LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE

C. V. Subramanian

D. Jayarama Bhat, J. Muthumary, C. Rajendran, S. Raghu Kumar and B. P. R. Vittal

Making of a scientist whatever the name you may give for passionate botanist. He often used to tell your fungus, your description must be his students that the Stockholm Interna- Chirayathumadom Venkatachalier Subra- accurate’. CVS passed B Sc (Hons.) tional Botanical Congress and subse- manian, fondly referred to as CVS, is an with a first class and first rank from the quent Botanical Congresses which he internationally renowned and most dis- Presidency College, Madras. He did a attended brought together botanists, my- tinguished mycologist of our country. He small piece of dissertation work on the cologists and plant pathologists. He was born on 11 August 1924 in Ernaku- physiological anatomy of Acanthus ilici- opined that the founding of the Interna- lam, Cochin State (now Kerala). His folius, a common halophyte of the salt tional Society of Plant Pathology (ISPP) father, C. M. Venkatachalier, a leading marshes of the west coast of India. He and the International Mycological Asso- lawyer, passed away when CVS was only obtained his M A from the Presidency ciation (IMA) are merely devices of con- 11. The young CVS was brought up and College, Madras (1941–1944). After venience aimed at better communication educated by his mother T. D. Parvathi graduation, on the advice of his teachers, and discussions among the communities. Ammal, to whom he later dedicated the Subramanian opted for mycology. T. S. For him science, a quest for truth, is a massive tome Hyphomycetes1. CVS had Sadasivan, Director of UBL took CVS as big umbrella under which numerous his early education at Sree Rama Varma his first research student in 1944. On the branches evolved and grew. CVS always High School (1931–1939) and Mahara- suggestion of K. M. Thomas, the then told .... there is only one science and that jah’s College (1939–1941) both at Erna- Government Mycologist at the Agricul- says it all ‘from smaller than the smallest kulam. In his childhood days, CVS used tural College and Research Institute, to larger than the largest’. to collect plants from the wild and raise Coimbatore, he was assigned a topic for them in the garden of his home, an exer- research which focused on soil condi- cise which was fondly encouraged by his tions and wilt diseases in plants with Professional career mother. He loved algae and when he was special reference to cotton. In a sense, in the final year of his B Sc (Hon.), he working on soil-borne plant diseases, Starting his career as a Senior Lecturer in used to visit the University Botany Labo- CVS began as a plant pathologist and Madras University in 1951 and promoted ratory (UBL) in Madras on Sundays to subsequently developed into a mycolo- to a Readership in 1953, CVS succes- examine algae with guidance from his gist. With him, plant pathology and sively held the post of Professor of Plant contemporary K. Ramakrishnan. A trip mycology remained inseparable. He ob- Pathology at the Indian Agricultural to Krusadai Islands near Rameswaram in tained Ph D in 1948 for his thesis on Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi southern India further stimulated his in- ‘Soil conditions and wilt diseases in (1958–1960) and Professor and Head of terest on algae. CVS wanted to work plants with special reference to Fusarium the Department of Botany in the Univer- with M. O. P. Iyengar, a distinguished vasinfectum Atk. on cotton’ and D Sc in sity of Rajasthan (1960–1964). Subse- algologist and botanist. He benefited 1957 for his published work on ‘Floristic quently, he moved to the University from Iyengar’s guidance and advice as a and taxonomic studies on Fungi Imper- of Madras as Professor of Botany botanist. Iyengar used to call him home fecti’, from the University of Madras. In and later became the Director of Centre to show the algae on which he was work- a general sense, CVS grew to be a for Advanced Study in Botany (1964– ing even after retirement. On one such occasion, Iyengar said: ‘Subramanian,

C. V. Subramanian (extreme right) with his students. Also seen are John Couch (next to CVS) and B. D. Tyagi (extreme left). Students from left to right: B. C. Lodha; P. D. C. V. Subramanian. Tyagi; B. L. Jain; C. G. Prakasha Rao; N.G. Nair.

1438 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 106, NO. 10, 25 MAY 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE

1985), the post which he held until colonization, substrates are degraded, for indebted in no small measure to H. San- retirement. example, with solubles, cellulose and fi- tapau, the distinguished botanist, who Early in his career (1948–1950), CVS nally lignin, in a succession. Jointly with helped him with Latin translations was recipient of ICI research fellowship M. Udayan, S. Sankaran and with J. of diagnoses of the new genera and spe- of the National Institute of Sciences of Savitha, CVS studied the fungi growing cies that he discovered from 1952 India (now, the Indian National Science in industrial effluents discharged from onwards. Academy) which enabled him to carry paper industries, oil refineries and cool- Subramanian’s pioneering work on out work on soil Fusaria. At that young ing towers and the possibility of using exploration of hyphomycete flora of age, he attended the VII International them in bioremediation. India resulted not only in the discovery Botanical Congress in Stockholm in and description of numerous new and 1950 and visited several centres in interesting species of fungi but also Europe and discussed mycology with Fungal floristics and taxonomy: eventually culminated in writing of the leading scientists. He did post-doctoral exploration of new/interesting monograph Hyphomycetes1. This volume work on soil mycology, with S. D. taxa was a prelude to his own and his stu- Garrett, at the Botany School, Cam- dents’ numerous later studies which bridge, and on taxonomic mycology with With knowledge of fungi, especially the together brought out a wealth of knowl- E. W. Mason, at the Commonwealth conidial fungi, derived from examination edge on the fungi of India and further Mycological Institute, Kew, in the UK, of hundreds of types and other materials enthused several younger students on during 1950–1951. housed at the herbarium of the Com- mycology and cemented a lasting con- monwealth Mycological Institute (CMI), nectivity with the second and third gen- Kew, in 1950 and later, CVS pioneered eration mycologists in India. The Significant research contributions studies on hyphomycetes in India. Real- accuracy and exhaustive synonyms are izing the importance of studies on taxon- part of this work, which is widely used Subramanian’s major scientific contribu- omy, biology and distribution of tropical by mycologists throughout the world to tions in mycology are on fungal floristics fungi and application of knowledge this day. Many friends have been sug- and taxonomy. gained from such study to human wel- gesting a revision of this work. CVS has fare, CVS carried out detailed studies on been fittingly described by D. L. Hawk- diversity, distribution, ecology and con- sworth, former Director of International Fungal ecology servation of fungi of India and South Mycological Institute, Kew, UK, in 2005 East Asian countries, during the past six as ‘the uncontested father of mycology’. Subramanian’s early researches were on decades. In this enduring work, CVS named several soil mycology, i.e. (autecology) of Fusa- Subramanian collected fungi from var- new genera and new species of fungi in rium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, a ied habitats in the tropics and described Sanskrit, which was considered a novel notorious cotton wilt pathogen, which numerous fungi. The major collection and bold step. Many of his associates and caused devastating effect in cotton- localities of CVS and his students in students followed the trend which high- growing areas of Udumalpet in Tamil India included the following: the lighted our ancient language, Sanskrit, Nadu and other parts of India. He dem- Nilgiris, Palnis, Bandipur, Thirumala and at the global level. Some of the Sanskrit onstrated that the fungus was an enduring Nandi Hills and Chennai and Bangalore generic names proposed by CVS for facultative pathogen and a competitive in the Eastern Ghats and plains, Agumbe, fungi are the following: Angulimaya, colonizer of substrates in soil. Control- Sampaje, Kodagu, Waynad, Palakkad, Ashtaangam, Bahusaganda, Bahusan- ling such pathogens is not an easy task. Silent Valley, Kalakkadu and Mundan- dhika, Bahusakala, Bahusutrabeeja, Dru- His studies on F. lateritium f. sp. udum dorai in the Western Ghats in southern mopama, Dwayabeeja, Dwayaloma, and its recognition as a root inhabitant India, and Kumaon Hills of Himalayas in Koorchaloma, Kutilakesa, Lomacha- have relevance in the management of this northern India. In later years, he trav- saka, Nalanthamala, Paathramaya, Pra- soil-borne pathogen. His studies on soil elled extensively in south-east Asia and thiigada, Prathoda, Tharoopama and Fusaria and elucidation of the ‘wild type’ collected samples of fungi in Singapore, Vakrabeeja. in the genus Fusarium highlight the dual Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and Western phenomenon in conidial fungi. He pub- Australia. Apart from exploration and lished a series of papers2–4 on the occur- inventorying for fungi, the discovery and rence and status of Fusaria in Indian description of over 130 new genera of soils. hyphomycetous and coelomycetous co- Jointly with K. Natarajan (soil inhabit- nidial fungi and Ascomycota and many ing), B. P. R. Vittal, K. Sudha (leaf- new species in these groups by CVS sig- litter), S. Raghukumar (marine) and B. nificantly strengthened our knowledge C. Lodha, K. V. Chandrashekara (copro- on the distribution and taxonomy of philous), CVS made significant contribu- these fungi. The remarkable myco- tions to our knowledge on fungal diversity of the Western Ghats and East- succession and floristics. His remarkable ern Ghats in India and other areas in observation was that fungi appear on south-east Asia, as revealed by these these substrates, depending on the avail- studies, is a reflection of the diversity of The beauty of 8-armed conidium of Ash- ability and release of nutrients. Following fungus flora in the tropics. CVS is taangam sundaram Subram.

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 106, NO. 10, 25 MAY 2014 1439 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE

Concepts, correlations and First proposed in 1962, he revised the succession from, usually, a fixed co- classification hierarchical system of classification of nidiogenous locus, ‘asynechidic’ to mean hyphomycetes in 1983, in his book Hy- ‘not synechidic’ and ‘pseudosynechidic’ The discovery and description of numer- phomycetes: Taxonomy and Biology6. In to denote a mode of conidiogenesis, ous unknown, known, rare and interesting this revision, he recognized five Orders: which is ‘asynechidic’ but appears being species of fungi are part of Subrama- (i) Moniliales (= blastic ontogeny), (ii) ‘synechidic’. nian’s significant contributions to taxo- Helminthosporiales (= tretic, poric), (iii) Subramanian8,9 paid special attention nomic mycology. The formulation of Bactridiales (= gangliar, ganglic), (iv) to phialidic conidial taxa and carefully concepts and of terminology of conidio- Tuberculariales (= phialidic) and (v) Geo- looked at the nature of conidial chains genesis and the application of these to trichales (= arthric). Within these Orders, and correlations arrived at between the development of a hierarchical system of Moniliales and Bactridiales which are ‘slimy’ and ‘dry’ nature of the conidia classification of hyphomycetes vis-à-vis known to have clamps and hence had and thereby development of false or their teleomorphs engaged his attention teleomorphs in the Basidiomycotina, he pseudo-chains and true conidial chains. for many years. His contributions to recognized families separately for taxa He felt that the slimy and dry nature of hyphomycetology are well appreciated in without and with clamps. Thus in the conidial chains are innate biological fea- the recently published volume The Gen- Moniliales, five families (Moniliaceae, tures in fungi and therefore important in era of Hyphomycetes5. Cladosporiaceae, Botrytidaceae, Helico- taxonomy. His presentations on ‘phi- CVS proposed a hierarchical system of sporiaceae and Cercosporaceae) without alide’ at Kananaskis-I in 1971 and ‘phi- classification in 1962 and refined the ear- clamps and three families (Nematoctona- alidic anamorphs and their relationship lier concepts of conidiogenesis proposed ceae, Spinigeraceae, Echinodiaceae) with to teleomorphs’ at Kananaskis-II in by Costantin in 1880, Vuillemin in 1911, clamps were recognized. In the Bac- 1979, together contributed immensely to Mason in 1936 and Hughes in 1953. tridiales nine families were recognized our understanding of the heterogeneity of Realizing that conidium ontogeny and (Bactridiaceae, Sepedoniaceae, Clastero- the phialide. He recognized four kinds of ‘spore types’ are true biological features, sporiaceae, Sporidesmiaceae, Cephalotri- phialide or phialoconidiogenesis with the CVS put forward a pragmatic system of chaceae, Sporendonemataceae, Cladobo- conidia being (i) synechidic, etunico- classification of Hyphomycetes. He rec- tryaceae, Coniosporiaceae, Arthrinaceae) genous, exporrectic, pseudo-catenate or ognized and defined six basic spore for taxa without clamps, and four fami- discrete, sometimes glomerate, slimy, as types, viz. blastospore, gangliospore, po- lies (Sporotrichaceae, Pagidosporaceae, in Thielaviopsis basicola; (ii) synechidic, rospore, phialospore, arthrospore and Asterophoraceae, Antromycopsidaceae) novi-cum penititunicogenous, porrectic, meristem arthrospore and made these for taxa with clamps. Helminthosporiales catenate, dry, as in genera such as Peni- spore types as the basis of six corre- with a single family, Helminthospori- cillium and Aspergillus; (iii) pseudo- sponding families: Torulaceae, Bactridi- aceae and the Geotrichales with a single synechidic, tunicogenous (first conidium aceae, Helminthosporiaceae, Tuber- family, Geotrichaceae, are the other Or- totitunicogenous or penititunicogenous, culariaceae, Geotrichaceae and ders. In the Tuberculariales, four families later conidia demiseptatunicogenous), Coniosporiaceae. He observed that, (Tuberculariaceae, Phialophoraceae, porrectic, percurrent, solitary, glomerate, based on conidium ontogeny, the bulk of Chalaraceae, Aspergillaceae) were rec- sometimes pseudo-catenate, slimy as in the genera of Hyphomycetes could be ognized. Of these, nine new families Trichoderma and Verticillium; (iv) accommodated within these families. were proposed: Cladobotryaceae, Phialo- pseudo-synechidic, penititunicogenous, phoraceae, Nematoctonaceae, Spinigera- porrectic, sympodial, solitary, glomerate, ceae, Echinodiaceae, Sporotrichaceae, Pagidosporaceae, Asterophoraceae, An- tromycopsidaceae. Further, on the basis of participation of the wall/wall layers of conidiogenous cell in conidiogenesis, CVS recognized five types, support for which came from transmission and scanning electron mi- croscopic studies, viz. totitunicogenous, penititunicogenous, demiseptatunico- genous, novitunicogenous and eutunico- genous. To describe the ‘meristem’ or growth features in conidiophores with phialidic and other modes of conidium development, CVS introduced the terms, 7 ‘porrectic’ to describe conidiogenesis Diagrammatic comparison of conidioge- involving extension growth of the cell nesis in Oidium, Aspergillus and Arthrin- wall, ‘exporrectic’ to describe conidio- ium by CVS (ph = phialide, cmc = conidio- The basauxic conidiophore and conidium genesis involving no extension growth of phore mother cell, c = conidiophore, bc = basal cell, cc = conidiogenous cell, cl = of Spegazzinia xanthorrhoeae Subram. cell wall, ‘synechidic’ to denote ability The basauxic conidiophore elongates conidiogenous locus, lbg = locus of from the base upwards, a unique feature of a conidiogenous element to produce basauxic growth) (extracted from ‘The in a fungus. an indefinite number of conidia in Whole Fungus’ – Kananaskis II, 1979).

1440 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 106, NO. 10, 25 MAY 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE slimy, e.g. Chloridium. Phialidic ana- morphs in the second category with true chains of dry conidia have teleomorphs in the Eurotiales, those in the third cate- gory with slimy conidia in pseudo-chains have teleomorphs mostly in the Hypo- creales, and dematiaceous anamorphs with phialides of the first category had teleomorphs in the Ophiostomataceae. Underlining the taxonomic significance of the concept of heterogeneity of the phialide and its value in predicting anamorph–teleomorph connections, is a view strengthening the patterns of secon- dary metabolism with which phialo- conidiogenesis appears to be linked10. A synthesis of all these ideas is presented in his 1983 volume on Hyphomycetes. This book was released by the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi releasing Hyphomycetes: Taxonomy and Biology in New Delhi 1983 (L to R: D. S. Kothari, Mrs Indira Gandhi and CVS). Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.

Monographs, revisions with its ‘Penicillium’ anamorphs) with which constitutes an important contribu- locules in a stroma, Fennellia Wiley & tion to our knowledge of this little known Revision of graminicolous Helmintho- Simmons and Petromyces with peridiate group of the Ascomycota. These are pri- sporia taken up in 1958 resulted in a joint ascomata embedded in stromata, the marily wood- and bark-inhabiting sapro- publication with B. L. Jain on the genus stroma in the former being plectenchyma- bic fungi whose taxonomy has been Drechslera, a position followed by M. B. tous and pseudoparenchymatous in the lat- under debate. From studies on freshly Ellis in his treatment of the genus. How- ter. These studies of the Eurotiales are collected samples from India and else- ever, later work led to segregation of the perhaps the most detailed and authorita- where CVS recognized 14 genera, of genus. CVS also published a monograph tive works of this group and are based on which 12 (Cryptosphaerella, Biclio- on the coelomycetous genus Discosia, study of type and authentic cultures of spora, Biciliosporina, Janannfeldtia, jointly with Reddy11. the various taxa (courtesy Dorothy Fracchiaea, Scortechinia, Euacanthe, Fennell, mycologist at Peoria, USDA). Neotrotteria, Acanthonitschkea, Nitschkia, CVS accommodated the anamorph of Schizocapnodium and Gaillardiella) in Developmental morphology and Warcupiella in a distinct genus, Raperia; the family Coronophoraceae (= Nitsch- taxonomic revision of the the close relationship of Warcupiella to kiaceae) and 2 (Bertia and Spinulosphae- Aspergilli Hamigera is now strengthened by von ria) in the family Bertiaceae. The Coro- Arx’s recognition of Raperia as a reposi- nophoraceae have cupulate ascostromata, One of Subramanian’s outstanding my- tory for the anamorph of Hamigera. whereas those with non-cupulate ascos- cological works is the re-assessment of tromata are placed in the Bertiaceae. Aspergilli and their teleomorphs12, an Later molecular studies14,15 have con- Developmental morphology of important step in the understanding of firmed the observations made by CVS on Hypocrealean fungi this ubiquitous group of moulds. Follow- the taxonomy of the Coronophorales. ing this revision, jointly with C. Rajen- dran, CVS studied the developmental Jointly with D. J. Bhat, CVS studied the morphology of a range of taxa in the developmental morphology of anamorph Taxonomic reassessment of the Eurotiales. and teleomorphs of several taxa of the genus Sporidesmium Link These studies confirmed Subrama- Hypocreales and these studies supported nian’s earlier taxonomic treatment of As- the cohesiveness of the Hypocreales The anamorph genus Sporidesmium Link pergilli and assignment of teleomorphs (now Nectriales) as a distinct taxonomic is represented in the tropics by numerous to distinct genera: Edyuillia Subram., group. The studies on eurotialen and hypo- species. Description of several species of 16,17 Sclerocleista Subram., Chaetosartorya crealean taxa suggested that systematic the genus from the tropics by Ellis Subram., Syncleistostroma Subram. investigations on developmental mor- and the continuing discovery and descrip- (= Petromyces Malloch & Cain) and phology would reveal the correct taxo- tion of many more species, especially in Warcupiella Subram. The study revealed nomic identity and true phylogenetic the tropics, called for a re-assessment of the true nature of these fungi and ex- relationships of fungi in the Ascomycota. this interesting genus complex of dema- traordinary variations in developmental tiaceous hyphomycetes. The study of morphology of Eurotialen ascomata: Coronophorales of India type and other material of a number of Edyuillia with naked asci, Chaetosar- species placed in this group by Ellis and 13 torya with free peridiate ascomata, War- Jointly with Sekar, CVS wrote a mono- other students, led CVS to a critical cupiella and (Hamigera Stolk & Samson graph on the Coronophorales of India appraisal of the taxonomy of this

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 106, NO. 10, 25 MAY 2014 1441 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE genus18. Morphological and developmen- morphology. Evolution is closely linked significant role played by CVS in deve- tal criteria such as euseptation/pseudo- to natural selection, self-organization and loping mycology in Asia in particular septation of conidia, the nature, emergence, besides epigenetics. and at global level in general. On an ear- regularity and other features of percur- lier occasion, Hawksworth26 wrote: rent proliferation of conidiophores, and ‘…the current and upcoming generation the presence or absence of conidio- Strengthening the base of of mycologists in India, and in all tropi- phores, were considered important diag- taxonomy and mycology in India cal countries, will embrace Prof. Subra- nostic features. CVS used these criteria and Asia manian’s vision, and work towards its in his re-assessment in which he retained fulfillment through BioNet-INTER- in Sporidesmium only those 26 species In spite of impacting a pivotal role in the NATIONAL and other initiatives now found strictly congeneric with S. atrum well-being of humans and health of being set in train’. The personal appeal Link (= S. ehrenbergii M. B. Ellis), the earth’s ecosystems, fungi are regarded as from CVS to the former Prime Minister remaining in Sporidesmium sensu lato orphans, within the biological sciences. of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi, eventually were re-disposed in: 3 in Polydesmus The former Director of IMI, Hawk- led to the abandonment of a hydroelec- 22 Mont., 1 in Sporidesmiella Kirk, 12 in sworth lamented that fungi lack close tric project in the Silent Valley in the Ellisembia Subram. gen. nov., 5 in Stan- relatives, often are misunderstood, ig- Western Ghats and conservation of the jehughesia Subram. gen. nov., 9 in Repe- nored or overlooked and only few shed whole area as a bio-reserve. As President 23–25 tophragma Subram. gen. nov. and in 13 tears. Subramanian took keen inter- of the IMA during 1977–1983, he secured in Penzigomyces Subram. gen. nov. est in redressing the identity crisis in a special status for Mycology in the Sporidesmium arengae Matsushima was mycology and vigorously pursued its International Union of Biological Sci- placed in a new genus Acarocybellina cause in national and international fora ences, at the General Assembly of the Subram., Sporidesmium casuarinae Ma- and actively campaigned for conserva- IUBS in Helsinki in 1979. As President tsushima in a new genus, Gangliophora tion and utilization of fungal resources of IMA, CVS was closely involved in Subram., and Sporidesmium guadaca- and myco-genome potentials. Much be- the organization of IMC3 in Tokyo in nalense Matsushima in a new genus, fore the Rio Summit 1991, CVS advo- 1983. Hemicorynesporella Subram. Ribosomal cated in situ and ex situ conservation of and RPB2 DNA sequence analyses of fungal biological resources, establish- representatives of the Sporidesmium ment of culture repositories and trained Mycological Society of India complex carried out by Shenoy et al.19 manpower in fungal taxonomy, in the 23,24 ascertained the possible familial position tropics . Establishment of the Interna- CVS established the Mycological Society of these genera and suggested that tional Mycological Association Committee of India (MSI) in 1973, in the august Sporidesmium is not monophyletic. for Asia (presently, Asian Mycological presence of a galaxy of mycologists from Congress) with country-representatives India and abroad, during the Interna- from all Asian and south-east Asian tional Symposium on ‘Taxonomy of Evolution of fungi countries, where CVS played a major Fungi’ held at CAS in University of role, has been one bold redresser step. Madras. CVS founded the journal In discourses on fungal systematics, CVS Under his leadership, India has con- KAVAKA (= Fungus, in Sanskrit), the ducted two meetings of the IMACA, so transactions of MSI, and also edited the highlighted the relevance of gene-centred 22 approaches in taxonomy20, by stressing far. Hawksworth acknowledged the journal from its inception till 1998. Fas- the importance and relevance of epige- cinated by the beauty of Amanita mus- netic inheritance. Epigenetic systems caria, the ‘fly agaric’, CVS incorporated offer additional heritable variations sub- ject to selection. As noted by Lindegren: ‘The general data on which the modern conception of the gene is based are in- tensively selected data … The search for precisely segregating genes compels the selection of genetical material. In our work on Neurospora we were unable to classify the progeny of over two-thirds of our matings.’ There is now much re- thinking on the subject and even a grow- ing enthusiasm to delve deeper into epi- genetic inheritance. Jablonka and Lamb21 in their thought-provoking book, argue for an epigenetic perspective, and ‘a re- turn to a wider view of heredity, which encompasses multiple inheritance sys- tems’. CVS always highlighted the leads available from fungal chemistry, molecu- Front-cover page of journal Kavaka, vol- lar biology and evolution, in addition to Delivering lecture at IMC3, Tokyo in 1983. ume 1, 1973.

1442 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 106, NO. 10, 25 MAY 2014 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE

Union of Biological Sciences (1979– 1982). He is a Corresponding Member of the Belgian Royal Academy of Foreign Sciences (1978) and an Honorary Mem- ber of the Mycological Society of Amer- ica and the British Mycological Society. He is an elected Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences (Bangalore), the Indian National Science Academy (Delhi) and the National Academy of Agricul- tural Sciences (New Delhi). He was Chairman of the Editorial Board Pro- ceedings of the Indian Academy of Sci- ences (Plant Sciences) for over a decade (1976–1988).

CVS and his students

Subramanian mentored 24 doctoral and Receiving the Bhatnagar Award from C. Subramaniam in 1972. several post-doctoral researchers who

worked on fungi. They are now spread all over the world. An active school of mycology grew around him at the CAS in Botany, University of Madras, which made significant contributions on fungal systematics, floristics and ecology. Working in different parts of the country and abroad, his students excelled in their spheres and brought laurels to them- selves and to the country. Those days when academic overseas visits were sparse, CVS arranged a Brit- ish Council and UGC sponsored scholar– student exchange programme which facilitated exchange visits abroad for his colleagues and pre- and post-doctoral students. He also facilitated visits of his post-doctoral students outside the ex- change programme. Several scientists, viz. F. C. Steward, S. D. Garrett, P. H. Gregory and mycologists to the First International Symposium on Taxonomy Mrs and CVS with students on his 60th birthday function, Udaipur, 1985 (L to R: sitting of Fungi held in 1973, came to Madras. J. Savitha; K. Sudha; J. Muthumary; standing B. P. R. Vittal, K. Natarajan, CVS, Several students from CAS in Botany, Ramesh V. Bhat, Subbalakshmi, C. Rajendran, H. C. Sharma, B. C. Lodha, D. Anantha Padmanabhan). University of Madras, went to CMI, Kew, for training. Subramanian is ‘a complete mycolo- the magenta colour of the mushroom as 1965, Birbal Sahni Medal of the Indian gist’. His knowledge of fungi extended the colour for the cover page of Kavaka. Botanical Society in 1972, Rafi Ahmad much beyond the Hyphomycetes. He Kidwai Prize of the ICAR for 1972– read extensively. He was one of the first 1973, Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship in to grasp the importance of ‘diversity’ Academic distinctions 1976 and E. K. Janaki Ammal National studies in different ecological habitats. Award for Taxonomy [of Fungi] by As mentioned earlier, he guided students Subramanian’s academic contributions Government of India in 2000. He served on fungi growing on leaf litter, herbivore have been recognized both in India and as the Vice President (1971–1977) and dung, marine and mangroves and indus- abroad. He is a recipient of many hon- President (1977–1983) of the Interna- trial effluents. His vast collection of ours and awards, which include the Pul- tional Mycological Association, a rare reprints and monographs on fungi, neatly ney Andi Gold Medal of the University distinction conferred on an Indian My- arranged in numerous almirahs in the of Madras in 1944, Shanti Swarup Bhat- cologist. He was a member of the Execu- Botany Department of University of Ma- nagar Award for Biological Sciences in tive Committee of the International dras was easily accessible to anyone.

CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 106, NO. 10, 25 MAY 2014 1443 LIVING LEGENDS IN INDIAN SCIENCE

From world over, students of mycology Proc. Indian Acad. Sci., 1950, B31, 67– cally similar genera are polyphyletic. sought reprints from CVS. Those days 102. Mycol. Res., 2006, 110, 916–928. when blackboards were used in class- 3. Subramanian, C. V., Is there a ‘wild 20. Subramanian, C. V., The biodiversity lectures, he would insist on neat, black type’ in the genus Fusarium? Proc. Natl. agenda: emerging trends in taxonomy. In and white transparencies. His students Inst. Sci., 1950, B17, 403–411. World Fungi: 1. Taxonomy, 2007, pp. 4. Subramanian, C. V., Studies on South 119–121. consider themselves fortunate to have Indian Fusaria IV. The ‘wild type’ in 21. Jablonka, E. and Lamb, M. J., Epigenetic been groomed by him. Fusarium udum Butler. J. Indian Bot. Inheritance and Evolution: The Lamarc- Soc., 1950, 34, 29–36. kian Dimension, Oxford University Epilogue 5. Seifert, K., Morgan-Jones, G., Gams, W. Press, 1995, pp. 346. and Kendrick, B., The Genera of Hy- 22. Hawksworth, D. L., Monitoring and Reminiscing his younger days, Subrama- phomycetes, CBS Biodiversity Series 9, safeguarding fungal resources world- nian told us once that his alma mater, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2011, pp. 981. wide: the need for an international col- Presidency College, Madras, accommo- 6. Subramanian, C. V., Hyphomycetes: laborative MycoActionPlan. Fungal dated people of all backgrounds, without Taxonomy and Biology, Academic Press Divers., 2003, 13, 29–45. Inc., London, 1983, pp. 502. 23. Subramanian, C. V., Tropical mycology: prejudice of caste, creed and wealth, that 7. Subramanian, C. V., Conidium ontogeny. future needs and development. Curr. is ‘unification of language, culture and Curr. Sci., 1972, 41, 619–624. Sci., 1982, 51, 321–325. the arts’, in a true sense. CVS not only 8. Subramanian, C. V., The phialide. In 24. Subramanian, C. V., Progress in applied had a great liking for classical Carnatic Taxonomy of Fungi Imperfecti (ed. Ken- mycological research in the tropics. music, but could play an instrument also drick, W. B.), University of Toronto Proc. Indian Acad. Sci., Plant Sci., 1986, (mridangam – a percussion instrument). Press, 1971, pp. 92–111. 96, 333–392. He would not miss performances of great 9. Subramanian, C. V., Conidial chains, 25. Subramanian, C. V., Tropical mycology musicians especially in the annual music their nature and significance in the tax- and biotechnology. Curr. Sci., 1992, 63, festival in Chennai. onomy of Hyphomycetes. Curr. Sci., 167–172. Along with his wife, Srimathi Sub- 1972, 41, 43–49. 26. Janardhanan, K. K., Rajendran, C., Nata- 10. Subramanian, C. V., Phialidic hyphomy- rajan, K. and Hawksworth, D. L. (eds), balakshmi (= Lakshmi, to his mycologist cetes and their teleomorphs: an analysis. Tropical Mycology, Science Pub. Inc, and scientist friends), CVS now lives in In The Whole Fungus (ed. Kendrick, W. 1997, p. 315. Nungambakkam, Chennai. Subbalakshmi B.), National Museum of Canada, has played host to students and col- Ottawa, 1979, pp. 125–151. ACKNOWLDGEMENTS. We thank the leagues and other friends. Kind and 11. Subramanian, C. V. and Reddy, K. R. C., students, friends and well-wishers of CVS compassionate, resourceful and prag- The genus Discosia. I, taxonomy. who furnished additional inputs on his life matic, she has remained an affectionate Kavaka, 1974, 2, 57–89. and activities. life companion in all his doings. She has 12. Subramanian, C. V., The perfect states of Aspergillus. Curr. Sci., 1972, 41, 755– travelled widely and CVS has dedicated 1, 761. D. JAYARAMA BHAT * Hyphomycetes. Taxonomy and Biology to 2 13. Subramanian, C. V. and Sekar, G., J. MUTHUMARY her! Their two sons, C. S. Venkatacha- 3 Coronophorales from India. A mono- C. RAJENDRAN 4 lam and C. S. Seshadri, are engineers. graph. Kavaka, 1990, 18, 19–91. S. RAGHU KUMAR 5 Influenced largely by Swami Viveka- 14. Huhndorf, S. M., Miller, A. N. and Fer- B. P. R. VITTAL nanda and many great men of science, nandez, F. A., Molecular systematics of the life and thought of Subramanian are the Coronophorales and new species of 1Formerly at Department of Botany, influenced both by Vedanta, the ancient Bertia, Lasiobertia and Nitschkia. Mycol. Goa University, Res., 2004, 108, 1384–1398. Indian philosophy, and modern science. Goa 403 206, India His current interests focus on the role of 15. Spatafora, J. W., Hughes, K. W. and 2 Blackwell, M., A phylogeny for kingdom Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, internal factors in evolution. Astutely University of Madras, Guindy Campus, philosophical, an avid reader and keen fungi. Deep Hypha Issue. Mycologia, 2006, 98, 829–1103. Chennai 600 005, India 3 observer that he is, CVS spends his time 16. Ellis, M. B., Dematiaceous hyphomy- Formerly at Medical Mycology in the enjoyment of literature, philoso- cetes, Commonwealth Mycological Insti- Laboratory, phy, science and music. He concludes: tute, Kew, UK, 1971, p. 608. National Centre for Disease Control, ‘Mine is a life of learning … learning in 17. Ellis, M. B., More Dematiaceous hypho- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, enjoyment, from students, with students, mycetes, Commonwealth Mycological New Delhi 110 054, India the never ending pursuit.’ Institute, Kew, UK, 1976, 507 pp. 4Myko Tech Pvt Ltd, 18. Subramanian, C. V., A re-assessment of Mapusa Industrial Estate, Sporidesmium (Hyphomycetes) and some

Mapusa-Goa 403 507, India related taxa. Proc. Indian Natl. Sci. 5 1. Subramanian, C. V., Hyphomycetes, Acad., 1992, B58, 179–190. Formerly at Centre for Advanced ICAR, New Delhi, 1971, pp. 930. 19. Shenoy, B. D., Jeewon, R., Wu, W. P., Studies in Botany, 2. Subramanian, C. V., Soil conditions and Bhat, D. J. and Hyde, K. D., Ribosomal University of Madras, Guindy Campus, wilt diseases in plants with special refer- and RPB2 DNA sequence analyses sug- Chennai 600 005, India ence to Fusarium vasinfectum on cotton. gest that Sporidesmium and morphologi- *e-mail: [email protected]

Edited by R. Srinivasan, and printed & published by G. Madhavan for Current Science Association, Bangalore 560 080. Typeset by WINTECS Typesetters (Ph: 2332 7311), Bangalore and Printed at Printek Printers, Bangalore (Ph: 2328 7763)

1444 CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 106, NO. 10, 25 MAY 2014