Dr. Ramudu Jujjuvarapu
Head of the Department, Department of Botany
Dr. Lakireddy Hanimireddy Government Degree College, Mylavaram, NTR District, Andhra Pradesh, PIN -521230
Dr. Jujjuvarapu Ramudu is presently working as a Lecturer in Botany at Dr. Lakireddy Hanimireddy Government Degree College, Mylavaram, NTR District, Andhra Pradesh. He is a distinguished Plant Taxonomist and Orchid Biologist with extensive research experience in the taxonomy, molecular biology, conservation, and phytochemistry of Indian orchids. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2015 from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, for his research work entitled “Morphological and Molecular Studies in some Indian Epidendroideae (Orchidaceae)”. His doctoral research significantly contributed to the understanding of orchid diversity and systematics in India. Dr. Ramudu has studied nearly 60 orchid species, including several rare, endemic, and endangered orchids from the Eastern and Western Ghats of India. His research interests include orchid biodiversity, DNA barcoding, molecular taxonomy, conservation biology, and phytochemical characterization. He has made significant contributions to scientific literature through the publication of one book on Indian orchids, more than 12 book chapters, over 20 research papers, and six patent publications. He has also served as Executive Editor for two edited books, contributing to the dissemination of scientific knowledge in plant sciences and biodiversity conservation. In addition, he has successfully organized three National Seminars and actively promotes botanical research and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Ramudu is currently serving as the Principal Investigator of two major research projects, namely “DNA Bar-coding of Endemic and Endangered Orchids from Eastern Ghats of India: A Molecular Method of Species Identification”, funded by RUSA 2.0, Government of Andhra Pradesh, with a grant of ₹5 lakhs, and “Biodiversity of Orchids from the Eastern Ghats of India with Reference to Molecular and Phytochemical Characterization”, funded by DST-ANRF, Government of India, with a grant of ₹31 lakhs. His outstanding contributions to science and biodiversity conservation have earned him several prestigious recognitions, including the INSA Visiting Scientist Award from the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi (2025), the V.S. Ramdas Young Scientist Award from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur (2017/2018), the Eminent Scientist Award from NESA, New Delhi (2025), and the Best Biodiversity Conserver Award from the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati (2026). Through his dedicated efforts in teaching, research, publication, and conservation, Dr. Ramudu has emerged as one of the leading orchid researchers in India, making significant contributions to the documentation, molecular characterization, and conservation of the country's rich orchid diversity.