Genetic upgradation and
improvement of grain Amaranths: selection and development of high
yielding genotypes with superior quality.
Objectives
Collection, conservation and evaluation of grain amaranths
germplasm.
To generate variability through inter-and intraspecific hybridization
and polyploidy to enhance nutritional value for commerce.
To study the genome relationship between the weedy/wild and
cultivated species for the incorporation of desirable gene.
Achievements
Genetic evolutionary history and
delimitation of 'gene pools' has been constructed
in grain amaranths based on the systematic programme
of germplasm collections (both cultivated and related
wild species), breeding systems, inter-and intraspecific
hybridization, cytological evaluation, and synthesis
of auto-and allopolyploids.
Genetically improved grain amaranth lines
such as AG-21, AG-67, AG-114, AG-198, AG-198/1, AG-301, AG-303
and AG-306 have been produced by combining the desirable traits
from the available germplasm base. These lines have been included
in the coordinated programme on under utilized crop under
UEP (NBPGR-ICAR) for yield performance trial. On the basis
of coordinated trial reports they have been found promising
and are under consideration for release.
Inflorescence with determinate growth and
new type of glomerule structure (high percentage of male flowers)
has been detected in grain Amaranths and their genetic control
and incorporation in the domesticated types has been established.
A new type of inflorescence (predominantly
female flowers only) has been isolated in one of the species
of grain Amaranths (Amaranthus caudatus L.), which
has offered possibilities of manipulation for raising F1 hybrid
seed.
Genome relationships analysis between wild
and cultivated types of grain amaranths species revealed close
genetic homology which has broadened base of grain amaranths
'gene pool' and opened the possibilities of evolving grain
amaranth crop for dry, cold and desert valleys.
Through hybridization and selection programme
a species of grain amaranths with predominantly male flowers/glomerule
has been identified for use as male line in the hybrid seed
production.
Based on the germplasm evaluation of grain
amaranths accessions (indigenous collections and exotic introductions)
some promising types with more economical values have been
identified.
Collaboration in the All India Co-ordinated
Trial under UEP, NBPGR, ICAR for AVT for yield performance
for the identification of promising genotypes in grain amaranths.
Screening of grain amaranths germplasm for
nutritional value through protein analysis by using Kjeltec
Auto-distillation unit.
Preparation of pass-port data for the registration
of grain amaranth accessions (developed at NBRI) for the National
Gene Bank.
Conduction of evaluation trial of the promising
lines obtained from NBPGR, New Delhi for the UC project.
Besides these the group has been engaged
for the genetic improvement of some ornamental crops like Celosia,
Tagetes and Dahlia in order to develop novel types
with more horticulture values for nursery and cut flower trade.
Training Capabilities:
Chromosome manipulation techniques in crop improvement
programme.
