Dr. M.Sudha, Tamil Nadu Agricultural university, India
Dr. Sudha Manickam, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Biotechnology at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), has dedicated her career to advancing the field of biotechnology, focusing particularly on molecular genetics, crop improvement, and biotechnology innovations. With a B.Sc in Agriculture, an M.Sc in Biotechnology, and a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from TNAU, Dr. Sudha’s work is pivotal in bridging molecular biology with agricultural solutions. She has received multiple international and national accolades, further establishing her as a prominent figure in agricultural biotechnology.
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Strengths
Educational and Professional Expertise: Dr. Manickam has a solid academic background with a B.Sc, M.Sc, and Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). She has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Biotechnology since 2014, which reflects her long-term dedication to both education and research.
Research Contributions: Dr. Manickam has made significant contributions to the field of molecular biotechnology, focusing on plant genomics and genetic improvement, particularly in pulses, rice, and tomato. Her work on MYMV resistance in pulses, genome editing in rice, and the development of stress-tolerant crop varieties stands out.
Awards and Recognition: Dr. Manickam has received multiple awards at the international, national, and state levels, including “Best Researcher International Award” in 2023. She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to biotechnology, which is a strong testament to her research capabilities.
Research Funding and Publications: She has successfully secured numerous research projects from prestigious agencies like DBT and DST, with a total funding amounting to over ₹1,200 lakhs. Her publications in peer-reviewed journals are numerous, showcasing her consistent output and impact on the scientific community. She has 58 research publications and numerous high-impact publications in journals with significant NAAS ratings.
Institutional Development: Dr. Manickam has played a key role in institutional development, having established key facilities such as the Center of Excellence in Biotechnology and Phenomics. Her involvement in institutional activities further demonstrates her leadership and commitment to advancing scientific research.
Extension and Outreach: Dr. Manickam is deeply involved in extending her expertise beyond academia by organizing numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars, facilitating knowledge sharing, and promoting the latest advancements in biotechnology.
Areas for Improvement
Diversity in Research Focus: While Dr. Manickam’s research on plant biotechnology, particularly crop improvement and disease resistance, is extensive, exploring interdisciplinary collaborations with other areas (e.g., environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation) could enhance the breadth of her research impact.
Increasing Industry Collaboration: While she has contributed to institutional linkages, there could be a stronger focus on partnerships with the biotechnology industry to translate her research into commercial applications, providing real-world solutions and fostering innovation.
Mentorship and Supervision: Although Dr. Manickam has supervised 46 students and guided the publication of a book and book chapters, expanding her mentorship network, particularly at the postdoctoral level, could further contribute to the academic ecosystem.
Education 🎓
Dr. Sudha Manickam completed her academic journey at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), where she earned a B.Sc in Agriculture (2003), followed by an M.Sc in Biotechnology (2005), and a Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2009). Her education laid the foundation for her current role as a researcher and educator, where she integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications in plant biotechnology.
Experience 👩🔬
Since July 19, 2014, Dr. Sudha has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Biotechnology at TNAU. She has taught numerous undergraduate courses and mentored 46 students in their research endeavors. Her research contributions span across the development of resistant crop varieties, marker-assisted breeding, and exploring the molecular genetics of crops like rice and mung bean. She has successfully led externally funded research projects sponsored by DBT and DST.
Research Interests 🔬
Dr. Sudha’s research interests are centered around molecular biotechnological approaches to improve agricultural productivity and resilience. Key areas include genomics, genome editing, and disease resistance, particularly in crops such as rice, mung bean, and tomato. She is actively involved in projects related to developing salt-tolerant rice varieties, antidiabetic rice, and abiotic stress-tolerant rice, alongside understanding the molecular basis of Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) resistance.
Awards 🏆
Best Researcher International Award (IRDP, 2023)
Best Researcher Award (INSO, 2023)
Young Women Scientist Award (Just Agriculture, 2023)
National Award of Excellence (Glacier Research Foundation, 2022)
Recognition Certificate for Externally Funded Scheme (TNAU, 2019)
Appreciation certificates for developing innovative software for DNA sequencing technologies (TNAU, 2022)
Publications Top Notes
- Functional Marker-Assisted Selection for Bacterial Leaf Blight Resistance Genes in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
- Authors: S. Perumalsamy, M. Bharani, M. Sudha, P. Nagarajan, L. Arul, R. Saraswathi, et al.
- Journal: Plant Breeding, 2010
- Citation Count: 154
- Summary: Focuses on the use of marker-assisted selection to identify and incorporate bacterial leaf blight resistance genes in rice, an essential contribution to rice breeding for disease resistance.
- Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV): A Threat to Green Gram (Vigna radiata) Production in Asia
- Authors: A. Karthikeyan, V.G. Shobhana, M. Sudha, M. Raveendran, N. Senthil, et al.
- Journal: International Journal of Pest Management, 2014
- Citation Count: 122
- Summary: Discusses the impact of MYMV on green gram production and emphasizes the need for developing resistant cultivars in Asia.
- Inheritance of Resistance to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) in Inter and Intra Specific Crosses of Mungbean (Vigna radiata)
- Authors: M. Sudha, A. Karthikeyan, P. Anusuya, N.M. Ganesh, M. Pandiyan, N. Senthil, et al.
- Journal: American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2013
- Citation Count: 64
- Summary: Investigates the genetic basis of MYMV resistance in mungbean, offering valuable insights for breeding MYMV-resistant mungbean varieties.
- Screening of Mungbean (Vigna radiata) Germplasm for Resistance to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus Using Agroinoculation
- Authors: M. Sudha, A. Karthikeyan, P. Nagarajan, M. Raveendran, N. Senthil, et al.
- Journal: Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 2013
- Citation Count: 55
- Summary: A study on screening mungbean germplasm for MYMV resistance, highlighting the utility of agroinoculation in identifying resistant lines.
- Detection of QTLs Associated with Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) Resistance Using the Interspecific Cross of Vigna radiata × Vigna umbellata
- Authors: M.K. Mathivathana, J. Murukarthick, A. Karthikeyan, W. Jang, M. Dhasarathan, et al.
- Journal: Journal of Applied Genetics, 2019
- Citation Count: 50
- Summary: Identifies quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to MYMV resistance, providing a genomic basis for improving MYMV resistance in mungbean.
- Genetic Variability Studies in Gossypium barbadense L. Genotypes for Seed Cotton Yield and Its Yield Components
- Authors: K.P.M. Dhamayanathi, S. Manickam, K. Rathinavel
- Journal: Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 2010
- Citation Count: 43
- Summary: Examines genetic variability in Egyptian cotton to enhance breeding for yield improvement.
- Molecular Studies on Mungbean (Vigna radiata) and Ricebean (Vigna umbellata) Interspecific Hybridisation for Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus
- Authors: M. Sudha, P. Anusuya, N.G. Mahadev, A. Karthikeyan, P. Nagarajan, et al.
- Journal: Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 2013
- Citation Count: 40
- Summary: A molecular study on the interspecific hybridization of mungbean and ricebean aimed at improving MYMV resistance.
- Screening of MYMV Resistant Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) Progenies through Agroinoculation
- Authors: A. Karthikeyan, M. Sudha, M. Pandiyan, N. Senthil, V.G. Shobhana, et al.
- Year: 2011
- Citation Count: 37
- Summary: Screening mungbean progenies for MYMV resistance, with a focus on developing durable resistance through breeding.
- Search for Vigna Species Conferring Resistance to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus in Mungbean
- Authors: M. Sudha, A. Karthikeyan, V.G. Shobhana, P. Nagarajan, M. Raveendran, et al.
- Journal: Plant Genetic Resources, 2015
- Citation Count: 32
- Summary: Identifies Vigna species with MYMV resistance, supporting cross-species breeding strategies.
- Introgression of Submergence Tolerance into CO 43, a Popular Rice Variety of India, through Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding
- Authors: H. Rahman, V. Dakshinamurthi, S. Ramasamy, S. Manickam, et al.
- Journal: Czech Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding, 2018
- Citation Count: 30
- Summary: Describes the introgression of submergence tolerance genes into rice to enhance resilience under waterlogged conditions.