(0172) 229 3152
headbiology@iisermohali.ac.in
My primary research interest lies in understanding and exploiting sex determination mechanisms in plants for crop engineering. Historically, advancements such as high-yielding F1-hybrids, mechanization, and irrigation have driven increased crop yields. However, in the post-genomic era, the discovery and optimization of gene networks controlling crucial agronomic traits hold the promise of further elevating productivity. During my doctoral research, I focused on unravelling sex determination mechanisms in dioecious Coccinia grandis through an integrated transcriptomics and proteomics approach. As a postdoctoral researcher, I studied sex determination and fruit shape determination in melon as well as fruit set control in tomato employing a range of molecular biology, genetics, and -omics technologies. Looking ahead, I plan to identify crucial sex-determining regulators in orphan cucurbits cultivated in India, such as bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ivy gourd, sponge gourd. For instance, in crops that develop low number of pistillate flowers, such as bottle gourd and other orphan crops of the Cucurbitaceae family, gynoecy could practically increase the yield and greatly help in F1 hybrid seed production. Also, engineering hermaphrodite or parthenocarpic lines has the potential to substantially boost yield by eliminating the need for pollinators. This work has the potential to play a vital role in ensuring food security and income generation for underprivileged farmers in developing nations.
Biology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)- Mohali
Knowledge City, Sector 81, SAS nagar 140306, INDIA
headbiology@iisermohali.ac.in| +91 172 2240266
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