Browsing by Author "Donde, Ravindra"

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Dissecting chickpea genomic loci associated with the root penetration responsive traits in compacted soil
(Springer Nature Publishing AG, 2024) Donde, Ravindra; Kohli, Pawandeep Singh; Pandey, Mandavi; Sirohi, Ujjwal; Singh, Bhagat; Giri, Jitender
Soil compaction is a major concern for modern agriculture, as it constrains plant root growth, leading to reduced resource acquisition. Phenotypic variation for root system architecture (RSA) traits in compacted soils is present for various crops; however, studies on genetic associations with these traits are lacking. Therefore, we investigated RSA traits in diferent soil compaction levels and identifed signifcant genomic associations in chickpea. We conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of 210 chickpea accessions for 13 RSA traits under three bulk densities (BD) (1.1BD, 1.6BD, and 1.8BD). Soil compaction decreases root exploration by reducing 12 RSA traits, except average diameter (AD). Further, AD is negatively correlated with lateral root traits, and this correlation increases in 1.8BD, suggesting the negative efect of AD on lateral root traits. Interestingly, we identifed probable candidate genes such as GLP3 and LRX for lateral root traits and CRF1-like for total length (TL) in 1.6BD soil. In heavy soil compaction, DGK2 is associated with lateral root traits. Reduction in laterals during soil compaction is mainly due to delayed seedling establishment, thus making lateral root number a critical trait. Interestingly, we also found a higher contribution of the GxE component of the number of root tips (Tips) to the total variation than the other lateral traits. We also identifed a pectin esterase, PPE8B, associated with Tips in high soil compaction and a signifcantly associated SNP with the relative change in Tips depicting a trade-of between Tips and AD. Identifed genes and loci would help develop soil-compaction-resistant chickpea varieties.
Method for the dissection of genomic loci associated with chickpea root penetration traits in compact soil
(Springer Nature Publishing AG, 2026) Ganotra, Jahanvi; Pandey, Mandavi; Donde, Ravindra; Giri, Jitender
Mechanical impedance in agricultural land is a significant constraint in modern agriculture. It dramatically affects seed germination, plant growth, development, and grain yield. Soil compaction hinders root growth and the ability to access deeper nutrients and water resources, impacting climate resilience, crop productivity, and global food security. Crops display variations in root system architecture (RSA) traits when grown in compacted soils. We can better understand the mechanisms behind soil compaction by examining root-related traits and their associated genes. Our recently published study investigated RSA traits across different soil compaction levels and identified significant genomic associations in chickpeas. We developed reliable methods for creating soils with varying bulk densities (i.e., compaction levels), growing chickpea seedlings, and harvesting the roots. We also conducted high-throughput phenotyping and screening of root-related traits using winRHIZO software. By integrating these phenotypic data with available genotypic data through Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), we could identify genetic loci influencing root penetration in response to increasing soil compaction. These methods will help us identify key architectural traits of roots that can be targeted in crop breeding efforts to enhance resilience and productivity in compacted soils. By improving the root system and understanding the genes involved, we aim to develop plants more responsive to root penetration.
Physiological and genetic basis of superior phosphate uptake and utilization efficiency in the rice landrace Wazuhophek
(Oxford University Press, 2025) Kohli, Pawandeep Singh; Donde, Ravindra; Sirohi, Ujjwal; Singh, Bhagat; Anantha, M S; Bhadana, Vijai Pal; Sundaram, Raman Meenakshi; Mangrauthia, Satendra K; Giri, Jitender
Low phosphorus (P) availability due to edaphic conditions or the scarcity of P fertilizers restricts agricultural productivity. Various rice-growing regions experience poor P availability. Landraces from these regions, such as Wazuhophek in Northeast India, may provide a source of critical genetic variation needed for developing highly efficient, tolerant rice varieties. This study identifies the physiological and genetic basis of higher efficiency and tolerance in Wazuhophek. Wazuhophek displays higher shoot P content across three different P regimes (0, 15, and 200 µM P) compared to the sensitive parent, Improved Samba Mahsuri (ISM). In 0 µM, Wazuhophek’s increased shoot P content can be attributed to greater root physiological P use efficiency and improved root-to-shoot P translocation. At 15 and 200 µM P, Wazuhophek exhibited a higher crown root number and surface area, with more efficient roots than ISM, facilitating better Pi acquisition and higher shoot P. Furthermore, the genetic basis was delineated by identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for critical traits. Revealing Wazuhophek’s physiological mechanism of low P tolerance provides valuable insights for developing rice varieties suited for nutrient-poor soil. Additionally, the identified QTLs for key traits offer targets for breeding more efficient low P-tolerant rice.