Prof. Gyana Ranjan Rout | Plant Science | Best Review Paper Award

Professor from Sikshia O Anusandhan Deemed To be University, India

Prof. Gyana Ranjan Rout is a distinguished Indian plant biotechnologist, currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture at S’O’A Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar. With a strong academic foundation and over three decades of experience in the fields of plant cell culture, molecular biology, and genetic improvement, he has made significant contributions to agricultural biotechnology. A recipient of the prestigious D.Sc. degree, Prof. Rout has also pursued advanced research at internationally reputed institutions in the UK, Japan, Belgium, and Germany. His work spans various domains including conservation of biodiversity, crop improvement, and medicinal plant research. He is recognized not only for his scholarly publications, including numerous review articles, but also for his leadership in academia, policy-making committees, and national-level scientific platforms. As a resource person and keynote speaker, he has influenced the direction of biotechnology education and research across India. Prof. Rout’s involvement in various academic boards and faculty selection committees also highlights his leadership in shaping future generations of scientists. His credentials, accolades, and continued contributions mark him as one of the leading voices in plant biotechnology research in India.

Professional Profile

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Education

Prof. Rout’s educational journey began in Odisha, India, where he earned his High School Certificate from the Board of Secondary Education in 1978. He then pursued a B.Sc. (Hons) in Botany from BJB College, affiliated with Utkal University, graduating in 1982. His keen interest in plant sciences led him to complete an M.Sc. in Botany with specialization in Plant Biochemistry from Ravenshaw College under Utkal University in 1984. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany in 1991 from Utkal University with a specialization in plant cell culture, a foundational area that laid the groundwork for his future research in plant biotechnology. Further establishing his academic distinction, Prof. Rout achieved a D.Sc. in Botany from the same university in 2001, with a focus on plant improvement, signifying his advanced contribution to scientific research and knowledge. His educational qualifications are complemented by prestigious postdoctoral fellowships and visiting scientist positions at globally respected institutions, including Chiba University (Japan), University of East London (UK), KU Leuven (Belgium), and Federal Research Centre for Ornamental and Plant Breeding (Germany). This international exposure enhanced his scientific perspective and positioned him as a globally-informed scholar in the field of agricultural biotechnology.

Professional Experience

Prof. Gyana Ranjan Rout’s professional trajectory reflects a blend of academic excellence and applied research leadership. He began his career as a Senior Research Fellow at the Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC), Bhubaneswar, from 1986 to 1991, focusing on plant biotechnology. He continued at RPRC, first as Scientist and then as Senior Scientist, until 2009. During this period, he led and contributed to numerous government-supported projects in plant conservation, genetic improvement, and biotechnology. In 2009, he transitioned to academia as Professor & Head of Agricultural Biotechnology at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, and currently holds the same position at S’O’A Deemed to be University. His career is further distinguished by international research fellowships: a BOYSCAST fellowship in Japan, British Council-funded tenure in the UK, FAO-IAEA funded visit to Belgium, and a DBT-Overseas award to Germany. He has also served as an expert on multiple selection committees, and as a member of Boards of Studies in several universities. Beyond research, he has been a lead speaker and panelist in numerous national and international conferences and workshops. His dual role as a researcher and administrator reflects his balanced contribution to both scientific advancement and academic institution-building.

Research Interest

Prof. Rout’s research interests lie primarily in plant biotechnology, with a core focus on plant cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, plant genetic improvement, and biotechnological applications for sustainable agriculture. His work encompasses in vitro propagation, somatic embryogenesis, cryopreservation, molecular marker-assisted selection, and genetic transformation of plants. He has also made significant contributions to the conservation and utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants. Prof. Rout is particularly interested in the application of biotechnological tools to address environmental challenges such as wastewater reuse in agriculture and water use efficiency in crops. His work is interdisciplinary, merging classical botany with cutting-edge molecular techniques to develop novel solutions for agricultural resilience and crop improvement. He also explores the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of plant species, with a vision to integrate biotechnology in health and nutrition. His research has implications not just for academic development but also for practical implementation in agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and rural development. Prof. Rout’s commitment to translational research ensures that the knowledge generated in his lab reaches farmers, stakeholders, and policy frameworks. His vision is rooted in sustainable, science-based solutions to food security and ecological conservation.

Research Skills

Prof. Rout possesses an extensive repertoire of research skills spanning the molecular to organismal levels. His core strengths include plant tissue culture techniques such as micropropagation, organogenesis, and somatic embryogenesis. He is well-versed in molecular marker techniques including RAPD, ISSR, AFLP, and SSR for genetic diversity analysis and marker-assisted selection. His expertise also covers genetic transformation using Agrobacterium-mediated and biolistic methods. Prof. Rout has hands-on experience in secondary metabolite analysis using chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. In addition, he has implemented cryopreservation protocols for long-term conservation of germplasm. He has coordinated multidisciplinary projects that integrate molecular biology, biotechnology, and environmental management. His laboratory management skills include training of postgraduate and doctoral students, troubleshooting complex experiments, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. He is proficient in data interpretation, scientific writing, and editing, contributing significantly as an editor and reviewer in reputed international journals. Prof. Rout also engages in collaborative research, working with institutions in India and abroad, thereby fostering cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural research exchange. His skills make him a well-rounded researcher capable of leading high-impact studies from concept to publication.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Gyana Ranjan Rout has received numerous awards and honors, reflecting his substantial contributions to science, education, and public service. He holds the distinguished D.Sc. degree in Botany, a rare honor that underlines his high level of scholarly achievement. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India (FNASc), Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (FNAAS), and a Fellow of the Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (FISPGR), which collectively recognize his leadership in plant science research. He has been the recipient of prestigious international fellowships including the BOYSCAST Fellowship from DST, India; a British Council award for research in the UK; and FAO-IAEA sponsorship for work in Belgium. His overseas award from the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, enabled him to conduct advanced research in Germany. Prof. Rout has been an invited speaker, chairperson, and lead expert at numerous national and international scientific events. His selection as a subject expert for faculty recruitment and academic governance across several universities further affirms his authority in the field. These recognitions underscore his influence as both a scholar and mentor in the scientific community.

Conclusion

Prof. Gyana Ranjan Rout exemplifies excellence in plant biotechnology research, education, and institutional leadership. With a career marked by international exposure, prolific scientific output, and active participation in policy and academic governance, he stands out as a pioneer in his field. His holistic approach to research—balancing theoretical knowledge with practical applications—has greatly contributed to the advancement of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in India. Prof. Rout’s ability to merge classical botanical sciences with molecular techniques has opened new pathways for crop improvement, medicinal plant research, and environmental biotechnology. He continues to serve as a mentor to the next generation of scientists, nurturing talent through teaching, supervision, and active involvement in scientific forums. His numerous awards and fellowships are testament to the global impact of his work. Looking ahead, Prof. Rout’s ongoing efforts are expected to yield innovative solutions to contemporary agricultural and environmental challenges. His legacy, built on dedication, integrity, and scientific rigor, sets a benchmark for excellence in biosciences and continues to inspire peers and students alike.

Publications Top Notes

1. Studies on Cadmium Toxicity in Plants: A Review

• Authors: P. Das, S. Samantaray, G.R. Rout

• Journal: Environmental Pollution, 1997

• Citations: 1764

• Summary: This foundational review outlines cadmium’s phytotoxic effects on plant growth, physiology, and biochemistry. It highlights mechanisms of uptake, detoxification, and tolerance, serving as a key reference in environmental and plant sciences.

2. Role of Iron in Plant Growth and Metabolism

• Authors: G.R. Rout, S. Sahoo

• Journal: Reviews in Agricultural Science, 2015

• Citations: 1134

• Summary: This comprehensive review emphasizes iron’s crucial roles in photosynthesis, respiration, and enzymatic activity in plants, discussing both deficiency and toxicity effects on agricultural productivity.

3. Effect of Metal Toxicity on Plant Growth and Metabolism: I. Zinc

• Authors: G.R. Rout, P. Das

• Book Chapter: Sustainable Agriculture, 2009

• Citations: 783

• Summary: The study investigates zinc toxicity and its biochemical and physiological disruptions in plants, particularly its role in oxidative stress and nutrient imbalances.

4. Aluminium Toxicity in Plants: A Review

• Authors: G. Rout, S. Samantaray, P. Das

• Journal: Agronomie, 2001

• Citations: 680

• Summary: The paper explores aluminium’s inhibitory effects on root growth and cellular processes, emphasizing plant adaptation mechanisms under acidic soil conditions.

5. In Vitro Manipulation and Propagation of Medicinal Plants

• Authors: G.R. Rout, S. Samantaray, P. Das

• Journal: Biotechnology Advances, 2000

• Citations: 512

• Summary: This work reviews tissue culture techniques for conservation and large-scale propagation of medicinal plants, with implications for pharmacognosy and biodiversity conservation.

6. Tissue Culture of Ornamental Pot Plant: A Critical Review

• Authors: G.R. Rout, A. Mohapatra, S.M. Jain

• Journal: Biotechnology Advances, 2006

• Citations: 457

• Summary: A detailed analysis of micropropagation techniques in ornamental horticulture, highlighting challenges and future prospects in commercial flower production.

7. Effect of Auxins on Adventitious Root Development in Camellia sinensis

• Author: G.R. Rout

• Journal: Plant Growth Regulation, 2006

• Citations: 254

• Summary: This study investigates the effect of various auxins on root formation and associated biochemical changes in tea plants, relevant to propagation strategies.

8. Effects of Chromium and Nickel on Germination and Growth

• Authors: G.R. Rout, S. Samantaray, P. Das

• Journal: Chemosphere, 2000

• Citations: 192

• Summary: Comparative analysis of metal tolerance in different Echinochloa colona populations, shedding light on phytotoxicity mechanisms.

9. Determination of Genetic Stability in Micropropagated Ginger Using RAPD

• Authors: G.R. Rout, P. Das, S. Goel, S.N. Raina

• Journal: Botanical Bulletin of Academia Sinica, 1998

• Citations: 177

• Summary: The study confirms the genetic fidelity of micropropagated ginger through RAPD analysis, validating the reliability of clonal propagation.

10. Biotechnology of the Rose: A Review of Recent Progress

• Authors: G.R. Rout, S. Samantaray, J. Mottley, P. Das

• Journal: Scientia Horticulturae, 1999

• Citations: 172

• Summary: An overview of biotechnological advances in rose improvement, including tissue culture, genetic transformation, and molecular markers.