Consortium Research Platform on Genomics

1. ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi

2. Indian Institutes of Horticulture Research (IIHR), Bengaluru

With the growing, demand for horticulture products is gradually increasing. Latest genomic technologies can be effectively used in horticulture crop improvement programmes. This will enhance our understanding of structural and functional aspects of selected horticulture crops. This would also help to integrate basic knowledge and information that can enhance our ability to improve plants to our benefits in short span of time. The project is proposed to be initiated in selected horticulture crop species, as 'genomics-assisted breeding' will be a reality for the development of new horticulture crop varieties.

The present molecular breeding methods are more suited for manipulating a few major effect genes than many small effect genes. However, these small effect genes underlie the complex polygenic traits that are crucial for the success of the new crop varieties. The other major constraints are the insufficient genomic resources in several of our horticulture crops and an equally insufficient large-scale phenotyping and genotyping facilities. While researchers and institute are making localized efforts to address these problems, a concerted effort to create an infrastructure and capability for precision genotyping and phenotyping will significantly contribute in addressing these challenges. In order to address these gaps, newer initiatives based on modern genomic approaches are needed. Therefore, it is proposed to achieve this goal through a co-ordinated effort on a consortium mode. The emphasis of this consortium is on adopting molecular breeding and genomic approaches in a few selected horticulture crops.

Objective

1. Development of reference chromosomes level genome assemblies of methi (Trigonella Foenum-graecum) and Kasuri methi, Okra, Custard Apple.
2. Identification and mapping of genes/networks for determinacy trait, powdery mildew resistance and diosgenin biosynthesis.
3. Development of a pan Genome of available Methi and Kasuri Methi genotypes for identification of genic variants/superior alleles for traits under study
4. To develop SNP/SSR marker data base and linkage map Okra, Custard Apple and Drumstick.

Research targets/activities

1. Development of reference chromosomes level genome assemblies of Methi (Trigonella Foenum-graecum) and Kasuri Methi.(ICAR-NBPGR)
2. Identification and mapping of genes/networks for determinacy trait, powdery mildew resistance and diosgenin biosynthesis.(ICAR-NBPGR)
3. Development of a pan Genome of available Methi and Kasuri Methi genotypes for identification of genic variants/superior alleles for traits under study.(ICAR-NBPGR)
4. To develop linkage map Okra, Custard Apple and Drumstick (ICAR-IIHR)
5. To develop SNP/SSR marker data base to above crops. (ICAR-IIHR)
6. To develop whole genome sequence of Okra and Custard Apple and GWAS in Drumstick. (ICAR-IIHR)