Bala Venkata Naga Kousik Muppavarapu

Experienced researcher in molecular breeding and plant biotechnology with 9 years of experience working in rice crop, I've had the honor of being associated with seven different varieties, each with its own distinct set of traits, released by ICAR-IIRR. I have extensive knowledge and skills in phenotyping, molecular biology, SNP genotyping, scientific writing, and plant breeding techniques. I would be very curious in learning about any collaborative efforts to enhance agricultural methods and food security globally.

• Breeding methodology in Rice (via Crossing/Back crossing & Mutation, Phenotypic selection, Marker Aided Selection).
• Experience in Molecular Techniques- Nucleic acids & protein Isolation from Plants, Animal cells and Microorganisms, PCR, Real Time-PCR, cDNA synthesis, cloning techniques, gel electrophoresis (vertical & horizontal) and bioinformatics tools.
• Primer Designing – Overlapping primers for genes, Indels, SSRs and SNPs and Trait based SNP genotyping and SNP based background analysis.
• Identification & conformation of disease resistant genes in Rice using phenotypic and molecular markers.
• Hybrid Production technique and Pathological screening for Rice
• Plot design, sowing, planting, maintenance the field and evaluation of field crops, harvesting, seed processing, and data collection of crops and maintenance of adult plants in the green house.
• Conducting plant hybridization in rice crop.
• Conducting the field trials for the population developed under the Yield Improvement of elite rice varieties, CRP-Molecular breeding, CSIR-FTT projects for the targeted traits.
• Evaluation of breeding lines for targeted biotic & abiotic stresses in Rice
• Identification of promising lines using phenotypic selection under field and glass house conditions
• Maintenance of germplasm collection & wild species of Rice
• Conduction of Agronomy and Pathology trials for Rice.
• Detecting polymorphism & Diversity Analysis using various molecular markers (SSR, ISSR,RAPD, AFLP, IRAP, STS, etc.) for rice crops.
• Knowledge on Statistical and analytical tools.
• Analyzing, summarizing and presenting results for all research projects. Regularly reviewing ongoing research for trends. Providing insight on these findings and ensures key findings are shared with appropriate internal audiences.
• Responsible for carrying out research and data collection; conducting analysis to determine project's technical and strategic needs.
• Identifying issues and forming hypotheses, formulating and implementing recommendations/solutions.
• Coordinating with colleagues and subordinates for getting the work done effectively.
• Training and guiding subordinates to meet organizational objectives.
• Grain and cooking quality analysis on key characters based on DUS guidelines.
• Statistical analysis and interpretation of the respective results based on DUS characterization.

Since October 2013, I have been actively engaged in research and development (R&D) at the Directorate of Rice Research (DRR). My focus is on marker-assisted selection (MAS) in rice, namely in improving resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. I have gained knowledge and practical experience in molecular markers at this institute. Additionally, I have acquired expertise in rice molecular breeding and genomics through collaborative projects with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad and Indian council of agricultural research.

I registered in a Ph.D. study at Acharya Nagarjuna University, located in Guntur. I conducted my research project at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, under the mentorship of Dr. RM Sundaram, Director of ICAR-IIRR. I was supervised by Dr. CN Neeraja, Principal Scientist, Head of the Department of Biotechnology at ICAR-IIRR. My title of Ph.D. study is "Marker-assisted introgression of bacterial blight, blast resistance and yield enhancing genes into elite Indian rice variety Swarna and evaluation of gene-pyramided lines" . The focus of my Ph.D. research is to include genes that confer resistance to bacterial blight and blast diseases, as well as genes that enhance yield, into the high-performing Indian rice variety Swarna. Additionally, I will evaluate the resulting lines that have multiple genes stacked together. This study presents the discovery of two genes, Xa21and Pi54, which provide resistance to two specific diseases caused by biotic stress: Bacterial leaf blight and blast diseases, respectively. The highly sought-after indica rice variety Swarna was specifically bred to possess two key characteristics that enhance its yield: larger panicles and extent of panicle branching (OsSPL14) on Chromosome 8, as well as a strong culm (SCM2) on Chromosome 6. This enhancement improved the variety's resilience to blast and BB, as well as improving its yield attributes.

My dedication to scientific progress is demonstrated by the introduction of many high-yielding rice cultivars. I have been recognized for my presentations and publications, which demonstrate my competence and contribution to the field of biotechnology, I am able to convey intricate ideas through my scientific writing abilities. Furthermore, I acquired expert guidance in the realm of plant molecular biology during my doctoral study. I possess extensive knowledge and skills in the areas of rice genetics, molecular breeding, and genomics. Below are some of my accomplishments.

• DRR Dhan 58 (IET 28784), a MABB derived, high yielding bacterial blight resistant high- yielding, seedling-stage salinity tolerant, fine-grain type rice variety having the major bacterial blight resistance genes, Xa21+xa13+xa5 and the major QTL associated with seedling stage salinity tolerance.
• DRR Dhan 59 (IET 27280), a MABB derived, bacterial blight resistant high-yielding, long-bold grain type rice variety in the genetic background of Akshayadhan having the major bacterial blight resistance genes (Xa33).
• DRR Dhan 60 (IET 28061), a MABB derived low soil phosphorous (P) tolerant, bacterial blight resistant, high yielding and fine-grain type rice variety developed in the genetic background of bacterial blight resistant rice variety, Improved Samba Mahsuri (RP Bio-226) possessing three major bacterial blight resistance genes, Xa21+xa13+xa5 and the major QTL/gene associated with low soil phosphorous tolerance (Pup1).
• DRR Dhan 66 (IET 28066) is a MAS derived low soil phosphorous (P) tolerant rice culture developed in the genetic background of a very popular rice variety, MTU 1010 (Cotton Dora Sannalu). It possesses a major QTL/gene associated with low soil phosphorous tolerance, Pup1 (located on chr.12)and has seed to seed maturity of 120- 125 days.
• DRR Dhan 75 (IET 30107) was developed from the cross Samba Mahsuri *2 //Habataki / ST 12. The donor lines were received from IRRI, Philippines. We have evaluated this line at ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad under station trial and identified considering semi dwarf plant height, medium duration, medium slender grain type and yield. As a result, the line IET 30107 (RP6528-RMS 1421-43-25-29) was nominated to AICRPR, which has performed exceedingly well in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka under AICRPR Medium Slender trials over 3 years.
• DRR Dhan 76 (IET 29808) was developed from MTU 1121* 2 / Swarna cross combination. Hybridization, selection, evaluation and testing was done at ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR), Hyderabad with the objective to breed high yielding with better grain quality variety and tolerance to major diseases and insect pest for irrigated ecology. IET 29808 was evaluated in multi-locational trials i.e., Irrigated Mid Early (IME) trials during Wet seasons of 2021, 2022 and 2023 under AICRPR Trials. IET 29808 consistently outperformed the check varieties in AICRPR trials in Zone III and Zone VII. This promising varietal entry has exhibited stability for yield and other characters in the states – Odisha and West Bengal (Zone III), Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Pondicherry (Zone VII).
• DRR Dhan 77 (IET 28636) was selected from IRRI, Philippines bred line GSR-IR1-DQ146-L18-Y1. We have evaluated this line at ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad under station trial and identified considering semi dwarf plant height, early duration, long slender grain type and yield. IET 28636 is early duration, erect, highly vigorous, non-lodging, non-shattering and complete panicle exertion. The plant comes to flowering within 85-90 days, plants are 92 cm tall, and it produces good biomass, long panicles, and have long slender grains with white kernel.

• Participated in a two-day conference conducted by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad and presented a poster on “Marker Assisted Introgression of bacterial blight, blast and yield enhancing genes into the background of Swarna”, National conference on Integrative Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology (NCIPB-2019), Nov 8-9, 2019.
• Participated in National conference conducted by IIRR, Hyderabad on “EMERGING HALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE, SOCIAL, PLANT, NVIRONMENT, CO-OPERATIVES &TECHNOLOGY” (ECOASPECT-September 10-11,2016)
• Participated in a Three-day conference conducted by IIRR, Hyderabad and presented a poster on “Introgression of biotic and abiotic stresses into elite rice variety Improved samba Mahsuri”, International Rice Symposium (IRS-2015), Nov 18-20, 2015.
• Participated in National conference conducted by IIRR, Hyderabad on “EMERGING CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC STRESS ANAGEMENT” (ECOASPECT-December 13-14,2014)
• Symposium on “Popular lectures in Biotechnology” Sponsored by Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India Organized by Department of Zoology, VSR and NVR College,2007
• National Symposium on “RECENT TRENDS IN BIOCHEMISTRY” held on December,2006 at TJPS college, Guntur.

1. Kousik M B V N , Punniakotti E, Rekha G, Chaitra K, Hajira SK, Prasad MS, Badri J, Laha GS, Sudhakar P, Krishna Satya A, Neeraja CN, Abdul Fiyaz, Sundaram RM (2024) Analysis of introgression lines of Swarna possessing yield enhancing gene and resistance against bacterial blight and blast diseases using KASP genotyping : Analysis of ILs of Swarna using trait specific KASP genotyping The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 94(4), 358–363. https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v94i4.140202 ( NAAS Rating: 6.40 ; ISI Impact Factor: 0.40 ).

2. M Kousik , E Punniakotti, G Rekha, K Chaitra, T Dilip Kumar, SK Hajira, K Swapnil, SK Mastanbee, M Anila, M Ayyappadass, B Laxmi Prasanna, Pragya Sinha, Ravindra Kale, K Jyothi, G Vivek, D Aleena, P Senguttuvel, GS Laha, MS Prasad, P Sudhakar, A Krishna Satya, CN Neeraja, Dr. R Abdul Fiyaz, Dr. RM Sundaram. Screening of high-yielding Swarna lines developed through MABB for resistance against bacterial blight and blast diseases. International journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research (2024);8(2):566-570. DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i2g.630 (NAAS Rating: 5.29).

3. Kousik MBVN , Punniakotti E, Rekha G, Chaitra K, Harika G, Dilip T, Hajira SK, Swapnil RK, Laxmi Prasanna B, Mastanbee SK , Anila M, Ayyappa Dass M, Kale RR, Pragya Sinha, Vivek G, Fiyaz RA, Senguttuvel P, Subbarao LV, Prasad MS, Laha GS, Krishna Satya A, Sudhakar P, Neeraja CN, Kim SR, KK Jena, Sundaram RM Performance of Improved Versions of Swarna Introgressed with Yield Enhancing Genes in Multi-Location Trials: Improvement of Swarna for Higher Yield,” (2023) ORYZA-An International Journal of Rice, 60(1), 106-116. DOI: 10.35709/ORY.2023.60.1.1 (NAAS Rating: 5.08).

4. Punniakotti E, Kousik MBVN , Chaitra K, Harika G, Dilip Kumar T, Vivek G, Balachandran SM, Rekha G, Aleena D, Anila M, Hajira Sk, Mastanbee Sk, Ayyappa Das M, Sinha P, Kale R, Kulkarni SR, Laxmi Prasanna B, Senguttuvel P, Fiyaz RA, Kim SR, Jena KK and Sundaram RM (2023). Development and evaluation of introgression lines with yield enhancing genes of the Indian mega-variety of rice, MTU1010. Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding Vol. 14 (1) (Published online, https://doi.org/10.37992/2023.1401.006) (NAAS Rating: 5.14).

5. Punniakotti, E., M. B. V. N. Kousik , K. Chaitra, G. Harika, T. Dilip Kumar, S. K. Mastanbee, G. Vivek, G. Rekha, D. Aleena, Pragya Sinha, M. Anila, S. K. Hajira, Ayyappadass, Ravindra Kale, K. Swapnil, B. Laxmi Prasanna, K. Jyothi, P. Senguttuvel, S. M. Balachandran, Surekha Rani, Smita Pawar, Srinivas, Prashant, R. M. Sundaram and Abdul Fiyaz, R. (2023). Screening of Backcross Derived High Yielding Lines of MTU1010 Developed through Marker Assisted Breeding for their Resistance against Bacterial Leaf Blight and Blast Diseases. Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 12(01): 275-282. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2023.1201.030 (NAAS Rating: 5.38).

6. Sinha P, Kumar T. D, Sk H, Solanki M, Gokulan CG, Das A, Miriyala A, Gonuguntala R, Elumalai P, M. B. V. N Kousik , S. K. M, Kumboju C, Arra Y, G. S. L, Chirravuri NN, Patel HK, Ghazi IA, Kim S-R, Jena KK, Hanumanth SR, Oliva R, Mangrauthia SK and Sundaram RM (2023) Fine mapping and sequence analysis reveal a promising candidate gene encoding a novel NB-ARC domain derived from wild rice (Oryza officinalis) that confers bacterial blight resistance. Front. Plant Sci. 14:1173063. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1173063 ( NAAS Rating: 11.60 ; ISI Impact Factor: 5.60 ).

7. Rekha G, Kumar VA, Gokulan CG, Kousik MBVN , Laxmi Prasanna B, Kulkarni S, Aleena D, Harika G, Hajira SK, Pranathi K, Punniakotti E, Kale RR, Dilip Kumar T, Ayyappa Das M, Anila M, Sinha P, Manohara KK, Padmavathi G, Subba Rao LV, Laha GS, Srinivas Prasad MS, Fiyaz RA, Suneetha K, Balachandran SM, Patel HK, Sonti RV, Senguttuvel P and Sundaram RM (2022). DRR Dhan 58, a Seedling Stage Sal NIL of Improved Samba Mahsuri Shows Superior Performance in Multi‑location Trials. Rice 15: 45 (online doi-https://doi.org/10.1186/s12284-022-00591-3) ( NAAS Rating: 10.78 ; ISI Impact Factor: 4.78 ).

8. Laxmi Prasanna B, Dangi KS, Damodar Raju CH, Jagadeeshwar R, Rekha G, Sinha P, Aleena D, Harika G, Mastanbee SK, Kulkarni SR, Kousik MBVN , Mahadeva swamy HK, Anila M, Kale RR, Dilip Kumar T, Punniakotti E, Hajira SK, Bhadana V, Sundaram RM (2022). Marker assisted pedigree breeding based improvement of the Indian mega variety of rice MTU1010 for resistance against bacterial blight and blast and tolerance to low soil phosphorus. PLoS One 17(1): e0260535. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260535 ( NAAS Rating: 9.24 ; ISI Impact Factor: 3.24).

9. Aleena D, Padma V, Rekha G, Dilip Kumar T, Punniakotti E, Kousik M , Laxmi Prasanna B, Swapnil KR, Sinha P, Harika G, Kale RR, Ayyappa Das M, Hajira Sk, Anila M, Pranathi K, Mastanbee Sk, Laha GS, Srinivas Prasad M, Balachandran SM, Gireesh C, Anantha MS, Subba Rao LV, Ratna Babu D, Lal Ahamed M, Venkata Ramana J, Vijay Gopal A and Sundaram RM (2022). Improvement of bacterial blight resistance of the popular variety, Nellore Mahsuri (NLR34449) through marker-assisted breeding. Journal of Genetics 101: 7 (available online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s12041-021-01340-z). ( NAAS Rating: 7.17 ; ISI Impact Factor: 0.993).

10. Sinha P, Dilip Kumar T, Hajira Sk, Ayyappa D, Aleena D, Anila M, Rekha G, Punniakotti E, Kousik MBVN , Sundaram RM and Laha GS (2021). Identification of novel sources of resistance against bacterial blight disease through intensive screening of wild rice introgression lines. Indian Journal of Plant Protection 49: 131-137.

11. Swapnil Ravindra Kulkarni Balachandran SM, Ulaganathan K, Balakrishnan Divya, Hari Prasad AS, Rekha G, Kousik MBVN, Hajira SK, Ravindra Ramarao Kale, Aleena D, Anila ME. Punniakotti E, Dilip T, Pranathi K, Ayyappa Das M, Mastanbee Shaik, · K. Chaitra1 · Pragya Sinha1 · R. M. Sundaram. Mapping novel QTLs for yield related traits from a popular rice hybrid KRH-2 derived doubled haploid (DH) population3 Biotech 11, 513 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-021-03045-7. ( NAAS Rating:7.80 ; ISI Impact Factor: 1.80).

12. Kale RR, Durga Rani Ch V, Anila M, Mahadeva Swamy, HK, Bhadana VP, Senguttuvel P, Subrahmanyam D, Ayyappa Das, Swapnil RK, Anantha MS, Punniakotti E, Laxmi Prasanna B, Rekha G, Singh P, Kousik MBVN , Dilip T, Hajira SK, Brajendra P, Mangrauthia SK, Gireesh C, Tuti MD, Mahendra kumar R, Giri J, Singh PD and Sundaram RM (2021). Novel major QTLs associated with low soil phosphorus tolerance identified from the Indian rice landrace, Wazuhophek. PLoS One 16(7): e0254526. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal ( NAAS Rating: 8.74 ; ISI Impact Factor: 2.74).

13. Shivani D, Jabeen F, Chaithanya K, Kousik MBVN , Dilip T, Punniakotti E, Supriya K, Sundaram RM, Aravind Kumar j and Fiyaz RA (2021). Assessment of genetic diversity of rice germplasm using microsatellite markers. The Pharma Innovation Journal 10: 1393-1397 ( NAAS Rating: 5.23).

14. Mahadeva Swamy HK*, Anila M*, Kale RR*, Rekha G, Bhadana VP, Anantha MS, Brajendra Balachiranjeevi CH, Hajira SK, Laxmi Prasanna B, Pranathi K, Dilip P, Kousik MBVN, Harika G, Surekha K, Mahender Kumar R, Cheralu C, Gouri Shankar V, Laha GS, Prasad MS, Subba Rao LV, Madhav MS, Balachandran SM and Sundaram RM*# (2020). Marker assisted improvement of low soil phosphorus tolerance in the bacterial blight resistant, fine‑ grain type rice variety, Improved Samba Mahsuri. Nature Scientific Reports 10: 21143; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78186-5 (*These authors contributed equally; # These authors contributed equally) ( NAAS Rating: 10.00 ; ISI Impact Factor: 3.998).

15. Kale RR, Anila M, Swamy HKM, Bhadana VP, Durga Rani ChV, Senguttuvel P, Subrahmanyam D, Hajira SK, Rekha G, Ayyappadass M, Punniakotti E, Kousik MBVN , Kulkarni SR, Dilip T, Sinha P, Harika G, Pranathi K, Chaithra, Anantha MS, Brajendra P, Rao LS, Balachandran SM, Mangrauthia SK and Sundaram RM* (2020). Morphological and molecular screening of rice germplasm lines for low soil P tolerance. Indian Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology (published online; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13562-020-00586-5; *Author for correspondence) ( NAAS Rating: 6.77; ISI Impact Factor: 0.773 ).

16. Swapnil Ravindra Kulkarni#, S. M. Balachandran#, K. Ulaganathan, Divya Balakrishnan, M. Praveen, A. S. Hari Prasad, R. A. Fiyaz, P. Senguttuvel, Pragya Sinha, Ravindra R. Kale, G. Rekha, M. B. V. N. Kousik , G. Harika, M. Anila, E. Punniakotti, T. Dilip, S. K. Hajira, K. Pranathi, M. Ayyappa Das, Mastanbee Shaik, K. Chaitra, P. Koteswara Rao, Sunil S. Gangurde, Manish K. Pandey and R. M. Sundaram# (2020). Molecular mapping of QTLs for yield related traits in recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the popular rice hybrid KRH ‑ 2 and their validation through SNP genotyping. Nature Scientific Reports 10: 13695 (# Authors with equal contribution) ( NAAS Rating: 10.00 ; ISI Impact Factor: 3.998).

17. K. Pranathi, M. B. Kalyani, B. C. Viraktamath, S. M. Balachandran, S. K. Hajira, P. Koteswara Rao, S. R. Kulakarni , G. Rekha, M. Anila, M. B. V. N. Koushik , P. Senguttuvel, A. S. Hariprasad and S. K. Mangrauthia, M. S. Madhav and R. M. Sundaram “Expression profiling of immature florets of IR58025A, a wild‑abortive cytoplasmic male sterile line of rice and its cognate, is nuclear maintainer line, IR58025B”. 2019. 3 Biotech. 9:278. ( NAAS Rating:7.80 ; ISI Impact Factor: 1.80).

18. P. Jayamma, C.H. Anuradha , P. Senguttuvel , E. Punniakotti , M.B.V.N. Kousik , G. Harika K. Chaitra , T. Ramesh , D. Subramanyam and R.M. Sundaram * Field Evaluation of Backcross Progenies of Improved Samba Mahsuri Possessing SCM2 Gene Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci (2019) 8(9): 369-373 ( NAAS Rating: 5.32)

19 . Rekha G, Abhilash Kumar V, Viraktamath BC, Pranathi K, Kousik MBVN, Laxmi Prasanna B, Backiyalakshmi C, Pragya Sinha, Ravindra R Kale, Hajira SK, Bhaskar S, Balachiranjeevi CH, Swapnil Kulkarni, Harika G, Punniakotti E, Dilip kumar T, Yugander A, Mahadev HK, Anila M, Chaitra K, Praveen M, Laha GS, Prasad MS, Balachandran SM, Senguttuvel P, Fiyaz A, Jyothi Badri, Ravindra Babu V and Sundaram RM.(2018)“Marker-assisted improvement of blast resistance of the popular, high yielding, fine-grain type, bacterial blight resistant rice variety, Improved Samba Mahsuri”. Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Biochemistry &Biotechnology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13562-018-0455-9.27(4), pp 463–472 ( NAAS Rating: 7.09 , Impact factor = 1.094 )

20. H.K. Mahadeva Swamy, M. Anila. R. Kale, V. P. Bhadana, M. S. Anantha, Brajendra, S. K. Hajira, C. H. Balachiranjeevi, B. Laxmi Prasanna, K. Pranathi, T. Dilip, S. Bhaskar, V. Abhilash Kumar, M.B.V.N.Kousik , G. Harika, K. Swapnil, G. Rekha, C Cheralu, V Gouri Shankar, S. Narendra Reddy, Sudhir Kumar, MS. Madhav MS, SM. Balachandran, R. Mahendra Kumar and R. M. Sundaram “Phenotypic and molecular characterization of rice germplasm lines and identification of novel source for low soil phosphorus tolerance in rice” 2019. Euphytica (Accepted on 27 05 19 ). ( NAAS Rating: 7.62, Impact factor = 1.618 )

21. Balachiranjeevi CH, Bhaskar Naik S, Abhilash Kumar V, Harika G, Mahadev Swamy HK , Hajira Sk, Dilip Kumar T, Anila M , Kale RR , Yugender A, Pranathi K, Koushik MBVN , Suneetha K , Bhadana VP , Hariprasad AS , Laha GS, Rekha G, Balachandran S, Madhav MS , Senguttuvel P , Fiyaz AR, Viraktamath BC , Giri A, Swamy BPM, Jauhar Ali *, Sundaram RM. Marker-assisted pyramiding of two major, broad-spectrum bacterial blight resistance genes, Xa21 and Xa33 into an elite maintainer line of rice, DRR17B. 2018. PLOS ONE. 13(10), e0201271. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0201271 ( NAAS Rating: 8.81 , Impact factor = 2.766 )

22. Rekha G, Senguttuvel P, Padmavathi G, Kousik MBVN, Balachandran SM and Sundaram RM. A protocol for rapid screening of rice lines for seedling stage salinity tolerance. 2018. Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding. 9 (3 ) : 993 - 1001 ( NAAS Rating: 4.97 ).

23. Rekha G, Senguttuvel P, Kousik MBVN , Prasanna B, Swapnil K, Punniakotti E, Anila M, Ayyappa D, Pragya S, Ravinder K, Hajira SK, Balachandran SM and Sundaram RM. Screening of breeding lines of Improved Samba Mahsuri possessing Saltol QTL for seedling stage salinity tolerance. 2018. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 7(4): 1182-1185. ( NAAS Rating: 5.21 ).

24. M. Anila, HK. Mahadeva Swamy , RR. Kale, VP. Bhadana, MS. Anantha, Brajendra, SK. Hajira, CH. Balachiranjeevi, M. Ayyappa Dass, S. Bhaskar, T. Dilip, K. Pranathi, MBVN, Kousik , G. Harika, K. Swapnil, K. Chaitra, B. Laxmi Prasanna, E. Punniakotti Pragya Sinha, G. Rekha , V. Abhilash Kumar, SM. Balachandran, MS. Madhav, Archana Giri, BC. Viraktamath and RM. Sundaram. Breeding lines of the Indian mega-rice variety, MTU 1010, possessing protein kinase OsPSTOL (Pup1), show better root system architecture and higher yield in soils with low phosphorus. 2018. Mol Breeding. 38:147 https://doi.org /10.1007/ s11032-018-0903-1. ( NAAS Rating: 8.25 , Impact factor = 2.246 )

25. Abhilash Kumar V, Balachiranjeevi CH, Bhaskar Naik S, Rambabu R, Rekha G, Harika G, Hajira Sk, Pranathi K, Vijay S, Anila M, Mahadeva swamy HK, Kousik M , Yugander A, Aruna J, Dilip Kumar T, Hari Prasad AS, Madhav MS, Laha GS, Balachandran SM, Prasad MS, Viraktamath BC, Ravindra Babu V, and Sundaram RM. “Marker-assisted pyramiding of bacterial blight and gall midge resistance genes into RPHR-1005, the restorer line of the popular rice hybrid, DRRH-3”. 2016, Mol. Breeding (2017) 37: 86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-017-0687-8 ( NAAS Rating: 8.25 , Impact factor = 2.246 )

26. V. Abhilash kumar, C. H. Balachiranjeevi, S. Bhaskar Naik, R. Rambabu, G. Rekha, G. Harika, S.K. Hajira, K. Pranathi, S. Vijay, M. Anila, H. K. Mahadeva swamy, M. Kousik , A. Yugander, J. Aruna, A. S. Hari Prasad, M. S. Madhav, G. S. Laha, S. M. Balachandran, M. S. Prasad, V. Ravindra Babu and R. M. Sundaram. “Marker-assisted improvement of the elite restorer line of rice, RPHR-1005 for resistance against Bacterial blight and blast”. 2016, journal of genetics, 95(4): 895-903. ( NAAS Rating: 7.09 , Impact factor = 1.094 )

27. K. Pranathi . B. C. Viraktamath . C. N. Neeraja . S. M. Balachandran . A. S. Hari Prasad .P. Koteswara Rao . P. Revathi . P. Senguttuvel . S. K. Hajira . C. H. Balachiranjeevi .S. Bhaskar Naik, V. Abhilash . M. Praveen . K. Parimala . S. R. Kulkarni . M. Anila .G. Rekha M. B. V. N. Koushik , B. Kemparaju . M. S. Madhav. S. K. Mangrauthia .G. Harika . T. Dilip . R. R. Kale . V. Vishnu Prasanth . V. Ravindra Babu . R. M. Sundaram. “Development and validation of candidate gene-specific markers for the major fertility restorer genes, Rf4 and Rf3 in rice”. 2016. Mol Breeding, DOI 10.1007/s11032-016-0566-8. 36 (10):145 ( NAAS Rating: 8.25 , Impact factor = 2.077 )

28. SK. Hajira, RM. Sundaram, GS. Laha, A. Yugander, SM. Balachandran, BC. Viraktamath, K. Sujatha, C H. Balachiranjeevi, K. Pranathi, M. Anila, S. Bhaskar, V. Abhilash, HK. Mahadeva swamy, M. Kousik , T. Dilip kumar, G. Harika, G. Rekha (2016).“A Single-Tube, Functional Marker-Based Multiplex PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Major Bacterial Blight Resistance Genes in Rice, Xa21, xa13 and xa5”.2016. Rice Science 23 (3):144-151. ( NAAS Rating: 4.59 , Impact factor = 2.37 )

29. Srikanth. S Manish K Pandey, Ch. Bala Chiranjeevi, Hajira, S. Ka, Vijay Kumar, S, MBVN Kousik, Bhadana, V. P, Sheshu Madhav M., Suneetha K, Subba Rao, L. V, Vijay Kumar M, Archana Giri, Laxmi Narasu B, Shobha Rani N, Sundaram, RM (2016) “Introgression of major Bacterial blight and blast resistant genes into Vallabh basmati 22, an elite Basmati variety” International Journal of Development Research Vol. 06, Issue, 07, pp.8366-8370 ( Impact Factor: 1.012 )

30. Srikanth S, Pandey MK, Kousik MBVN , Sudarsanam VK, Balachiranjeevi Ch, Hajira SK, Bhadana VP, Madhav MS, Suneetha K, Subba Rao LV, Giri A, Rani NS and Sundaram RM (2016). Marker- assisted improvement of the elite Basmati variety, IET18006 for resistance against bacterial blight and blast. International Journal of Current Research 8: 33827-33830. ( Impact Factor: 1.012 )

31. Srikanth. S Pandey MK, Shobha Rani N, Hajira S, Balachiranjeevi CH, Kousik MBVN , Bhadana VP, Suneetha Kota, Subba Rao LV Sheshu Madhav M, Laha GS, Archana Giri, Laxmi Narasu, Sundaram RM “Evaluation of bacterial blight resistance, agro-morphological and grain quality attributes of gene-pyramid lines of Vasumati rice variety” Progressive Research Journal.

32. Hajira Shaik, Yugander A, Balachiranjeevi Ch, Pranathi K, Anila M, Mahadeva swamy, BVN Kousik M , Dilip Kumar T, Ashok Reddy G, Bhaskar S, Abhilash kumar V, Harika G, Rekha G, Laha GS, Viraktamath BC, Balachandran SM, Neeraja CN, Sheshu Madhav M, Mangrauthia SK, Bhadana VP and Sundaram RM. “Development of durable bacterial blight resistant lines of Samba Mahsuri possessing Xa33, Xa21, xa13 &xa5.” 2014. Journal of Progressive Research 9 (Conf. Spl ): 1224-1227.

33. Pranathi K, Viraktamath BC, Hajira Shaik, Balachiranjeevi CH, Koteswara Rao P, Bhaskar S, Abhilash kumar V, Rekha G, Anila M, Mahadeva swamy HK, Harika G, Swapnil Kulkarni, BVN Kousik M , Balachandran SM, Madhav MS, Neeraja CN, Hariprasad AS & Sundaram RM. “Analysis of WA-CMS and maintainer lines using mitochondrial genome specific molecular markers”. 2014. Journal of Progressive Research 9 (Conf. Spl): 1159-1163.

Anila M.*, Mahadeva swamy H.K.*, Bhadana V.P., Brajendra, Hajira S.K., Pranathi, K., Chiranjeevi B, Bhaskar B, Abhilash V, Rekha G, Dhanalakshmi D, Vinod kumar B, Harika G, BVN Kousik M , Dilip T, Balachandran SM, Neeraja CN, Mangrauthia SK, Madhav MS and Sundaram RM (2014) “Marker-assisted introgression of pup1, a major QTL associated with tolerance to low soil phosphorus into the elite rice variety MTU1010” progressive research 9 (conf. spl. ) : 735-738

• Barbadikar KM, Mangrauthia SK, Madhav MS, Magar ND, Anila M, Ayyappa M, Rekha G, Suman K, Suneel B, Hajira SK, Phule AS, Kousik MBVN , Punniakotti E, Syamaladevi DP, Subba Rao LV, Hari Prasad AS, Ananda Kumar P, Sarla N, Balachandran SM, Neeraja CN and Sundaram RM (2022). Steps to Strides: Biotechnological Advances at ICAR-IIRR. ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad 500030, India. pp132. ISBN-978-81-948904-8-5.
• Abhilash Kumar V, Balachiranjeevi CH, Bhaskar Naik S, Rambabu R, Rekha G, Harika G, Hajira Sk, Pranathi K, Vijay S, Anila M, Mahadeva swamy HK, Kousik M, Yugander A, Aruna J, Dilip Kumar T, Vijaya Sudhakara Rao K, Hari Prasad AS, Madhav MS, Laha GS, Balachandran SM, Prasad MS, Viraktamath BC, Ravindra Babu V, and Sundaram RM (2017). Development of gene-pyramid lines of the elite restorer line, RPHR-1005 possessing durable bacterial blight and blast resistance. Karley AJ, Johnson SN, Brenna R and Gregory PJ (Eds.). In: Crop traits for defense against pests and disease: Durability, breakdown and future prospects. Lausanne: Frontiers Media. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88945-156-2

• Sundaram RM, Jena KK, Kim S , Senguttuvel P , Abdul Fiyaz R , Subba Rao LV , Suneetha K , Jyothi Badri , Padmavathi G, Neeraja C N , Mangrauthia SK , Madhav MS , Kalyani K Barbadikar , Subramanyam D , Raghuveer Rao P , Punniakotti E , Kousik M B V N , Chaitra K, Dilip T , Rekha G , Hajira SK , Masthani SK , Vivek G , Jyothi K, Ayyappa D M , Anila M , Backiyalakshmi C , Pragya Sinha (2022) Marker assisted introgression of yield enhancing genes into the background of elite Indian rice varieties ICAR-IIRR Newsletter – volume 20 number 1.
• Balachiranjeevi CH, Abhilash Kumar V, Bhaskar S, Harika G, Hajira Sk, Yugander A, Rambabu R, Anila, M, Mahadeva swamy M, Ravindra Kale R, Rekha G, Dilip T, Pranathi K, Swapnil Kulkarni, R, Kousik MBVN , Punniakotti E, Senguttuvel P, Kemparaju KB, Hari prasad AS, Madhav MS, Balachandran SM, Neeraja CN, Mangrauthia SK, Kalyani Kulkarni, Laha GS, Prasad MS, Padmakumari AP, Jhansi Lakshmi V, Padmavathi G, Suneetha Kota, Bhadana VP, Fiyaz A, Gireesh C, Anantha MS, Jyothi Badri, Ravindra Babu V, Viraktamath BC and Sundaram RM* (2017) Marker-Assisted Improvement of Akshayadhan, RPHR1005 and DPR17B for Resistance to Multiple Biotic Stresses ICAR-IIRR News Letter – volume 15 number 1.
• Anila M, Mahadeva swamy HK, Ravindra R Kale, Bhadana VP, Brajendra P, Hajira SK, Pranathi K, Balachiranjeevi CH, Praveen M, Abhilash Kumar V, Bhaskar S, Dhanalakshmi D, Harika G, Dilip kumar T, MBVN Kousik , Yugender A, Punniakotti E, Laxmi Prasanna B, Swapnil Kulkarni, Rekha G, Balachandran SM, Neeraja CN, Madhav MS, Surekha, Laha.GS, Anantha MS, Fiyaz A, Suneetha K, Gireesh C, Viraktamath BC, Ravindra Babu V and Sundaram RM* (2017) Marker Assisted Introgression of Pup1, A Major QTL Associated with Tolerance to Low Soil Phosphorus into Elite Rice Varieties ICAR-IIRR Newsletter – volume 15 number 1.
• Rekha G, Senguttuvel P, Abhilash Kumar V, Pranathi K, Kousik MBVN , Laxmi Prasanna B, Swapnil K, Backiya Laxmi N, Pragya Sinha, Mahadeva swamy HK, Ravindra R Kale, Hajira SK, Bhaskar B, Balachiranjeevi CH, Punniakotti E, Harika G, Dilip kumar T, Anila M, Chaitra K, Balachandran SM, Brajendra P, Kalyani Kulkarni, Surekha K, Fiyaz A, Padmavathi G, Ravindra Babu V and Sundaram RM* (2017) A Protocol for Rapid Screening for Seedling Stage Salinity Tolerance in Rice ICAR-IIRR Newsletter – volume 15 number 1.

Dr. R. M. SUNDARAM

Director

Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) Rajendra nagar, Hyderabad - 500 030

Email: rms_28@rediffmail.com

Office: +914024591216, Mobile: +919440488043

Dr. R. Abdul Fiyaz

Senior Scientist, Plantbreeding division, Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, Telangana.

Mobile no: 990975934 (Mobile), 040-24591264 (Office) Email: genefiyaz@gmail.com

Dr. C.N. Neeraja

Principal Scientist

HOD, Biotechnology department

Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) Rajendra nagar, Hyderabad - 500 030

Email: cnneeraja@gmail.com

Office: +914024591285, Mobile: +919705003663