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Tamanna Sood, Agriculture, Young Researcher Award

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Miss. Tamanna Sood: PhD Research Scholar at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, India

Article Details

Novelty

  • Integrated approach combining field evaluation, biochemical analysis, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) for disease resistance.

  • First report of release of Him Palam Shimla Mirch-1 and Him Palam Shimla Mirch-2 varieties in India with documented high yield and bacterial wilt resistance.

  • Use of SSR marker CAMS451 for precise differentiation between resistant and susceptible genotypes in a multi-year study is a unique application in bell pepper breeding.

Impact

  • Provides practical solutions for bell pepper growers by identifying high-yielding and wilt-resistant genotypes.

  • Potential to reduce losses caused by bacterial wilt, a major constraint in bell pepper cultivation.

  • Strengthens breeding programs for sustainable horticulture in temperate Indian regions like Palampur.

  • Contributes to food security and profitability in small and medium-scale farming systems.

Originality

  • Combines classical breeding evaluations (phenotyping, trait correlations) with modern molecular tools (SSR markers and DAS-ELISA).

  • Simultaneous assessment of yield, quality, maturity, and disease resistance across three consecutive years demonstrates thorough experimental design rarely seen in regional bell pepper studies.

  • Introduction of new, named varieties adds original contribution to Indian horticulture.

Experimental Rigor

  • Multi-year evaluation (2022–2024) ensures stability and reliability of results.

  • 26 genotypes tested under wilt-sick field conditions, providing real-world relevance.

  • Use of phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular analyses strengthens data validity and reproducibility.

  • Statistical analysis included PCV, GCV, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, and path analysis, showing strong quantitative rigor.

Sustainability Impact

  • By identifying bacterial wilt-resistant varieties, reduces the need for chemical control measures, lowering environmental impact.

  • Enhances resource-use efficiency, as high-yielding genotypes can produce more output on the same land.

  • Early-maturing varieties can adapt to variable climate conditions, supporting climate-resilient agriculture.

Applicability

  • Directly applicable to breeding programs in India and similar temperate regions.

  • Released varieties (Him Palam Shimla Mirch-1 and 2) can be adopted by farmers immediately.

  • Techniques (SSR-based MAS combined with field evaluation) can be replicated for other capsicum varieties or horticultural crops.

  • Provides a model for integrating molecular markers into conventional breeding to accelerate variety development.

Research Portfolio

Tamanna Sood is a dedicated horticulturist and vegetable scientist with a strong foundation in plant breeding, molecular biology, and sustainable agriculture. Currently pursuing her PhD at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, she focuses on improving vegetable productivity and quality through innovative research approaches. She combines academic rigor with practical experience, aiming to develop disease-resistant and high-yielding vegetable varieties suited for the North-Western Himalayan region.

Online Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Since 2021, Tamanna Sood’s research has garnered significant recognition, with a total of 59 citations, reflecting the relevance and quality of her work in vegetable science. Her h-index of 5 indicates that five of her publications have been cited at least five times, while her i10-index of 1 demonstrates that at least one of her publications has been cited ten or more times. These metrics highlight her growing influence in the fields of plant breeding, molecular biology, and sustainable agriculture research.

Education

She earned her MSc in Agriculture-Horticulture (Vegetable Science) from CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, with a thesis focused on genetic diversity in bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper genotypes, graduating with an OGPA of 8.75/10. Earlier, she completed her BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture from the same university with an OGPA of 8.04/10. Her education emphasized crop improvement, experimental design, molecular marker studies, and sustainable vegetable cultivation practices.

Research Focus

Tamanna’s research focuses on understanding genetic diversity, mapping disease resistance, and enhancing yield and quality in vegetable crops. She specializes in integrating field-based agromorphological studies with advanced molecular tools, including SSR markers and genome-wide association studies, to identify superior genotypes of bell pepper and okra. Her work aims to develop climate-resilient, disease-resistant vegetable varieties that can support sustainable agriculture and improve local food security.

Experience

She has participated in numerous national and international training programs, workshops, and webinars on topics ranging from genome editing, biostatistics, and nutraceutical delivery systems to AI applications in scientific writing. Her hands-on experience includes laboratory molecular studies (PCR, gel electrophoresis), field trials for crop improvement, and industrial training at Himalaya Food International. Tamanna also contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for high-impact journals and as a resource person in skill development programs.

Research Timeline & Activities

During her MSc (2020–2022), Tamanna conducted research on bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper genotypes, combining molecular markers with field-based evaluations. Since 2023, her PhD focuses on stability analysis and genome-wide association mapping in okra to identify high-yielding and stress-tolerant varieties. She has presented her work at multiple national and international conferences, contributed book chapters and popular articles, and actively participates in collaborative research projects that bridge academic theory with applied agricultural practice.

Awards & Honors

Tamanna has been awarded scholarships for both MSc and PhD studies for academic excellence, demonstrating her consistent dedication to research. She qualified the ASRB-NET in Vegetable Science (2023) and has been recognized for active participation in national and international workshops, skill development programs, and research projects, highlighting her commitment to advancing horticultural science and sustainable agriculture practices.

strengths of Miss Tamanna Sood as a young researcher, based on the information you provided:

1. Academic Excellence and Strong Foundation

Outstanding academic record with MSc OGPA 8.75/10 and BSc OGPA 8.04/10 from CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur.

Solid grounding in vegetable science, crop improvement, experimental design, and molecular markers, providing a strong foundation for independent research.

2. Innovative and Integrative Research

Pioneering work in combining field-based phenotyping with molecular tools (SSR markers, GWAS) to develop disease-resistant and high-yielding vegetable varieties.

Developed new bell pepper varieties (Him Palam Shimla Mirch-1 & 2) with documented bacterial wilt resistance and high yield, demonstrating applied impact.

3. Research Productivity and Recognition

Since 2021, 59 citations, h-index 5, and i10-index 1, reflecting growing influence in plant breeding and sustainable agriculture.

Contributions include conference presentations, book chapters, and journal publications, establishing a visible research profile early in her career.

4. Practical and Applied Focus

Hands-on experience in field trials, molecular lab techniques (PCR, DAS-ELISA, gel electrophoresis), and industry exposure (Himalaya Food International).

Focus on climate-resilient, disease-resistant varieties that can directly support local farmers and sustainable agriculture in North-Western Himalayan regions.

5. Commitment to Professional Development and Knowledge Sharing

Active participation in national and international workshops, training programs, and webinars on advanced topics like genome editing, biostatistics, and AI in research.

Engaged as a reviewer for high-impact journals and resource person in skill development programs, demonstrating leadership and community contribution.