Kanniah Rajasekaran

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Kanniah Rajasekaran

Introduction

Kanniah Rajasekaran, an esteemed inventor based in Duarte, California, has made significant strides in the field of agricultural biotechnology. With a remarkable portfolio of 13 patents, he has contributed to the development of innovative solutions to combat agricultural challenges, particularly in relation to crop protection.

Latest Patents

One of Rajasekaran's notable inventions is the "Transgenic Corn with Antifungal Peptide AGM182" (DN:0113.18). This innovation addresses the threat posed by opportunistic, saprophytic fungi that infect maize and other fatty acid-rich crops, producing toxic and carcinogenic secondary metabolites known as aflatoxins. In vitro studies demonstrated a five-fold increase in the antifungal activity of AGM182 when compared to tachyplesin1. The transgenic maize plants expressing AGM182 were created through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and confirmed through PCR assays. Additionally, RT-PCR of maize RNA verified the presence of AGM182 transcripts. A crucial maize kernel screening assay utilizing a highly aflatoxigenic strain (AF70) revealed a remarkable 72% reduction in fungal growth in the transgenic AGM182 seeds compared to isogenic negative control seeds, showcasing the significant potential of this innovation in improving crop resilience.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Rajasekaran has been affiliated with prominent organizations, including Mycogen Corporation and the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture. His work at these institutions has allowed him to further his research and development efforts in the agricultural biotechnology sector.

Collaborations

Rajasekaran has collaborated with several noteworthy colleagues during his career. Among them are Thirumale S. Rangan and David M. Anderson, both of whom have contributed to the collective advancement of agricultural innovations, enriching the research environment in which Rajasekaran thrives.

Conclusion

Kanniah Rajasekaran stands out as a prolific inventor whose contributions have significantly influenced agricultural biotechnology. His groundbreaking work on transgenic corn and antifungal peptides opens new avenues for crop protection, ensuring the sustainability of food production. As challenges in agriculture evolve, innovators like Rajasekaran are crucial in developing effective solutions that benefit both farmers and consumers.