YS Murthy obtained the PhD degree (1956) from Agra University specializing in botany, morphology, ultrastructure and taxonomy. He served as the Professor of Botany, Meerut University, Meerut.

Academic and Research Achievements: Murthy made valuable contributions to the morphology of a number of angiospermous families. His work on the morphology and floral anatomy of the Piperales and later on the Organagraphy and vascular anatomy of Erica (Ericales) with Barbara F Palsar at Chicago are worth special mention. He provided anatomical evidence to support the lateral position of the single ovule in the Piperales, which has often been regarded as terminal.

Other Contributions: Murth established a school of research in plant sciences at Meerut. He also served on editorial boards of several botanical/bio-science journals.

Awards and Honours: Murthy was a Fellow, Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore and Indian Botanical Society; Member Indian Palynological Society, National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad and Member, Sigma Xi (USA) and Indian Society of Taxonomists; Member, Uttar Pradesh Council of Science & Technology (1985-88).