Hedera helix could be enhanced, using n-sodium butyrate treatment. Optimum conditions could be standardized for maximizing the expression of DFR gene activity.
Horticulture
Was involved in research, as Co-Principal Investigator in 18 externally aided research
projects dealing with Biotechnology, in vitro propagation, physiology and management of banana,
mango, coconut, date palm, orchids, anthuriums, heliconias, bell pepper, black pepper, and ivy gourd.
Associated with the molecular characterization of Fusarium pallidoroseum and other species, uses as
biocontrol agents of insect pests and weeds. Principal Investigator of four externally aided / university
research projects on the Biotechnology of horticultural crops.
Two hundred trees of traditional mango varieties of southern Kerala were evaluated based on
morphological and RAPD profiles. Methods could be standardized for the in vitro propagation of mango
varieties via somatic embryogenesis from nucellar tissues of Neelum, Banglora and Vellari Manga.
Floriculture
Techniques could be standardized for Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation in orchids. Dendrobium orchid could be transformed using 1-aminocyclopropane-1 carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase antisense gene, for reducing ethylene biosynthesis and increasing the shelf life of inflorescence. Involved in the development of five Dendrobium orchid Hybrid varieties, released by the Kerala State in 2006.
In vitro propagation of horticultural crops
Protocols for the in vitro propagation of horticultural crops like jack, banana, orchids,
anthurium, vanilla and several medicinal plants have been standardized. Protocol for in vitro
propagation of jack via enhanced release of axillary buds was evolved. The ex vitro establishment
problem of jack plantlets was studied in detail and protocol evolved for successful field establishment.
Protocol for in vitro propagation of Red Banana was evolved and commercialized. Protocol for in vitro
propagation of Aristolochia indica, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Plumbago rosea, Boerhaavia
diffusa, Smilax zeylanica and Ipomoea mauritiana were developed and the plants were established
in the field. Protocol for the mass in vitro clonal propagation of vanilla was standardised.
Evaluation of the performance of banana, pepper, vanilla, orchids and anthuriums in farmers’ fields
was carried out. Contributions in tissue culture propagation were included in the Package of Practices
Recommendations 2002 of the Kerala Agricultural University.
Methods could be standardized for the in vitro propagation of mango varieties via somatic
embryogenesis from nucellar tissues of Neelum, Banglora and Vellari Manga. Standardization of
techniques useful for the in vitro propagation of cashew via enhanced release of axillary buds, somatic
organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis was done. The research work done under the US-India
funded project attracted a Letter of Appreciation from the USDA.
The contributions in research and development were instrumental for becoming one of
the five members of the team of scientists of KAU, that received the “Biotech Product & Process
Development & Commercialisation Award 2003” of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of
Science and Technology, Government of India, in 2003.
Medicinal Plants
Techniques could be standardized for Agrobacterium mediated genetic transformation in medicinal
plants. Considerable work done, for evolving a vector, for chloroplast transformation, in Centella
asiatica. Chloroplast transformation of Centella asiatica and Solanum dulcamera was attempted using
biolistic method.
Molecular characterization of ecotypes / varieties of medicinal plants was done. Protocol for in vitro
propagation of Aristolochia indica, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Plumbago rosea, Boerhaavia
diffusa, Smilax zeylanica and Ipomoea mauritiana were developed and the plants were established in
the field.
Total number of publications : 101
Research papers : 56
Books, chapters in books : 35
Popular articles / others : 10