Karthik G U

Onion Breeding: Managed onion germplasm enhancement, drought tolerance screening, Fusarium rot resistance breeding, development of hybrids, synthetics and OPVs, handling of F₂ populations, identification of CMS and maintainer lines using molecular markers, seed production, storage studies, multilocation trials, data analysis, and monitoring of seed production plots to ensure quality and genetic purity.

Research & Breeding Experience – Okra, Cucumber, Tomato & Seed Production Worked extensively in vegetable breeding programs involving okra, cucumber, and tomato, with responsibilities spanning germplasm characterization, line development, hybrid breeding, disease resistance screening, seed production, and multilocation evaluation. Managed the collection, characterization, and maintenance of 78 okra germplasm lines and 24 cucumber germplasm lines. Conducted hotspot screening of okra germplasm and hybrids for tolerance to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) and Enation Leaf Curl Virus (ELCV) at Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) and Salem (Tamil Nadu). Developed new breeding lines through various breeding approaches and worked on the development and maintenance of gynoecious, predominantly gynoecious, and monoecious cucumber lines. Performed field screening of cucumber germplasm and hybrids for downy mildew resistance. Actively participated in hybrid development programs by evaluating parental lines, designing crossing programs, assessing hybrid performance, and selecting superior hybrids based on yield, quality, and other quantitative and qualitative traits. Conducted multilocation trials (MLTs) and advanced promising hybrids through different stages of evaluation. Contributed to the management of extensive breeding pipelines in both okra and cucumber, including early-generation and advanced-stage hybrid evaluations. Assisted in identifying disease-tolerant hybrids and advancing superior materials for commercialization. In tomato breeding programs, evaluated germplasm lines across market segments, selected parental lines for hybrid development, handled segregating populations, and identified superior lines based on yield, plant architecture, and fruit quality traits. Supported the evaluation of top-cross hybrids, data analysis, and advancement of elite hybrids through various breeding stages. Maintained breeder seed stocks with high genetic purity, supervised foundation and hybrid seed production activities, monitored seed quality standards, and maintained comprehensive seed inventory records. Planned, implemented, and monitored breeding trials from sowing to harvest, including agronomic management, field observations, data collection, statistical analysis, and report preparation. Presented research progress in R&D review meetings, coordinated disease screening and multilocation trial activities, visited seed production plots for quality monitoring, and actively collaborated with product development (PD) and farm management teams to support breeding and commercialization objectives.

Conducted germplasm characterization and screening of parental lines and hybrids for drought tolerance and yield performance under field and controlled conditions. Evaluated drought tolerance at germination and seedling stages using PEG-induced stress, assessed combining ability of parents and crosses for yield and drought-related traits, and performed molecular characterization of tomato genotypes and hybrids. Identified three drought-tolerant genotypes and six high-performing hybrids that exhibited superior yield and drought tolerance under both field moisture stress and laboratory PEG screening conditions.

Karthik GU, Lakshmidevamma TN, Dileepkumar M, Mahantesha BNN, Gollagi SG, Vilas DG

"The impact of induced drought stress on early seedling parameters and yield traits in tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) hybrids."

Plant Science Today

2026 - Vol. 13 (01), pp. 01-12

Karthik, G.U., Lakshmidevamma, T.N., Mahantesha B.N. Naika, Vilas D Gasti, Dileepkumar Masuti, S.G. Gollagi and Sandhyarani Nishani

"Estimates of Genetic Variability, Association Studies and Per se Performance of Tomato Genotypes for Growth and Yield Parameters Under Drought Stress Conditions"

International Journal of Environment and Climate Change

2024 - Vol. 14 (03), pp. 709-720

Karthik, G.U., Praveen Noojibail, Madalageri, B.B. and Shivakumar, G

"Study on drought tolerance in short day onion genotypes and its inheritance"

Cytology and genetics

2023 - Vol. 24 (1), pp. 43-50

Madalageri, B.B., Noojibail, Madalageri, Shivakumar, G. and Karthik, G.U

"Influence of genetic and environmental factors on incidence of bolting in short day onions"

Journal of Farm Sciences

2023 - Vol. 37 (1), pp. 68-71

Bhat, G., Rajakumara, A., Bhangigoudra, S., Karthik, G.U., Shivakumar, G., Madalageri, B.B., Noojibail, P. and Anandalakshmi, R.

"Fusarium acutatum is a major pathogen contributing to basal rot of onion in India."

New Disease Reports,

2023 - Vol. 47 (2), pp. 1-7