Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. K.N. Amruthesh, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Studies in Botany and Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at the University of Mysore (UoM), has been awarded the prestigious National Academy of Biological Sciences (FNABS) Fellowship for the year 2022.

This recognition is conferred upon for his significant contributions in the fields of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences.

Last year, he had received the prestigious State Government’s Science and Technology Academy Fellowship (FKSTA) for his outstanding research in the field of Agricultural Sciences.

He obtained his Doctoral Degree from the Department of Biotechnology at UoM with an ICAR Fellowship and holds a Post-Doctoral Degree from the University of North  Texas, USA.

He has extensively researched on plant-microbe interactions, including the development of eco-friendly approaches for host plant management against biotic and abiotic stresses.

He has reported the discovery of 12 new phytopathogens and 2 new parasitic angiosperms including a new pathotype of downy mildew pathogen on pearl millet hybrid MLBH104, which has saved many impoverished farmers from severe economic losses. His research work on identification of rhizo-resident microbes (PGPR and PGPF) for plant stress management have resulted in the innovative utilisation of beneficial microbes for the effective and eco-friendly management of crops.

Further, identifying the exact genetic pathways involved in stress management and developing novel techniques for utilising them for the improvement of food security in crop plants is another significant contribution.

In the field of Nanotechnology, he has utilised plant resources for synthesis of nanoparticles, which not only enhance plant growth but also find applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Amruthesh is also serving as an Administrator at the IQAC, CSIR-UGC NET Training Centre and International Centre, UoM.