Beginning with studies of tuber-bearing Solanum species, Monkombu Swaminathan developed broad interests in the evolution of crop plant species, and especially of Triticum and Oryza. He made a major contribution to our knowledge of the role of induced mutations in evolutionary studies as well as in plant breeding practice.
He was well known for his work on indirect effects of radiation and built up a strong school of radiation genetics. He had substantial success in inducing and identifying useful mutants in a number of Indian crop plants. The amber-grained mutant wheat ‘Sharbati Sonora’ was useful from the consumer point of view.
As a Director, Monkombu successfully maintained the balance between basic and applied work. He recognised the importance of the dwarf wheats and played a leading part in the integration of fertiliser practice, improved water management, and better husbandry that were essential for the successful introduction of Mexican-bred varieties. He greatly contributed to the Green Revolution in India. In order to ensure high yields in perpetuity, he proposed the ‘Evergreen Revolution’.
Dr Monkombu Swaminathan FRS died on 28 September 2023.
Subject groups
- Earth and environmental sciences
Climate sciences
- Other
Public understanding of science
- Organismal biology, evolution and ecology
Agricultural and forest science
Awards
Blackett and Jagdish Chandra Bose Memorial Lectures
On 'Impact of science and technology on tropical agriculture'.
