TISSUE CULTURE

Brief Introduction of the lab:
The Biotechnology Laboratory at ICAR-CICR, Nagpur is organized into two specialized laboratories
namely, molecular biology and tissue culture. The Molecular Biology laboratory supports cotton
improvement through genetic and genomic workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR-
based assays, marker analysis, construct development for transgenic and gene editing, and
sequencing-ready sample preparation. The Tissue Culture laboratory focuses on cotton in vitro
culture to enable rapid multiplication and regeneration of cotton. Key functions include
establishment of sterile cultures, callus induction, somatic embryogenesis, and acclimatization of
regenerated plantlets. The facility primarily supports cotton improvement pipelines for
transformation and genome editing.
Major Research focus areas: Transgenic development, genome editing, QTL mapping, genomics and
bioinformatics.
Facilities and key equipment: previously enclosed
Ongoing projects:

1. Genome editing in cotton: Enhancing climate resilience and ensuring food security with
   genome editing tools. (ICAR-EFC; 2024-2029)
2. Structure-function relationship studies on farnesol dehydrogenase from Helicoverpa
   armigera (Hübner) for developing novel insect growth regulatory molecules. (DST SERB;
   2024-2027)
3. Precise base editing in Acetolactate synthase gene (ALS Gene) for herbicide tolerance in
   Cotton. (Institute funded; 2022-2027)
4. Development of transgenic cotton events for RNAi of chitin synthesis genes from pink
   bollworm. (Institute funded; 2024-2029)
5. Identification and characterization of gene(s)/QTLs for economically important traits in
   cotton (Institute funded; 2025-2028)
6. Development of genotype independent genome editing system in cotton. (Institute funded;
   2025-2030)
7. Mapping QTLs for drought tolerance in Cotton. (Institute funded; 2024-2027)

Significant Achievements:
 Development of improved protocol for in planta cotton transformation in elite genotypes.
 Characterisation and validation of crucial chitin synthesis gene as RNAi targets for
management of pink bollworm.
 Development of genome editing constructs targeting fibre quality, cottonseed oil, abiotic
stress tolerance in cotton.