Subramaniam Kedharnath obtained his PhD (1957) from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. His specialization was in plant cytogenetics, plant breeding, forest genetics and tree breeding. He was Director, Biological Research, and Forest Geneticist and Head, Forest Genetics Branch, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun; the Director, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi.

Academic and Research Achievements: Kedharnath has worked on (i) cytogenetics of a few selected intergeneric hybrids in Saccharum and inter-relationship of the Sesamum to understand the inter-relationship of the parents involved; and (ii) genetics and breeding of a few selected trees species of importance to forestry and in use for plantation programs. He established seed orchards for the production of genetically improved planting material for selected tree species (teak, eucalyptus and chir pine).

Other Contributions: Kedharnath published two books: Ecodevelopment of Western Ghats and Eucalypts in India — Past, Present and Future (Kerala Forest Research Institute).

Awards and Honours: Kedharnath received Seth Memorial Award of Indian Society of Tree Scientists (1989). He was a Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi.