Early Academic Pursuits

Ganesh Chowthi Thimmegowda's academic journey in the field of horticulture and plant breeding began at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Bangalore, India. His foundational education started with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture, completed between 1993 and 1997, where he achieved a GPA of 8.74/10.0. Building on this solid base, he pursued a Master of Science in Horticulture at the same institution from 1997 to 1999, excelling with a GPA of 9.32/10.0. His research during this period laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in plant breeding and genetics.

Ganesh's academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Onion Breeding from the University of Agricultural Sciences in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, completed between 1999 and 2002. His doctoral research focused on the molecular breeding of onions, including germplasm screening for resistance to purple blotch disease and breeding for high total soluble solids (TSS) and other export qualities. He developed, genotyped, and phenotyped mapping populations, providing valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of important horticultural traits.

Professional Endeavors

Ganesh's professional career spans over two decades, characterized by significant contributions to plant breeding and genomics. He started as an Instructor in Molecular Biology at UAS, Bangalore, from October 2000 to November 2002. Here, he imparted technical training on DNA marker technologies to postgraduate students, designed training modules, and developed protocols for DNA extraction and fingerprinting in various crops.

Following this, Ganesh joined Namdhari Seeds Pvt Ltd as a Scientist in Plant Molecular Biology from December 2002 to February 2007. His responsibilities included heading the molecular biology department, conducting molecular breeding in tomato, capsicums, and watermelon, and supporting transgenic cotton breeding through Bt gene tests. He also worked on marker-assisted selection (MAS) for disease resistance in tomatoes and genetic purity testing in various crops.

In March 2007, Ganesh transitioned to ITC Limited's Life Sciences & Technology Centre (LSTC) in Bangalore, where he held multiple roles over 17 years. His tenure at ITC began as an Associate Scientist in Molecular Breeding, advancing to Senior Lead Scientist in Plant Breeding. At ITC, he led breeding programs for various crops, including tobacco, wheat, and trees for paper and pulp businesses. His work involved genomic breeding, digital phenotyping, climate-resilient breeding, and developing innovative products like the 'Smart Onion' for agribusinesses.

Contributions and Research Focus

Ganesh's research has significantly advanced plant breeding and molecular genetics, particularly in the context of agribusiness applications. His contributions include developing breeding platforms for tree species to enhance wood yield and quality, implementing digital solutions for breeding automation, and pioneering epigenetic breeding to improve yield and quality in trees. He has also worked extensively on genomic breeding for climate resilience, particularly in wheat and tobacco.

His research on water use efficiency (WUE) in crops, mutation breeding for diversity enhancement, and biofortification of wheat underscores his commitment to addressing global agricultural challenges. Ganesh's work on soilless culture systems and non-destructive harvesting of medicinal plants highlights his innovative approach to sustainable agriculture.

Accolades and Recognition

Ganesh's contributions to agricultural science have been widely recognized. He has received multiple awards for his scientific presentations and has been a panelist and evaluator for various innovation and startup initiatives. Notable recognitions include being a DBT-nominated member of the 'Indo-US Joint Working Group on Agriculture' since September 2016, a Paul Foundation Fellowship in 2002, and multiple best scientific presentation awards.

He has also been actively involved in fostering innovation ecosystems, evaluating agri startups, and contributing to significant conferences and workshops. His role as an evaluator for the Smart India Hackathon and his involvement with the Government of Karnataka's Agri Start-ups initiative demonstrate his influence in shaping the future of agricultural research and innovation.

Ganesh's impact on the field of plant breeding and genomics is profound. His leadership in developing resilient and high-yielding crop varieties has significant implications for food security and sustainable agriculture. His work on digital phenotyping, genomic breeding, and climate resilience addresses critical challenges in modern agriculture, ensuring the development of crops that can withstand changing environmental conditions.

His collaborative approach, both within India and internationally, has facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices, enhancing the global agricultural research community. Ganesh's contributions extend beyond research; his mentorship and coaching have nurtured the next generation of scientists, ensuring a lasting legacy in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Ganesh Chowthi Thimmegowda's legacy is marked by his relentless pursuit of innovation in agricultural science. His contributions to plant breeding, molecular genetics, and sustainable agriculture have set new standards for the industry. As he continues his work at ITC Limited and in his role with the Indo-US Joint Working Group on Agriculture, his focus on creating resilient and high-quality agricultural products will undoubtedly drive future advancements.

Looking ahead, Ganesh's ongoing research and leadership are poised to address emerging challenges in agriculture, from climate change to food security. His commitment to collaboration and innovation will continue to influence the field, ensuring that agricultural research remains at the forefront of scientific and technological progress.

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Notable Publications 

• New report of Pestalotiopsis microspora causing leaf blight disease in Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis L.) from India
• Wilt and gummosis disease of subabul caused by Fusarium equiseti ‐ a first record from India