Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division has a broad based R&D programme towards:
■ Development of high yielding, early maturing crop varieties with resistance to biotic, abiotic stresses, better nutritional quality and wider ecological adaptability using mutation and recombination breeding and their societal deployment
■ Development of Plant DNA markers for marker assisted selection in oilseeds, pulses and cereals
■ Plant biotechnological research in tissue culture, transgenic plants and bioreactors for secondary metabolite production
■ Understanding and management of plant stress tolerance
■ Sterile insect technique (SIT) and biopesticides for integrated pest management
■ Fertilizer formulation with improved nutrient use efficiency
■ Metal homeostasis in plants and xenobiotic degradation mechanisms
■ Technology related to bioregulators, biosensors, biocontrol and agro-processing
■ Nisargruna biogas technology for agricultural and slaughterhouse waste biodegradation
■ Breeder seeds of released Trombay crop varieties
A Compendium of agro-technologies that have been developed at BARC and transferred to different private parties for further commercialization was released during "One day workshop Biopesticides and Bioregulators: Role in Sustainable Agriculture (BBRSA-2022)" held at Training School Hostel on 11th September 2022
TCSM is an improved gamma ray induced mutant of Sonagathi parent and has high yield potential with late maturity duration. It is semi-dwarf having resistance to lodging and shattering. It is ~15 days early and fertilizer responsive mutant with prominent stay green character. Amylose content is intermediate (AC=23%). It has been developed in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
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TCSM is an improved gamma ray induced mutant of Sonagathi parent and has high yield potential with late maturity duration. It is semi-dwarf having resistance to lodging and shattering. It is ~15 days early and fertilizer responsive mutant with prominent stay green character. Amylose content is intermediate (AC=23%). It has been developed in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
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Trombay Chhattisgarh Vishnubhog Mutant (TCVM) is an improved gamma ray induced mutant variety of traditional rice variety Vishnubhog developed in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
\r\nIt has aromatic short grains, semi dwarf stature and medium duration maturity habit with good yield potential (~55% higher compared to parent variety Vishnubhog).
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Wheat genotype “TAW 33” (Trombay Akola Wheat 33) has been registered by Plant Germplasm Registration Committee (PGRC) of ICAR on 24-12-2021. It is a stable wheat genotype developed through recombination breeding having special character viz. high grain hardness index (an important quality parameter in wheat) among the wheat genotypes tested at All India level during 2016-17 and 2017-18. TAW 33 recorded grain hardness index as 102 against that of the check varieties (which ranged from 32.8-89.3). TAW 33 having high grain hardness index, 12% protein contents and carrying HMW glutenin subunits 5+10 will be used as a potential donor in Wheat quality improvement programme of India.
Developed through BARC-IGKV collaboration and released in 2020 for Chhattisgarh State. The mutant variety is early maturing, semi-dwarf, lodging resistant, and high yielding in comparison to its parent Safri-17
Developed through BARC-IGKV collaboration and released in 2020 for Chhattisgarh State. The mutant variety is early maturing, semi-dwarf, lodging resistant, and high yielding in comparison to its parent Safri-17
Developed through BARC-IGKV collaboration and released in 2020 for Chhattisgarh State. It is short slender aromatic rice and is semi tall (120-125 cm) and lodging resistant as against Jawaphool parent variety which is tall (145-150 cm) and lodging susceptible. It is high yielding with 40% higher yield in comparison to its parent Jawaphool local .
Developed through BARC-IGKV collaboration and released in 2020 for Chhattisgarh State. It is short slender aromatic rice and is semi tall (120-125 cm) and lodging resistant as against Jawaphool parent variety which is tall (145-150 cm) and lodging susceptible. It is high yielding with 40% higher yield in comparison to its parent Jawaphool local .
Using Ocimum basilicum seed as template, a natural dendritic bio-hybrid (Si@seeds and Si@PEI-seeds) was synthesized. Developed bio-hybrids were characterized through small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Synchrotron radiation based X-ray micro-computed tomography (SRμCT), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Incorporation of the nanoparticles results to a fourfold increase in the available surface area of the seeds. Immobilized enzyme showed improved physico-chemical properties. Enzyme immobilized bio-hybrids could be easily separated out and reused up to eight times with 82 % retention of enzyme activity.
\r\nSi@PEI-seeds emerged as best immobilizing support for invertase enzyme.
\r\nPresent work suggests that the unique features of the natural dendritic bio-hybrid of Si@PEI-seeds could act as a suitable support for immobilization of enzymes.
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Zinc is an essential plant micronutrient and hence its detection is important. A simple and easy to use biosensor is under development for detection of zincat ppm level based on the principle of interaction of zinc with formation of gold nanoparticles using immobilised plant extract and thereby effecting change in the color of the solution. The system has three important components such as immoblised plant extract biobeads, gold chloride and zinc (0-50 ppm) in the form of zinc sulfate. In the reaction mixture containing gold ions and varying concentration of zinc (0-50 ppm), 5 biobeads are used. After placing the beads and gentle mixing of the reaction mixture, the color development occurs within 4-5 minutes . The system can detect upto 50 ppm zinc. The main advantage of this method is all the components including biobeads can be stored at room temperature and no electricity is required either during storage or detection. The biokit has a self life of six months.
1.NAC transcription factors from banana have been cloned and characterized for their functions in secondary wall deposition, drought and salinity tolerance.
\r\n2. Promoters for tissue specific and stress inducible expression have been identified and characterized for their utility in genetic engineering of banana plants towards improved stress tolerance.
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Short Term Training Programmes on “Mutation Breeding For Crop Improvement” were organized by NABTD (sponsored by BRNS) at [1] IGKV-Raipur(2017), [2]DBSKKV-RARS-Karjat (2018) & [3] BCKV-Kalyani (2020). Nearly 100 young Researchers & PhD students have been trained during last 3 years.
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Short Term Training Programmes on “Mutation Breeding For Crop Improvement” were organized by NABTD (sponsored by BRNS) at [1] IGKV-Raipur(2017), [2]DBSKKV-RARS-Karjat (2018) & [3] BCKV-Kalyani (2020). Nearly 100 young Researchers & PhD students have been trained during last 3 years.
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Short Term Training Programmes on “Mutation Breeding For Crop Improvement” were organized by NABTD (sponsored by BRNS) at [1] IGKV-Raipur(2017), [2]DBSKKV-RARS-Karjat (2018) & [3] BCKV-Kalyani (2020). Nearly 100 young Researchers & PhD students have been trained during last 3 years.
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TAKPS-5 : a sorghum mutant for hurda (green seeds) purpose showed high yield with improved organoleptic properties. Another grain mutant, TRJP 1-5 for rabi season is high yielding with tolerance to charcoal rot disease.
Biokit was demonstrated to Minister of Health and Family Welfare and CEO FSSAI in second edition of the ‘National Eat Right Mela’ organized by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) along with the 11th National Street Food Festival by National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) from 26th to 29th December 2019 at JawaharLal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Biokit has been recognized as a Rapid Food Testing Kit by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) in their press release (31/12/2019).
Biokit was demonstrated to Minister of Health and Family Welfare and CEO FSSAI in second edition of the ‘National Eat Right Mela’ organized by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) along with the 11th National Street Food Festival by National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) from 26th to 29th December 2019 at JawaharLal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. Biokit has been recognized as a Rapid Food Testing Kit by Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) in their press release (31/12/2019).
Developed thiourea and chitosan based technologies for enhancing growth and productivity of different plants.
Developed thiourea and chitosan based technologies for enhancing growth and productivity of different plants.
Developed thiourea and chitosan based technologies for enhancing growth and productivity of different plants.
Developed thiourea and chitosan based technologies for enhancing growth and productivity of different plants.
In vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation protocols have been developed for Finger millet to incorporate useful genes.
Micropropagation protocol of ginger has been standardized and the technology transfer is under progress
Gamma rays induced extra early and high yielding mutant of Pusa 5
Gamma rays induced extra early and high yielding mutant of Pusa 5
Gamma ray induced dwarf banana mutant (in vitro mutagenesis derived). The mutant is currently under multi-location trial in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy, Tamil Nadu
Gamma ray induced dwarf banana mutant (in vitro mutagenesis derived). The mutant is currently under multi-location trial in collaboration with ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy, Tamil Nadu
Methanol induced denaturation of microbial lipases was studied using molecular dynamics simulations. Based on the simulation studies, ideal combination of reactants were used for transesterification reaction to keep lipase stable in the presence of methanol. Candida rugosa lipase was used for transesterification of kitchen waste oil into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME, also known as biodiesel). Synthesis of FAME under different reaction conditions was confirmed and quantified (20% - 84%) by NMR. This work suggests that microbial lipases can be stabilized in the organic solvents for synthesis of FAME.
Delineated the molecular basis of salt tolerance in Sesuvium portulacastrum, a facultative halophyte.
Delineated the molecular basis of salt tolerance in Sesuvium portulacastrum, a facultative halophyte.
Delineated the molecular basis of salt tolerance in Sesuvium portulacastrum, a facultative halophyte.
Soil based application for agriculture and horticultural crops
Established the molecular basis of thiourea mediated salt and arsenic stress tolerance in mustard and rice, respectively.
Established the molecular basis of thiourea mediated salt and arsenic stress tolerance in mustard and rice, respectively.
Established the molecular basis of thiourea mediated salt and arsenic stress tolerance in mustard and rice, respectively.
Phytoremediation of arsenic using Vetiver grass has been demonstrated in collaboration with BCKV, Kalyani at Nadia (WB)
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SIT for Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (A) and Melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (B) have been developed
Sugarcane cultivars (CoC-671, Co 86032) have been used for radiation induced in vitro mutagenesis in combination with cellular selection for salt tolerance. Several mutant clones have been isolated and field tested to identify promising mutants for advance evaluation. In case of CoC-671, 40 mutant clones were found promising for different desirable agronomic traits over respective checks for average cane weight and H.R. Brix. Of these, mutants AKTS-01 and AKTS-02 were found superior for total plant
\r\nheight, millable cane height and number. In case of cultivars, Co86032 and Co 740, field selection based on agronomic characters resulted in 18 and 17 mutant clones, respectively. The in vitro mutagenesis is an effective tool for the induction of genetic variability in sugarcane for agronomic and juice quality traits.
Sugarcane cultivars (CoC-671, Co 86032) have been used for radiation induced in vitro mutagenesis in combination with cellular selection for salt tolerance. Several mutant clones have been isolated and field tested to identify promising mutants for advance evaluation. In case of CoC-671, 40 mutant clones were found promising for different desirable agronomic traits over respective checks for average cane weight and H.R. Brix. Of these, mutants AKTS-01 and AKTS-02 were found superior for total plant
\r\nheight, millable cane height and number. In case of cultivars, Co86032 and Co 740, field selection based on agronomic characters resulted in 18 and 17 mutant clones, respectively. The in vitro mutagenesis is an effective tool for the induction of genetic variability in sugarcane for agronomic and juice quality traits.
(BARC- ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal collaboration)
(BARC- ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal collaboration)
(BARC- ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal collaboration)
(BARC- ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal collaboration)
(BARC- ICAR-IIWBR, Karnal collaboration)
B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis ISPC-12 based floating biopesticide formulation
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Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kenyae HD-549 based wettable powder (WP) biopesticide formulation
An assembled microstructure of silica nanoparticles and Streptococcus lactis (S. lactis) cells were synthesized by evaporation induced self assembly, with the objective of its application in remediation. Different morphologies were realized by tuning the physico-chemical conditions of the assembly process and applied for U (VI) uptake. Morphology dependent uptake was demonstrated and maximum uptake was found for the spray dried doughnut shaped microstructure (SDSM). The U (VI) removal was significantly rapid with more than 85 ± 2% of total uptake in 10 min and maximum sorption capacity (qmax) at pH 5.0 and temperature 298 K was 169.5 mg/g using SDSM as sorbent. Thermodynamic studies indicated endothermic and spontaneous uranium adsorption process. The present work opens up the possibility of a means for the functionalization of silica microstructures through the incorporation of micro-organism and the potential for the use of these functionalized materials for bioremediation.
Melanin is a naturally available black pigment with metal binding properties. It can also be biosynthesized using tyrosinase. Enzyme tyrosinase, extracted from Amorphophallus campanulatus was used for biosynthesis of nanomelanin. The nanomelanin carries negative charge and showed high uranium binding capacity 588.24 mg U/g . Its high loading capacity and specificity would be useful for remediation and detection of uranium.
with Dr. Ashish Shrivastava, PSPB Section at FIPLY
With Dr. Ashish Shrivastava, PSPB section (near Green House)
With Dr. Anuj Tripathi, EMT section
With Mr. BHANU PRAKASH S, EMT Section
With Dr. KC Bhainsa, EMT Section
with Dr. Jitendra Kumar, EMT section
The facility provides service to various scientists of the Division for conducting experimental research on field and allied crops. The facility has about 10 acres of land for cultivation and conducting field experiments throughout the year. Borewells and tubewells are the sources of irrigation. A tractor and other major implements are available for land preparation and other intercultural operations. The facility is being headed by Dr. JG Manjaya.
The Micropropagation protocol for pineapple developed at BARC includes tissue culture propagation using shoot tips as well as dormant axillary buds from pineapple crowns on a defined nutrient media containing specific plant growth regulators. The steps include sterilized shoot tips obtained from the parent pineapple plant, shooting and rooting in the test tube, primary hardening in the laboratory, secondary hardening in the nursery and plating in the field. One of the main advantages is the production of disease free uniform age and size planting material which can be made available throughout the year.
Organophosphate (OP) and organocarbamate (OC) pesticides are most commonly used insecticides for agriculture and domestic use. Presence of these insecticides is thus expected in the soil samples, water resources and in food commodities (vegetables, fruits and spices). A simple visual detection method for presence of these pesticides in food samples will be useful for farmers, traders and consumers. BARC has developed a colorimetric visual biosensor kit (BioKit) for detection of safe levels of the following OP and OC pesticides.
Methyl parathio (MP) ( is an organophosphate (OP) pesticide, used as insecticide in agriculture to protect the crops from insects. Earlier, it was recommended as restricted pesticide for controlling the insect in the field of cotton, paddy, wheat, pulses such as green gram and black gram and oilseeds such as ground nut and mustard crops by Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC). Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set MRLs of MP in food commodities in the range of 0.1-1 ppm. Although it was not recommended for fruits, vegetables and spices however many newspapers have reported the presence of this pesticide in vegetables and spices also. Recently in Aug 2018, Government of India had completely banned 18 pesticides including methyl parathion for the registrations, import, manufacture, formulation, transport, sell and any types of application. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a method that is rapid, sensitive, selective, reliable, economically feasible and able to monitor a large number of MP samples simultaneously in its MRL range.
BARC has developed a prototype of handheld colorimetric biosensor, which can detect methyl parathion pesticide in the range of 1 - 10ppm. This biosensor consists of biocomponent disc (Figure A) and handheld colorimetric device (Figure B). Biocomponent disc comprised immobilized microbial cells that hydrolyse methyl parathion pesticide into detectable yellowish colour product which is detected by handheld colorimeter in the range of 1 – 10ppm. The total response time of biosensor is 10 - 20 min. This biosensor is specifically detects methyl parathion pesticide in sample in 10 - 20 min while traditional analytical techniques are not specific and required 3-5 days.
Biopesticides have been developed as environment friendly alternate to chemical pesticides. Pesticidal properties of neem leaves have been known in literature. A novel biopesticide using whole neem fruit in combination with other ayurvedic herbs in micro fine dust form has been developed. The formulation particles create a sustained release effect since the ingredients are gradually released and thus a long term protection from insects is achieved. The product is economical and efficient in the field.
A single microbe (cellulolytic fungus) based formulation has been developed for decomposition of many types of biodegradable wastes like kitchen/market waste, dry plant matter (including coconut leaves), straw/agricultural residue and holy waste from temples. Its application shortens the duration of degradation from years and months (required for natural processes, depending on type of biomass) to a few weeks. Additionally, it greatly reduces the cost of transportation involved in disposal of such wastes. The compost generated in this process has high carbon content which will be beneficial in enriching organic matter-depleted soils. This technology is based on a single, safe and beneficial microbe, and hence simple to adopt. It will also be an important contribution towards “Swachh Bharat Mission”.
Presently, solid state fermentation technology uses food grains including sorghum and bajra for commercial mass multiplication of Trichoderma spp at an industrial scale. However, the food grains are comparatively expensive, have short storage life and may not be available freely due to climatic stress. So a low cost mass multiplication medium for faster growth of Trichoderma spp. is developed. This material supports better growth of biofungicide compared to existing methods and addition of synthetic sticker is not required while making its formulation. The process is cheaper than the existing methods and is based on the material which is inexpensive and available locally. Hence, in true sense this technology generates wealth from waste.
An eco-friendly biopesticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a viable alternatives to chemical insecticides and is widely used. The bacterial strain has been isolated and characterized at BARC. The formulation based on this isolate has been found to be active against 14 different agriculturally important insect pests. The formulation described here is found to be stable for over 2 years and is safe to non target species and beneficial insects as well as to humans and mammals.
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Biological control is an integral component of organic farming, but almost all the commercial Trichoderma formulations contain synthetic additives like the carboxy-methyl cellulose (CMC). BARC has developed a purely organic, granular, seed treatment formulation based on two major technologies - the tamarind seed based mass multiplication medium (patent filed viz. 1236/MUM/2012), a technology earlier developed by BARC, and a mutant strain of Trichoderma virens that produces more antibiotics than the wild type. The purely organic (no chemical additive) granular, seed dressing formulation, named as “TrichoBARC” is suitable for packaging in small quantity (5 g for treatment of 1 kg seeds, per pouch), thus reducing the cost of seed treatment, making it economical for even small and marginal farmers.
The Micropropagation protocol for banana developed at BARC includes tissue culture propagation using shoot tips on a defined nutrient media containing specific plant growth regulators. The steps include establishment of shoot tip cultures, induction of multiple shoots, elongation, rooting of shoots and hardening of rooted plantlets in the green house. The technique can be useful for rapid multiplication of banana cultivars. One of the main advantages is the production of disease free uniform age and size planting material which can be made available throughout the year.
Phosphatic fertilizers are of great demand during recent times and the demand is increasing steadily. BARC has developed a process for development of Phosphorus fertilizer formulation from bio-sludge. Chemically synthesized phosphatic fertilizers have limitations in term of availability and they are effective at certain levels. On the contrary phosphatic fertilizer derived from biosludge are slow release and increase the crop yield at the half the recommended dose.
\r\nThe process converts post biomethanation distillery sludge; a waste material for distilleries, into a high efficiency P fertilizer for soil application. The improved fertilizer helps in better phosphorus availability to the plants and also improves the crop yield and soil condition when applied to the soil.
BARC has developed a process for development of Zinc (Zn) fertilizer formulation from biosludge. Chemically synthesized zinc fertilizers have limitations in term of availability and they are effective at certain levels. On the contrary zinc fertilizer derived from biosludge are slow release and increase the crop yield at the half the recommended dose. The process converts post biomethanation distillery sludge; a waste material for distilleries, into a high efficiency Zn fertilizer for soil application. The improved fertilizer helps in better Zinc availability to the plants and also improves the crop yield and soil condition when applied to the soil.
Intensive modern agriculture has resulted in widespread use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and heavy irrigation which resulted in problems like heavy metal and xenobiotics contamination of soil as well as increased soil salinity, all leading to yield loss. Crop plants are not naturally equipped with a machinery to cope with elevated levels of toxicity imposed by the intensive agriculture, as well as stresses imposed by climate change. An attractive option is to express such genes that can make the plants tolerant to these abiotic stresses, from heterologous sources. The widely used biocontrol fungi, Trichoderma spp., are known to be tolerant to xenobiotics, heavy metals and various abiotic stresses. A GST gene from Trichoderma virens was expressed in the experimental plant tobacco. The transgenic plants exhibited tolerance to a variety of abiotic stresses like salinity, heavy metal cadmium and the toxic xenobuitic anthracene (a ployaromatic hydrocarbon highly toxic to plants). This plasmid construct, can now be expressed in a variety of crop plants to enhance tolerance to abiotic stresses.
This kit analyses organic carbon content of soil directly on the field. This kit has been devised to help farmers to understand the carbon status of his field which ultimately decides the yield of crop. It gives quick results and thereby enables farmer to take corrective measures for maintaining soil fertility especially before sowing and at the harvest of any crop. The detection method works on the basis of organic matter extraction from the soil. The extraction is again enhanced by addition of chemicals provided in the kit. The colour developed after extraction can be compared with chart provided for estimation of organic carbon content of the soil. The analysis is easy to perform, requires only 15-20 min. time and farmers can use the kit without any prior knowledge.
Fungal diseases of crop plants cause huge damage and reduce crop productivity significantly. The management of these diseases, using synthetic chemical fungicides poses considerable ecological damage and health hazards to livestock. Transgenic plants harboring genes for broad spectrum resistance against fungal pathogens could be an economically viable strategy for reducing crop damage caused by these pathogens. Trichoderma virens is a fungus used for biological control of plant disease. An endochitinase gene from this fungus has been cloned and a gene construct for expressing this gene in plants is prepared. This construct, when introduced in plants like tobacco and tomato, significantly improved tolerance of these plants to test pathogens. This construct is now ready to be introduced to commercial cultivars for obtaining disease tolerant crop plants.
Target crops of NABTD
Popular Trombay Pigeonpea Varieties
Popular Trombay Mungbean Varieties
Popular Trombay Blackgram Varieties
NA&BTD activities
Trombay groundnuts in different states
Popular Trombay Groundnut Varieties
62 Trombay crop varieties
List of Trombay Crop Varieties
Recently Released Trombay Crop Varieties
