Smart Plant Breeding for Field Crops in Post-genomics Era

This book emphasizes on cutting-edge next-generation smart plant breeding approaches for maximizing the use of genomic resources generated by high-throughput genomics in the post-genomic era. Through this book the readers would learn about the recent development in the genomic approaches such as genotype by sequencing (GBS) for genomic analysis (SNPs, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism), whole-genome re-sequencing (WGRS) and RNAseq for transcriptomic analysis (DEGs, Differentially Expressed Genes). To maximize the genetic gains in the cereal/food crops, the book covers topics on transgenic breeding, genome editing, high-throughput phenotyping, reliable/precision phenotyping and genomic information-based analysis. In the era of climate change and the ever-increasing population, food security and nutritional security are the primary concern of plant breeders, growers, and policymakers to address the UN’s sustainable development goals. Chapters of this book cohere around these goals and covers techniques such as (QTL mapping, association studies, candidate gene identification), omics, RNAi [through micro RNA (miRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA) and artificial micro RNA (amiRNA)]. It also covers other genomic techniques like antisense technology, genome editing (CRISPR/cas9, base editing) and epigenomics that assist the crop improvement programmes to fulfil the UNs sustainable development goals. It explores the influence of rapidly available sequencing data assisting in the next generation breeding programmes. This volume is a productive resource for the students, researchers, scientists, teachers, public and private sector stakeholders involved in the genetic enhancement of cereal crops.

1. Revisiting the genomic approaches in the cereals and the path forward.- 2. Smart plant breeding from pre-genomic to post-genomic era for developing climate-resilient cereals.- 3. Rice Drought Tolerance: Emerging Molecular Breeding Strategies in the Post-Genomic Era.- 4. Augmenting Salinity Tolerance in Rice through Genetic Enhancement in the Post Genomic Era.- 5. Understanding Heat Stress-Induced Morpho-phenological, Physiological and Molecular Modulations in Wheat for Improving Heat Stress Tolerance.- 6. Doubled-haploid technology in maize (Zea mays L.) and it’s practical implications in the Modern Agriculture.- 7. Finger Millet Improvement in Post-Genomic Era: Hundred Years of Breeding and Moving Forwards.- 8. Barnyard Millet Improvement: From pre-genomics to post-genomics era.- 9. Pigeonpea Crop Improvement: Genomics and Post-Genomics.- 10. Innovative approaches for genetic improvement of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): current status and prospectus.- 11. Biotechnological Approaches for Genetic Improvement of Sesame ((Sesamum indicum L.).- 12. Sugar signaling and their interplay in mitigating abiotic stresses in plant: A molecular perspective.- 13. Epigenetics for Crop Improvement: Challenges and Opportunities with Emphasis on Wheat.

Dr. Devender Sharma is currently working as a Maize Breeder [Scientist] at ICAR-VPKAS, Almora, Uttarakhand, India. He is the ICAR-Senior Research Fellowship recipient and completed his Ph.D. from GBPUAT Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. His main interest areas are the genetic improvement of cereal crops, doubled haploidy and preebreeding. He is currently working on the biofortification of maize for nutritional quality using genomic tools. He has published over 22 peer-reviewed research papers, 11 book chapters, and 12 popular articles. He is the consignee of the Young Scientist Award from UCOST, Dehradun. He is the recipient of Jagar Nath Raina Memorial All India Best Research Award-2020, in the recognition of his Doctoral research work. He is also the peer reviewer for reputed journals.