Srinivasa Ramanujam received PhD (1978) from Agra University. He was Project Coordinator, All India Pulse Programme (1968-70); and later Head, Genetics Division, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.

Academic and Research Achievements: Ramanujam’s research aimed at improving crops of importance in India’s agriculture, particularly from the standpoint of nutrition. These included essential-oil/alkaloid- bearing crops and oilseeds. Applying the principles of biometrical genetics, Ramanujam analyzed the population structure, mating system and flexibilities, and genetic systems in a wide variety of these crops, and gathered the basic knowledge necessary for improving these crops. He showed that contrary to earlier assumptions of a limited genetics base in pulse crops, there is considerable genetic divergence. Based on such analysis as well as detailed analysis of heterotic hybrids, he came up with methodologies for their improvement. He also attempted to find short-term and long-term solutions to increasing pulse production. He elucidated the population structure, mating flexibilities and genetic architecture of several essential-oil/alkaloid-bearing plants and developed methodologies which led to improved populations of these crops.

Other Contributions: Ramanujam edited the journal Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding.

Awards and Honours: Dr Ramanujam was elected Fellow of the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding.