K. AnnapurnaK. Annapurna formerly headed the Division of Microbiology at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. A pioneering researcher in the molecular ecology of legume–Rhizobium symbiosis, Azospirillum, and plant growh-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), she initiated work on the rhizobial genetic diversity of soybean and led whole-genome sequencing of new soybean and chickpea root-nodule strains. She developed a PCR-based marker for rapid identification of slow-growing soybean root-nodulating bacteria and demonstrated the tripartite interactions among legume plants, Rhizobium, and rhizobacteria. Her work on endophytes and soil metagenomics has identified potent biocontrol agents, including Paenibacillus polymyxa HKA 15, which reduced charcoal rot in soybean by almost 80%. Her current work examines how bioinoculants shape soil microbial community diversity and structure. She has held visiting positions at institutions in the USA, Australia, China, Turkey, and the UK, and her awards include recognition as a Woman Leader in Biosciences by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Read More Read Less