Area Coordinator: Dr Chandra Sekhar Mohanty
The "Plant Genetic Resources and Improvement" division of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute aims to enhance the genetic improvement of underutilized, ornamental, and industrial crops such as opium poppy, cannabis, Chrysanthemum and linseed for further use.
The "Plant Genetic Resources and Improvement" division of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute aims to enhance the genetic improvement of underutilized, ornamental, and industrial crops such as opium poppy, cannabis, Chrysanthemum and linseed for further use.
In opium poppy, success have been achieved in isolating stable lines with high levels of thebaine, narcotine and oripavine content. Earlier, we have also released two developed thebaine-rich varieties Ayush (NBIHT-3), Abha (NBMHT-4) and a high opium yielding variety Madakini for commercial cultivation. We have also worked for a high-yielding opium variety for its commercial cultivation. Molecular breeding efforts, are being carried out for the Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to identify trait-associated genes and loci linked to functional traits of importance. A huge collection of germplasm has been carried out from different parts of India and maintained at CSIR-NBRI garden for developing Cannabis varieties that are rich in fiber and cannabidiol (CBD) with low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Furthermore, genetic mapping and consensus mapping to dissect Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) and their hotspots are under investigation. Large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) data to identify haplotype blocks associated with various traits of Cannabis chemotypes are underway. Notably, we have successfully assembled the Cannabis genome and identified isoforms of key cannabinoid genes through isoform sequencing. Along with these initiatives, we are also conducting flow cytometry-based genome and ploidy estimations of various industrial crops of importance.
The group is also working on linseed/flax- a dual purpose crop for oil and fiber. Understanding the genetic mechanism of quantitatively inherited traits and identification of trait associated markers for marker assisted breeding (MAB) through QTL mapping and genome wide association studies in linseed is the major focus area of research.
We have a gamma-ray irradiation facility to develop new mutant crop varieties. We have developed large number of varieties of Chrysanthemum through Ƴ-ray induced mutations for new petal pigments, shape and more floriferous nature. During last 5 years, we have released 3 new garden Chrysanthemum mutant varieties i.e. ‘NBRI-Pukhraj’, ‘NBRI-Shekhar’ and ‘NBRI-Swadheen75’ with novel variations in the floral ornamental characteristics. We are also developing hybrid Gladiolus varieties with novel floral characteristics and for resistance towards the wilt disease using germplasm resources. In roses, efforts are being done to make new hybrids to incorporate fragrance into cut-flower HT/floribunda roses.
The group is also working for mapping, collection, mapping and improvement of underutilized legumes through conventional and modern approaches. Targeting various nutrients and anti-nutrients the specific biochemical pathway of synthesis and their manipulation is targeted for improvement in these underutilized legumes. Nutrient optimization and utilization for accelerating plant metabolism and enhancing productivity and off-season flowering and fruiting is targeted through modern hydroponic and aeroponic cultivation techniques.
The division's multifaceted approach to plant genetic resources emphasizes the importance of genetic improvement in addressing the modern day agricultural challenges. By utilizing advanced techniques such as molecular breeding, GWAS, and NGS, the division aims to enhance crop productivity with reference to metabolites. The ongoing projects not only focus on economically important crops but also explore underutilized species, thus contributing to biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices. The integration of modern genomic tools holds promise for significant advancements in crop improvement, ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability in the future.
