Manjunatha Rao T

Biography

Dr.T.Manjunatha Rao was involved in Research Projects on Genetic Improvement of six important flower crops viz., China aster, Chrysanthemum, Crossandra, Gerbera, Gladiolus and Marigold. He has also worked on indigenous ornamental plants. Made significant contribution in development and release of 4 varieties in China aster, 12 varieties in Chrysanthemum, 4 varieties in Crossandra, one variety in Gerbera and 11 varieties in Gladiolus. In China aster for the first time in the country four new Indian bred varieties were developed and released. Gladiolus varieties which are resistant/moderately resistant to Fusarium wilt were developed and released for commercial cultivation. New varieties were found to be superior to Local varieties in terms of yield / quality. New varieties are well accepted by farmers for commercial cultivation and are being grown in different parts of the country. Acted as a Co-Investigator in the ICAR Revolving Fund Scheme “In vitro and in vivo multiplication of IIHR varieties of commercial flower crops”. Planting materials of released varieties were multiplied and given to farmers and private entrepreneurs. Significant contribution has been made as a Principal Investigator in the Project “Multiplication and popularization of new Ornamentals and elite flower cultivars of IIHR in Karnataka”. Worked in collaboration with Directorate of Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka for the development of “Model Floriculture Village”. Demonstration of IIHR released varieties were taken up in farmers’ field. Transfer of technology from Lab to Land was done.

Research Interest

Horticulture