Dr. Sharma's research includes cereal protoplast, cell and tissue culture systems, callus initiation, plant regeneration, the process of morphogenesis, and developing gene introduction and plant transformation methodologies.
Current emphasis is on cereals and pines.
His work in this area has included somatic embryogenesis, genotypic effects on callus initiation and plant regeneration, and detection of morphogenic events that lead to whole plant formation from undifferentiated tissues. Past research includes host plant resistance, plant breeding and genetics, evaluation of controlled-release fertilizers for high value crops, and evaluation of biochemical differences in edible plants.