Till date about half of the total germplasm conserved in the National Gene Bank (about 3.9 lakhs) of different agri-horticultural crops were characterized and evaluated for various morpho-agronomic traits. Information on characterization, evaluation and promising accessions for multiple traits were documented and supplied to SAUs, PCs/PDs of crop-based institutes.

1.2 Development of Core Sets

Core sets representing the complete variability in the conserved germplasm, have been developed in four crops namely, brinjal, okra, sesame and green gram to facilitate the utilization of germplasm in crop improvement programme.

1.3 Multi-location Evaluation

For effective utilization of germplasm in crop improvement programmes knowledge on genetic potential of the germplasm, their availability with desired traits and proper database with interactive retrieval system are essentially needed. Since most of the agronomic traits have large genotype x environment interaction, therefore, evaluation over environments/location is necessary. Further, evaluation of germplasm for biotic and abiotic stress requires hot spot locations and estimation of quality parameters is also important considering the changing dietary and nutritional demands. Therefore, multi-location evaluation has been initiated in some selected crops since X Plan and was further expanded during XI Plan as detailed in the following table:

Crops

Centres

Traits/parameters (Centre)

Acc.

Rice

20

Agronomic (7), Biotic (12), Abiotic (1)

2645

Wheat

18

Agronomic (8), Biotic (8), Abiotic (1), Quality (1)

7273

Maize

5

Agronomic (5)

530

Chickpea

16

Agronomic (8), Biotic (7), Quality (1)

2113

Pigeonpea

12

Agronomic (8), Biotic (4)

1900

Lentil

7

Biotic (6), Quality (1)

900

Mustard

9

Biotic (7), Abiotic (1), Quality (1)

720

Okra

8

Biotic (6), Abiotic (2)

500

Brinjal

8

Biotic (6)

500

Giloe

3

Agronomic and Quality (3)

14

Under this programme, a total of 17,081 accessions of rice (2645 acc.), wheat (7273), maize (530), chickpea (2113), pigeon pea (1900), lentil (900), mustard (720), okra (500) and brinjal (500) were multiplied and evaluated for important agronomic traits, biotic and abiotic stresses and quality parameters in collaboration with Project Directorates/Project Coordinators and SAUs and promising accessions have been identified and documented during XI plan period.

Accessions with high oil and protein contents were analyzed for fatty acids and amino acids profile, respectively. Antinutritional factors such as total glucosinolate in Brassica (200 acc.) and phytic acid in pearl millet (30 acc.) were estimated.

Antioxidant profile including its constituents such as phenol, O-dihydric phenol, flavonoids, sugar and ascorbic acid were determined in walnut accessions. Similarly, kodomillet samples were analysed for tryptophan content.

Germplasm of various field crops are also being evaluated for major diseases, insects and nematodes. Preliminary evaluation under field conditions is carried out to identify the tolerant/resistant genotypes which are then further validated under controlled conditions / artificial inoculation. A total of 2,376 accessions of various crops were screened namely, pearl millet (223 acc.) against foliar diseases, rapeseed-mustard (713 acc.) against aphid, black gram (344 acc.) against defoliators and mosaic virus, chickpea (90 acc.) against Ascochyta blight, lentil (30 acc.) against wilt, okra (192 acc.) against YVMV, tomato (582 acc.) and brinjal (200 acc.) against fruit borers and promising accessions were identified.

1.7 Pre-Breeding and Genetic Enhancement in Lentil and Chickpea

Characterization of wild species for specific traits and genetic base broadening through prebreeding is becoming important due to increasing biotic and abiotic stresses imposed by changing climate. Sixty wild lentil accessions belonging to various Lens species (Lens orientalis, Lens odemensis, Lens nigricans, Lens lamottei, Lens tomentosus and Lens ervoides) were characterized and evaluated. Seven interspecific crosses have been attempted between cultivated and wild Lens species for widening the genetic base of cultivated gene pool. In addition, eight intra-specific crosses have also been made for the induction of wilt, blight and rust resistance. Fifty wild accessions of four Cicer species (Cicer reticulatum, Cicer echinospermum, Cicer pinnatifidum and Cicer judaicum) were characterized and evaluated. Three inter-specific crosses have been attempted for widening the genetic base and one intra-specific cross was also attempted for Ascochyta blight resistance.

1.8 Germplasm Supply

Supply of germplasm to national indenters is a regular activity of the Division. During the last five years about 28,195 germplasm of various crops have been supplied to 487 indenters belonging to various ICAR institutes and SAU’s for their use in crop improvement programme.

1.9 Institute Germplasm Identification Committee

Institute Germplasm Identification Committee (IGIC) under the chairmanship of the Head, Germplasm Evaluation Division is responsible for the screening of proposal for registration of trait specific germplasm identified by the Bureau and its Regional Stations before submission to Plant Germplasm Registration Committee (PGRC).

After rigorous evaluation, the following germplasm of various agri-horticultural crops have been registered for different parameters:

Development of minimal descriptors incorporating major characterization and evaluation parameters for bringing in uniformity in characterization by NARS partners is a prerequisite for authentic identification of germplasm. So far minimal descriptors have been developed and published in 88 crops.

1.11 Crop Catalogues

Crop catalogues for kharif and rabi seasons including horticultural crops are published regularly by the Division in addition to reports on multi-location evaluation on various crops.

1.12 Trainings/ Meetings Organized

Model Training Course: A model training course on “Role of Underutilised and Neglected Plant Genetic Resources in Health and Nutritional Security” was imparted to State Department personnel to disseminate the recent knowledge on the potential of underutilized species in sustainable agriculture.

Plant Breeders’ Meet: The All India Plant Breeders’ Meet was organized at NBPGR in which more than 125 plant breeders from across the country participated to discuss and chalk out programmes on pre-breeding and enhanced germplasm utilization particularly crop wild relatives in crop improvement programmes to address the urgent need of preparedness for climate resilient agriculture.

Farm Innovators’ Meet: A “Farm Innovators’ Meet” was organized on National Science Day at NBPGR, Experimental Farm, Issapur, New Delhi to commemorate a decade of innovation in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) by recognizing Indian farmers for their genius and innovative ideas that have ultimately led to the significant progress of Indian Agriculture. More than 200 farmers, scientists and representatives of development agencies participated out of which 39 farmers were felicitated for maintaining and promoting the use of germplasm.

1.13 Germplasm Field Days

For effective utilization of germplasm, the Division is actively engaged in organizing Germplasm Field Days in every crop season. Germplasm field days provide an opportunity to the users for on the spot assessment of variability and select the material of their interest. Research workers belonging to ICAR institutes, SAUs and traditional universities actively participate. During the last five years about 41 field days have been organized by the Bureau and its Regional Stations.

1.14 Germplasm Advisory Committee (GAC) Meetings

Germplasm Advisory Committee, the key advisory body headed by crop experts, has been constituted by the Council to provide comprehensive guidance on PGR management. Five GAC meetings on various crop groups were organized during the past two years in which ADGs, Project Directors/Project Coordinators of respective crops participated. The meetings were coordinated and organized by the Head, Germplasm Evaluation Division.

1.15 Farm Management

The Bureau has an Experimental farm of 100 acres at Issapur in addition to about 10 acres at IARI and PEQN area for raising field crops. These farms are being managed by the Division primarily for characterization and evaluation of germplasm and multiplication/ seed production in selected crops/ germplasm.

1.16 New Initiatives

1.16.1 Mega characterization and evaluation programme

Mega characterization and evaluation of wheat and chickpea germplasm conserved in the National Gene Bank was planned and executed in collaboration with SAUs recently. Under this programme 21,822 accessions of wheat and 18,775 accessions of chickpea germplasm were characterized at CCS HAU, Hisar and MPKV, Rahuri respectively, for development of core sets. In addition, 21,445 accessions of wheat were evaluated at NBPGR Issapur Farm under two sowing dates for screening against terminal heat tolerance. Further, 20,660 accessions of wheat were evaluated against rusts and foliar diseases at IARI RS, Wellington. During the current season about 5000 wheat germplasm are being evaluated for foliar diseases at PAU, Ludhiana and UBKV, Cooch Behar. The above activities have been undertaken under the National Initiative for Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA).

1.16.2 Infrastructure facilities

1. Two Rain-out shelters have been installed to facilitate screening for abiotic stress tolerance.

2. Establishment of biotic stress laboratory and molecular Virology laboratory for evaluation and validation of germplasm resistance to major pathogens and viruses.

3. Strengthening of phytochemical laboratory with GC-MS and others

4. Development of Referral laboratory for biochemical analyses under PPVFRA support has been initiated.