Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Plant Genomic Lab Activity at Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology__

The availability of a large number of genetically anchored DNA markers has allowed us to study genome organization and evolution in Agricultural crops especially polyploid cotton and the inheritance of traits important to cotton production. Some of our current Research Projects activities are listed below.

1. Estimation of Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic relationship.

The main goal of research in Plant Genomics lab is to assess and analyze the degree of genetic diversity among different genotypes and varieties of different economical crops such as wheat, cotton, rice, citrus, mango etc. Microsatellite molecular marker (SSR) techniques are used to evaluate and characterize diversity and phylogenetic relationship among them.
       2.  Molecular Breeding, QTLs Mapping and Genetic dissection of Quantitative traits in Polyploid cotton

Genome Mapping lab is engaged in to identify and characterize QTLs particularly for abiotic stresses, e.g. salinity, drought, heat and water stress. The aim of molecular breeding program is to improve productivity, quality, sustainability, to drought, heat, water stress cotton germplasm. Utilizing molecular markers for assisting breeding and mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for important traits and using proper statistical analysis tools such as QTLs map maker and QTL cartrographer to associate markers linked to candidate genes.

3.  Phenotypic and molecular screening of Cotton germplasm for resistance to leaf curl Disease (CLCcD) and QTLs Identification for CLCcD.

Cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD), a major threat to the cotton industry, has a complex etiology. Despite the identification and involvement of Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV, genus Begomovirus) and additional different satellite DNA molecules termed as DNA b and DNA 1 with CLCuD, the precise causative agents appear to be unclear. Our research group extensively involved in Phenotypic and molecular screening of Cotton germplasm for resistance to leaf curl Disease (CLCuD) and QTLs Identification for CLCuD.