NBRI names gladiolus variety after botanist behind herbal gulal | Lucknow News
Lucknow: As a tribute to noted botanist and its former director, the National Botanical Research Institute has named a new gladiolus variety after Palpu Pushpangadan. Pushpangadan, a noted ethnobiologist and Padma Shri awardee, served as the NBRI director from 1999 to 2006. It was during his tenure that NBRI launched ‘herbal gulal’ which became an instant hit across the globe. Under his guidance, the institute also developed various herbal formulations, including products for skin disorders, digestive health, and health drinks.The new gladiolus variety, ‘NBRI-Pushpangadan’, will be unveiled on Sunday during the institute’s annual flower show which began on Saturday. Pushpangadanwho passed away in Dec last year at the age of 81.“Palpu Pushpangadan published over 500 research papers/articles in national and international journals, authored/edited 26 books, contributed chapters in books on topics like taxonomy, plant breeding, conservation biology, biotechnology, ethnobiology,” said NBRI director Ajit Kumar Shasany.He said ‘NBRI-Pushpangadan’ is a novel, high-value gladiolus variety suitable for commercial cut flower production. Shasany said the variety has been developed through controlled hybridization, using ‘Neelima’ (purple-coloured) and ‘Yellowstone’ (yellow-coloured), followed by systematic selection for superior floral quality and yield traits.He said its ornamental spikes and attractive colour is suitable for cut flower production and floriculture trade.
