For official use only

Proceedings of the XVRESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEEMEETING

23-24 July 2013

National Bureau of Plant Genetic ResourcesNew Delhi-110 012

ContentsPage(s

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Proceedings of XV meeting of RAC 1-4

Annexure-1: List of participants i-ii

Annexure-2: Agenda items i

Annexure-3: Programme i-ii

Annexure-4: ATR on recommendations of XIV RAC meeting

i-v

Annexure-5: Mandate, activities, significant accomplishments and new initiatives of various Divisions/Units/ Regional Station

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Proceedings of the XV Meeting of the Research Advisory Committee for the NBPGR, held at New Delhi on 23-24 July 2013

Fifteenth meeting of the RAC, NBPGR was held in New Delhi on 23-24July 2013 under the chairmanship of Dr, R.S. Rana. The following members were present:

Dr. R.S. Rana : ChairmanDr. A.K. Tyagi : MemberDr. P.N. Mathur : MemberDr. K.D. Srivastava : MemberDr. J.S. Chauhan : MemberDr. K.C. Bansal : MemberDr. I.S. Bisht : Member Secretary

Two members, Dr.V.A. Parthasarthy and Dr. Ranjini Warrier, had sought leave of absence. The meeting was also attended by all the Heads of Divisions/ Units/ Cells at the main campus and the Officers-in-Charge of the Regional Stations as special invitees as listed in Annex-1. The Agenda and programme of the meeting are attached as Annex-2 and 3.

Dr. K.C. Bansal, Director, NBPGR, welcomed the Chairman and other Members of RAC and made a comprehensive presentation highlighting the Bureau’s significant accomplishments during 2012-13 and some recent new initiatives. He also briefly mentioned Bureau’s proposals under the 12th Plan drawing attention to the two Consortia Research Platforms (CRPs), one on Agrobiodiversity and the other on Genomics.

In his introductory remarks, the Chairman appreciated the wide acceptance of the RAC’s renewed focus on the NBPGR functioning essentially as the ICAR’s lead service-oriented research institution for managing plant genetic resources component of India’s agro-biodiversity with top priority assigned to core activities including augmenting and exchanging plant genetic resources, their characterization and documentation leading to their conservation in the National Gene Bank, and their greater use through the network of National Active Germplasm Sites while employing modern tools and techniques of molecular biology. He pleaded strongly for the Bureau to be playing a more proactive role in addressing policy issues related to managing agricultural biodiversity, both at the national and international levels, and also organizing policy dialogues on the pattern adopted for the 1993 Dialogue on ‘Plant Genetic Resources in India – Developing National Policy Options’. Dr Rana also pointed out the need for greater and more efficient functioning of the inter-divisional linkages spanning Bureau’s key activities beginning with the collection and introduction of new plant genetic resources, their proper documentation and systematic accessioning, long-term conservation and ready availability to the users.

Dr. A. K. Tyagi drew attention to the enormous potential of biotech tools and techniques, including the use of genetic markers in promoting use of the collected germplasm and commended the Bureau’s initiatives in this direction. Dr. P.N. Mathur referred to the project on strengthening of custodian farmers that aims at providing support to the on-

farm conservation of agro-biodiversity as a complementary strategy since it allows crops’ evolutionary processes to continue and provides an opportunity for continuing genetic adaptation to climate change. Dr. K.D. Srivastava pointed out the importance and urgent need for developing domestic quarantine system with a view to restricting the spread of pests from one affected state to other parts of the country. Dr. J.S. Chauhan complimented Bureau’s spearheading the country’s PGR management activities and emphasized on continued support of NBPGR in making the desired germplasm available to breeders’ and other researchers for use in crop improvement programmes. He also appreciated the unprecedented collaboration developed and led by the Bureau for screening of wheat and chickpea collections at carefully selected locations, in partnership with state agricultural universities.

Recorded minutes of the previous meeting of the RAC, held at New Delhi on 25-26 July 2012 were then considered and adopted.

Dr. I.S. Bisht, Member Secretary RAC, presented the Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the XIV RAC meeting, as attached in Annex-4. The presentation was interactive and comments/considered views of the Chairman, RAC and other members on various items were duly received and deliberated upon by all the participants. It was noted that the actions already initiated on several recommendations required some more time to complete the intended tasks and follow up action would be reported to the subsequent RAC meetings.

Brief presentations were then made by all the Heads of Divisions/ Units/ Technical Cells located at the main campus and the OICs of all the ten Regional Stations, listing the objectives, mandated activities, outstanding accomplishments and proposed new initiatives while also stating major constraints faced by them. Highlights of these presentations are provided in Annex-5. The RAC took due note of all these interactive presentations and follow up discussions for developing its recommendations.

Concluding Session

A special discussion on NBPGR’s Vision 2050 document was organized during the concluding Session when several useful inputs were provided by the participants including the suggestion for further streamlining the contents and possibly prioritizing the major activities in successive 5-year cycles/plans. Further inputs were requested to be sent to Dr. Bisht within a month’s time.

All the RAC members then summed up their concerns and made suggestions in areas of their expertise, indicating priorities and emphasizing the follow up actions to their recommendations. The RAC Chairman thanked the Director for providing useful background information and extending all facilities to the RAC Team. He also acknowledged the valuable inputs provided by the Heads of Divisions/ Cells/ Units, working at the main campus, and also the OICs of all the Regional Stations. He reiterated that there was still considerable scope in further strengthening the linkages at different levels: among the Divisions, between the Divisions and the Regional Stations, between the Bureau and the NAGS, and also other stakeholders.

While concluding the meeting, Dr. Rana drew attention to some emerging opportunities for the Bureau’s scientists in accessing international funding by developing collaborative research projects in partnership with their counterparts working in international organizations, including the CGIAR institutions, and also involving scientists from national programmes in South Asia. As an illustration, he cited GEF funding available for projects designed to implement components of the Global Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for 2011-2020 and its Aichi Targets. He also expressed his high appreciation of the Bureau’s contributions towards developing India’s 5th National Report to CBD and also for preparing the agro-biodiversity component under the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the Chair.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Taking note of the considerable differences appearing between the number of germplasm accessions collected during plant explorations, bearing collectors’ ID numbers, and their number eventually conserved in the National Gene Bank (NGB), after assigning the IC numbers, RAC recommends that this disparity may be addressed on priority ensuring minimum loss of the collected germplasm during transit. This gap analysis will also help in identifying the germplasm samples that were collected but were somehow not available in NGB, pointing to the need for additional explorations to collect them again where feasible.

(Attention: HODs, Plant Exploration and Conservation; OIC, ARIS Cell)

2. With a view to promoting greater use of the accessions in NGB, RAC recommends that a complete inventory of trait specific germplasm introduced from exotic sources and also identified from screening of already available collections, under the on-going multilocation evaluation programme, be prepared and circulated among all institutions engaged in crop improvement programmes. Such designated accessions should be made readily available to breeders and other researchers for their effective use.

(Attention: HODs, Germplasm Conservation and Evaluation)

3. Appreciating the on-going programme on developing core sets of large base collections of selected crops and pre-breeding efforts, RAC recommends a critical re-look and procedural streamlining and effective coordination of these activities. The core sets should be developed through inter-divisional collaboration and need to be duly validated to ensure proper representation of the existing genetic (also, geographic) diversity. Likewise, pre-breeding work should have not only inter-divisional collaboration but also partnership with the concerned Crop Improvement Directorates/ All India Coordinated Projects.

(Attention: HODs/Units, Germplasm Evaluation, Conservation and Genomic Resources)

4. Welcoming the initiative taken under the NAIP Sub-project on Biodiversity for repatriation of ex situ conserved red rice germplasm from National Genebank to

project intervention sites at Chmaba, RAC recommends repatriation of germplasm collections of locally adapted crops to parts of Uttarakhand, ravaged by the recent natural disaster, to assist in speedy restoration of the local farming systems.

(Attention: HOD, Germplasm Conservation)

5. Recognizing that NBPGR alone cannot cope with the enormous responsibility for managing PGR at the national level and essentially requires a robust networking support system comprising its regional stations and national active germplasm sites, RAC recommends a paradigm shift in Bureau’s working based primarily on adopting an agro-eco zonal approach for fulfilling its national mandate and strengthening its networking partnerships. RAC also appreciates that success of this paradigm shift will largely depend upon the HODs assisting and monitoring activities of Regional Stations and NAGS assigned to them under an effective and efficient coordinating mechanism and recommends that the Council may also consider sanctioning a Joint Director’s position to assist the Director and play a lead role for this purpose with specific responsibility for capacity building, budget and programme planning and also guiding, supporting and monitoring of the working of Regional Stations as well as the National Active Germplasm Sites.

(Attention: Director’s Cell; OIC, PPU)

6. Considering that in-situ conservation of agricultural biodiversity (backed up by suitable ex-situ conservation facilities) needs to be made an integral part of all agricultural development planning programmes, RAC recommends that a sustained effort be undertaken to make agro-biodiversity conservation a basic component of adaptation strategy to climate change and institutional systems based on gene banks (ex-situ conservation) be broadened into an integrated agro-biodiversity management system that includes farmer based (in-situ on-farm) conservation.

(Attention: Director’s Cell/HoD Germplasm Conservation)

7. Agreeing to the proposal that a suitable domestic quarantine system in the country was urgently required to check the spread of pathogens and pests after their accidental entry in the country, RAC recommends that a proper action plan be developed for this purpose and pursued in close collaboration with the Union Ministry of Agriculture.

(Attention: Director’s Cell/Head, PQD)

8. Recognizing that NBPGR is expected to play a proactive lead role in addressing policy aspects of managing and use of agricultural biodiversity at both the national and international levels, RAC recommends that more attention be paid to developing policy options and country positions on relevant emerging issues by organizing national consultations/ policy dialogues and bringing out suitable publications to assist decision makers. RAC also recommends that a document on National Agro-biodiversity Policy, Strategy and Action Plan be prepared pointing out both short term and long term priorities and also listing the relevant implementing agencies/ departments/ organizations/ institutions.

(Attention: Director’s Cell; OIC, PPU)

(I.S. Bisht) (R.S. Rana)

Member Secretary Chairman, RAC

Annexure-1

List of Participants

RAC Members

1. Dr. R.S. RanaEx-Director, NBPGR; D-43, IndraPrastha Apartment, Sector-14, Rohini, New Dehi-110085

Chairman

2. Dr.Akhilesh Kumar TyagiDirector, National Institute of Plant Genomic Research, ArunaAsaf Ali Marg; P.O. Box No. 10531, New Delhi-110 067

Member

3. Dr. P.N. MathurCoordinator for South Asia Sub-Regional Office, Bioversity International, NASC, DPS Marg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012

Member

4. Dr. K.D. SrivastavaEx-Professor, IARI, House No. 23, Block No. 7, Sector 30-31, Springfield Colony, Faridabad-1211003, Haryana

Member

5. Dr. J.S. ChauhanAssistant Director General (Seed), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), KrishiBhavan, New Delhi – 110114

Member

6. Dr. K.C. BansalDirector, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110012

Member

7. Dr. I.S. BishtPrincipal Scientist & I/C Technical Cell, NBPGR, New Delhi-110 012

Member Secretary

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Special invitees

1. Dr. R. K. Tyagi, Head, Germplasm Conservation Division

2. Dr. P.C. Agarwal, Head, Plant Quarantine Division

3. Dr. M. Dutta, Head, Germplasm Evaluation Division

4. Dr. Roshini Nayar, Head (Acting), Plant Exploration & Collection Div.

5. Dr. G.J. Randhawa, Principal Scientist, Division of Genomic Resources

6. Dr. Rekha Chaudhary, OIC, Tissue Culture and Cryopreservation Unit

7. Dr. Pratibha Brahmi, OIC, Germplasm Exchange and Policy Unit

8. Dr. Sunil Archak, OIC, AKMU Lab.

9. Dr. N. Dikshit, OIC, NBPGR RS, Akola

10. Dr.S.K. Verma, OIC, NBPGR RS, Bhowali

11. Dr. D. Pani, OIC, NBPGR Base Centre, Cuttack

12. Dr. S.K. Chakrabarty, OIC, NBPGR RS, Hyderabad

13. Dr.Om Vir, OIC, NBPGR RS, Jodhpur

14. Dr. J.B. Tomar, OIC, NBPGR Base Centre, Ranchi

15. Dr. A.K. Mishra, NBPGR RS, Shillong

16. Dr. Sheikh M Sultan, OIC, NBPGR RS, Srinagar

17. Dr. N.K. Dwivedi, OIC, NBPGR RS, Thrissur

18. Dr. Shashi Bhalla, OIC, PME Cell

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Annexure-2

AGENDA ITEMS

XV Meeting of the RAC (NBPGR) NBPGR, New Delhi: 23-24 July 2013

1. Welcome and presentation on salient achievements since RAC-XIV meeting

Director, NBPGR

2. Opening Remarks Chairman and Members of the RAC

3.Confirmation of the minutes of the XIV RAC meeting, held on 25-26 July 2012, and Action Taken Report

Member Secretary, RAC

4. Presentation on current status of on-going research work, Constraints and Emerging issues

Divisions/ Units at NBPGR, New Delhi

5. Presentation on On-going research work, Constraints and Emerging issues

Regional Stations of NBPGR

6. Discussion and Recommendations All Divisions/ Units/ Cells, Regional Stations

7. Vision for the next 5 years Director, NBPGR

8.

9.

Discussion and Suggestions

Closing Remarks

All participants

Director, NBPGR

Members and Chairman, RAC

10. Vote of thanks Member Secretary, RAC

***

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Annexure-3

PROGRAMME XV Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting of NBPGR Venue: Dr. H. B. Singh Committee Room, NBPGR, New Delhi Date: 23-24 July 2013

23 July 2013 (Tuesday)

Opening Session

10:00 - 10:10 hrs : Welcome and presentation on salient achievements since RAC-XIV meeting

Director, NBPGR

10:10 - 10:50 hrs : Opening Remarks Chairman and Members of the RAC

10:50 - 11:30 hrs : Confirmation of the minutes of XIV RAC meeting, held on 25-26 July 2012, and Action Taken Report

Member Secretary, RAC

TEA [11:30 - 11:45 hrs]Presentation on current status of on-going research work, Constraints and Emerging

issues

11.45 – 14:40 hrs: Divisions/Units at NBPGR, New Delhi

11:45-12:00 hrs: Division of Plant Exploration and Collection

: Dr. Roshini Nayar, Head of Division (HOD)

12:00-12:15 hrs: Division of Plant Quarantine : Dr. P.C. Agarwal, HOD

12:15-12:30 hrs: Division of Germplasm Evaluation

: Dr. M. Dutta, HOD

12:30-12:45 hrs: Division of Germplasm Conservation

: Dr. R. K. Tyagi, HOD

12:45-13:00 hrs Division of Genomic Resources : Dr. K.V. Bhat, HOD

LUNCH [13:00 - 14:00 hrs]

14:00-14:15 hrs Tissue Culture and Cryopreservation Unit

: Dr. Rekha Chaudhury, Officer-in-Charge (OIC)

14:15-14:30 hrs Germplasm Exchange & Policy Unit

: Dr. Pratibha Brahmi, OIC

14:30-14:40 hrs AKMU : Dr. Sunil Archak, OIC

14:40-14:50 hrs AICRN on Under-utilized Crops : Dr. B.S. Phogat, Nodal Officer

14:50 - 16:30 hrs: Regional Stations of NBPGR

14:50-15:00 hrs Akola : Mr. A. Nizar

15:00-15:10 hrs Bhowali : Dr. S.K. Verma

15:10-15:20 hrs Cuttack : Dr. D. Pani

15:20-15:30 hrs Hyderabad : Dr. S.K. Chakrabarty

15:30-15:40 hrs Jodhpur : Dr. Omvir Singh

15:40-15:50 hrs Ranchi : Dr. J. B. Tomar

15:50-16:00 hrs Shillong : Dr. A.K. Mishra

16:00-16:10 hrs Shimla : Dr. J.C. Rana

16 :10-16:20 hrs Srinagar : Dr. Sheikh M Sultan

16:20-16:30hrs Thrissur : Dr. N.K. Dwivedi

24 July 2013 (Wednesday)

10.00 - 11.30 hrs :Open forum:Discussion on Bureau’s Research Programme All Participants

TEA [11:30 - 11:45 hrs]

11:45 - 12:00 hrs12:00 - 12:45 hrs12:45 - 12:55 hrs

:::

Plenary Session:Next 5 Years [NBPGR- XII Plan]ObservationsConcluding Remarks

Director, NBPGRMembers, RACChairman, RAC

12.55 - 13.00 hrs : Vote of thanks Member Secretary, RAC

LUNCH [13:00 - 14:00 hrs]

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Annexure-4

ATR on Recommendations of XIV RAC Meeting held at NBPGR on 25-26 July 2012

S. No.

Recommendation/ Action Point ATR

1. Speed-up action on the following recommendations made by the RAC-XIII meeting held in September, 2011.

All the 23 recommendations, made by the RAC-XIII meeting held in September, 2011 were accepted by the Council and marked to the Director for implementing. The following eleven recommendations were, however, not fully attended to owing primarily to the nature of the activities involved and, hence, the RAC reiterates its earlier recommendations and further recommends for speeding up action on those that were only partially implemented and to submit an action taken report for discussion in its next meeting.

Recommendation made by the RAC-XIII meeting

Action Pending ATR

1. Gap analysis of germplasm collected and conserved in the National Gene Bank.

The requested report has not yet been submitted to the RAC on actually conducting a gap analysis and its outcome. This item needs urgent attention of the Council/ Bureau.

Gap analysis work using available passport data has been completed in crops/crop groups like maize, millets, rapeseed-mustard, vegetables, and minor fruits. Gap analysis in germplasm collected vs. conserved was also initiated. In wheat, of the 5,930 collected 3,647 accessions have been conserved. Of the 2,283 accessions not conserved in LTS, 661 have no passport data.

2. Greater attention to conservation of wild relatives of crop plants.

RAC had recommended that a Committee comprising Heads of the Conservation and the Pl. Exploration Divisions and OICs of Shimla, Shillong and Thrissur may develop a Status Paper on the collection of wild relatives of crop plants and their availability in field gene banks and the NGB, along with suitable conservation action plan and put up in the next RAC meeting. The requested Status Paper has not yet been prepared and put up for discussion in the RAC meeting.

Information on collection status of CWR has been prepared. A total of 4,650 accessions of 37 major wild relatives were collected of which 1,680 accessions have been conserved so far in NGB. Problems related to misidentification, incomplete botanical identity (Oryza spp.), synonymy, etc. were noted.

3. Special attention to be given to collecting and conserving diversity in horticultural crops.

It was reported that NAB on Management of Genetic Resources had recommended that the responsibility of planning and coordinating specific explorations of all horticultural crops be delegated to IIHR, Bangalore. The matter was discussed by the RAC and it was recommended that NBPGR must remain associated with this effort and an action plan be prepared and made available to the RAC for further discussion.

While preparing five year Exploration Plan (2012-17), the matter has already been adequately addressed in consultation with IIHR. However, detailed report and passport data of explorations carried out by IIHR in collaboration with other horticultural institutes of ICAR during 2012-13 are yet to be received. IIHR has been duly requested to submit the same for further follow-up.

4. Improving the pace of flow from exploring & collecting to long term storage in the NGB.

The requested report has not yet been made available to the RAC for further discussion on this topic. This task needs to be accorded high priority.

Bottlenecks obstructing the pace of flow have been identified:

Facilities are to be created at NBPGR and its Regional Stations for multiplication/initial seed increase in case of cross-pollinated crops and CWR.

Modalities are being worked out for the conservation of seeds collected in low quantity (i.e. below Genebank requirements) especially of CWR, rare, endemic, threatened spp., etc.

List of CWR prepared where relaxation in sample size for LTS can be compromized.

The germplasm of species particularly of CWR which are difficult to multiply or have long juvenile phase should be conserved in cryo-bank as recommended by QRT.

IC numbers should be allotted before conservation (LTS).

5. Developing core sub-sets of the large base collections of 10 major crops.

A proper Status Report on the work already done, including validation of the core sets, needs to be made available to the RAC for further discussion.

Core sets were developed earlier in sesame, okra, brinjal and green gram. Recently mega programme on characterization has been under taken in wheat under NICRA and in chickpea with special support from the Council with a view to develop core sets in collaboration with SAUs. Core set development in wheat is almost complete while characterization data of chickpea accessions (6,500) for rabi 2012-13 is awaited. Once complete data is received,

core set development will be undertaken. The core set development by RS, Shimla in grain amaranth and French bean is at the final stage.

6. Validation of trait specific unique accessions for use by plant breeders.

Work on validation of the desirable unique traits is yet to begin. The prepared inventory needs to be printed at the earliest and made available for further discussion.

Validation of unique traits can only be taken up involving NAGS partners where facilities for such evaluations exist. Feedback on utilization of trait specific germplasm is rarely received. The matter would be duly addressed under Agrobiodiversity Platform of ICAR.A few pre-breeding initiatives of NBPGR involving wild species of chickpea and lentil has helped identification of desired traits and their subsequent use in germplasm enhancement.

7. Mass characterizing & screening of germplasm collections of prioritized 10 crops.

It was recommended that a Status Report be prepared and presented for discussion in the next RAC meeting. The Status Report is yet to be prepared and made available for further discussion.

The data on 4 prioritized crops of X Plan (rice, wheat, chickpea and pigeon pea) were compiled and trait specific promising accessions were identified for agronomic, important biotic, abiotic and quality traits. These were distributed in CD form during NAGS workshop held at NBPGR. The data on six more crops added during XI Plan (maize, rapeseed-mustard, lentil, brinjal, okra and Giloe) are in the process of compilation and analysis. During XII Plan the programme on detailed evaluation on six prioritized crops will be undertaken under the Agrobiodiversity Platform.Further, under NICRA, extensive evaluation data including biotic and abiotic stresses have been generated on entire genebank collection of wheat and chickpea. Beside agronomic evaluation, important trait specific evaluations for rust resistance, foliar diseases, terminal heat tolerance, etc. in wheat have been taken up.

8. Accelerating the pace of developing National Permafrost Conservation Facility.

Not much headway appears to have been made. There is need for assigning high priority to this task.

Deputy Chief Construction Engineer (DCCE), DRDO has visited Chang-La twice in July and September in 2012 and conducted the initial feasibility study and Chang-La was found as suitable location for constructing the NPR. Concept Project Report (CPR) has been submitted by DCCE to DRDO for seeking the approval of budgetary provisions (Rs 1.59 crores) to develop the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of NPR with estimated budget to conserve safety duplicates.

9. Strengthening partnership with NAGS

It was recommended that a Report be submitted to the next RAC on the functioning of the already identified 57 NAGS and rationalization of adding

A total of 88 institutions/ centres belonging to ICAR and SAUs have been shortlisted to be formally designated as NAGS. The list will be finalized once the responsibility of germplasm

more such sites. No specific report has yet been prepared submitted to the RAC for further discussion.

regeneration, maintenance and supply is assigned to different partners under the forthcoming Agrobiodiversity Platform.

10. Upgrading status of two Base Centres to Regional Stations.

There is no justification in not designating these two Base Centres as the Regional Stations when they are essentially discharging the same functions as the Regional Stations. The staff strength is not the consideration. The reality needs to be accepted and these Base Centres be designated as Regional Stations. In fact the Bureau has been naming them as Regional Stations in all its reports/ publications.

Communication with the Council is underway and response is awaited.

11. Allocating core budget to Divisions and regional Stations.

Funds still remain to be allocated and released to the Divisions/ Regional Stations.

Funds are being utilized as per delegated powers

2. Preparing National Atlas projecting National Agrobiodiversity Strategy and Action Plan based on the on-going and proposed biodiversity conserving activities under the XII Plan Platforms.

Considering that strength of the two platforms (among the 22 proposed by the Council during the XII Plan), with a focus on agrobiodiversity and genomics, will depend on how well and precisely they are prepared, RAC recommends that major attention be devoted to preparing a national atlas projecting the on-going, and also the proposed activities, in an integrated mode so as to present an All-India dimension across all the Bureaus, their regional stations and also the NAGS.

The NBPGR is expected to play a lead and pro-active role in preparing the proposed atlas projecting National Agrobiodiversity Strategy and action Plan and the RAC may provide suitable inputs and guidance as required.

Concept notes of CRPs: Agrobiodiversity and Genomics have been submitted to the Council and are pending approval. A workplan indicating defined roles and responsibilities of all participating institutions involving NBPGR Headquarters, its Regional Stations, and NAGS partners have been drafted and will be finalized once the Platforms are approved from the Council and budget outlay for XII Plan earmarked.

3. Inducting more scientific staff in key specialisations

Considering that there are 37 vacant positions of scientists and there is an urgent need to fill up these positions since the NBPGR is a service-oriented institution and its core service activities are under-performing because of the shortage of scientific staff, RAC recommends that these vacancies be filled by the Council on high priority. Also noting that there is acute shortage of scientific staff in some key disciplines, RAC further recommends that high priority be also accorded to adding more scientists with specialization in Economic Botany/Taxonomy and Genetics & Plant Breeding so as to strengthen the germplasm collecting and evaluation activities. Further, some positions including social science (like Agril. Economics, Sociology/Anthropology, Agril. Statistics), legal expert and computer science are also needed in view of the Bureau’s emerging lead role.

To fill-up the vacant positions of scientists, the proposal has already been sent to ICAR. A total of 14 positions of Senior Scientists and 19 positions of Scientists are to be filled.

A fresh review of cadre strength of NBPGR is also underway for future recruitments.

4. Increasing technical support to key service activities

Trained technicians, working under the guidance and supervision of scientists, form the backbone of key service activities of the Bureau. There are 119 sanctioned positions of technical staff for the NBPGR against which 94 are in position. RAC strongly recommends that the 25 vacant positions of the technical staff may be filled under a special drive and top priority to accelerate the pace and improve the output of Bureau’s research effort and services to the users of PGR.

For filling -up the vacant technical posts, the roster for the last ten years is being prepared and would be completed soon.

5. Developing inter-Divisional research projects

Convinced of the need of the Division of Germplasm Conservation and also of the Germplasm Evaluation Division for DNA profiling of some of their valuable seed samples, RAC recommends that suitable inter-divisional research projects be developed linking these Divisions to the NRC on DNA Fingerprinting (Division of Genomic Resources) for getting their needs met through collaborative research work.

There are 14 on-going institutional projects and 12 externally funded projects in Division of Genomic Resources (DGR). In 12 IRC projects and 7 externally funded projects, scientists from GCD, GED and other divisions as well institutes are associated for the last 5 years. The Division is ready to formulate IRC projects on any other thematic area not covered under these IRC projects to meet the scientific requirements and to address the other objectives. However, the projects centered on the basic approved activities of other divisions may be better addressed if such projects are initiated by them and DGR scientists are then assigned specific activities in such projects. But these projects/activities also require specific and substantial resource allocation which needs to be addressed at Administrative level.

6. Providing one more X-ray machine for the PQ Division

Keeping in view that an X-ray machine is urgently needed by the PQ Division for ensuring that only pest-free seed samples enter the LTS modules, RAC recommends early procurement of another X-ray screening machine for dedicated use for sanitary checking of seed samples meant for long term storage in the National Gene Bank.

Provision for a new X-Ray machine is kept under the XII Plan EFC (2012-2017) exclusively for X ray of material meant for LTS in National Genebank.

7. Restoring the status of the Germplasm Exchange Unit to the Germplasm Exchange Division.

Recalling that the Bureau arose originally from the Plant Introduction Division of the erstwhile Botany Division (now the Genetics Division) of the IARI and its major objective was introduction and exchange of plant genetic resources as reflected in its original name of the National Bureau of Plant Introduction and noting that the Division of Germplasm Exchange was established in recognition of its important role and also on learning that its status was later reduced to that of a Unit, RAC strongly recommends that its earlier status of the Division be restored to provide much needed support to its envisaged role

Two divisions, Division of Germplasm Exchange and Policy, and Division of Tissue Culture and Cryopreservation have been proposed under XII Plan EFC.

and expanded activities. Also, noting that superannuation of the Principal Scientist in-charge of this Unit is due early next year, RAC further recommends that due advance action be initiated to fill up this position. Additionally, the Division of Cryobiology, as envisaged in XII Plan EFC of NBPGR, is also a welcome timely initiative.

Annexure-5

Mandate, activities, significant accomplishments and new initiatives of various Divisions/Units/Regional Stations

Mandate Major Activities Significant Accomplishments New Initiatives

Plant Exploration and Germplasm Collection Division To collect germplasm in

different agri-horticultural crops, wild relatives of crops and other economic plants from different phyto-geographical/ agro-ecological regions of diversity within and outside the country

To plan, co-ordinate and conduct crop/ trait-specific explorations,

To develop linkages with national/ international organizations for joint explorations,

To strengthen the national herbarium of crop plants, wild economic plants and wild relatives,

To carry out bio-systematic and crop evolutionary studies involving genepool of plant species,

To carry out ethno-botanical studies,

To collect, collate and disseminate information on agro-biodiversity status and future strategies, and

A total of 36 explorations including 13 under NEH special drive, 1 under NICRA and 1 under NAIP were executed in collaboration with different stakeholders which resulted into collection of 1943 accessions of crops (1573) and wild relatives/ species (370). Of these, eight explorations were undertaken by NBPGR Headquarters, collecting 373 accessions of cultivated (304) and wild species (69) with emphasis on cereals, cucurbitaceous vegetables, Citrus including minor fruits, underutilized crops and wild relatives.

Efforts were made to survey and augment the species and genetic diversity in agri-horticultural crops including wild relatives and trait-specific germplasm from difficult/unexplored areas of NEH region, Protected Areas (KMTR, southern Western Ghats), Eastern Ghats and J&K in collaborative mode involving KVKs mainly in NEH region.

A total of 302 herbarium specimens were added from NEH (Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Sikkim), Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Besides, 62 seed samples and 19 economic products were also added to the National Herbarium of Cultivated Plants (NHCP). Taxa added that were not earlier represented in the NHCP included 54 species and 11 genera.

Gap analysis and mapping of collected diversity vis-a-vis germplasm conserved was initiated in wheat and major wild relatives of food crops and will be continued for others viz. brassica, maize, etc.

Germplasm Evaluation Division Characterization,

evaluation, maintenance, regeneration and

Initial seed increase and regeneration of assembled germplasm

During the year under report a total of 5,975 accessions of various agri-horticultural crops were grown at New Delhi for characterization, evaluation, regeneration and multiplication. In

Mega programme on characterization and evaluation of wheat and chickpea germplasm

documentation of germplasm resources of various agri-horticultural crops.

Characterization and preliminary evaluation of germplasm using standard descriptors

Organizing field days for the benefit of breeders and other users

Data documentation and cataloguing

Development of core collections of native crops for facilitating enhanced utilization of crop germplasm

addition, 4,763 accessions of international nurseries comprising of wheat, barley and Triticale were also evaluated under Post Entry Quarantine Nursery (PEQN). A total of 1,359 accessions of various crops were raised for preliminary evaluation against important biotic stresses while in advanced screening, a total of 175 accessions were screened for major diseases and insect pests. Under abiotic stresses, 145 wheat accessions were screened for terminal heat tolerance and about 800 accessions of other crops were screened for drought and heat. Under quality evaluation a total of 2,183 accessions of different crops were analyzed for oil content and fatty acid profile, protein, sugar, minerals, amino acids, antioxidant potential and anti-nutritional factors.

Under phyto-chemical evaluation, 509 samples of different medicinal and aromatic plants were analyzed for their active compounds.

In the multi-location evaluation (MLE), 3,790 accessions of various crops were evaluated for agronomic traits, biotic and abiotic stresses and quality parameters in collaboration with AICRPs and SAUs. In prebreeding, 7 wild annual Cicer species were characterized for 9 important morphological parameters. Hybridity of nine lentil F1 crosses was confirmed by morphological as well as ISSR markers. Four interspecific chickpea crosses (F1) were confirmed using RAPD and SSR markers.

Under National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), a set of 3019 wheat accessions selected from 21,822 accessions on the basis of their tolerance to terminal heat has been further evaluated under two sowing environments. Further approx. 5,081 wheat accessions, tolerant to foliar diseases, were selected from 20,660 accessions evaluated at IARI RS, Wellington and are being validated at PAU, Gurdaspur, Punjab and UBKV, Coochbehar, West Bengal. Three Germplasm Field Days on maize and pearl millet; okra and cucurbits and Rabi oilseeds and pulses were organized at NBPGR, New Delhi to promote germplasm utilization by the plant breeders/researchers.

of National Gene Bank (NGB) for development of core sets.

Evaluation of wheat germplasm of NGB for terminal heat tolerance.

Strengthening of multi-location evaluation of germplasm for six prioritized crops under Component II of Agro-biodiversity Platform.

Characterization and evaluation of wild species of chickpea and lentil and strengthening of pre breeding programme using offseason nursery.

Advanced screening of germplasm against biotic stresses.

Development of infrastructure facilities at IARI New Area Farm, NBPGR.

Strengthening of lab facilities for quality evaluation.

Germplasm Conservation Division To conserve crop

genetic resources of various agri-horticulture crops

To develop information system for efficient utilization

To conduct research, undertake teaching and training in the area of PGR conservation

Operational management of National Germplasm Conservation Network (long-term storage and medium-term storage modules at NBPGR and NAGS).

Long term conservation of germplasm

Conservation of released varieties

Germplasm registration Monitoring of accessions

conserved over 10 years Maintenance of

reference specimen Germplasm distribution Physical verification of

conserved germplasm Supportive research and

teaching

During the period of report, a total of 8,814 accessions (6,825 new germplasm and 1,989 regenerated accessions with less seed quantity/germination) were processed for conservation in National Genebank for long-term conservation (LTS), raising the number of holdings to 3,96,918.

A total of 156 varieties identified for release and notification belonging to 39 crops were received, thereby, increasing the number of varieties conserved in long-term storage to 4,151

During this period, 69 unique accessions belonging to 9 different crop groups were approved for the registration, increasing the total registered germplasm to 1,099, belonging to 183 species

A total of 9,333 representative accessions from seed lots of various crops, which have been in long-term storage for 10 or more years, were monitored for their seed viability, seed quantity and seed health. The results indicate that the entire monitored crop species maintained the final viability closer to their initial genebank viability confirming to genebank standards except few accessions of paddy (conserved for 20 years), maize and oilseeds.

Characterization of chickpea germplasm (19,251) available in the genebank to identify the cores/minicores.

Concept notes were developed for:

i. Agrobiodiversity Platform (characterization and regeneration of germplasm) including NAGS partners

ii. Seed-cum-Genebanks under Seed Platform

iii. Establishment of Automated (Robotic) Medium Term Storage (MTS) Facility

Indentification of wheat germplasm for multiple disease resistance.

Plant Quarantine Division Quarantine Processing

of PGR including Transgenics for Research

Pest-free Conservation of Indigenously Collected / Multiplied PGR

HRD and Inputs on Policy Issues

Quarantine Processing of PGR including Transgenics for Research

Detection and identification of pests intercepted

Post-entry quarantine growing and inspection

Salvaging of infected/ infested material

Issue of Phytosanitary Certificate for material

At New Delhi, 1,29,819 samples (1,28,411 of import and 1,408 meant for export) of imported germplasm accessions as well as trial material entries of various crops and their wild relatives were processed for quarantine clearance. The infested/ infected samples (1,511) - comprised insects (485), nematodes (127), fungi/ bacteria (805), viruses (20) and weeds (74). Of the 1,511 infested/ infected/ contaminated samples, 1,378 were salvaged through physico-chemical methods viz., fumigation, hot water treatment (HWT), X-ray radiography, pesticidal dip, mechanical cleaning and growing-on test. One hundred and thirty three (93 mango stones from Israel due to rotting/ decay, 39 samples of paddy from USA due to Neovossia horrida, one sample of Brassica napus from Australia due to Phoma lingam and one

Developed digitised keys for identification of bruchids infesting seeds and a database on world bruchid genera and species.

Development of eco-friendly disinfestation technologies using infrared and UV technologies and oxygen scavangers.

Identification of weeds in germplasm under exchange.

Development of protocols for molecular detection of plant

meant for export Pest-free Conservation

of Indigenously Collected / Multiplied PGR

HRD including teaching and training in quarantine, seed health testing, biosecurity and biosafety issues

Providing policy inputs on biosecurity related issues under national and international regulations of IPPC, CBD, WTO etc.

Providing policy inputs on biosecurity related issues under national and international regulations of IPPC, CBD, WTO etc.

sample of Vigna unguiculata from Italy, heavy Callosobruchus maculatus infestation) were rejected.

A total of 1,773 samples were processed for export of which 40 infested/ infected samples were salvaged and eight Phytosanitary Certificates were issued. Four hundred and twenty one samples of exotic germplasm of different legume crops imported from different countries/ sources were grown in post-entry quarantine (PEQ) greenhouses and the harvest of the plants free from viral symptoms only was released to the indenters.

Quarantine processing of 946 samples of imported transgenic planting material revealed, fungi and insect infestation in maize and rice; absence of terminator gene was ensured and all samples were salvaged prior to release.

A total of 9,644 samples were received from Germplasm Conservation Division for seed health testing of which 604 samples were subjected to X-ray radiography and a total of 183 samples were rejected as they could not be salvaged.

viruses viz., Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV), Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV), Cherry leaf roll virus(CLRV), Grapevine fan leaf virus (GFLV) and Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV).

Development of database on potential quarantine pests of edible oilseeds.

TCCU Unit To store on short-,

medium- and long-term basis in vitro cultures for which conventional methods are inadequate.

To develop appropriate cryopreservation protocols.

To develop cryopreservation protocols for difficult-to-store species using various explants.

Germplasm maintenance, augmentation, protocols development/ refinement for in vitro multiplication / conservation/ cryopreservation.

Pest-Free in vitro conservation, in vitro cryopreservation using techniques of vitrification,

During the year, a total of 2,086 accessions belonging to fruit crops, bulb and tuber crops, medicinal, aromatic and rare/ endangered plants, spices, plantation and industrial crops, and others were conserved as in vitro cultures, under culture room conditions (25±20C; 16/8h) and/ or at low temperature (40C). The average subculture duration ranged from 3 to 24 months, depending on the species. Plantlet regeneration was achieved in new species viz., Allium albidum and A. clarkei. In Picrorrhiza scrophuliflora, cultures were conserved for 20 weeks at low temperature (50C and 100C). In Kaempferia galanga, encapsulated shoot bases were stored in cryovials without nutrient medium, up to 60 days at 200C and 250C (16/8h photoperiod). Cryopreservation experiments using vitrification or

To ensure multiplication of pest free cryostoredgermplasm, pest free status of accessions retrieved from cryogenebank after storage for various periods (9-24 years) was ascertained.

Micro-morphological and histological studies on dormant buds of almond and walnut have been undertaken.

To provide tissue culture-related services for germplasmexchange.

To monitor genetic stability of conserved germplasm.

encapsulation-dehydration and droplet freezing

Augmentation of germplasm of prioritized seed species for cryobanking, characterization for germplasm diversity collected and conserved.

To cryopreserve seeds, pollen, embryo and embryonic axes in cryobank.

Genetic stability assessment using morphological, cytological and molecular markers.

Supply of conserved germplasm to users.

droplet vitrification technique, led to varying degree of pre- and postfreezing re-growth in Allium spp., Gladiolus cv., Musa sp. and Rauvolfia serpentina. The genetic stability assessment was carried out in post-thaw regenerated plantlets of A. chinense and A. hookeri using SSR markers. There were no significant differences between the post-thaw regenerated plants and their controls.

A total of 21 accessions comprising Allium sativum (10), Dioscorea deltoidea (4) and Musa sp. (7) were cryostored as shoot tips or meristems. A total of 105 accessions comprising temperate fruits and nuts, medicinal and aromatic plants, industrial crops and spices were cryostored as seeds, embryonic axes and dormant buds during the year, totalling 9,946 accessions in the cryogenebank. Periodic testing for viability of 200 accessions of orthodox and non-orthodox seeds, and 20 accessions of dormant buds of Morus species revealed retention of original viability in most of the accessions after 3-8 years of cryostorage.

Germplasm Exchange Unit Facilitate exchange of

germplasm under provisions of MoUs/Workplans/ Collaborative research programmes

Import of plant genetic resources for research purposes under bilateral agreements/MoUs.

Procurement of elite/trait specific/ registered germplasm through survey of literature.

Facilitate exchange of germplasm for research under the provision of BSDA Act, 2002.

National supply of germplasm to breeders/other users.

A total of 1,28,787 samples were imported which included 38,459 acc. (40,081 samples) of germplasm and 11,506 entries (88,706 samples) of CGIAR nurseries for trials.

A total of 8,974 accessions were exported. A total of 6,673 accessions were supplied for use by NASRS.

Import of core collections from IARC Gene banks.

Import of germplasm from Gene banks of CG centres

Efforts to introduce pomegranate germplasm having resistance to bacterial disease.

Introduction of wild relatives of crop plants

Documentation of Exotic introduction through GEXQIS database

Formulation of Guidelines for Access to Genetic Resources for Food & Agriculture for Research

purposes (after the notification of BDA, 2002 and Rules 2004

PGR Policy Unit

To address various policy issues related to PGR management

Technical inputs on current international and related national regulations of relevance to plant genetic resource management.

Managing IPR Portfolio of the institute, filing patents, copyrights and formulating technology transfer agreements.

Facilitating protecting of plant varieties developed by National Agricultural Research Systems.

Processed 68 application of extant varieties for registration (Protection) with the PPV&FR Authority. A total of 954 applications have been submitted so far.

Managed IPR and Technological Innovations of the Institute as Member Secretary of Institute Technology Management Committee (ITMC). Two meetings of the ITMC were conducted. Patent Granted: NBPGR was granted a patent (254341) on 26.10.2012 titled “Process enabling simultaneous detection of transgenes namely human serum albumin (HSA) and BAR genes in transgenic wheat”. Two copy right applications was submitted from NBPGR on software for portable search engine for registered germplasm and band size binary data analyses software.

Provided technical inputs on various PGR Policy issues provided to Indian Council of Agricultural Research /DARE/MOEF/NBA etc.

Organization of trainings for protection of plant varieties especially the farmers’ varieties.

Study and review of Biosafety regulations in the Asian region.

Organization of workshop on Implementation of Multilateral System of the ITPGRFA for policy makers and other stakeholders in India.

AKMU

To develop PGR information system for facilitating utilization

Development of PGR Databases

Maintenance of IT infrastructure

E-governance Web Server management

1. Designed, developed and implemented PGR Portal (www.nbpgr.ernet.in/pgrportal)

2. Designed, developed and implemented Gap Analysis Tool (www.nbpgr.ernet.in/gap-analysis)

3. Updating and maintenance of PGR Databases and PortalData status of as on 31-03-2013 Indigenous collections: 5,96,506 Exotic collections: 7,71,785 Genebank: 3,76,598 Characterization: 91,487

4. Network and server administration Website: Uploaded 29 Announcements, 93 Tenders and 4

Newsletters Email: 26 new IDs created (Total 208 maintained)

On-line portal is ready for access of PGR databases

NBPGR webmail facility created and functioning

E-circulars:>37 e-circulars Permisnet-II:5 new records; 10 archived; existing records 108

NRC on DNA Finger Printing To develop genomic

resources and tools, to discover and validate the function of genes of importance to agriculture and to develop bioinformatics tools for enhanced utilization of genomic resources.

Molecular characterization of germplasm and Marker development

Marker development for characterization and tagging of traits

Allele mining Marker development for

transgene detection Gene identification and

characterizations Genomics Species relationships and

phylogeny Development of data

base and bioinformatics Transfer of Technology

and DNA fingerprinting services

Microsatellite based markers were used for genetic diversity analysis of pearl millet (27 accs.), finger millet (35 varieties), maize (143 varieties), flax (94 accs.) pomegranate (45 accs.) and Luffa (37 accs.). Twenty one species of Allium and two of Morinda (31 genotypes) were characterized using RAPD and RAPD, ISSR, SCOT markers respectively. New microsatellite markers were developed through genomic library construction and enrichment in bitter gourd (56 loci) and finger millet (15 loci); through cross species transferability in Crambe and bottle gourd and from transcript sequences in Giloe. SSR markers were also used for molecular profiling of finger millet minicore (110 accs.), wheat (186 accs.) and rice (62 vars). DNA fingerprinting services were rendered to various public and private organizations for fingerprinting of fort-six samples of various crops.

Trait specific markers were generated for specific traits (from the identified germplasm) i.e. for tomato leaf curl virus (from resistant sponge gourd), flowering characteristics( from gynoecious bittergourd lines),alkaline condition responsive genes( from wheat KRL-99), high erucic acid( from Crambe), oxidative stress management and zinc transporter genes in cowpea and maizeand for various biotic(UG99) and abiotic (drought, salt and heat stress) in wheat. To facilitate allele mining for stress tolerance, core collections of Cucumis, mothbean and Lathyrus were designated and validated using molecular markers. Over 150 candidate genes for moisture stress tolerance were analyzed in reference sets of Cucumis, mothbean and Lathyrus and so far 394 SNPs each have been shortlisted for SNP genotyping. Transcriptome profiling for generation of genomic resources for moisture stress tolerance and allele mining from the tolerant and susceptible genotypes has resulted in the identification of curated transcrips:12859 and 13448 transcripts in Cucumis;5047 and 5016 transcripts in mothbean and 20,992 and 19,553 transcripts in Lathyrus. Expression analysis in moth

Allele mining in crops for abiotic stress tolerance.

Generation of SSR and SNP markers in unexplored indigenous crops.

Identification and validation of core collection in prioritized crops.

Establishment of National Genomic Resource Repository.

bean using heat tolerant genotypes indicated that mannose-o phosphate isomerase, global transcription factor, prlli-interacting factor G, and ribulose bis phosphate were overexpresed at 30 min treatment in tolerant genotype. Genotyping of mothbean core collection of 250 accessions was completed using 15 SSR and 250 anonymous DNA markers. Analysis indicated presence of moderate sub-structure in the collection and will be used for association analysis along with the phenotype and SNP data. The Lathyrus core set of 295 accessions was genotyped with 255 polymorphic markers and estimation of population sub-structure was completed for use in association analysis. Towards QTL localization for improvement of oil quality and yield in sesam,two sesame accessions with high sesamin contents were identified along with associated SNPs and InDels. 178 new SSRs polymorphic between the parental lines of the mapping population were identified from the 1023 new SSRs generated in the project. 30 of these were used for genotyping the RILs for mapping. Analyses of SNP variation and corresponding differences in fatty acid profiles led to identification of three single nucleotide polymorphisms in desaturase genes which appear to be responsible for changes in secondary structure of the desaturase proteins. These are being further validated. Sesame recombinants with more than 2 percent higher linoleic acid (18:2) contents were identified.

Relationships among six species of the genus Luffa were studied based on nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences and chloroplast maturase K sequences and studies on ntragenomic variation and Haplotypes of Internal Transcribed Spacer region (ITS) in L. acutangula L. (Roxb.) Cucurbitaceae were carried out. Studies on Biosystematics and molecular phylogeny of Vigna, Cucumis and Abelmoschus were continued. Seed micro-morphology of Vigna genus was observed to be helpful in establishing identities of species, and consequently a new species was described, viz. Vigna indica T. M. Dixit, K. V. Bhat & S. R. Yadav. Based on molecular phylogeny, the identity and taxonomic status of some taxa like Vigna trilobata, V. stipulacea, V. hainiana, V. dalzelliana, V. minima; Cucumis callosus, C.

melo var. agrestis, C. hystrix, C. muriculatus, and Abelmoschus manihot and their subspecies have been assessed and taxonomic confusions have been removed.In Abelmoschus, analysis of 16 genomic regions indicated role of at least three species, moschatus, tetraphyllus and tuberculatus in the origin of okra. The work accomplished included analyses of 101 samples of 10 Abelmoschus species for the loci, ITS-1, ITS-2, trnL-F, trnL exon, rbcL, rpoC1, psbA-trnH, nad B, rps14 –cobr, trnC-D, atp F-H, trn E-T, matK, rbcL, rpl intron and nad1. Abelmoschus enbeepeegearense J John, Scariah, Nissar, KV Bhat et Yadav, a new species from the low elevation Western Ghats of India comprising Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu was described.

In bioinformatics, an in house designed search algorithm was applied and an efficient Degenerate PCR Primer design tool was developed for amplification of orthologs from even distantly related species. The tool is available for free public use at: http://192.168.1.5/Dgen/DGEN_tool/index.html.

Qualitative and quantitative PCR/real-time PCR assays have been developed for detection of Bt Brinjal event EE1 and 10 GM maize events. Molecular testing of 1149 imported transgenic accessions of GM maize, rice, cotton, cabbage and Arabidopsis has been completed. Monitoring for adventitious presence of transgenes in ex situ cotton collection conserved in National Gene Bank using PCR based diagnostics was conducted. Under ISO/IEC 17043:2010, GM detection laboratory has successfully executed three (3) proficiency testings for testing the unknown GM contents of different GM maize events in the test samples. The lab has also successfully participated in the ring trial to validate two real-time PCR methods to check contamination of GM rice

. AICRN on Underutilized Crops To find out new plant

resources for food, fodder and industrial uses.

To build up germplasm

The project envisages to build up genetic resources of selected underutilized plants of economic value for food,

A total of 158 experiments were allotted during 2012 which included germplasm evaluation (56), breeding (58), agronomic (32) and quality (12) aspects. These were allotted at twenty three locations in different agro-climatic zones of the country. Out of these, 125 trials were carried out.

Strengthening screening of germplasm for adaptability and quality parameters; augmentation for desired traits.

Promoting cultivation/

collection for characterization, conservation and genetic enhancement.

To identify/develop high yielding varieties for different farming systems.

To develop appropriate package of agronomic practices for their economic cultivation.

To disseminate knowledge about potential species for their popularization/ commercialization.

feed, fodder and industrial use from indigenous and exotic sources; evaluation for various agro-morphological and quality traits for potential future use; multi-locational testing of germplasm and elite breeding lines, identification of superior genotypes, development of high yielding varieties and agro-techniques for their economic cultivation in suitable agro-ecological areas of the country.

consumption of UUC through add-value interventions for nutritional tarits.

NBPGR RS Akola Augmentation,

characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation, documentation and distribution of Genetic Resources in the Central Indian Plains.

The mandated crops include: minor millets; chick pea, pigeon pea, horse gram, grass pea, mung bean; winged bean, amaranth; sesame, castor, linseed, niger, safflower, soybean and

Plant Exploration and Germplasm Collection

Germplasm Evaluation Germplasm

Conservation National supply of PGR

Two exploration and collection missions were undertaken, out of which one from the Melghat regions of Maharashtra for collection of millets, small millets and their wild relatives and another from Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh for Cucumis and Abelmoschus species. A total of 111 accessions of germplasm belonging to ten genera and 17 species were assembled.

A total of 3,615 accessions of germplasm were characterized during 2012, out of which 388 accessions during Kharif 2011, 1,041 accessions during Rabi 2011-12 and 2,186 accessions during Kharif 2012. Regenerated and multiplied 2,366 accessions of germplasm for LTS/ MTS during Kharif 2012. These include sesame(1,175) and horse gram (1,191) accessions.

1,786 voucher accessions of Pigeon pea germplasm which were sent to Svalbard Genebank, received from the ICRISAT and are not available in the National Genebank at NBPGR, were grown for multiplication and characterization.

their wild relatives; okra and its wild relatives

NBPGR RS Bhowali Coordinate, execute and

monitor various PGR activities of Central Himalayan region.

Augmentation, characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation and documentation of genetic resources of field crops with emphasis on ethno botanical aspects

Augmentation, characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation and documentation of genetic resources of temperate horticultural crops

Three crop-specific explorations and one plant specific tour were undertaken and 124 accessions were collected which include landraces and primitive cultivars of cereals (33), fruits (26), wild relative of crops (51) and Swertia spp. (14) from remote areas of Uttarakhand hills and four districts of Sikkim including subdivision of Darjeeling, West Bengal under National Exploration Programme.

A total of 61 accessions were received for regeneration, characterization and maintenance. Some of the elite seed samples and live rooted plant material viz. horticultural crops: kiwi (2,516), kagazi nimbu (304), hill lemon (105), malta (203), M & AP and WEUPS (Wild Economically Useful Plant Species): rosemary (50,462), sweet basil (25,465), geranium (2,884), lavender (203) were supplied to different farmers/ indentors.

Establishment of mother blocks for bud wood production of citrus and kiwi fruit.

Popularization of geranium, lavender and rosemary among local farming communities of Uttarakhand.

NBPGR Base Centre, Cuttack To explore and collect

the indigenous plant genetic resources of rice, other agri-horticultural crops, their wild relatives, wild economic plants, M&AP of Odisha and adjoining region.

To characterize evaluate and rejuvenate the plant genetic resources suited to this region.

Exploration &Germplasm Collection, Germplasm Characterization and Evaluation

Seed multiplication and conservationGermplasm Exchange

Germplasm Maintenance in FGB

Documentation & Publication on PGRTraining/ Field days / workshop / symposia

Three explorations were undertaken and a total of 174 accessions comprising cultivated rice (submergence tolerant-124); wild Oryza species (34); cotton (14); Ocimum citriodorum (1) and Coixlacryma- jubi (1) were collected from 95 collection sites covering Odisha, Jharkhand and Tripura. The significant collections among rice germplasm include submergence tolerant land races (Baliadadha, Khoda, Kakudimanji, Khadara, Champeisali, Putia, Bhutia), Oryza rufipogon and O. nivara from higher altitude region (360m) of Jharkhand, coloured cotton (Gossypium arboreum) and perennial cotton (Gossypium barbadense) from Tripura.

Out of 3,197 accessions of various crops grown for characterization a set of 2,123 accessions comprising cultivated rice (1,832), green gram (21), black gram (23), Ocimum species (47), Mucuna pruriens (12), wild Oryza species (168) and other

Evaluation of cultivated rice germplasm for submergence, drought and salinity tolerance.

Initiative has been taken to enrich the herbarium of wild relatives of crop plants, medicinal, rare & economic species of the state with a total repository of about 550 specimens belonging to 165 species and 49 families. .

wild relatives of crops (20) were characterized for various agromorphological traits. Under germplasm evaluation activity a set of 20 accessions of cultivated rice viz. IC46918, 53724, 49673, 46852, 51976, 5911, 49676, 67764, 49419, 46935, 9996, 46502, 62496, 75428, 49724, 46793, 49776, 46696, 46510, 46488 were identified as highly tolerant against leaf blast. Another set of 14 accessions of rice germplasm was identified as tolerant both for survival elongation percentage in deep water condition as compared with best check genotypes (Swarna sub-1 and Jalamagna).

NBPGR RS Hyderabad Quarantine processing of

PGR under exchange meant for South India for detection of pests and salvaging of infected/ infested samples.

To plan, conduct, organize, coordinate explorations in South East Costal Zone (Andhra Pradesh & adjoining regions of Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Puducherryand Karnataka) for collection of Agri-biodiversity.

To characterize, evaluate, multiply, conserve and distribute germplasm of collected and mandate crops.

Documentation of passport, evaluation and

Import processing for South India and export of germplasm especially for ICRISAT mandate crops.

Post entry quarantine inspection of introduced germplasm for ICRISAT, Public sector institutions and Private seed industry

Seed health certification for private seed industry

Focused trait specific germplasm collection based on the gap analysis

Collection of Crop wild relatives and underutilized species

Characterization/ Evaluation/ Multiplication/ Identification of sources of resistance of various mandated crops.

A total of 24,500 samples consisting of 16,921 import samples and 7,579 export samples were processed for quarantine clearance and a total of 59 phytosanitary certificates were issued. Several pathogens of quarantine importance were intercepted, of these, downy mildew (Peronospora manshurica) of soybean from USA, Peanut stripe virus and bacterial wilt of groundnut (Ralstonia solanacearum) from Senegal are quarantine pests for India. The import samples (5,253) that were found infested/ infected with pests/ pathogens could be salvaged and released to the consignees except 43 detained/rejected samples (groundnut-38; soybean-3 and chickpea-2). In exports, 89 samples were rejected due to the association of pests/ pathogens. Quarantine service was extended to 44 organizations in South India. Post-entry quarantine inspection was conducted on 2,480 samples of different crops grown at PEQIA of ICRISAT (2,080), private industry (139 including one transgenic sample), and NBPGR greenhouse (261).

Three explorations were undertaken for collection of diversity in sorghum, small millets, vegetable cowpeas and leafy vegetables from different parts of Andhra Pradesh and the NEH region. In addition, under NAIP-Biodiversity project two explorations were undertaken in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh surveying 64 villages of 21 mandals covering 79 farmers resulting in the collection of 158 accessions of agrihorticultural crops.

A total of 2,118 accessions of sorghum, horsegram, linseed, dolichos bean, tomato, French bean, finger millet, little millet,

Strengthening development of eco-friendly salvaging treatments using microwaves, thermal treatments and botanicals

Identification and characterization of elite genotypes using physiological attributes (greengram, blackgram, cowpea chillies and horsegram)

quarantine information on PGR.

To organize training and awareness programmes, and workshops on diverse aspects of PGR and Plant Quarantine

Medium-Term conservation in MTS and seed supply for LTS. Germplasm supply against indents from the NARS for the mandate crops

green gram, cowpea, chilli and brinjal were grown in the field along with appropriate checks for characterization/ evaluation/ multiplication. In addition, wild legumes including Canavalia ensiformis, Mucuna pruriens and Vigna trilobata were also raised for seed multiplication and initial characterization. Further, 559 accessions of diverse crops were characterized, evaluated and multiplied under the NAIP Biodiversity Project. A total of 47 accessions including paddy and amaranth germplasm were multiplied at the station and sent for long term conservation in the

NBPGR RS Jodhpur Executing, coordinating

and monitoring plant genetic resources management activities of arid region

Augmentation, characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation, documentation and distribution of genetic resources of (a) cereals, pearlmillet, minor millets and horticultural crops; (b) legumes and oilseeds, and (c) fodder, fuel, medicinal and aromatic and other economic plants.

Two explorations were conducted, in one 65 accessions of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were collected from the interior villages of Jodhpur, Pali, Sirohi, Jalore and Barmer districts of Rajasthan to collect drought and terminal heat tolerant germplasm of wheat from the areas where irrigation water scarcity prevails and temperature goes higher (35-43OC) at the time of reproductive period of wheat. In another exploration trip, the genetic variability of minor millets namely, finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) (40) and little millet (Panicum sumatrense Roth.) (30) were collected.

A total of 195 accessions of wheat were evaluated to identify the terminal heat tolerance genotype(s) of wheat. A few genotypes exhibited encouraging results on the basis of 1000- seed weight and they are being further tested during Rabi 2012-13. To generate genetic variability in wheat the crosses of Triticum aestivum x Triticum sphaerococcum, and Triticum durum x Triticum polonicum were attempted. The Summer trials of guar, mung, moth and cowpea were introduced first time and it was found that yield of Summer guar was higher than customary Kharif gaur. During Kharif the 3,033 accessions of guar (1,044), pearl millet (860), mungbean (122), mothbean (192), cowpea (419), sesame (146), and castor (44) were evaluated and characterized.

Identify trait specific germplasm in arid region crops.

Base Centre, Ranchi

Executing, coordinating • Augmentation, • Two explorations were undertaken, the first was undertaken to To augment trait-specific unique

and monitoring plant genetic resources management activities of Chhota Nagpur Plateau and parts of eastern India

characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation and documentation of genetic resources of agri-horticultural crops of the region. The mandated crops include: jackfruit, bael, jamun, tamarind, tropical minor fruits; perennial medicinal and plants of economic importance; Medicinal and aromatic plants; Horsegram; wild relatives of crop plants.

tap the genetic diversity in the Cajanus cajan (pigeonpea) in the eastern Jharkhand. The districts explored included Kodarma, Giridih, Deoghar, Godda, Sahibganj, Pakur, Dumka, Jamtara, Dhanbad and Bokaro. A total of 100 accessions of the pigeonpea representing high amount of diversity were collected. The second exploration to collect the diversity of upland rice (drought tolerant) and minor millets was undertaken in Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Giridih and Ranchi districts of Jharkhand and a total of 60 accessions viz. rice (22), ragi (31), sorghum (5) and gundali (2) were collected.

• A total of 514 accessions comprising kulthi (362), Mucuna (31) and Cajanus cajan (113) were multiplied and evaluated. A total of 669 accessions of mandate crops, namely, jack fruit, tamarind, jamun, bael, barhal, aonla, mango, Lawsonia indica, moringa and several medicinal and aromatic plant species were maintained in the field genebank. Accessions of Jatropha spp. were maintained in National Jatropha Germplasm Garden.

diversity in different agri-hprticultural crops.

NBPGR RS, Shillong Augmentation,

characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation, documentation and distribution of plant genetic resources in north-eastern India.

Augmentation, characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation and documentation of genetic resources of agricultural field crops (paddy- low land/upland, maize and mustard) and their wild relatives; horticultural crops (chilli, ginger, turmeric, yams, taros, Citrus, banana and passion fruit ) and their wild relatives, and UU & UEP crops (buck wheat,Coix , Perilla and

Three explorations were conducted in West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura, and a total of 185 accessions were collected. The Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal were explored for collection of landraces of Kharif crops and 85 accessions comprising cereals and pseudocereals (27), pulses/ grain legumes (6), vegetables (33), oil seeds (8), rhizomatous crops (8), fibre crop (1) and other (2) were collected. Collection of hill rice germplasm (67 accessions) was made from East Kameng, Kurung Kumey and Papum Pare districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Notable diversity was found for two distinct categories of rice: late maturing and bold grained type called Umte, and early maturing small grained type called Tening. All four districts of Tripura were explored for ollecting pigeonpea diversity in the state. In addition to Cajanas cajan, the wild pigeonpea (C. scaraboedes) germplasm was collected from Lembucherra and Jumpui hills area.

During Kharif 2012, a total of 1,134 ccessions of different agri-horticultural crops comprising paddy (350), maize (132), rice bean (106), buckwheat (55), ginger (150), turmeric (185), chilli

Characterization of trait-specific rice accessions has been started in collaboration with ICAR RC for NEHR, Umiam (Meghalaya).

A proposal on QTL mapping for resistance to mungbean yellow mosaic virus is under consideration for funding from DBT.

rice bean) and their wild relatives.

(105) and Perilla (51) were characterized and 137 accessions of under-utilized crops were evaluated under replicated trials. The germplasm of rhizomatous crops, such as Dioscorea (46), and fruit crops viz. banana (60), citrus (29), guava (8), other fruits (9) and M&APs (100) have been maintained in the field genebank.

NBPGR RS, Shimla Acquisition and

management of indigenous and exotic plant genetic resources (PGR) for food and agriculture, and to carry out related research and human resource development for sustainable growth of agriculture in North-Western Indian Himalayan Region

Augmentation, characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation, documentation, and distribution of genetic resources of Amaranth, Buckwheat, Chenopod, Kidney bean, pea, adzuki bean, rice bean, small millets, apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, walnut, pecan nut, kiwi, minor fruits and other economic plants of temperate WH region

Two explorations were undertaken to collect germplasm of wild and minor temperate fruits, common bean and rice landraces from different parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand. A total of 86 accessions comprising common bean (43), rice (18), Malus baccata (2), Prunus mira (3), P. armenica (4), P. cornuta (2), Rubus sp. (3), Sorbus lanata (2), Hippopahe rhamnoides (3) and Cotoneaster rotundifolius (2) were collected. Significant collections include landraces of rice, kidney bean, amaranth and some wild relatives of temperate fruits.A total of 2,979 germplasm accessions were grown during the year for characterization, evaluation and multiplication. Genetic variability for seed and pod colour, shape and size was recorded in pea, kidney bean, cowpea germplasm and also for other traits in different crops. Also screened 65 accessions of common bean against four races 3,515,598 and 529 of bean anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemutianum) and IC288280, IC296478, IC448888, IC313194, IC278723, IC319423, IC398487, EC169813, EC398530 and EC500226 showed resistance to all the races. Among fruits, 137 accessions of apple (25), pear (23), peach (24), plum (31), apricot (23) and walnut (34) were characterized and evaluated for different qualitative and quantitative characters. Wide range of variability was recorded for traits like fruit colour, shape and size.

On farm conservation of landraces of rice, maize, kidney bean, grain amaranth, buckwheat and finger millet (at 12 different sites)

Impact of climate change on genetic diversity & species compositions and shift in cropping patterns

NBPGR RS, Srinagar Augmentation,

characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation, documentation and distribution of plant

Germplasm exploration and collection

Germplasm characterization, evaluation and maintenance

Germplasm supply to

Two explorations were undertaken and a total of 66 accessions comprising rice landraces (32), linseed (12) and wild safflower (22) were collected from different areas of Kashmir.

A total of 672 accessions comprising wheat (310), barley (264) and mustard (98) were evaluated for their morpho-agronomic characters as per the minimal descriptors during Rabi 2011-12 under rainfed conditions of the Himalayas. Strawberry (03),

To augment trait-specific unique diversity of different agri-horticultural crops of the region.

genetic resources of J&K region

users Allium cepa var. proliferum (pran) (5), mint (1), Iris (1), garlic (12) and Dioscorea deltoidea (23) are being maintained in the experimental field.

NBPGR RS, Thrissur Augmentation,

characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation, documentation and distribution of plant genetic resources in southern Western Ghats region of India including A&N and Lakshwadeep Islands.

Germplasm Collection Germplasm

Characterization and Evaluation

Germplasm Registration Germplasm conservation Germplasm supply Transfer of horticultural

crop germplasm to crop based institutes

Field Day organized Biodiversity day

A total of 115 accessions of germplasm were collected in two exploration and collection missions carried out in one district of Arunachal Pradesh and nine districts of Assam. Besides, fifteen collections were added to the germplasm holdings through personal efforts..

During Rabi 2011-12, 160 accessions of rice (Oryza sativa), 100 of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum), 34 of cucumber, seven of Alpinia galanga, five of Alpinia calcarata, 17 of Kaempferia galangal and 31 of kokum were characterised/ evaluated. During Kharif 2012, 11 accessions of upland rice landraces, 126 of lowland rice and 30 of deepwater rice, 24 of sesame, 11 of bittergourd, 50 of teasel gourd, 27 of ashgourd and 34 of Malabar tamarind (Garcinia cambogia) were characterised/ evaluated. A new species of wild okra, Abelmoschus enbeepeegearense was described. Out of the collected germplasm, one accession of unique landrace of chilli, 59 of landraces of deep-water rice and 21 of Oryza rufipogon from Assam and 131 multiplied accessions mostly of forage crops and wild Vigna were sent for long-term storage at NGB, NBPGR, New Delhi.

Augmentation and characterisation of alfalfa, cluster bean (vegetable type) and cowpea (vegetable type) at this station.

Characterisation of deep water rice.

In vitro multiplication of RET species.