Consortium Research Platform on Genomics

ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), Bangalore

The 5k initiative, also known as the 5000 Insect Genomic Project and the goal of the project is to sequence the genomes of 5,000 insects and other arthropods during the next five years to gain a better understanding of insect better management that pose threats to crops, human health, food supply and economic security. Further, gene assembly for more than 70 insects is going on globally. However, there is no such work going on in India. Therefore, understanding the genetic organization of select insect and nematode species related to the Indian context is identified promising area. For species where no prior genomics information is not available, de-novo gene assembly is the way forward. For the de-novo assembly the following insect/nematode species have been identified.

Objectives

1. Whole genome sequencing and de novo assembly of agriculturally important insect species.
2. Stage specific transcriptome sequencing and gene expression studies.

Research targets/activities

1. Sequencing and assembly of whole genome and transcriptome.

2. Bactrodecera Spp. Expression analysis of genes isolated to host finding and pesticide tolerance.