Contribution of Indian Phycologists (4 Famous Algologist)

In this article we will discuss about contribution of indian phycologists (Indian Algologist) :- M.O.Parthasarathy, V.Desikachary, V.Krishnamurthy and V.S.Sundaralingam

Contribution of Indian Phycologists

• Indian phycologists started their work on Algae from 1919 onwards.
• Ghosh( 1919-32) carried out investigation on blue green algae of Punjab
• Later M.O.P Iyengar and his students published a number of papers on algae of South India.
• Contributions of some renowned Indian phycologists are M.O.Parthasarathy, V.Desikachary, V.Krishnamurthy and V.S.Sundaralingam

M.O.PARTHASARATHY

BIOGRAPHY:

• Mandayam Osuri Parthasarathy (M.O.P) Iyengar (1886-1963) was born in Madras.
• He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Madras.
• He completed his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of London in 1941 under the guidance of renowned phycologist F.E. Fritsch.
• Iyengar worked as a lecturer at the National College, Trichy, and later as a Reader at the University of Madras.
• He served as the Director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Botany at the University of Madras.
• Iyengar was the president of Phycological society of India.
• His work greatly contributed to understanding of algae, their classification, and their ecological significance. That’s why he called as “Father of Indian Algology”.

CONTRIBUTIONS:

• He started his Research in Phycology especially about volvocales.
• He studied freshwater and marine algae, making significant contributions to their taxonomy and classification.
• He discovered new species like Fritschiella, Gilbertsmithia, Ecballocystopsis and Characiosiphon.
• He worked on life history of Cylindrocapsa geminella, Microdictyon tenius.
• He specialized in the study of red algae (Rhodophyta)
• His detailed investigations contributed to the understanding of red algae’s complex life histories and their evolutionary relationships.
• He recognized the significance of algae as indicators of water quality and environmental health.

T.V. DESIKACHARY

BIOGRAPHY:

• Tamarapu Vedanta Desikachary (1919–2003) was born in Tirupati
• Obtained his undergraduate degree from Presidency College, Madras.
• Pursued his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Madras under the guidance of M.O.P. Iyengar.
• He joined the Botany Department at Presidency College as a lecturer and later became a professor.
• He was a demonstrator at Andhra University and Presidency College.
• He studied microscopic algae and made great strides in both Indian and world plant science.
• Many of his students have become successful Indian phycologists, furthering the field in India.

CONTRIBUTIONS:

• He extensively studied the taxonomy and classification of algae, particularly the green algae (Chlorophyta) and the blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria).
• Developed comprehensive system for the classification and identification of algae.
• His taxonomic system, known as the “Desikachary system,” is widely recognized and used by researchers in the field.
• He proposed a revised classification system for Cyanobacteria based on morphological, physiological, and ecological characteristics.
• Desikachary’s research contributed to the development of algal biotechnology, including the cultivation of commercially important algae for food, feed, biofuel, and wastewater treatment
• Prof. T.V. Desikachary played a vital role in documenting the algal flora of India.

V.KRISHNAMURTHY

BIOGRAPHY:

• Vasudeva Krishnamurthy (1921–2014) was born at Valavanur, Villupuram district
• He completed his education at St. Joseph College in Trichy, where he pursued his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Botany
• He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Manchester under the guidance of Dr. Kathleen Mary Drew-Baker
• Prof. Krishnamurthy’s research career in algae began during his time at Presidency College in Chennai.
• Throughout his career, Prof. Krishnamurthy held teaching positions at various institutions, including Presidency College, St. Joseph College in Trichy, and Tanjavore Medical College.
• He worked as lecturer in microbiology at Govt. Engineering College in Guindy

CONTRIBUTIONS:

• Prof. Krishnamurthy established marine algal research stations in Mandapam, Tamil Nadu.
• Prof. Krishnamurthy founded the “Seaweed Research and Utilization Association” (International Journal) and served as its Founder-President.
• He also played a pivotal role in the publication of the monographs on Indian Red Algae and Brown Algae
• He collaborating with esteemed algologists Prof. T.V. Desikachary and Dr. M.S. Balakrishnan.
• He published over 138 research papers.
• Krishnamurthy Institute of Algology (1991) has the largest library in Tamil Nadu on algal studies, Prof. V. K. worked in this laboratory until his death.

V.S.SUNDARALINGAM

BIOGRAPHY:

• Vellore Somasundaram Sundaralingam (1918-2011) was born at Thiruchengode
• He completed his Bachelor’s degrees in Botany at Presidency College, Madras.
• He obtained his M.Sc. degree (by research) in Madras University.
• Became a Lecturer in Botany at Pachaiyappa’s College, Madras
• Rose to Professor and Head of the Botany Department at Pachaiyappa’s College
• He served as Vice-Principal of Pachaiyappa’s College
• Appointed Professor at the Centre of Advanced Study in Botany
• Throughout his career, he focused his research on Indian Charophyceae and obtained a Ph.D. degree from Madras University (1961)
• He has authored two books and published numerous research papers on Charophyceae.

CONTRIBUTIONS:

• Pioneered research on Indian Charophyceae, a specific group of green algae.
• Co-authored the ICAR Monograph on Charophyceae, a comprehensive resource on the subject.
• The Krishnamurthy Institute of Algology honored him with the Life-time Achievement Award in Phycology.

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