Dr. S. K Datta Ph.D., D.Sc., is an internationally acclaimed expert in floriculture and mutation breeding. Dr. Datta was engaged in both basic and applied research for the improvement of floriculture for more than 30 years at CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow. His main field of research was induced mutations and improvement of ornamental plants for development of new and novel varieties and promotion of floriculture. The main field of work was on ornamental crops (Amaryllis, Asiatic hybrid Lily, Bougainvillea, Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Dahlia, Gladiolus, Gerbera, Hibiscus, Marigold, Narcissus, Orchid, Rose, Tuberose, Lantana depressa). His main research field was floriculture on different aspects related to cytomorphology, in vivo and in vitro mutagenesis, conventional breeding, tissue culture, management of chimera, conservation, molecular characterization, dehydration of flowers, floral craft, etc. which are internationally competitive. As an outstanding breeder in floriculture, his contributions in developing varieties and enriching knowledge-based floriculture have been laudable. Dr. Datta has published series of research papers (approx. 338) on different aspects related to floriculture and induced mutagenesis. He has published three books, edited four books and eight bulletins. Dr. Datta retired from NBRI in July 2007 as Scientist “G”, Coordinator and Head, Botanic Garden and Floriculture Division. Further, Dr. Datta continued his research on dehydration of flowers and foliage and floral craft as Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Emeritus Scientist at Bose Institute, Kolkata, from January 2008 to January 2013. Dr. Datta did extensive rural development program during this period.Dr. Datta visited Berlin for two months (under CSIR-DAAD Scientists Exchange Program) and Korea for one month (INSA-KOSEF Scientists Exchange Program). Considering the quantum of work done and published literature on induced mutagenesis, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, selected Dr. Data as “Expert on Mission” for evaluation of mutation breeding projects sponsored by IAEA to Philippines, Jakarta, Indonesia, for project evaluation mission. Dr. Datta organized international training program as supervisor on induced mutagenesis sponsored by IAEA, Vienna, at Central Research Institute for Horticulture, Cipanas, Indonesia, for students, teachers, and researchers. Dr. Datta was invited to present papers in different international symposium – at Sixth International Congress of SABRAO held at Tsukuba, Japan; International Nuclear Conference held at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; International Symposium on “Underutilized Plant Species for food, nutrition, income and sustainable development” held at Arusha, Tanzania; FAO/IAEA International Symposium on the contribution of Plant Mutation Breeding to Crop Improvement, held at International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria – four times. He was deputed to Germany (Humboldt Universitat Zu Berlin, Berlin) under a CSIR-DAAD Scientists Exchange Program for two months. He visited Korea (South) under INSA-KOSEF scientist exchange program for a period of 21 days to gather knowledge on bioreactor technology and recent advancement in floriculture. He also visited Bangkok to explore the orchid and dry flower market.Dr. Youdh Chand Gupta is Professor and Head, Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, India. He has guided many M.Sc. and Ph.D. students as major advisor in the discipline of floriculture and landscaping, published more than 60 research papers in various journals of repute, and received best paper/ poster awards in different national and international seminars. Besides this, he has also authored books/manuals, technical bulletins, and more than 50 extension articles and handled more than 15 externally funded research projects as principal investigator. Prof. Gupta developed various hybrids including hybrids of gladiolus, marigold, antirrhinum, and chrysanthemum and also developed cheaper technology for growing rose carnation and gerbera in Himachal Pradesh. He also established a hi-tech floriculture farm for production of rose, gerbera, alstroemeria, and carnation—a unique project in the country with cool chain facility including refrigerated van service. Prof. Gupta received the Dr. Manmohan Attawar Gold Medal Award in Floriculture (2016) and also the ISOH Fellowship and Lotus Puraskar from the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture (ISOH) for outstanding contribution and commitment to research and development of ornamental horticulture.
