Bougainvillea
Standardized chimera management to isolate pure mutant tissues; induced novel bract variegations and compact growth forms.
Cultivating Beauty, Advancing Science.
Dr. B. K. Banerji is an internationally renowned scientist in floriculture and plant genetics. Over a distinguished four-decade career at the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, he has advanced the frontiers of mutation breeding and laid the foundation for modern ornamental horticulture.
About
Scientific rigor, lifelong dedication.
With a Ph.D. in Botany from Kanpur University, Dr. Banerji joined CSIR–NBRI in 1974 and dedicated 44 years to advancing ornamental horticulture. Rising from Junior Research Fellow to Deputy Director and Head of the Floriculture Division, his work combined scientific precision with a passion for beauty in nature.
- Specialization
- Floriculture • Plant Genetics • Mutation Breeding • Hybridization
- Institutions
- CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI)
- Tenure
- 1974–2018 (44 years)
Research Highlights
Mutation breeding & hybridization across ornamental species
Slides spotlight key flowers. Each card summarizes a core contribution and shows a representative cultivar image.
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Chrysanthemum
Developed a series of registered cultivars through mutation breeding and hybridization; improved color range and flower form.
Dahlia
Introduced a novel cultivar demonstrating stable trait fixation under field conditions.
Gladiolus
Generated spikes with improved floret arrangement via mutation breeding; standardized protected cultivation practices.
Hibiscus
Selected lines with enhanced pigment patterns; contributed protocols for trait stabilization across seasons.
Rose
Co-authored 'The Complete Book of Roses' (2010); advanced evaluation frameworks for garden and cut-rose performance.
Marigold
Optimized lines for intense carotenoid expression and uniform capitulum form.
Tuberose
Work on fragrance-rich spikes and post-harvest protocols for vase-life improvement.
Bougainvillea
Standardized chimera management to isolate pure mutant tissues; induced novel bract variegations and compact growth forms.
Chrysanthemum
Developed a series of registered cultivars through mutation breeding and hybridization; improved color range and flower form.
Dahlia
Introduced a novel cultivar demonstrating stable trait fixation under field conditions.
Gladiolus
Generated spikes with improved floret arrangement via mutation breeding; standardized protected cultivation practices.
Hibiscus
Selected lines with enhanced pigment patterns; contributed protocols for trait stabilization across seasons.
Rose
Co-authored 'The Complete Book of Roses' (2010); advanced evaluation frameworks for garden and cut-rose performance.
Marigold
Optimized lines for intense carotenoid expression and uniform capitulum form.
Tuberose
Work on fragrance-rich spikes and post-harvest protocols for vase-life improvement.
Cultivars
Showcase of developed and registered selections
Hover a card to reveal a short note. Counts are shown where complete lists are pending.
Bougainvillea
8 registered cultivarsLos Banos Variegata
Gamma-ray induced mutant registered with IARI/IAEA.
Los Banos Variegata Silver Margin
Gamma-ray induced mutant with distinctive silver variegation.
Mahara Variegata
Gamma-ray induced mutant with stable variegated foliage.
Mahara Variegata Abnormal Leaf
Gamma-ray induced mutant; abnormal leaf form fixed across seasons.
Pallavi
Gamma-ray induced mutant noted for vivid bracts.
Los Banos Variegata Jayanthi
EMS (chemical) induced mutant; variegation stabilized.
Pixie Variegata
EMS (chemical) induced dwarf mutant with striking variegation.
Abhimanyu
Bud sport; improved branching and bract coloration.
Chrysanthemum
25 registered cultivarsDetailed list forthcoming.
Dahlia
1 cultivarDetailed list forthcoming.
Gladiolus
2 cultivarsDetailed list forthcoming.
Hibiscus
1 cultivarDetailed list forthcoming.
Rose
2 cultivarsDetailed list forthcoming.
Marigold
Multiple linesDetailed list forthcoming.
Tuberose
Fragrance linesDetailed list forthcoming.
Publications
Selected publications & scholarly output
Explore research across mutation breeding, hybridization, protected cultivation, and floral crafts.
250+
Research Papers
12
Reviews
10
Book Chapters
45
Popular Articles
35
Conference Papers
1
Books
The Complete Book of Roses
S. K. Bhattacharjee & B. K. Banerji • 2010 • Aavishkar Publishers, Jaipur
531 pages with 160 colour plates — comprehensive reference on rose taxonomy, cultivation, and evaluation.
Research Paper
Chimera management in Bougainvillea for isolation of pure mutant tissue
Genetics & Plant Breeding
Standardized method to avoid diplontic selection and fix variegation.
Research Paper
Induced mutation breeding in ornamental crops: colour and form diversification
Ornamental Horticulture Research
Review
Mutation breeding of ornamentals: progress and perspectives
Review Article
Summary of approaches across Bougainvillea, Chrysanthemum, Hibiscus, and more.
Book Chapter
Frameworks for evaluation of garden and cut-rose performance
Horticultural Science Chapters
Conference Paper
Cost-effective protected cultivation for Gerbera
Proceedings of Horticulture Symposium
Popular Article
Dehydrated flowers and floral crafts: techniques for enthusiasts
Popular Horticulture Magazine
Awards & Recognition
Honours & distinctions
Celebrating national and international recognition for contributions to floriculture and ornamental plant research.
Peer Recognition Award
Bougainvillea Society of India • 2013
Honored for outstanding contributions to bougainvillea breeding and floriculture at Buddha Jayanti Park, New Delhi.
Fellowship of the Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture
Indian Society of Ornamental Horticulture • 2017
ISOH Fellowship conferred for significant contributions and commitment to R&D in ornamental horticulture, Dimapur, Nagaland.
Projects & Collaborations
National projects & international collaborations
Research initiatives funded by India’s leading scientific bodies, alongside international exchanges and collaborations.