Histopedia

Janaki Ammal (1897-1984) was a renowned Indian botanist, geneticist, and cytologist who made significant contributions to the field of plant genetics and cytogenetics. Here are some of her achievements:

1. First Indian woman Ph.D. in botany: Janaki Ammal was the first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in botany from the University of Michigan in 1925.
2. Chromosome research: She conducted pioneering research on chromosomes, including the discovery of the first recorded case of triploidy in plants.
3. Sugarcane breeding: Janaki Ammal worked on sugarcane breeding and developed new varieties with improved yield and disease resistance.
4. Cytogenetics: She made significant contributions to the field of cytogenetics, studying the structure and behavior of chromosomes.
5. Awards and recognition: Janaki Ammal received several awards, including the Padma Shri (1977) and the Birbal Sahni Medal (1977).
6. Fellowships: She was elected as a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences (1935) and the Indian National Science Academy (1957).
7. Inspiration: Janaki Ammal inspired generations of women scientists in India and abroad, paving the way for future female scientists.

Janaki Ammal’s legacy extends beyond her scientific contributions. She broke barriers for women in science, demonstrating dedication, perseverance, and excellence in her field.