Sridhar Ranganathan | Molecular Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award Posted on 29/08/202529/08/2025 by Best Achievements Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan | Molecular Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan | Annamalai University | India Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan is a renowned scientist in plant pathology and crop biotechnology, with expertise in molecular plant–microbe interactions, rice disease resistance, and marker-assisted selection (MAS). He has contributed to the improvement of popular rice varieties such as Swarna and IR64, significantly advancing agricultural sustainability. With over 135 publications, supervision of 10 Ph.D. scholars, and recognition as a Fellow of NAAS and IPS, he has established himself as a leader in agricultural sciences and molecular plant pathology. Profiles Orcid Google SCholar Early Academic Pursuits Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan began his academic journey in agriculture at Annamalai University, completing his B.Sc. (Ag) and M.Sc. (Ag). His early research, during his Ph.D., focused on the physiology of rice plants and their interactions with pathogens, particularly the rice blast fungus. These formative years laid the foundation for his lifelong specialization in plant pathology, physiology, and biochemistry of plant diseases. Professional Endeavors Dr. Ranganathan has held distinguished positions in research and academia. He began as a Demonstrator at Annamalai University, followed by significant scientific appointments at the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI, now NRRI, Cuttack), where he rose from Scientist S-1 in 1975 to Principal Scientist and Head of Plant Pathology. Later, he served as Consultant, Visiting Professor, and Vice Chairman at the International Institute of Biotechnology and Toxicology (IIBAT), Tamil Nadu. Since 2014, he has continued as an Independent Researcher, demonstrating sustained commitment to scientific advancement. Contributions and Research Focus His pioneering contributions include the establishment of a laboratory for stress physiology at NRRI and later, under the Asian Rice Biotechnology Network (ARBN), the first molecular plant pathology laboratory in India. He advanced marker-assisted selection (MAS) techniques to transfer bacterial blight resistance genes into popular rice varieties like Swarna and IR64, making them more resilient to diseases. With 135 publications and guidance to 10 Ph.D. scholars, his research has enriched knowledge in blast resistance, bacterial blight management, and rice biotechnology. Impact and Influence His work transformed rice pathology research in India, contributing significantly to national food security through disease-resistant rice breeding. By linking molecular biotechnology with plant pathology, Dr. Ranganathan influenced global collaborations with IRRI, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Asian Development Bank projects, ensuring India’s active participation in rice biotechnology advancement. Research Skills Dr. Ranganathan’s research skills include physiological and biochemical analysis of plant diseases, molecular characterization of pathogens, and biotechnology for crop improvement. He demonstrated expertise in marker-assisted selection (MAS), population genetics of pathogens, stress physiology, and biochemical pathways of host-pathogen interactions. His ability to integrate traditional plant pathology with modern molecular techniques positioned him as a pioneer in molecular plant pathology in India. Awards and Honors He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2000) and the Indian Phytopathological Society (1979). He has received the Dr. K.C. Mehta and Manoranjan Mitra Memorial Award (2003) and was felicitated by ICAR-NRRI (2012) for his lifetime contributions to rice research. He has also delivered several prestigious endowment lectures on plant pathology, biotechnology, and climate change impacts on crops. Legacy and Future Contributions Dr. Ranganathan’s scientific legacy lies in bridging classical plant pathology with modern molecular biotechnology. His contributions to disease-resistant rice varieties have directly benefited farmers and strengthened India’s agricultural resilience. As an independent researcher since 2014, he continues to contribute to scientific knowledge, mentoring, and literature in plant pathology. His enduring influence ensures that his work will guide future research in food security, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable crop improvement. Publications Top Notes Methods in physiological plant pathology Authors: A. Mahadevan, R. Sridhar Journal: – (Book/Manual) Year: 1982 Citations: 889 Identification of resistance genes effective against rice bacterial blight pathogen in eastern India Authors: M.L. Shanti, M.L.C. George, C.M.V. Cruz, M.A. Bernardo, R.J. Nelson, H. Leung, R. Sridhar, … Journal: Plant Disease 85 (5), 506–512 Year: 2001 Citations: 172 Insoluble phosphate solubilization by bacterial strains isolated from rice rhizosphere soils from Southern India Authors: A. Prasanna, V. Deepa, P.B. Murthy, M. Deecaraman, R. Sridhar, … Journal: International Journal of Soil Science 6 (2), 134 Year: 2011 Citations: 88 Physiology of rice tungro virus disease: proline accumulation due to infection Authors: S.K. Mohanty, R. Sridhar Journal: Physiologia Plantarum 56 (1), 89–93 Year: 1982 Citations: 53 Biochemical changes associated with the development of resistant and susceptible types of rice blast lesions Authors: R. Sridhar, S.H. Ou Year: 1974 Citations: 53 Fungicidal activity and synthesis of 5-thio-pyrazolones and compounds having alpha-pyrone attached to pyrazolin nucleus Authors: S.K. Mohanty, R. Sridhar, S.Y. Padmanavan, S. Rao, A.S. Mittra Year: 1977 Citations: 46 Influence of nitrogen fertilization and Pyricularia oryzae development on some oxidases, their substrates and respiration of rice plants Authors: R. Sridhar Year: 1972 Citations: 43 Application of marker-assisted selection in rice for bacterial blight resistance gene, Xa21 Authors: J.N. Reddy, M.R. Baraoidan, M.A. Bernardo, M.L.C. George, R. Sridhar Journal: Current Science, 873–875 Year: 1997 Citations: 36 Nanoemulsified ethanolic extract of Pyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn ameliorates CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats Authors: V. Deepa, R. Sridhar, A. Goparaju, P.N. Reddy, P.B. Murthy Journal: Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 50 (11), 785–794 Year: 2012 Citations: 34 Physiology and biochemistry of rice plants infected by Pyricularia oryzae, Helminthosporium oryzae, Xanthomonas oryzae and Xanthomonas translucens f. oryzicola Authors: R. Sridhar, A. Mahadevan Year: 1979 Citations: 29 Physiology of Rice Tungro Virus Disease: Involvement of Abscisic Acid‐Like Substance in Susceptible Host‐Virus Interactions Authors: S.K. Mohanty, A. Anjaneyulu, R. Sridhar Journal: Physiologia Plantarum 45 (1), 132–136 Year: 1979 Citations: 23 Physiology of rice tungro virus disease: changes in chlorophyll, carbohydrates, amino acids and phenol contents Authors: R. Sridhar, P.R. Reddy, A. Anjaneyulu Year: 1976 Citations: 22 Conclusion Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan has made pioneering contributions to plant pathology, molecular plant pathology, and rice biotechnology, significantly advancing disease resistance breeding and marker-assisted selection. With over 135 publications, guidance of 10 Ph.D. scholars, and leadership in the Asian Rice Biotechnology Network, his impact is globally recognized. Honored as a Fellow of NAAS and IPS, his scientific excellence, innovation, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy. His achievements make him a highly deserving recipient of the Research for Best Researcher Award.
Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan is a renowned scientist in plant pathology and crop biotechnology, with expertise in molecular plant–microbe interactions, rice disease resistance, and marker-assisted selection (MAS). He has contributed to the improvement of popular rice varieties such as Swarna and IR64, significantly advancing agricultural sustainability. With over 135 publications, supervision of 10 Ph.D. scholars, and recognition as a Fellow of NAAS and IPS, he has established himself as a leader in agricultural sciences and molecular plant pathology. Profiles Orcid Google SCholar Early Academic Pursuits Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan began his academic journey in agriculture at Annamalai University, completing his B.Sc. (Ag) and M.Sc. (Ag). His early research, during his Ph.D., focused on the physiology of rice plants and their interactions with pathogens, particularly the rice blast fungus. These formative years laid the foundation for his lifelong specialization in plant pathology, physiology, and biochemistry of plant diseases. Professional Endeavors Dr. Ranganathan has held distinguished positions in research and academia. He began as a Demonstrator at Annamalai University, followed by significant scientific appointments at the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI, now NRRI, Cuttack), where he rose from Scientist S-1 in 1975 to Principal Scientist and Head of Plant Pathology. Later, he served as Consultant, Visiting Professor, and Vice Chairman at the International Institute of Biotechnology and Toxicology (IIBAT), Tamil Nadu. Since 2014, he has continued as an Independent Researcher, demonstrating sustained commitment to scientific advancement. Contributions and Research Focus His pioneering contributions include the establishment of a laboratory for stress physiology at NRRI and later, under the Asian Rice Biotechnology Network (ARBN), the first molecular plant pathology laboratory in India. He advanced marker-assisted selection (MAS) techniques to transfer bacterial blight resistance genes into popular rice varieties like Swarna and IR64, making them more resilient to diseases. With 135 publications and guidance to 10 Ph.D. scholars, his research has enriched knowledge in blast resistance, bacterial blight management, and rice biotechnology. Impact and Influence His work transformed rice pathology research in India, contributing significantly to national food security through disease-resistant rice breeding. By linking molecular biotechnology with plant pathology, Dr. Ranganathan influenced global collaborations with IRRI, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Asian Development Bank projects, ensuring India’s active participation in rice biotechnology advancement. Research Skills Dr. Ranganathan’s research skills include physiological and biochemical analysis of plant diseases, molecular characterization of pathogens, and biotechnology for crop improvement. He demonstrated expertise in marker-assisted selection (MAS), population genetics of pathogens, stress physiology, and biochemical pathways of host-pathogen interactions. His ability to integrate traditional plant pathology with modern molecular techniques positioned him as a pioneer in molecular plant pathology in India. Awards and Honors He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2000) and the Indian Phytopathological Society (1979). He has received the Dr. K.C. Mehta and Manoranjan Mitra Memorial Award (2003) and was felicitated by ICAR-NRRI (2012) for his lifetime contributions to rice research. He has also delivered several prestigious endowment lectures on plant pathology, biotechnology, and climate change impacts on crops. Legacy and Future Contributions Dr. Ranganathan’s scientific legacy lies in bridging classical plant pathology with modern molecular biotechnology. His contributions to disease-resistant rice varieties have directly benefited farmers and strengthened India’s agricultural resilience. As an independent researcher since 2014, he continues to contribute to scientific knowledge, mentoring, and literature in plant pathology. His enduring influence ensures that his work will guide future research in food security, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable crop improvement. Publications Top Notes Methods in physiological plant pathology Authors: A. Mahadevan, R. Sridhar Journal: – (Book/Manual) Year: 1982 Citations: 889 Identification of resistance genes effective against rice bacterial blight pathogen in eastern India Authors: M.L. Shanti, M.L.C. George, C.M.V. Cruz, M.A. Bernardo, R.J. Nelson, H. Leung, R. Sridhar, … Journal: Plant Disease 85 (5), 506–512 Year: 2001 Citations: 172 Insoluble phosphate solubilization by bacterial strains isolated from rice rhizosphere soils from Southern India Authors: A. Prasanna, V. Deepa, P.B. Murthy, M. Deecaraman, R. Sridhar, … Journal: International Journal of Soil Science 6 (2), 134 Year: 2011 Citations: 88 Physiology of rice tungro virus disease: proline accumulation due to infection Authors: S.K. Mohanty, R. Sridhar Journal: Physiologia Plantarum 56 (1), 89–93 Year: 1982 Citations: 53 Biochemical changes associated with the development of resistant and susceptible types of rice blast lesions Authors: R. Sridhar, S.H. Ou Year: 1974 Citations: 53 Fungicidal activity and synthesis of 5-thio-pyrazolones and compounds having alpha-pyrone attached to pyrazolin nucleus Authors: S.K. Mohanty, R. Sridhar, S.Y. Padmanavan, S. Rao, A.S. Mittra Year: 1977 Citations: 46 Influence of nitrogen fertilization and Pyricularia oryzae development on some oxidases, their substrates and respiration of rice plants Authors: R. Sridhar Year: 1972 Citations: 43 Application of marker-assisted selection in rice for bacterial blight resistance gene, Xa21 Authors: J.N. Reddy, M.R. Baraoidan, M.A. Bernardo, M.L.C. George, R. Sridhar Journal: Current Science, 873–875 Year: 1997 Citations: 36 Nanoemulsified ethanolic extract of Pyllanthus amarus Schum & Thonn ameliorates CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats Authors: V. Deepa, R. Sridhar, A. Goparaju, P.N. Reddy, P.B. Murthy Journal: Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 50 (11), 785–794 Year: 2012 Citations: 34 Physiology and biochemistry of rice plants infected by Pyricularia oryzae, Helminthosporium oryzae, Xanthomonas oryzae and Xanthomonas translucens f. oryzicola Authors: R. Sridhar, A. Mahadevan Year: 1979 Citations: 29 Physiology of Rice Tungro Virus Disease: Involvement of Abscisic Acid‐Like Substance in Susceptible Host‐Virus Interactions Authors: S.K. Mohanty, A. Anjaneyulu, R. Sridhar Journal: Physiologia Plantarum 45 (1), 132–136 Year: 1979 Citations: 23 Physiology of rice tungro virus disease: changes in chlorophyll, carbohydrates, amino acids and phenol contents Authors: R. Sridhar, P.R. Reddy, A. Anjaneyulu Year: 1976 Citations: 22 Conclusion Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan has made pioneering contributions to plant pathology, molecular plant pathology, and rice biotechnology, significantly advancing disease resistance breeding and marker-assisted selection. With over 135 publications, guidance of 10 Ph.D. scholars, and leadership in the Asian Rice Biotechnology Network, his impact is globally recognized. Honored as a Fellow of NAAS and IPS, his scientific excellence, innovation, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy. His achievements make him a highly deserving recipient of the Research for Best Researcher Award.
Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan has made pioneering contributions to plant pathology, molecular plant pathology, and rice biotechnology, significantly advancing disease resistance breeding and marker-assisted selection. With over 135 publications, guidance of 10 Ph.D. scholars, and leadership in the Asian Rice Biotechnology Network, his impact is globally recognized. Honored as a Fellow of NAAS and IPS, his scientific excellence, innovation, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy. His achievements make him a highly deserving recipient of the Research for Best Researcher Award.
Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan has made pioneering contributions to plant pathology, molecular plant pathology, and rice biotechnology, significantly advancing disease resistance breeding and marker-assisted selection. With over 135 publications, guidance of 10 Ph.D. scholars, and leadership in the Asian Rice Biotechnology Network, his impact is globally recognized. Honored as a Fellow of NAAS and IPS, his scientific excellence, innovation, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy. His achievements make him a highly deserving recipient of the Research for Best Researcher Award.
Dr. Sridhar Ranganathan has made pioneering contributions to plant pathology, molecular plant pathology, and rice biotechnology, significantly advancing disease resistance breeding and marker-assisted selection. With over 135 publications, guidance of 10 Ph.D. scholars, and leadership in the Asian Rice Biotechnology Network, his impact is globally recognized. Honored as a Fellow of NAAS and IPS, his scientific excellence, innovation, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy. His achievements make him a highly deserving recipient of the Research for Best Researcher Award.