ICAR - Central Research Institute for Jute & Allied Fibres

Collaborating Centre Principal Investigator (CC-PI)

Dr. Subhojit Datta

Principal Scientist

Principal Investigator involved in the project

Dr. Subhojit Datta

Principal Scientist

Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs)

Dr. Dipnarayan Saha

Principal Scientist

Dr. Gouranga Kar

Director

Dr. Pratik Satya

Principal Scientist

Target Traits in Jute & Flax

Research Methods & Expected Outcomes

Jute

In jute, in vitro regeneration protocols were standardized to support genome editing. Four culture media (SM, SR1, ASRM, and SM3) were optimized for regeneration efficiency, with hypocotyl explants of one jute species showing strong callus formation and shoot development on SM and SR1. Cotyledonary leaves of another jute species performed best on ASRM and SM3, highlighting genotype-specific media responses. Genome editing efforts targeted key traits such as flowering regulation and lignin biosynthesis using the SDN1 approach with CRISPR/Cas9 constructs. Guide RNAs were designed with CRISPOR and cloned into the pRGEB31 vector, with successful transformation confirmed through plasmid digestion assays.

Flax

In flax, significant progress was made in regeneration and transformation systems. Hypocotyl explants exhibited efficient direct shoot organogenesis and callus formation, with optimized combinations of Kinetin, BAP, and IBA supporting shoot and root induction. The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) notably improved callus induction and regeneration efficiency. Initial Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using standard vectors showed positive callus initiation. Genome editing efforts targeted traits related to growth and development, and transformation experiments are ongoing to establish stable edited lines.