Biotechnological Interventions for Vegetable Improvement
The Division of Vegetable Improvement at ICAR-IIVR has established a robust biotechnology research programme encompassing transgenics, genome editing, molecular breeding, multi-omics approaches, and microbial bioinput development to address critical challenges in vegetable crop improvement.
Genome Editing for Precision Breeding
The division has pioneered CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in vegetables, developing edited tomato lines targeting the Pelota gene for ToLCV resistance with stable inheritance in T₃ generation. Constructs for ChiLCV resistance in chilli through eIF4E gene modification and enhanced TSS in tomato through SlINVINH1 and SlVPE5 gene editing have been developed.
In muskmelon, CmNAC-NOR and CmACO-1 genes are being targeted for delayed ripening, while CmMLO modification addresses Fusarium wilt resistance. These precision breeding approaches offer regulatory advantages while delivering targeted genetic improvements.
Transgenic Development
Under the AINP on Transgenic Crops, Bt brinjal lines expressing Cry1Aa3 and Cry1Ac genes have been advanced through multiple generations, demonstrating high fruit borer larval mortality in bioassays.
For abiotic stress tolerance, transgenic tomato lines expressing AtDREB1A and BcZAT12 genes for drought, salt, and heat tolerance have been developed, offering solutions for climate-resilient vegetable production.
Molecular Breeding
Marker-assisted breeding is employed for pyramiding disease resistance genes including Ty-2, Ty-3 for ToLCV, Ph-3 for late blight, and Mi-1 for nematode resistance in tomato.
Downy mildew resistance QTLs are being introgressed into cucumber, while QTL mapping for multi-flowering trait is underway in vegetable pea. ToLCNDV resistance sources have been identified in cucurbits.
Multi-Omics Research
Comparative proteomics of tomato challenged with Alternaria solani revealed upregulation of defense-related proteins including t-SNARE, glucan endo-1,3-β-D-glucosidase, and pathogenesis-related proteins.
Metabolomic profiling of heat-tolerant tomato identified biomarkers such as lycopene, chlorogenic acid, tomatidine, and α-tocotrienol associated with enhanced antioxidant activity.
Microbial Biofertilizer and Biostimulant Development
Microbial inoculants including BC6 and AzoBC bacterial consortia have been developed in liquid, powder, and granule formulations to enhance nutrient availability and plant growth.
Biostimulant formulations such as GrowVit, GrowVit+, and SalAscoVit promote plant vigour, nutritional quality, and stress resilience, supporting sustainable and natural farming initiatives.
Sign up with Google