Consortium Research Platform on Genomics

ICAR-National Institute of Plant Biotechnology (NIPB), New Delhi

Molecular technique and Genomics have made great impact in crop improvement research. Whole genome sequencing of priority crops will stimulate molecular breeding for abiotic and biotic stress tolerance/resistance, yield, quality traits, with practical ramifications extending to improvement of biological processes key to productivity, economic yield and ecologically-safe production practices. Overall, economic and societal impacts of whole genome sequencing of priority crops will be compelling on both national and international scales. High throughput genomics is a promising approach in holistic manner for DNA profiling, high throughput genotyping, genome wide association mapping and gene/allele mining for rapid identification and determining the functions of genes associated with key traits such as biotic and abiotic stresses, agronomic, yield and quality traits which has potential application in crop plant improvement programs through marker-assisted selection and genetic engineering. Further, it also offers scope for metabolite profiling to identify metabolic pathways for desired traits. Realizing the immense potential high throughput genomics, concerted efforts are essential for improvement of crop plants at national level.

Objective

1. Structural genomics analysis of Gaur, black gram and wild species of pigeonpea for developing reference genomes leading to variant identification of key genes underlying important adaptive traits
2. Identification and mapping of genes/QTLs related to important traits like water logging tolerance /seed yield traits in Gaur/pigeonpea/black gram

Research targets/activities

Cluster bean/Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba [L]. Taub)

1. 1. Gene/Marker/Metabolite identification for yield traits/waterlogging
2. 2. Resequencing of guar genotype and Pan-genomics

Black Gram /Urad bean (Vigna mungo L.)

8. 1. Identification of genes and associated genomic region governing seeds quality yield.
9. 2. To develop SNP linkage map.
10. 3. 3. To develop initiative databases for genomic resources generated.