National Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Dr. Rasappa Viswanathan
FELLOW, ELECTED 2016

Born in Vellalapalayam, Tamil Nadu, India on 15 April 1963. Educated at Government High School, Paramathy 1973-78; Kandasamy Kandar Higher Secondary School, Paramathy Velur, 1978-80; Madras University, 1980-83; Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, 1983-89; B.Sc. Botany 1983; B.Sc. Agri. 1987; M.Sc. Agri. 1989; Ph.D. 1999.

Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow 226 002, Uttar Pradesh, India; 2022 to date.

Scientist, ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad, ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad, ICAR-SBI, 1991-2000; Senior Scientist & Principal Scientist, 2000-2010; Head, Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-SBI, 2010 to 2022

Awards/Honours: Hari Om Ashram Trust Award in Crop and Horticultural Sciences for the biennium 2016-17 from ICAR, 2019; Sir T.S. Venkatraman Award for Outstanding Research Contribution in Sugarcane Agriculture for the biennium 2006-2007, 2008; Dr. M. Puttarudriah Memorial Endowment National Award for the best Plant Protection Research in India, 2012; Biotechnology Overseas Associateship from DBT, 2009; M.S. Pavgi Memorial Award 2020, Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi; Sir Syed Ahmed Khan memorial award, Aligarh Muslim University Centenary Award, 2021; Outstanding Alumini Award, TNAU, 2021; Lifetime Contribution Award, Society for Sugar Research and Promotion, 2022; Sugar Technologists Association of India-Noel Deerr Gold Medals 2000, 2002, 2022; Sugar Technologists Association of India-Silver Medal 2001; TNAU Late Janab Peer Mohamed Award and Nathaniel Memorial Award, 2000; Robertson Prize, Food and Agricultural Organization Prize, The Glogstoun Prize and Kees Prize, 1987 (TNAU); Srilochani Varadharajulu Endowment Lectureship, 2010; Outstanding Agriculture Scientist Award – 2020, Dr. B. Vasantharaj David Foundation, Chennai, 2020. Section Editor, Indian Phytopathology, 2014-16; Editor, Journal of Mycology and Plant Pathology 2012-20; President, South Zone, Indian Phytopathological Society, 2012; Vice-President, Society for Sugarcane Research and Development, Coimbatore, 2015-17 & 2021-23; Member, Pathology Section of International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists, Mauritius, 2013-19; Principal Investigator, AICRP on Sugarcane (Pathology), 2011 onwards.

Fellow: Indian Phytopathological Society 2012; Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology 2013; National Academy of Biological Sciences, 2013; Indian Virological Society 2014; Society for Sugar Research and Promotion, 2019; Society for Sugarcane Research and Development 2020; Associate Fellow, Sugar Technologists Association of India.

Research Areas: Sugarcane Pathology, Molecular Plant Pathology, host-pathogen interactions, Molecular diagnosis

Address: Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Raibareli Road, P.O, Dilkusha, Lucknow 226002, U.P.; F-1, Director’s Quarter, Ikshupuri, ICAR-IISR, Lucknow 226002, U.P.; [Tel: Off. (0522) 2480738; Cell: 9442543875; Email: rasaviswanathan@yahoo.co.in; r.viswanathan@icar.gov.in]