Dr. Siddanna Savadi

My research has focused on biotechnology and genetic improvement of cashew and wheat over a period of ten years. We accomplished the first de novo genome assembly of the Indian cashew cultivar Bhaskara using Nanopore and Illumina sequencing platforms, generating a 356 MB genome.

This effort generated the first comprehensive genomic and molecular marker resources for cashew, including SSR and InDel markers. I contributed to the development and release of jumbo nut varieties Nethra Ganga, Nethra Jumbo-1 and the dwarf cultivar Nethra Vaman.

Research has also focused on molecular breeding, ultra-density planting, BBCH phenological characterization, germplasm evaluation, plant-pathogen interactions and molecular genetics to improve cashew productivity and sustainability.

In wheat rust research, developed SSR and transcriptome-based markers for rust pathogens, explored gene expression in plant–pathogen interactions, and identified three new Puccinia striiformis pathotypes (111S68, 79S68, 79S4). These works have strengthened genomic research and varietal development in cashew and contributed to improved resistance and disease management strategies in wheat.