Date:27/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/27/stories/2004092713370500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

CCMB scientist gets Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar award

By Our Staff Reporter

Ramesh Sonti who has selected for the award in biological sciences.

HYDERABAD, SEPT. 26. Ramesh Sonti, a scientist at the Central for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), has been selected for the prestigious Shanthi Swaroop Bhatnagar Award in Biological Sciences for 2003-2004 for his research contributions to the understanding of virulence mechanisms of the important bacterial leaf blight pathogen of the rice plant.

The award, which carries a cash prize of Rs. two lakhs, a citation and a plaque, will be presented to Dr. Sonti by the Prime Minister at a programme to be held soon. The award is given to selected scientists every year for their contribution to scientific research.

`Research useful to farmers'

Speaking to The Hindu , Dr. Sonti said his research focussed on the genetics of plant-pathogen interactions that had led to the identification of novel virulence genes, which had led to better understanding of pathogenic function of these genes. The research outcome would be of immense help to farmers cultivating the commercially important Samba Masuri rice, he said, adding that the research had been on for the last five years. The knowledge gained was applicable to other plants as well, he said.

Dr. Sonti, who did his postgraduate studies and M.Phil from the University of Hyderabad, obtained his Ph.D in bacterial generics from the University of Utah, USA. He got his post-doctoral research on plant genetics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA, before joining the CCMB. He has received the National Bioscience Award for Career Development of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. He is a Fellow of the prestigious National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and has guided five students for their doctoral thesis.