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.
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.
Dr Saurabh Singh is currently working as Teaching cum Research Associate at RLBCAU, Jhansi, India. He completed his Ph.D. from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, India. His main research interests are genetic improvement of vegetable crops using molecular breeding, genome editing and doubled haploidy. He has published research papers in peer reviewed journals like PLOS ONE, Plant Reproduction, Euphytica, 3Biotech, Frontiers in Plant Science, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, PGR, Cambridge. He has published 6 book chapters, 20 popular articles and one edited book. He is the recipient of Dr. B. R. Barwale Young researcher award by IAHS. He also holds the responsibility of independent peer reviewer for Scientia Horticulturae, Genes, Agronomy, Horticulturae, Biology, Plants, Life, Molecules and Frontiers in Genetics etc.
Dr. Susheel Kumar Sharma is currently working as Scientist at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Imphal, Manipur. He is recipient of University Gold Medal, Dr. J. S. Negi Gold Medal, ASPEE Gold Medal, Prakash Singha Gold Medal. He completed Ph.D. from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. He is recipient of IARI-Best Student Merit Medal. He has 12 years of research experience in viral genomics and host-pathogen interactions studies. Dr. Sharma has handled five externally funded projects as Principal Investigator funded by NASF, DBT and DST. He has published 45 research papers, two edited books, 11 technical bulletins, 17 book chapters. He is recipient of ISCA Young Scientist Award, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award from ICAR and many others in his credit are there.
Dr Rajender Singh is currently working as Research Associate at ICAR-CPRI, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. He Completed his PhD from Thapar University, Patiala and ICAR-DMR, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. He has also qualified ICAR- NET in Agricultural Biotechnology. He is the recipient of Junior Scientist of the Year award 2010 NESA, New Delhi. He has more than 11 years of experience in research. He has published research papers peer reviewed journals like Bioresource Technology, 3 Biotech, Indian Journal of Microbiology. He is credited with publication of 11 book chapters, edited one. Previously, he was associated with research and development in edible fungi Currently his main research interest is technology management and licensing in potato research at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla.
