Office ofDr. Penna Suprasanna

Research

Six intertwined inquiries — one shared purpose.

From foundational work in plant biotechnology to applied climate resilience, the research connects molecule and field, laboratory and policy.

Plant Biotechnology

— 01

Plant Biotechnology

In-vitro culture systems, micropropagation, and molecular tools for the rapid improvement and conservation of crop and horticultural species.

Major contributions

  • Robust protocols for sugarcane, banana, rice and ornamentals
  • Somatic embryogenesis and synthetic seed technology
  • Cryopreservation of elite germplasm
Nuclear Agriculture

— 02

Nuclear Agriculture

Application of nuclear techniques — induced mutations, isotopes, and irradiation — to accelerate trait discovery and improve agricultural systems.

Major contributions

  • IAEA/FAO collaborative trials across South & Southeast Asia
  • Standardised dose-response curves for major Indian crops
  • Capacity-building programs for national breeding institutes
Mutation Breeding

— 03

Mutation Breeding

Use of physical and chemical mutagenesis to generate novel genetic variation underpinning resilient, high-yield cultivars.

Major contributions

  • Release of multiple improved varieties in rice and pulses
  • Integration of TILLING and genomics with classical mutagenesis
  • Textbooks and field manuals adopted by global breeding programs
Crop Improvement

— 04

Crop Improvement

Translating molecular and physiological insight into varieties that perform under farmer conditions across diverse agroecologies.

Major contributions

  • Partnerships with ICAR and state agricultural universities
  • Improved lines with higher yield and quality traits
  • On-farm validation in saline and rain-fed environments
Abiotic Stress Tolerance

— 05

Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Molecular physiology of salinity, drought and oxidative stress — and breeding strategies that translate the science into tolerant cultivars.

Major contributions

  • Reactive oxygen species signalling in rice and pulses
  • Polyamine and osmolyte-mediated tolerance pathways
  • Multi-environment screening for stress tolerance
Climate Resilience

— 06

Climate Resilience

Long-term research agenda on adapting agricultural systems to a warming, more variable climate — through both genetic and agronomic innovation.

Major contributions

  • Climate-smart cropping systems for South Asia
  • Advisory roles with national and international policy bodies
  • Communication of climate science to farming communities