Molecular and morphometric analyses reveal discrete grouping of pomegranate (Punica granatum) genebank accessions away from cultivars

Management of germplasm in the field genebanks is greatly assisted by genetic analysis. Estimation of genetic diversity and assessment of genetic relationships among 45 accessions of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) that included cultivars and germplasm collections were carried out using nine morphometric, 241 ISSR and six SSR markers. The average genetic distance values based on ANOVA sum of squares (Ward) were 3.94 and 5.10 for morphometric and DNA markers respectively. Hierarchical clustering based on genetic distances grouped the accessions into at least three distinct clusters; the two-way clustering showing the contribution of individual markers in genetic grouping. Discrete grouping of field genebank accessions (with IC numbers) away from cultivars was evident based both on quantitative traits data as well as DNA marker data. The findings suggested the possibility of broadening genetic base of cultivated varieties by augmenting the breeding programmes in India with diverse as well as trait- specific pomegranate germplasm

Modern omics toolbox for producing combined and multifactorial abiotic stress tolerant plants

Plants being sessile organisms, face environmental challenges and climate change scenarios, that often occur simultaneously (as dual or multifactorial) rather than as a single stress factor. Combined stresses may exert additive impacts on plant growth and yields. The prime challenge to safely feed the burgeoning population, in light of climate change issues, demands precise agriculture systems. Though traditional breeding methods have been utilised but with limited success owing to time, cost, and infrastructure constraints. Modern biotechnological tools, especially the high-throughput omics including genomics, transcriptomics, miRNAomics, metabolomics, lipidomics beside others are being advocated to revolutionize the science of stress biology and to develop stress-smart crops. Omics tools, databases, and pipelines coupled with machine learning, artificial intelligence, and mathematical modeling are proving highly effective not only in deciphering the mechanistic insights of plant stress responses but also in enhancing the stress-tolerance. This review presents current knowledge and updates on recent developments on plant abiotic stress responses and adaptive strategies especially against combined and sequential stresses. Latest developments in omics toolbox and how they are being explored via genetic and genomic engineering, RNA-interference, microRNAs and target mimicry are discussed in detail. Recent success in deployment of biotechnological/omics technologies in modern breeding practices for producing multi-abiotic stress tolerant crops, current challenges and key questions and futuristic trends have also been discussed