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Trait specific germplasm of crops for direct use as variety or use in breeding programme for genetic enhancement, disease and insect resistance, abiotic stress tolerance, quality and climate resilien

Solution Overview

Submitter: ICAR 

Plant genetic resources are basis to the crop improvement activities of a nation. For development of high yielding varieties, the germplasm can be shared as per the extent regulations of the country which will help in enhancement of production of the crops.

What We Do

Key Features & Benefits

India has 4.71 lakh accessions of around 2200 species in the national gene bank.  

  • Germplasm can be used as direct introduction and released as variety based on its performance for yield and other traits 
  • Germplasm is used in the hybridization programmes for development of high yielding varieties 
  • Crop wild relatives are used for transferring novel genes conferring resistance/ tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses and development of CMS/Restorer lines for hybrid development programme.  
  •  Use of markers assisted selection/ genomic selection can be done for faster transfer of a trait from the potential donor(s). 

Where It Works and Where It Can Work

Germplasm can be used for crop improvement activities in any region of the globe.    

Evidence & Impact

Through the use of elite germplasm more than 3000 varieties have been bred in India since 2014. More than 85% of these varieties are having one of more traits for biotic and /or abiotic stresses.

Scalability & Adoption Support

Scalability depends upon the use of germplasm in crop improvement which varieties from programme to programme.   

Contact Information & Partners

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Deputy Director General (Crop Science), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi

Email: ddgcs.icar@nic.in 

Phone: 91-11-23382545, 23046560 

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