For official use only

Proceedings of the XIIIRESEARCH ADVISORY COMMITTEEMEETING

24-25 September 2011

National Bureau of Plant Genetic ResourcesNew Delhi-110 012Proceedings of the XIII Meeting of the Research Advisory Committee

for the NBPGR, held on 24-25 September 2011

The XIII meeting of the RAC, NBPGR was held in New Delhi on 24-25 September, 2011. The following members were present:

Dr. R.S. Rana : ChairmanDr. A.K. Tyagi : MemberDr. P.N. Mathur : MemberDr. Ranjini Warrier : MemberDr. K.D. Srivastava : MemberDr. J.S. Sandhu : MemberDr. Sai Kumar : MemberDr. Pritam Kalia : MemberDr. K.C. Bansal : MemberDr. I.S. Bisht : Member Secretary

One member, Dr. V.A. Parthasarthy, 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 and their names are 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 mandate, priorities, major accomplishments and also some recent new initiatives. This presentation was followed by introductory remarks by the Chairman and other members of the RAC.

The Chairman, Dr. R.S. Rana, pointed out that several mechanisms were available to the Directors of ICAR research institutions to draw upon the experience of knowledgeable persons through various committees formed for this purpose such as the Institute Management Committee, the Institute Research Committee, the Research Advisory Committee and the Quinquennial Review Team. He also emphasized that the Bureau was primarily a service-oriented institution and the RAC had a distinct advisory role in over-viewing the all-round progress of the research work conducted by the Bureau and applications of its research outputs

towards achieving its mandated objectives and goals. The RAC also oversees the follow up actions on recommendations made by the other Committees and develops recommendations for strengthening linkages, developing synergies, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of research activities to support the core service activities, and also assisting in priority setting and gap filling where required.

Acknowledging the pioneering and lead role played by the NBPGR, Dr. Rana complimented the Director and all the staff members of the Bureau for efficiently carrying out a large number of research and other activities related to PGR management and taking new initiatives where required. All the other members of RAC also joined the Chairman in appreciating the work done by the NBPGR while making valuable suggestions in their respective fields of expertise relevant

to the Bureau’s mandate. Dr. A. K. Tyagi emphasized the need to ensure high quality and properly focused research activities. Dr. Sandhu and Dr. Sai Kumar suggested more attention to be devoted to promoting greater utilization of germplasm collections. Dr. Kalia pleaded for more concerted effort on the group of vegetable crops which included a large number of species while Dr. Srivastava stressed the need for adoption of more effective and efficient diagnostic techniques for more rigorous quarantine checks.

Recorded minutes of the previous meeting of the RAC, held at New Delhi on 12-13 July 2010 were then considered and adopted. Dr. Rana thanked the outgoing Chairman, Dr. Y. S. Nerker and all the other members of the preceding RAC, and the former Member Secretary, Dr. R. K. Tyagi while placing on record high appreciation of their valuable contributions.

Dr. I.S. Bisht, Member Secretary RAC, presented the Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the XII RAC meeting. The presentation was interactive and comments/considered views of the Chairman, RAC and other members were duly received and deliberated. Action Taken Reports in respect of the recommendations made by the QRT (2002-2007) and the IRC meeting held on 14-16 Dec 2010 were also presented and discussed to develop a wider perspective.

Brief but very informative presentations were then made by all the Heads of Divisions/ Units/ Cells located at the main campus and the OICs of all the ten Regional Stations/ Base Centres 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-4.

Major Issues Identified

The following issues, emerging from the presentations and follow up discussions, were further deliberated at length to formulate recommendations:

i. Identifying suitable sites for in-situ on-farm conservation of agro-bioresources

ii. Adoption of an integrated approach to conservation of plant genetic resources

iii. Maintenance of LTS and MTS modules operating at different locations

iv. Gap analysis of germplasm collected and conserved in the National Genebank

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

vi. Special attention to conservation of diversity in horticultural plants

vii. Improving the pace of flow from germplasm collection to the genebank

viii. Developing core sets of large base collections in the genebank

ix. Validation of trait specific unique accessions for use of plant breeders

x. Expanding the initiative for mass screening of collections in hot-spot locations

xi. Designating accessions in the National Genebank under the ITPGR treaty

xii. Adopting user-friendly database software enabling on-line access

xiii. Assured continuity of DNA fingerprinting of crop varieties

xiv. Strengthening quarantine check on commercial import of plant materials and developing domestic quarantine system

xv. Need for computerisation of all data on pests intercepted by the PQ Division

xvi. Accelerating the pace of developing National Permafrost Conservation Facility

xvii. Strengthening partnership with NAGs

xviii. Signing MoU with NBA on Designated National Repository role of NBPGR

xix. Developing norms for providing access to PGR for commercial use

xx. Upgrading status of two Base Centres

xxi. Urgent attention to the needs of Regional Station at Srinagar

xxii. Conservation of poly-embryonic mango germplasm

xxiii. Allocating core budget to Divisions and Regional Stations

The RAC took note of all the interactive presentations made during the meeting, and also the suggestions resulting from the discussion of the above mentioned issues, for developing its recommendations. In addition, the inputs gleaned from the background information, provided by the Bureau, were also duly considered.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Identifying suitable sites for in-situ on-farm conservation of agro-bioresourcesTaking note of the progress made under the NAIP-Component 3 towards initiating in-situ on-farm conservation of agrobioresources in three states on an experimental basis, the RAC recommended that a committee under the chairmanship of Director, NBPGR and

comprising HODs, Plant Exploration and Conservation; and OIC, Regional Station at Shimla may identify suitable sites for on-farm conservation interventions by the Bureau. Also considering that documentation of communities’ agro-bioresources is essential to support in situ conservation on-farm activities, it further recommended that the Director may consider assigning the technical guidance role for developing the Community Agrobiodiversity Registers to the PGR Policy Planning Unit with a suitable follow-up report to the RAC.

(Action: Director, NBPGR; HODs, Pl. Exploration and Conservation; OICs, PGR-PPU and Regional Station at Shimla)

2. Adoption of an integrated approach to conservation of plant genetic resourcesAppreciating the need for adopting a holistic and comprehensive strategy for germplasm conservation, the RAC strongly recommended rationalizing and integrating all the following methods of germplasm conservation under one programme:

In- situ on-farm conservation initiatives Orthodox seeds stored in LTS modules Non-orthodox (recalcitrant) seeds/ propagules conserved as tissue cultures Gametes, embryos, buds and other propagules stored in cryo-preservation Genomic resources National Permafrost Conservation Facility Field genebanks National Active Germplasm Sites

(Action: Director’s Cell)

3. Maintenance of LTS and MTS modules operating at different locationsConsidering that the 12 long term and 23 medium term seed storage modules were purchased under the Indo-US and Indo-UK PGR projects in 1990s and all the spare parts procured at that time had already been used, the RAC strongly recommended urgent procurement of adequate quantities of essential spare parts on a high priority basis to minimize the risk of possible breakdowns.

(Attention: Director’s Cell; HOD, Conservation Division)

4. Gap analysis of germplasm collected and conserved in the National GenebankWith a view to identifying areas for planning future explorations, the RAC recommended that inventories of all the germplasm accessions collected and also those currently available in National Genebank be prepared and a critical gap analysis be conducted to recognize the gaps in base collections as well as the areas which were not fully represented. It was further recommended that a document on locally adapted and commonly grown farmers’ landraces, that were collected but were somehow missing in the National Genebank, be prepared and put up for discussion in the next RAC meeting.

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

5. Greater attention to conservation of wild relatives of crop plantsTaking note of the constraints for maintenance of germplasm of wild relatives of crop plants and their shy bearing nature and considering their inadequate representation in the National Genebank, the RAC recommended that a Committee (comprising HODs, Plant Exploration and Conservation and OICs, Regional Stations at Shimla, Shillong and Thrissur) may develop a status paper on the collection of wild relatives of crop plants and their availability in field genebanks and the NGB, along with a suitable conservation action plan, and put up for discussion in the next meeting of RAC.

(Attention: HOD, Conservation)

6. Special attention to conservation of diversity in horticultural plantsRecognizing the importance of genetic resources of horticultural plants and taking note of their inadequate representation in the National Genebank, the RAC recommended a special drive be conducted for this purpose and a report presented during the next RAC meeting.

(Attention: HODs, Plant Exploration, Conservation; OICs, Regional Stations)

7. Improving the pace of flow from germplasm collection to the genebank

Taking note of the information made available by the HODs of Plant Exploration and Conservation and also OICs of Regional Stations regarding the pace of flow of the collected samples from the Plant Exploration Division to the National Genebank after due processing and checks, the RAC found that there was considerable scope for improvement in this context by streamlining the linkages among different nodes, the RAC recommended that a Committee (comprising HODs of Plant Exploration, Germplasm Evaluation and Conservation, OICs of Regional Station at Akola and the ARIS Cell) may critically analyse the situation, identify the bottlenecks and suggest improvements with a report submitted for discussion during the next RAC meeting .

(Attention: HODs, Pant Exploration, Germplasm Evaluation, Conservation; OICs, Akola and ARIS Cell)

8. Developing core sets of large base collections in the genebankTaking note of some very large base collections in certain crops, the RAC recommended that core sets may be developed in some selected crops to accelerate their use by the breeders and other researchers with a suitable report to the RAC.

(Attention: HOD, Germplasm Evaluation)

9. Validation of trait specific unique accessions for use of plant breedersTaking note that many accessions in the National Genebank have desirable unique traits of much interest to the breeders, the RAC recommended that these trait-specifics attributes may be got validated and the resulting information may be extended to all potential users with a report to the RAC.

(Attention: HODs, Conservation and Evaluation)

10. Mass screening of collections in suitable hot-spot locationsHighly appreciating the mass screening of germplasm collections programme undertaken so successfully for ten crops during the X and XI Plans to identify promising genotypes, the RAC recommended that this programme may be further expanded during the XII Plan. It was further recommended that a status report on the accessions not yet been characterized be prepared and presented for discussion in the next RAC meeting.

(Attention: HODs, Conservation and Evaluation)

11. Designating accessions in the National Genebank under the ITPGR treatyTaking note that the Government of India was a Contracting Party to the legally binding International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources and national obligation under it required designating collections in the national Genebank that were available for exchange, the RAC recommended that this work may be taken up on priority and a report presented in the next RAC meeting.

(Attention: Director’s Cell; HOD, Conservation)

12. Adopting user-friendly database software enabling on-line access Taking note of the announcement of a new Global GR Database Networking software system developed by the USDA and CGIAR, the RAC recommended that the Bureau may consider adoption of a suitable user-friendly on-line access to its designated database enabling the Regional Stations to make direct data entry. It also recommended further strengthening of the ARIS Cell on priority

(Attention: OIC, ARIC Cell)

13. Assured continuity of DNA fingerprinting of crop varietiesAppreciating the commendable work done by the Bureau on DNA finger printing of all the varieties released for commercial cultivation and also the registered elite genetic stocks, the RAC recommended further strengthening of this activity with a report to its next meeting.

(Attention: Director’s Cell; NRC-DNA Fingerprinting)

14. Strengthening quarantine check on commercial import of plant materials and developing domestic quarantine system

Taking note of the application of new biotech diagnostic tools for early detection of plant pathogens and considering that commercial import of plant materials was on the increase, the RAC recommended strengthening of quarantine check including the developing of suitable domestic quarantine system in the country. It also recommended that a discussion meeting between the Director, NBPGR and Jt. Secretary (PP), Union Ministry of Agriculture may be organized at an early date in this context for developing an action plan.

(Attention: Director’s Cell)

15. Need for computerisation of all data on pests intercepted by the PQ DivisionRecognizing the need for computerisation of all the available data on pests intercepted by the Bureau since its inception, the RAC recommended that the PQ Division may take up this activity with adequate budgetary provision made in the XII Plan proposals.

(Attention: HOD, PQ and OIC, PPU)

16. Accelerating the pace of developing National Permafrost Conservation FacilityThe RAC welcomed the signing of MoU between the Council and the DRDO on establishing the National Permafrost Conservation Facility at Chang la and recommended that the pace of developing this Facility may be accelerated so as to begin the experimental work at the earliest.

(Attention: HOD, Conservation)

17. Strengthening partnership with NAG SitesTaking note that the Bureau had already identified 57 NAGS and a Workshop had already been organized to further strengthen this partnership, the RAC felt that the listing of NAGS be planned in a more balanced manner and recommended that a report be put up in the next RAC meeting after having a re-look at the already identified locations and rationalization of adding more such sites. It was further recommended that a separate Cell may be assigned the responsibility to assist the Director for this purpose.

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

18. Signing MoU with NBA on Designated National Repository role of NBPGRTaking note that the Bureau has been notified as one of the 13 Designated National Repositories and some samples for referral purpose had been received and held without any processing for their conservation, the RAC recommended that a suitable MoU may be developed with the NBA enabling the Bureau to add these samples eventually to the National Genebank and also making them available for research use.

(Attention: HOD, Conservation; OIC, PPU)

19. Developing norms for providing access to PGR for commercial useTaking note of the requests received by the Bureau from domestic users, and also some private seed companies and MNCs for research aimed at commercial benefits, the RAC recommended that a Committee comprising the Heads of Germplasm Exchange and Conservation Divisions and OIC, PPU may develop suitable norms and regulatory mechanism for this purpose for consideration and approval of the Council and report for discussion in its next meeting.

(Attention: HODs, Germplasm Exchange, Conservation; OIC, PPU)

20. Upgrading status of two Base Centres

Taking note that the Bureau has two Base Centres located at Ranchi and Cuttack and they were engaged in PGR collection and management activities essentially similar to all the Regional Stations, the RAC recommended that these two Base Centres may also be designated as Regional Stations to bring administrative uniformity and remove disparity. It also recommended that networking may be developed among the Regional Stations following an agro-ecogeographic approach to avoid any overlapping in their activities and to promote operational synergies with a report for discussion in its next meeting.

(Attention: Director’s Cell; HODs; OICs, Regional Stations)

21. Urgent attention to the needs of Regional Station at SrinagarThe RAC took note of the operational constraints faced by the Regional Station at Srinagar and recommended that a Committee, led by the Director and comprising the Head, Plant Exploration Division and OIC, Regional Station at Shimla should visit the RSS to evolve workable solutions to the problems. If considered appropriate, a suitable MoU may be signed with the Director, CITH for sharing the agreed upon facilities.

(Attention: Director’s Cell)

22. Conservation of poly-embryonic mango germplasm The RAC appreciated the effort made by the OIC, Regional Station at Thrissur for conservation of poly-embryonic mango germplasm, adapted specifically to the West Coastal Region, with the cooperation extended by the CISH, Lucknow and recommended that such linkages be developed on a regular basis under MoU with the approval of the concerned authorities and a follow up report may be put up during the next RAC meeting..

(Attention: HODs, Plant Exploration and Conservation)

23. Allocating core budget to Divisions and Regional StationsResponding to some suggestions and with a view to encouraging better advance planning of activities at the Divisional and Regional Stations’ level, the RAC recommended that the Director may consider allocation of some core annual budget to the Bureau’s Divisions and Regional Stations.

(Attention; Director’s Cell; S.A.O; Sr. F&A.O)

It was pointed out that several Regional Stations were short of scientific and technical manpower and the Director was requested that suitable provisions be made in the XII Plan for strengthening their capacity. It was also mentioned that preparation of some of the recommended status papers/ reports would take considerable time and these would be available for discussion when submitted in due course of time.

The draft recommendations were presented and discussed jointly during the Concluding Session which was addressed by the Director, NBPGR, who highlighted important features of the outcome of the deliberations. It was agreed that these issues would continue to be addressed through the Action Taken Reports. All the RAC members then summed up the major concerns identified in their respective areas of expertise, indicating priorities and emphasizing the follow up actions to their recommendations. The RAC Chairman thanked the Director and also the Member Secretary 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 OICs of all the Regional Stations. He noted that there was 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 among the Bureaus and NGOs as demonstrated by the consortium mode of implementing the NAIP3 component on biodiversity. He further stressed the need for greater research support to the mandated core activities of the Bureau [exploration & germplasm collection, introduction & exchange, characterization & evaluation, conservation (including orthodox and recalcitrant seeds, tissue cultures, buds, embryos, gametes and genomic resources), documentation & database, and plant quarantine] and urged the authorities to ensure that these primary activities continue to receive top priority in allocation of funds as well as the scientific staff at a time when its research activities are being expanded to develop more molecular and biotech tools and techniques in support to the Bureau’s programmes.

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

(I.S. Bisht) (R.S. Rana) Member Secretary Chairman, RAC

Annexure-1

List of Participants

RAC Members

1. Dr. R.S. Rana

Ex-Director, NBPGR; D-43, Indra Prastha Apartment, Sector-14, Rohini, New Dehi-110085

Chairman

2. Dr. Akhilesh Kumar Tyagi

Director, National Institute of Plant Genomic Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg; P.O. Box No. 10531, New Delhi-110 067

Member

3. Dr. P.N. Mathur

Coordinator for South Asia Sub-Regional Office, Bioversity International, NASC, DPS Marg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012

Member

4. Dr. Ranjini Warrier

Director, GOI, Ministry of Environment & Forests, CS Division, Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110003

Member

5. Dr. K.D. Srivastava

Ex-Professor, IASRI, House No. 23, Block No. 7, Sector 30-31, Springfield Colony, Faridabad-1211003, Haryana

Member

6. Dr. V.A. Parthasarthy

Narmada Nilaya, Santhi Nagar, Chelavoor P.O., Calicut-673571

Member

7. Dr. K.C. Bansal

Director, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110012

Member

8. Dr. J.S. Sandhu

Assistant Director General (Seed), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi – 110114

Member

9. Dr. R. Sai Kumar

Project Director, Directorate of Maize Research, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012

Member

10. Dr. Pritam Kalia

Head, Division of Vegetable Sciences, IARI, New Delhi-110012

Member

11. Dr. I.S. Bisht

Principal Scientist & I/C Technical Cell, NBPGR, New Delhi-110 012

Member Secretary

Special invitees

1. Dr. D.C. Bhandari, Head, Plant Exploration & Collection Division

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

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

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

5. Dr. Arjun Lal, OIC, Germplasm Exchange Unit

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

7. Dr. K.V. Bhat, OIC, DNA Fingerprinting Unit

8. Dr. Pratibha Brahmi, OIC, PGR Policy Unit

9. Dr. Sunil Archak, OIC, ARIS Lab.

10. Mr. A. Nizar, OIC, NBPGR RS, Akola

11. Dr. K.S. Negi, OIC, NBPGR RS, Bhowali

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

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

14. Dr. N.K. Dwivedi, OIC, NBPGR RS, Jodhpur

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

16. Dr. S.K. Verma, NBPGR RS, Shillong

17. Dr. J.C. Rana, OIC, NBPGR RS, Shimla

18. Omvir Singh, OIC, NBPGR RS, Srinagar

19. Z. Abraham, OIC, NBPGR RS, Thrissur

Annexure-2

AGENDA ITEMS

XIII Meeting of the RAC (NBPGR) NBPGR, New Delhi: 24-25 September 2011

1. Welcome and presentation on salient achievements

Director, NBPGR

2. Opening Remarks Chairman and Members of the RAC

3. Confirmation of the minutes of the XII RAC meeting, held on 12-13 July 2010, and Action Taken Report

Member Secretary, RAC

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

Divisions/Units at NBPGR, New Delhi

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

Regional Stations of NBPGR

6. Presentation of IRC meeting’s draft Minutes and Recommendations

Member Secretary, IRC

7. Visit to Divisions and Research Facilities Heads of Divisions/Units/Cells

8. Discussions and Recommendations All Divisions/Units/Cells, Regional Stations

9. Summing Up Director, NBPGR

10. Closing Remarks Chairman and Members, RAC

Annexure-3PROGRAMME

XIII Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting of NBPGR

Venue: Dr. H. B. Singh Committee Room, NBPGR, New DelhiDate: 24-25 September 2011

24 September 2011 (Saturday)

Opening Session10.00 - 10.20 hrs : Welcome and presentation

on salient achievementsDirector, NBPGR

10. 20 - 11.00 hrs : Opening Remarks Chairman, & Members of RAC

11.00 - 11.20 hrs : Confirmation of the minutes of the XII RAC meeting, held on 12-13 July 2010, and Action Taken Report

Member-Secretary, RAC

11.20 - 11.40 hrs : TEAPresentation of Overview of on-going research work; Constraints and

Emerging issues11.40 – 15:00 hrs: Divisions/Units at NBPGR, New Delhi

11:40-11:55 hrs Division of Plant Exploration and Collection

: Dr. D.C. Bhandari, Head of Division (HOD)

11:55-12:10 hrs Germplasm Exchange Unit : Dr. Arjun Lal, Officer-in-Charge (OIC)12:10-12:25 hrs Division of Plant Quarantine : Dr. P.C. Agarwal, HOD12:25-12:40 hrs Division of Germplasm

Evaluation : Dr. M. Dutta, HOD

12:40-12:55 hrs Germplasm Conservation Division

: Dr. R. K. Tyagi, HOD

12:55-13:10 hrs Tissue Culture and Cryopreservation Unit

: Dr. Rekha Chaudhury, OIC

13:10-13:25 hrs PGR Policy Planning Cell : Dr. Pratibha Brahmi, OIC13:25-13:40 hrs NRC on DNA Fingerprinting : Dr. K.V. Bhat, OIC

13:40 -14:20: LUNCH14:20-14:35 hrs ARIS Cell : Dr. Sunil Archak, OIC14:35-14:50 hrs AICRN on Under-utilized Crops : Dr. D.C. Bhandari, Nodal Officer

14:50- 16:45 hrs: Regional Stations of NBPGR14:50-15:00 hrs Akola : Mr. A. Nizar15:00-15:10 hrs Bhowali : Dr. K.S. Negi 15:10-15:20 hrs Cuttack : Dr. D. Pani 15:20-15:30 hrs Hyderabad : Dr. S.K. Chakrabarty15:30-15:40 hrs Jodhpur : Dr. N.K. Dwivedi

15:40-15:55 : TEA15:55-16:05 hrs Ranchi : Dr. J. B. Tomar 16:05-16:15 hrs Shillong : Dr. S.K. Verma

16:15-16:25 hrs Shimla : Dr. J.C. Rana16 :25-16:35 hrs Srinagar : Dr. Sheikh M Sultan16 :35-16:45 hrs Thrissur : Dr. Z. Abraham

16:45 – 17:00 hrs : Presentation of IRC meeting’s draft Minutes and Recommendations - Dr. K.K. Gangopadhyay, Secretary, IRC

25 September 2011 (Sunday)

10.00 - 11.00 hrs RAC’s Visit to Divisions/ facilities of NBPGRDiscussion and Recommendations

11.00 - 11.10 hrs : Exploration & Germplasm Collection Dr. D.C. Bhandari* 11.10 - 11.20 hrs : Germplasm Evaluation Dr. M. Datta*11.20 - 11.30 hrs : Plant Quarantine Dr. P.C. Agarwal* 11.30 - 11.40 hrs : Germplasm Exchange Dr. Arjun Lal*11.40 - 11.50 hrs : Germplasm Conservation

Seeds, In Vitro, CryopreservationDr. R. K. Tyagi* Dr. Rekha Chaudhury*

11.50 - 12.00 hrs : NRC on DNA Fingerprinting Dr. K.V. Bhat* 12.00 -12.05 hrs : Under-utilized Crops Dr. D.C. Bhandari* 12.05 - 12.10 hrs : PGR Policy Planning Dr. Pratibha Brahmi* 12.10 – 12.15 hrs : ARIS Cell Dr. Sunil Archak*12.15 –12..25 hrs : Regional Station, Shimla Dr. J.C. Rana*12.25 – 12.35 hrs : Regional Station, Bhowali Dr. K.S. Negi* 12.35 – 12.45 hrs : Regional Station, Shillong Dr. S.K. Verma* 12.45 – 12.55 hrs : Regional Station, Hyderabad Dr. S.K. Chakrabarty*12.55 – 13.05 hrs : Regional Station, Thrissur Dr. Z. Abraham* 13.05 – 13.15 hrs : Regional Station, Akola Mr. A. Nizar*13.15 – 13.25 hrs : Regional Station, Jodhpur Dr. N.K. Dwivedi*13.25 – 13.35 hrs : Regional Station, Ranchi Dr. J. B. Tomar* 13.35 – 13.45 hrs : Regional Station, Cuttack Dr. D. Pani* 13.45 – 13.55 hrs : Regional Station, Srinagar Dr. Sheikh M Sultan*

14.00 – 14.30 hrs. : LUNCH

Concluding Session

14.30 - 15.15 hrs : Emerging Issues All the Participants

15.15 – 15.55 hrs : Concluding Remarks Director, NBPGRMembers, RACChairman, RAC

15.55 – 16.00 hrs : Vote of thanks Member-Secretary, RAC

16:00 hrs: TEA

* Nodal persons to initiate discussion

Annexure-4

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

Division/Unit/Regional Station

Mandate Major Activities Significant Accomplishments so far Proposed New Initiatives

Plant Exploration and 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

In total, 2464 explorations across the country were executed since inception until December 2010 and collected 2,57,371 accessions comprising of cereals and pseudocereals (63,415), millets and minor millets (20,808), pulses and legumes (38,571), oilseeds (24,214), vegetables (49,371), fruits (12,615), fibres (4,865), agro-forestry and fodder species (3,953), plantation crops (1,229), M & AP and spices (26,103) and miscellaneous (12,227).

Under National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP), several explorations were carried out in remote and diversity-rich areas like Brahmaputra River Islands and Char areas (Assam), Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) region and Tamiraparani river basin (Tamil Nadu), Lohit district (Arunachal Pradesh), Majuli River Islands (Assam), Sunderban areas (West Bengal), Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand), etc. Likewise, several trips were planned and executed as Rescue Missions in Sardar Sarovar Dam and adjoining catchment areas (Gujarat, MP & MS), Tehri Dam catchment areas (Uttarakhand), Cyclone-hit/ flood-affected areas (Odisha) and Earthquake-hit areas (Gujarat).

Assessment of collected diversity in millets and minor millets, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits and M

Region-specific exploration  programme for NEH region has been planned for 2011-12 involving crop-based ICAR institutes/ SAUs/ KVKs. In all, a total of 20 crop / region-specific explorations will be executed for collection of prevalent diversity. Focus will be given on collection of trait-specific germplasm in paddy, maize and brinjal; and genetic and species diversity in finger millet, cucurbits, Allium and underutilized crops (Coix, Perilla, Amaranth, etc.) from remote/ unexplored areas.

Trait-specific germplasm of rice and wheat under National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)

& AP has been completed for identifying gaps in collections as well as the potential sites for germplasm with desired traits.

The National Herbarium of Cultivated Plants (NHCP) has holding of herbarium specimens (20,420) belonging to 3,876 species; 1,444 genera and 264 families. Besides, seed samples (2,908) and economic products (585) are also maintained in NHCP.

Efforts are in progress to digitize the specimen holdings of NHCP for easy reference by the users.

Project (4 explorations in collaborative mode) based on available passport and evaluation data.

Gap analysis and mapping of collected diversity was completed in Corchorus and Prunus and initiated in Brassica and vegetables.

Germplasm Evaluation Division

Characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration and documentation of germplasm resources of various agri-horticultural crops.

Initial seed increase and regeneration of assembled germplasm

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

A total of 1,81,325 accessions of different agri-horticultural crops have been characterized and evaluated for a set of minimal descriptors, developed for all major crops at NBPGR.

A total of 19,048 accessions of different agri-horticultural crops including medicinal and aromatic plantswere evaluated for quality traits at NBPGR.

In X Plan, four main crops namely rice, wheat, pigeonpea and chickpea were selected for multi-location detailed evaluation including biotic/abiotic stresses and quality traits in collaboration with respective AICRPs. In the XI Plan, multilocation detailed evaluation was further extended to six more crops, maize, rapeseed-mustard, brinjal, okra, lentil and Giloe involving the NAGS, AICRPs and SAUs.

Core sets were developed in four crops okra (265 accessions), mungbean (152 accessions), sesame (343 accessions) and

To develop core/minicore sets in selected crops.

Detailed multilocation evaluation will be carried out in collaboration with NAGS partners.

Biochemical profiling of important parameters.

Detailed phyto-chemical profiling of a selected crops

Validation of tolerance/ resistance through laboratory tests wherever feasible.

Evaluation for abiotic stress is being given emphasis in wheat and rice under NICRA through development of core sets.

Pre-breeding activity will be further strengthened

Evaluation data is being

brinjal (181 accessions). The core collection is about 10% fraction of the whole collection representing maximum diversity and minimum redundancy among accessions, and can be easily used for germplasm enhancement initiatives as the initial starting material.

A total of 41 germplasm accessions have been registered for specific traits based on trials conducted at Bureau’s headquarters and its regional stations.

A total of 80 crop catalogues on characterization and evaluation of different agri-horticultural crops have been published with uniform set of descriptors.

put into NBPGR data base.

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

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

The base collections in the NGB has been raised to 3,87,411 which include cereals (1,51,373), millets and forages (55,854), Pseudo cereals (6,774), grain legumes (57,435), oilseeds (56,448), fibre crops (11,848), vegetables (24,805), fruits (530), medicinal & aromatic plants & narcotics (6602), spices & condiments (3065) and agro-forestry (2,442). The current germplasm holdings include 2123 genetic stocks and represent 1,584 species.

The Plant Germplasm Registration Committee since its inception, has registered 942 potentially valuable germplasm accessions in 139 crop species. These comprised cereals & pseudo-cereals (347), millets (67), grain legumes (100), oilseeds (126), fibres & forages (74), vegetables (59), medicinal & aromatic plants & spices (45), ornamentals (41), tubers (21), commercial crops (33) and agro-forestry (1).

Released varieties have vast potential value and

Development of web-enabled database of (i) germplasm conserved in National Genebank to integrate the same with main database of NBPGR on plant genetic resources and (ii) registration of trait-specific germplasm.

Characterization of total wheat germplasm (~25,000) available in the genebank to identify the cores/minicores for further evaluation for heat, drought and salinity.

Screening of about 20,000 accessions of

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

hence, assemble of released varieties has emerged as one of the priority over the years. NGB has 3,854 released varieties comprising of cereals & pseudo-cereals (1520), millets & forages (500), oilseeds (475), grain legumes (770), fibres (140), vegetables (335), medicinal $ aromatic plants (23) and others (91).

Monitoring of seed viability and seed quantity has been a priority to identify the accessions that may require regeneration as per international standards. Till date 27,596 accessions of various crops have been monitored and found to maintain desired level of seed viability, seed health and quantity in most crops except in few accessions.

More than three lakh germplasm accessions have been distributed to NARS partners for multiplication, regeneration, characterization, evaluation and other research purpose.

A total of 56,223 (97.88%) accessions of seven crops have been restored from ICRISAT for and IRRI out of the total of 57,440.

Investigation on seed storage behaviour using appropriate conservation strategies and other related aspects of conservation were studied in several crop species.

wheat for rust tolerance at Wellington (hot spot)

Characterization of about 17,000 germplasm conserved in genebank for identify the cores/minicores

Inventorization of trait-specific germplasm of tomato, pigeonpea, rapeseed-mustard, and amaranth available in the genebank.

Plant Quarantine Division

Quarantine Processing of PGR including Transgenics for Research

Pest-free Conservation of Indigenously Collected / Multiplied PGR

Quarantine Processing of PGR including Transgenics for Research

Detection and identification of pests intercepted

Post-entry quarantine growing and inspection

Salvaging of infected/

A total of 31,55,258 samples of various crops comprising seeds, vegetative propagules, in vitro and transgenic material were processed for quarantine clearance of which 24,92,057 samples were imported and 6,63,201 were meant for export for which 9,358 Phytosanitary Certificates were issued.

Detailed quarantine examination revealed infestation/ infection/ contamination in 1,62,171 samples [insects and mites (1,01,088), pathogens

Enhancement of diagnostic capabilities by developing need-based molecular diagnostics for detection and identification of pests and preparation of more digitized keys for identification of insect species of quarantine

HRD and Inputs on Policy Issues

infested material Issue of Phytosanitary

Certificate for material 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.

(34,817), nematodes (22,703) and weeds (3,389)] of which 1,61,949 were salvaged and released to the indentors. Several important pests (>40) not yet recorded from India were intercepted

Post-entry quarantine inspection was undertaken for 16,26,746 entries of international trials of wheat, barley and triticale grown in isolation for exotic pests. Exotic material of legumes was grown in quarantine glass houses both for virus indexing and only harvest from healthy plants was released.

A Containment Facility conforming to international standard of Containment Level-4 was established in 2001 for quarantine processing of imported transgenic planting material.

Since 1999, seed health testing was carried out for 24,432 indigenously collected samples and 17,212 repatriated samples and 16,652 samples were salvaged and sent for pest-free conservation in the National Genebank.

Supportive research undertaken for developing a number of new techniques for better detection of infection/ infestation and for salvaging of material under exchange.

Pathway based and country specific pest risk analysis (PRA)was conducted for 90 species of different germplasm to facilitate import which was notified under the Schedule VI of the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order 2003

Database on various pests intercepted during quarantine of material processed since 1976 including details on detection and salvaging is in progress and a series of publications by analysis

significance. Strengthening PEQ

inspection of vegetatively propagated material at indenters site

Strengthening development of eco-friendly salvaging treatments

Development of Comprehensive Database

Analysis of information on potential quarantine pests for edible oilseeds to serve as reference point for pest risk analysis prior to import

Developing Human Resources in Quarantine and Seed Health Testing

Generating public awareness by publishing more leaflets/ technical bulletins on quarantine pests

of information on potential quarantine pests on various crop groups being brought out to serve as a reference point for risk analysis prior to import.

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.

To provide tissue culture-related services for germplasm exchange.

To monitor genetic stability of conserved germplasm.

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

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

A total of 2,051 accessions comprising tuber crops, tropical fruits, temperate and minor fruits, spices and industrial crops, bulbous and other crops, and M&AP were collected and conserved in vitro.

Strategies such as induction of in vitro storage organs, storage in cryo vials without medium, mineral oil overlay, low temperature storage, minimal media and use of ABA were developed.

Cost-effective conservation protocols developed by inexpensive source of carbon and gelling agent.

Cryopreservation protocols developed in Allium, Bacopa, Dioscorea, Picrorhiza, Pyrus, Rubus, Malus, Morus and Musa.

Genetic stability assessment of in vitro and cryopreserved germplasm has been done to ensure true-to-type conservation.

In vitro cryobanking of germplasm initiated in apple, banana, blackberry, garlic and yams; about 35 accessions have been cryopreserved.

Seed storage behaviour of non-orthodox seed species investigated and cryopreservation protocols for more than 50 species including Citrus spp., Bucahanina sp., Capparis sp., Juglans sp., Manilkkara hexandra, spices, industrial crops, etc. have been established and 5,821 accessions have been cryopreserved.

Cryopreservation of prioritized orthodox seed species (3182 accessions) also undertaken.

.

Protocols development/refinement for in vitro conservation/ cryopreservation.

Cryobanking of accessions in Musa, Alliums and yams.

Optimization of recovery growth of embryonic axes and dormant buds by refining regeneration steps

Cryopreservation will be initiated in these accessions.

Genetic stability assessment of new conserved species using suitable markers.

germplasm to users.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.

Since 1976, a total of 24, 72,836 samples of different agri-horticultural crops imported from 103 countries which includes 5,37,425 germplasm accessions and 19, 35, 411 samples of international trials/ nurseries from CG centres.

Crops such as apple (USA), buffalo gourd (USA), bull oke (Australia), french bean, kiwi fruit (New Zealand), guayle (USA), peach, pepper mint (Russia), prickly pear (Mexico, & USA), seabuckthorn (Russia & China), sugarbeet (European countries), tomatillo (USA) were introduced from different countries and became major crops. Further, it was the introduced germplasm that enabled soybean and sunflower to become major field crops.

A total of 85, 924 samples were exported to various countries. Additionally a total of 6,36, 287 samples were of ICRISAT mandate crops were supplied to ICRISAT Centres in different countries.

More than four lakh nineteen thousand samples have been supplied to researchers/ users for utilization in various research programmes. Every year more than ten thousand samples are supplied to researchers/ breeders for utilization in various on-going research programmes.

Registered germplasm and other trait specific introductions are made every year to combat climatic changes, adapted to diverse agro- climatic conditions.

Online submission of application for the issuance of import permit.

Import of core collections from 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

Technical inputs were provided at the international negotiations of the CBD, ITPGRFA, GPA-PGRFA, ISPMs and other related instruments.

Relevant national legislations such as PPVFR Act

Study and review of GI Treaties of different countries in relation to protection of agricultural goods.

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.

2001, the BDA 2002 and PQ (Regulation of Import into India) Order 2003 were studied. An analysis of the PPVFR Act was undertaken with respect to its implementation. The BDA was studied particularly with reference to its implications on the acquisition and exchange of crop genetic resources. NBPGR facilitated submission of application for plant varieties registration with the PPV& FR Authority. A total of 823 applications of extant- notified and new varieties of ICAR/SAUs for 22 crops were submitted for registration with the PPV&FR Authority. Guidelines for filing applications of plant varieties for registration under the PPVFRA Act 2001 were published.

Five meetings of the ‘Functional Committee on Plant Genetic Resources’ were organized on behalf of DARE/ ICAR to guide on the policy issues regarding management of PGR.

A FAO sponsored project on ‘Establishment of National Information Sharing Mechanism (NISM) for Monitoring the Implementation of Global Plan of Action’ was successfully carried out during 2004 - 06 and a network of the 114 stakeholders, involving ICAR institutes/ Government Departments/ State Agricultural University and Non- Government Organizations was established to collect information on PGRFA and their management. The second phase of the project is now underway for the period 2009 – 11.

Technical input was provided for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of FAO for revision of various International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures prepared by IPPC/ FAO and at Conference of Parties- 8 of CBD held at Curitiba, Brazil. Participated in various ministry

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.

level negotiation meetings on wheat import and export of mango, pomegranate, litchi etc. Contributed in Inter-ministerial Expert Group on Bio-weapons on requirements, strategies and steps in collection, maintenance and characterization of information and samples of biological agents and prepared Standard Operating Procedures for 36 diseases/ pests.

Technical inputs were regularly provided on various aspects of biosecurity toICAR and Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Home Affairs, etc.

Developed a concept paper on a proposal for establishment of a National Institute of Exotic and EmergingDiseases for ICAR.

ARIS Cell To develop PGR information system for facilitating utilization

Development of PGR Databases

Maintenance of IT infrastructure

E-governance Web Server management

Passport database of PGR maintained and being updated periodically.

Genebank databse is ready (3,60,000 records ported) and being tested.

Characterization data entry of available information being completed.

The Varietal information received from the PC/PDs was updated in the database

A database of Notified and Released Varieties (NORV) was developed and updated

Other activities as infrastructure development, e-governance and web server management were duly addressed.

Integrate all the three databases (Passport, Genebank and Characterization) and host for public access

Initiate development of Germplasm Evaluation database

Reconfiguration of email servers, enhancing IP addresses

Help administration to implement E-governance for stores, purchase, payroll (including GPF)

Installation of SAN and backup pipeline

Installation of centralized Protection solution (Antivirus and firewall solutions)

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

DNA fingerprinting protocols using different molecular marker techniques like SSRs, ISSR, AFLP and RAPD have been developed in 33 crops and a total of 2215 varieties have been fingerprinted.

New microsatellite markers developed in chillies, mungbean, pigeonpea and sesame for cultivar identification and diversity analysis.

DNA fingerprint databasedeveloped to effectively manage considerable amount of data generated.

Molecular phylogeny and evolution in Sesamum spp. carried out based on nucleotide polymorphism in ITS1, ITS2 and trn loci.

Spatial distribution of genetic diversity has been studied in banana, sesame, horsegram, mungbean, cashewnut, mango, neem and others.

A total of 1,593 lines of 60 imported transgenic planting materials comprising 12 different crops have been tested for absence of embryogenesis deactivator terminator gene sequence. PCR and multiplex-PCR methods have been developed for detection of more than 30 transgenes comprising promotors, structural and terminator gene sequences in all imported transgenic planting material using designed primers in the lab.

Four patents on GM detection methodologies have been filed.

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.

AICRN on UUC

To find out new plant resources for food, fodder and industrial uses.

To build up germplasm collection for characterization,

The project envisages to build up genetic resources of selected underutilized plants of economic value for food, feed, fodder and industrial use from indigenous and exotic sources; evaluation for

Varieties Released: Thirty four improved varieties have been released (Amaranth -13, Buckwheat-5, Wingedbean -1, Faba vean -1, Rice bean- 7, Kalingada -1, Guayule -2, Tumba -1, Jojoba -1, Kankoda -1, and Jatropha (1)

Technology Transfer: Efforts have been made to demonstrate the improved production technology on farmer fields and Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) in amaranth, adzuki bean, faba bean and

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

Promoting cultivation/ consumption in conventional areas (tribal/ backward/ hills) for

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.

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.

rice bean are regularly organized. So far, a total of 243 FLDs were organized for amaranth (126), adzuki bean (29), faba bean (9) and rice bean (79).

Seed production: 7881 Kg – Buckwheat (315), Grain amaranth (1120), Chenopods (3), Adzuki bean (11.50), Faba bean (4990), Rice bean (1101.50), Kalingada (25), Jatropha curcas (105), and Simarouba glauca (210).

Supply of Planting Material: A large number of Simarouba seedlings at Mettupalayam (Tamil Nadu), Bhubaneswar, Bangalore and S.K. Nagar and Jatropha seeds in large amount have been made available to farmers and other agencies.

Germplasm Registered: Buckwheat (1) and Chenopod (1).

nutritional security as well as in non-conventional areas through value-added/ consumer friendly products and entrepreneurships involving NGOs and others.

Intensification of breeding programme for higher productivity, better plant type and development of hybrids (male sterility).

Research on anti-nutritional aspect and proper processing and storage facilities

As source of novel genes for improvement of nutritional quality in other crops, biotic/ abiotic traits and other properties.

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

The mandated

Plant Exploration and Germplasm Collection

Germplasm Evaluation Germplasm Conservation National supply of PGR

Fifty-six exploration and collection missions were undertaken and a total of 11,179 germplasm accessions of various agri-horticultural crops were collected from parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas of Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Karnataka.

Undertook morpho-agronomic characterization and preliminary evaluation of 57,824 accessions of mandate crops consisting of different agri-horticultural crops including the Joint Evaluation Programme of the germplasm of ICRISAT mandate crops.

A total of 32,552 accessions of germplasm viz.

Analysis and identification of accessions in small millets germplasm that has so far been collected and evaluated, with high protein/mineral contents and to popularize the extent of utilization of such material in agricultural research and production in the country.

Exchange/screening of Sesame germplasm for

crops include: minor millets; chick pea, pigeon pea, horse gram, grass pea, mung bean; winged bean, amaranth; sesame, castor, linseed, niger, safflower, soybean and their wild relatives; okra and its wild relatives

cereals (1,038), millets (5,280), pulses (13,284), oilseeds (10,261), vegetables (1,254), underutilized crops (868), wild relatives of crops (473) and others (94) were multiplied and sent to National Gene Bank for long term storage.

A total of 45,220 accessions of germplasm of various crops and their wild relatives were supplied to various indenters.

Twenty-six field days were organized at Regional Station, Akola/ Satellite Centre, Amravati. Scientists from various universities, ICAR institutes and seed companies participated for joint screening of germplasm.

Field visit for the delegates of International Regional workshop on sesame was organized from 28th-30th September 1993. Scientists from China, Nepal, Israel, Bangladesh, Italy, Singapore, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and India participated in the workshop.

Thirteen crop catalogues on French bean, soybean, okra, sesame, linseed, safflower, horse gram, wild okra, mung bean, pigeon pea, chick pea, groundnut and sorghum and a book entitled “Crop Improvement through Plant Genetic Resources Evaluation, Maintenance and Documentation” were published.

‘AKWB 1’ variety of winged bean has been released for cultivation in Maharashtra. It yields 105 quintals of vegetable green pods per hectare..

resistance/tolerance to phyllody in collaboration with concerned breeders in ICAR institutes/SAUs.

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

A total of 148 exploration undertaken and 7,000 accessions of various mandated crops of the region collected.

About 15,000 accessions were characterized.and information documented in 6 crop catalogues on priority crops.

About 9,000 accessions were submitted for LTS

Tow hundred nine accessions of primitive cultivars of cold tolerant paddy from Uttarakhand, J & K. and HP are being characterized and evaluated for different quality traits.

with emphasis on ethno botanical aspects

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

in National genebank.and 12,206 accessions are maintained in MTS.

Additionally 1,856 accessions of M&AP and other economic species are maintained in Field Genebank.

The mandated crops of the station include: Wheat, Barley, Paddy & their Wild Relatives (Aegilops spp. & Triticum spp.); French bean, Horse gram & Lentil; : Chilli, Chow-chow; Actinidia chinensis (Kiwi), Citrus spp., Peach, Fragaria spp.; Rubus spp.; M & AP- Acorus sp., Artemisia spp., Asparagus spp., Carum carvi, Curcuma spp., Hedychium spp., Marjorana spp., Origanum sp., Ocimum spp., Salvia spp., Valeriana spp., and Wild economic species: Abelmoschus spp., Allium spp., Arborescent spp. Bamboo, etc.

Multiplication of planting material of M & AP. i.e., geranium, rosmary, maiden hair tree and in temperate fruit plants i.e., kiwifruit, Kagazi nimbu, malta, narangi and jambhiri was undertaken for popularization among local farmers/ natives to enhance their socio-economic status.

To explore and domesticate the planting material having major and minor cineole, Maaliol, thymol and carvacrol chemical compounds in Spiked ginger lily, Indian valerian and Oregano respectively.

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

Exploration & Germplasm Collection, Germplasm Characterization and Evaluation

Seed multiplication and conservationGermplasm Exchange

Germplasm Maintenance in FGB

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

Conducted 83 exploration programmes including special exploration missions in cyclone hit coastal districts, drought and flood affected areas of Odisha and a total of 8984 acc including 879 wild relatives of crops were collected from Odisha and adjoining region.

A total of 13766 accessions comprising cultivated rice (11496), wild rice (386), M&AP(25), taro(51), green gram(78), black gram (41), horse gram(87), pigeon pea(09), sesame(899) turmeric(665), wild relatives(28) were characterized and a total of 1656 acc comprising 1650 acc of cultivated rice were evaluated for biotic and abiotic stress and six acc of M&AP validated for medicinal properties.

A total of 20314 accessions were multiplied and

Characterization of ex situ conserved rice germplasm and evaluation of named landraces of different crops for biotic & abiotic stresses.

Validation of ethno-medicinal properties through phyto-chemical screening

rejuvenate the plant genetic resources suited to this region.

conserved in LTS (12,652), MTS (7028) cryo bank (50) and FGB (584). In addition, 330 herbarium specimens were deposited in NHCP, NBPGR, New Delhi.

A total of 2,907 accessions comprising various crop groups, M&AP and wild relatives are being maintained in the field gene bank of this Base Centre.

Four rice germplasm lines viz. NBPGR TGMS1, Gaurav, Mundadhan, Malsundariwere registered for various traits and a catalogue on rice germplasm and a document on “Plant Genetic Resources of Orissa- Accomplishments and future strategies” were published.

. 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) f fodder, fuel, medicinal and aromatic and other economic plants.

A total of 120 major and 25 short exploration trips were conducted in arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan by scientists of this Regional Station and 17500 cultivated and 1283 wild species germplasm accessions of different crop/plant groups were collected.

In total 27078 accessions of mandate crops were characterized, evaluated and maintained.

Four genetic stocks of crops (Guar-3 and mungbean-1) got registered.

31700 and 750 accessions of different crops/plant groups are being maintained in MTS Facilities and Field Gene Banks, respectively.

Seven catalogues were published: Guar (3), mothbean (2), mungbean (1) and sesame (1).

A total of 15519 accessions of different crops and plant species were supplied to different indentors.

Exploration of trait specific germplasm from parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat in prioritized crops.

RS, Hyderabad

Quarantine processing of PGR under

Import processing for South India and export of germplasm especially for

Quarantine service was provided to more than 50organizations in South India including international, public and private organizations. A

Strengthening development of eco-friendly salvaging treatments using

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, Puducherry and Karnataka) for collection of Agri-biodiversity.

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

Documentation of passport, evaluation and quarantine information on

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.

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

total of 8, 79, 605 samples were processed for quarantine clearance consisting of 2, 27, 406 imports and 6, 52, 199 exports. A total of 7,320 Phytosanitary certificates were issued for export consignments.

Over fifty pests of quarantine significance were intercepted on imported germplasm.

Post entry quarantine inspections carried out on imported germplasm that was grown in isolation resulted in interception of exotic diseases.

Treatment schedules developed against sorghum anthracnose (Colletotrichum graminicola),Fusarium moniliforme on maize, seedborne pathogens and nematodes from rice seed, dry root rot (Rhizoctonia bataticola) on groundnut, grain molds of sorghum, smut (Moesziomyces penicillariae) of pearlmillet etc.

Standardised a non-destructive seed ELISA procedure for routine testing of groundnut imports for seedborne viruses, followed by testing the leaf/twig pieces on Tetrazolium chloride agar medium against bacterial wilt of groundnut in plant quarantine.

Occurrence of Peanut stripe virus (PStV), Tobacco streak virus, causal agent of Peanut stem necrosis disease (PSND) and lesion nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus on groundnut were reported for the first time from India.

Through extensive monitoring surveys and timely actions, spread of Peanut stripe virus, was contained to Junagadh district of Gujarat only in collaboration with ICRISAT and NRCG.

172 collection missions were undertaken in the South East Costal Zone in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and a total of 22,934

microwaves, thermal treatments and botanicals

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

PGR. To organize

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

collections of different agri-horticultural crops and their wild/ weedy relatives were made.

19,744 accessions of agri-horticultural crops including maize, sorghum, finger millet, small millets, blackgram, greengram, horsegram,cowpea, brinjal, chillies, tomato, leafy vegetables, Jatropha curcas and wild species were characterized / evaluated/ multiplied. Promising accessions were identified in all mandate crops evaluated.

A total of 65,023 samples are stored in the Medium term module at the RS Hyderabad. A total of 49,528 (repatriated –41,796; collections – 7732; exotic collections multiplied – 995) were deposited in the National Genebank for long-term storage. Besides the germplasm collected that was shared with the NAGS Collaborators, a total of 12,250 germplasm accessions were shared/supplied to NARS against various indents for research purposes.

A total of 13 germplasm accessions with unique traits were registered. In addition, validated and facilitated the registration (INGR 09129) of a unique farmer chilli variety (Pandav).

Base Centre, Ranchi

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

• Augmentation, 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;

A total of 165 explorations undertaken and 12,201 accessions of various agri-horticultural crops of the region.

Over 2,000 accessions of various field crops including kulthi, pigeonpea, niger etc. were characterized/evaluated.

About 1450 accessions of 250 species of various perennial species including M&AP are maintained in Field Genebank.

To augment trait-specific unique diversity in different agri-hprticultural crops

perennial medicinal and plants of economic importance; Medicinal and aromatic plants; Horsegram; wild relatives of crop plants

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 rice bean) and their wild relatives.

A total of 129 exploration trips have been undertaken since 1978.

A total of 24178 germplasm accessions belonging to crop plants, CWR, medicinal and aromatic plants (M&AP), ornamentals and other useful plant species have been collected from different North Eastern states viz. Assam (6866), Arunachal Pradesh (6227), Mizoram (2876), Manipur (2129), Meghalaya (2084), Nagaland (1907), Sikkim (1387) and Tripura (702).

Major crops evaluated: Paddy, maize, rice bean, perilla, buck wheat, job’s tear, turmeric, ginger, chilli, taro and yam, and a number of promising lines have been identified.

A total 7134 accessions of different crop germplasm were multiplied and sent to National Gene Bank (NGB).

Presently a total of 1025 agri-horticultural crop germplasm has been conserved in Regional Gene Bank of this station.

In FGB, a total of 445 accessions comprising of ginger (109) and turmeric (144), Musa spp. (60), Citrus spp. (27), passion fruit (4) and M&AP (100) are being maintained at the Station.

Till now a total of 6376 germplasm of various crop groups have been supplied to 274 institutes.

Specific paddy and rice bean germplasm exploration mission were conducted from remote areas of West Siang and Lohit districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Technology generated: Rudraksh gave 55 - 60% germination, when dipping with 24 hr. in GA3 (30 ppm

RS, Shimla

Acquisition and management of indigenous and

Augmentation, characterization, evaluation, maintenance,

The station has undertaken 172 explorations and assembled 15,514 accessions of different mandate crops and their wild relatives.

Digitalized geo-referenced maps of PGRs of HP

Development of traits

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

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

It has introduced 4127 accessions from 26 countries and pioneer in introducing and popularising new crops species such as hops, kiwi fruit, non-astringent persimmon, pecan nut, pineapple guava, chinese ber, adzuki bean, comfrey, tree tomato and pepino in WH region.

A total of 11185 accessions of different field crops (10736) viz. kidney bean, grain amaranth, buckwheat, field pea, chenopod, rice bean, adzki bean and fruit crops (349) viz apple, pear, peach, apricot, plum and walnut were characterized and evaluated for agronomic traits. Besides, 696 germplasm accessions were analyzed for quality traits such as beta-carotene, iron, calcium, protein, starch, oil, amino acids and fatty acids. Germplasm comprising 919 accessions of pea, 456 of French bean and 250 of rice were evaluated for biotic stresses viz. powdery mildew, ascochyta blight in pea, anthracnose, BCMV in beans and rice blast.

Registered six genetic stocks which include one for easy dehulling and two for high rutin content in buckwheat, one brown seed colour in chenopod, one ; onefor tubercle-free large fruit in Cyclanthera pedata and one forbold seed in field pea.

Developed and released four varieties viz., ‘Annapurna’ and ‘Durga’ in grain amaranth; ‘Himpriya’ and Himgiri in buckwheat.

Standardised and published production technologies for the cultivation of grain amaranth, buckwheat, chenopod, kidney bean, Hedychium, Roscoea,Valeriana,pineapple guava and kiwi fruit.

Supplied 30,546 samples of field crops and 19,541 rooted plants of horticulture crops to the

specific sets of germplasm for diseases resistance and quality traits for enhanced use and core sets in amaranth and kidney bean

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

Genetic diversity analysis at molecular level for buckwheat, kidney bean, and chenopod in collaboration with CSK HPKV, Palampur and NBPGR Hqs.

researchers and farmers in India and abroad. Published 137 research papers in peer reviewed

journals, 41 full length papers in seminars proceedings, 04 crops catalogues, 07 book/monographs, 29 popular articles, 21 book chapters and 06 brochure/technical bulletins.

The computerised database containing information of the passport data (12069 accs), characterisation and evaluation data (10013 accs), status of germplasm in the MTS (11460 accs) and field gene bank (1187accs) and supply of germplasm has been maintained in MS Access.

Several new initiative include (i) in situ on farm conservation of minor crops and landraces of rice, maize, barley and kidney bean, and (ii) climate change impact assessment studies on PGR diversity, floral diversity, species compositions and cropping patterns in the temperate region.

RS, Srinagar

Augmentation, characterization, evaluation, maintenance, regeneration, conservation, documentation and distribution of plant genetic resources of J&K region

Germplasm exploration and collection

Germplasm characterization, evaluation and maintenance

Germplasm supply to users

Eighteen exploration trips were conducted and more than 1700 accessions including land races and and their wild spp. were collected from J&K state. The Collection given below cropwise:

Approximately 4500 accessions of wheat, barley and mustard were evaluated under rainfed condition.

The 39 accessions comprising Dioscorea deltoidea (23)strawberry (5), pran (onion) (5), mint (3) and Iris spp. (3) were maintained as a live plants.

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

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 208 exploration and collections missions was executed independently or in collaboration with ICAR/ SAU/ International institutes. So far, 27,939 samples were collected. Based on the collections, 6 new taxa namely Curcuma kudagensis, C.thalakaveriensis, C.karnatakensis, C.nilamburensis, C.vellanikkarensis and Piper psuedonigrum were described. New reports of extended distribution of Curcuma albiflora, C. oligantha and Vigna dalzelliana were made.

A total of 7809 accessions of germplasm are being maintained in medium-term storage facility, field gene bank and in in vitro bank.

So far, 4096 accessions of field crops of the region were characterised.

In all, 1826 accessions were transferred to crop-based horticultural institutes as NAGS for maintenance and utilisation, supplied 21,950 accessions to various user agencies including SAUs and ICAR institutes for crop improvement and 1100 for multi-location evaluation.

After gap analysis of collected named landraces, variability in orthodox seed bearing crops and their wild relatives which are not conserved so far from the southern Western Ghats will be collected.

Characterisation of greater galangal, lesser galangal and kacholam for agronomic traits and essential oil components.

Accessions of Alpiniagalanga, Alpinia calcarata and Bacopa monnieri maintained in the field genebank will be brought under in vitro conservation.

Transfer of clonally propagated germplasm for

Two accessions in okra (Aruna and Manjima), one accession each in greater yam (Indu), cowpea (Kairali) and Chinese potato (Nidhi) supplied from this station were released as varieties by Kerala Agricultural University

Based on the evaluation / characterisation of germplasm, six accessions with unique traits were registered. In Malabar tamarind (Garcinia cambogia), IC244100-2 (INGR No. 04061) and IC244111-1 (INGR No. 04062) are early bearing (6 and 7 years after transplanting, respectively). In kokam (Garcinia indica), IC136687-3 (INGR No.04063) is high yielding in number of fruits (2898 per year), in Greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) accession IC349746 (INGR No. 08107)for highest 1,8–cineole (72.49%), in lesser galangal (Alpinia calcarata) accession IC210421 (INGR No. 09051)for high 1,8–cineole (37.21%) and frenchyl acetate (19.87%) and in black pepper (Piper nigrum) IC266417 (INGR10065) for its oval shaped berries.

Twelve field days were organised for different tropical crops and selected germplasm accessions were supplied to the indentors. Participants were mostly from SAUs/ICAR institutes.

conservation and utilisation by the crop based institutes will be continued

.