Innovative Research Award
Amit Gautam
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, India
| Amit Gautam |
| Affiliation |
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas |
| Country |
India |
| Scopus ID |
60861152100 |
| Document |
1 |
| Subject Area |
Plant Stress Physiology |
| Event |
Botany Scientist Awards |
Amit Gautam is a National Associate Scientist at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA–FLRP), India, specializing in durum wheat improvement, plant breeding, stress physiology, and genomics. He has over fifteen years of research experience in abiotic-stress physiology, DUS characterization, and genome-wide association studies. His work has contributed to national germplasm advancement and the ICARDA–India wheat network. [1] [3]
Abstract
This article presents the academic and research profile of Dr. Amit Gautam, a National Associate Scientist at ICARDA–FLRP, India, whose work focuses on durum wheat improvement, terminal heat and drought tolerance, genome-wide association studies, and grain quality enhancement. Over a career exceeding fifteen years, he has contributed to DUS characterization, multilocation national trials, and genomic-enhanced allele pyramiding for climate resilience. His research supports national germplasm advancement and capacity building within the ICARDA–India wheat network. [1] [3]
Keywords
- Durum wheat breeding
- Plant stress physiology
- Terminal heat tolerance
- Drought tolerance
- Genome-wide association studies
- DUS characterization
- Grain quality improvement
Introduction
Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) is a commercially and nutritionally significant cereal cultivated primarily under rainfed and terminal heat-prone environments. Climate variability has intensified the frequency of combined drought and heat stress events, reducing yield stability across South Asia. Physiological screening tools such as canopy temperature depression and chlorophyll fluorescence have emerged as practical selection criteria for identifying resilient genotypes. Dr. Amit Gautam’s research integrates these tools with genomic approaches to accelerate genetic gain in durum wheat. [1] [3]
Research Profile
Dr. Amit Gautam serves as a National Associate Scientist specializing in durum wheat improvement at ICARDA–FLRP, Amlaha, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Devi Ahilya University, an M.Sc. in Biotechnology, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Technology Management in Agriculture (PGDTMA) from ICAR–NAARM. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Fellow at the ICAR–IARI Regional Wheat Research Centre, Indore, for nine years, contributing to DUS characterization, germplasm evaluation, and multi-environment stress tolerance testing across national agricultural research networks. [1]
His professional memberships include collaborator roles across ICARDA, ICAR-IIWBR, SAWAR, and state agricultural research networks. He maintains extensive scientific collaborations with ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, SHUATS (Prayagraj), UPCAR (Lucknow), and the University of Bologna (Italy). His editorial service includes peer review for the African Journal of Biotechnology & Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. [1]
Research Contributions
Dr. Amit Gautam has advanced durum wheat breeding by integrating physiological screening tools, including canopy temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence, for identifying terminal heat and drought-tolerant genotypes. He coordinates multilocation national trials, leads DUS characterization, and applies genomic-enhanced pyramiding of alleles for climate resilience. His work directly supports national germplasm advancement, strengthens the ICARDA–India wheat network, and fosters capacity building through co-advising Ph.D. and M.Sc. scholars and conducting regional field training. [1] [3]
Completed and ongoing research includes one collaborative project on genome-wide association mapping for dissecting genomic regions conferring drought tolerance in durum wheat germplasm, funded by UPCAR in collaboration with SHUATS. He also manages the ICARDA–India Durum Wheat Improvement Program. A consultancy project on forensic DNA profiling and timber tracing was undertaken at the State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur. [1]
Publications
Dr. Amit Gautam has authored more than ten selected peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and conference proceedings indexed in SCI and Scopus databases, including contributions to Crop Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, Agricultural Research, and Physiologia and Molecular Biology of Plants. One book chapter has been published in The Durum Wheat Genome: Sequencing, Mining and Leveraging the Tetraploid Wheat Genome (2026). [1] [3]
- Yadav, S., Tiwari, M., Singh, N. K., Jaiswal, J. P., Singh, A., Khan, R., Vikram, P., Singh, A., & Gautam, A. (2026). Molecular and genomics-assisted breeding strategies for enhancing abiotic stress resilience in major cereals. Plant Stress.[3]
- Book chapter in The Durum Wheat Genome: Sequencing, Mining and Leveraging the Tetraploid Wheat Genome (2026, Springer/Elsevier platform). [1]
Research Impact
The citation index of Dr. Amit Gautam’s work reflects multiple high-impact papers in indexed databases, with contributions spanning crop breeding, genetics, genomics, and plant stress physiology. His research on physiological screening and genomic selection has informed germplasm evaluation protocols and supported the development of climate-resilient durum wheat lines. The integration of canopy temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements into national trials has improved the precision of genotype selection under terminal heat and drought stress. [1] [3]
Award Suitability
Dr. Amit Gautam’s research profile aligns with the scope of the Botany Scientist Awards, which recognize contributions to plant science, stress physiology, and crop improvement. His sustained output in durum wheat breeding, genome-wide association studies, and DUS characterization, together with his role in managing the ICARDA–India Durum Wheat Improvement Program and mentoring research scholars, supports consideration for this recognition. His collaborative network across ICAR institutes, SAUs, and international partners further demonstrates the broader impact of his work. [1] [2]
Conclusion
Dr. Amit Gautam’s research career reflects a sustained commitment to durum wheat improvement, abiotic-stress physiology, and genomic resource development. His integration of physiological screening with genomic tools, coordination of national multilocation trials, and contributions to capacity building collectively support climate-resilient wheat production in India. His publication record, collaborative engagements, and editorial service indicate a profile consistent with the objectives of the Botany Scientist Awards. [1] [3]
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Amit Gautam, Author ID 60861152100. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=60861152100
- Botany Scientist Awards. (n.d.). Award website and nomination details.
https://botanyscientist.com/
- Yadav, S., Tiwari, M., Singh, N. K., Jaiswal, J. P., Singh, A., Khan, R., Vikram, P., Singh, A., & Gautam, A. (2026). Molecular and genomics-assisted breeding strategies for enhancing abiotic stress resilience in major cereals. Plant Stress.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2026.101562