ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR)

Collaborating Centre Principal Investigator (CC-PI)

Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia

Scientist

Principal Investigator involved in the project

Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia

Scientist

Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs)

Dr. R.M. Sundaram

Director

Dr. C.N. Neeraja

Principal Scientist

Dr. S V Sai Prasad

Principal Scientist

Dr. P. Senguttuvel

Senior Scientist

Dr. M.D. Tuti

Senior Scientist

Dr R. Abdul Fiyaz

Senior Scientist

Dr. Ch. Suvarna Rani

Scientist

Dr. Milan Kumar Lal

Scientist

Dr Kalyani M Barabdikar

Senior Scientist

Dr Papa Rao V

Scientist

Target Traits in Rice

Research Methods & Expected Outcomes

The target genomic regions were PCR amplified and sequenced from the selected cultivars Samba Mahsuri and Chittimuthyalu. Based on the obtained sequences, guide RNAs were designed, with a minimum of two guides for each target. A tissue culture protocol was also standardized and optimized for efficient transformation and regeneration of the Chittimuthyalu cultivar, which is an aromatic and nutrient-rich landrace.

During the reported period, five gene-editing constructs were developed, including both single-target and multiplexing approaches. These constructs were mobilized into the Agrobacterium strain EHA105 and used for transformation in Samba Mahsuri, Kamala, and Chittimuthyalu cultivars. Transgene integration was confirmed through PCR of marker genes and promoters. Sequencing of transgene-positive plants suggested successful editing in certain cultivars during the T0 generation. The physiology and yield-related traits of the edited plants were analyzed, and additional transgene-positive plants were obtained for other constructs in Kamala.