ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 - Agri Biotech Foundation€¦ · · 2016-09-21Annual Report 2015-16, 32p. Compiled and edited by. ... Further studies on survival and growth of promising

AGRI BIOTECH FOUNDATIONANNUAL REPORT

2015-16

Agri Biotech FoundationRajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030

CitationAgri Biotech Foundation 2016. Annual Report 2015-16, 32p.

Compiled and edited byProf. G. Pakki ReddyDr. J.S. Bentur

Published byProf. G. Pakki ReddyExecutive DirectorAgri Biotech FoundationPJTS Agricultural University CampusOpposite ICAR-IIORRajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, [email protected]: +91-9849477099

Contact us [email protected]: +91-40-29803417/29807011Fax: +91-40-29803417

Visit us atwww.abfindia.org

Front Cover : ABF main building at Hyderabad (above) and Ananthapuram (below)Inner Cover : Views of International Conference on Climate Change and Food Security: Ethical Perspective Organized by ABF during 11-13 February 2016.Back Cover : 1. Biofertilizer production unit at Ananthapuram, 2. Shade Net at Ananthapuram, 3 & 4. Distribution of vegetable

nurseries at Srikakulam, 5. SIBU 2015, 6. Visit of Dr. P.K. Agarwal, ADG, NASF, ICAR , 7. DBT sponserd short term training course, 8. Tribal Sub-Plan on Oilseeds

Printed atBalaji Scan Private Limited11-4-659, Bhavya’s Faroqui Splendid Towers,1st Floor, 202, Opp. Krishna Children Hospital, Beside Singareni Bhavan, Lakadikapul, Hyderabad-500004. Tel: 23303424/25, 9848032644

AGRI BIOTECH FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT2015-16

Agri Biotech FoundationRajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030

ContentsPage No.

Executive Summary v

Preface vii

1. Introduction 1

2. Progress of Research Projects 2

3. Activities of Ananthapuram Unit 14

4. Other Institutional Activities 15

5. Publications, Presentations at Symposia 17

6. Deputations Abroad 18

7. Awards and Recognition 18

8. Distinguished Visitors 18

9. Members of General Body and Executive Committee 19

10. Faculty 20

11. Financial Statement 21

Acknowledgements 24

Agri Biotech Foundation Annual Report 2015-16 iii

Obituary

21 June 1928 - 8 March 2016

Founder PresidentAgri Biotech Foundation

Agri Biotech Foundation Annual Report 2015-16 v

During the year 2015-16 Agri Biotech Foundation implemented 15 projects at Hyderabad. These included four projects on marker based crop improvement; three on crop improvement through genetic transformation; four microbe mediated improvement of crop performance and four projects were extension projects being operated from Hyderabad. In addition, two RKVY funded project are being operated from Ananthapuram unit. Efforts on improvement of blackgram variety LBG685 with MYMV resistance from PU31 were continued with genetic characterization of a set of 31 genotypes with 40 SSR markers and DUS (distinctness, uniformity and stability) features. These genotypes were also screened for MYMV resistance and presence of virus detected with MYMIV-A marker. Introgression of two blast resistance genes Pi1 and Pi54 into an upland rice variety Satya has been accomplished with identification of BC2F2 homozygous lines with both the genes. Over 85% of the recurrent parent genome has been recovered in these lines through MAS. Homozygous lines were confirmed with high level of blast resistance. Genetics of BPH resistance in the indica-japonica derived rice line BM71 was noted to be simple with a recessive gene located on chromosome 4 and linked to the markers RM8213 and RM261. One NBS-LRR gene within this genomic region is likely to be the candidate gene. A set of ten rice gene pyramided lines were genotyped with gene specific markers and phenotyped against BPH and WBPH to study the interaction of R genes under the ICAR-NASF sponsored project.

Continued studies on development of triple Bt gene transgenic cotton variety Narasimha, identified 19 T1 plants PCR positive for all the three genes and also were positive in dip strip assay for Cry1Ac protein. In another project green gram variety LGG460 is being transformed with two herbicide resistance genes EPSPS and GAT. Selection with hygromycin is being standardized as glyphosate based selection led to poor growth of plants after selection. Third project involved groundnut (cv JL24) transformation with eIF4A gene under the control of stress inducible promoter rd29 to provide drought tolerance. So far 24 T0 putative transgenic plants have survived screening and these plants are PCR positive for the transgene.

Under microbe mediated improvement of crop performance, development of cyst based liquid formulations of bio-fertilizers project has identified Azotobacter chroococcum (Azt-7), Azotobacter vinelandii (Azt-9) and Azospirillum brasilense (Asp-6) as promising isolates with drought tolerance and compatible with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) additive and remained active for over 1 year under the liquid formulation. Okra seed inoculation with drought tolerant strain Azt-7 improved growth of plants under both drought stress (water withholding) and non-stress conditions. In another study maize seedlings inoculated with the ACC deaminase producing isolate FBKV2

Executive Summaryof Pseudomonas putida induced better growth in terms of shoot, root length, and dry biomass under drought stress conditions while un-inoculated control seedlings had rolling and wilting leaves. Under the project on endophyte mediated enhancement of plant performance 16 isolates were screened for biocontrol activity in vitro and detached leaf assay to note that isolate MRC12 recorded over 50% inhibition of growth of Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium hydrophilium, Pythium aphanidermatum and Alternaria sp. During this year three of the entomopathogenic fungal isolates collected earlier were identified as Metarizium anisopliae (Accession no: FJ609313, KT360950, KT373806) and one as Beauveria bassiana (AF293968). Further studies on survival and growth of promising isolates under water stress showed MZ2 strain to produce the highest of 63.3% of dry mass even under -0.73MPa drought stress as compared to no stress condition.

Extension activities under the project on popularization of softer biotechnologies involved production and distribution of 8.0 tonnes of bio fertilizers such as Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Azospirillum, Azotobacter and Rhizobium; 5.1 tons of bio pesticides like Trichoderma sp. and Pseudomonas sp. and 28 tonnes of Vermicompost. In addition 37,010 tissue cultured banana and 92,000 teak plants were produced. In all 11 hands on skill development training courses on application technologies (seed, seedling and soil) of bio-inputs were organized covering 649 farmers including 300 women. Four public awareness meetings were held in degree colleges in Hyderabad, Ananthapuram and Mahboobnagar with participation of around 300 students. In DBT sponsored project on socio-economic upliftment of SC/ST populations of Srikakulam district, three of the four units successfully completed four cycles of vegetable seedling production and generated additional revenue of Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 13,000. Under NICRA project on indigenous knowledge of coping strategy for climate change related adversaries literature was reviewed to develop sampling framework for the survey research to be executed in the study villages of Ananthapuram district. Under Tribal Sub-Plan of ICAR-IIOR this year field visits were made to the farmers’ field to ensure that the package of practices suggested by the IIOR are duly followed by the tribal farmers covered under this project. Farm implements like ‘Castor Shellor’ and ‘Hand-Drawn Weeder’ were procured and distributed to beneficiary farmers.

Activities at Integrated Bio-resource Center in Ananthapuram were mainly focused on production of tissue cultured banana and teak. During period under report, 1760 banana and 3580 teak saplings were produced. Biofertilizer production unit at Anathapuram, established during November 2014, produced 16.205 tonnes of bio-fertilizer and supplied to State Department of Agriculture earning a revenue of about Rs.2.0 lakhs.

vi Agri Biotech Foundation Annual Report 2015-16

Agri Biotech Foundation Annual Report 2015-16 vii

Preface

I am presenting the 9th Annual Report of Agri Biotech Foundation with a sad note of the demise of our founding president Dr. M.V. Rao on 8th March 2016. We continued our efforts to realize his dream of serving the farmer and empowering him with modern agri-biotechnologies for a better future.

During the period ABF implemented about 17 research and extension projects both at Hyderabad and Ananthpuram units. Results from these projects were presented in national and international seminars, published in peer reviewed journals and as chapters in books. In addition, four doctoral dissertations have been submitted.

Construction of two new laboratory cum administrative buildings at Ananthapuram was completed and these are now fully operational.

Two training programmes on organic farming for famrers; a hands on refresher course on molecular cloning and transgenic technologies for researchers and a summer internship in biotechnology for undergraduates were organized.

Various Institutional activities involving meetings of committees were carried out as per the schedule and recommendations arising from these were implement in the earnest.

Eight new project proposals to various funding agencies were submitted and these are at different levels of consideration.

Details of these activities are presented in this report.

(G.Pakki Reddy)Executive Director

viii Agri Biotech Foundation Annual Report 2015-16

Agri Biotech Foundation Annual Report 2015-16 1

1. INTRODUCTION

GenesisThe Andhra Pradesh Netherlands Biotechnology Programme (APNLBP) was one of the four country programmes supported by the Govt. of Netherlands launched in the year 1995. A high level committee that evaluated the performance and potential of APNLBP recommended the formation of an Institute in place of a programme. The members of Biotechnology Programme committee established the Agri Biotech Foundation (ABF) as an autonomous academic institute for the promotion of agricultural biotechnologies in the year 2007. The foundation has been recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) New Delhi, vide File No.11/599/2013 - TU-V dated 25th November 2013.

VisionApplication of appropriate biotechnology will lead to enhanced income and improved quality of life of the farmers.

Mission Promotion of participatory agri biotech research and technology transfer through educational and research programmes is the mission of Agri Biotech Foundation.

Mandate1. To support focused research projects leading to the

development of biotechnologies

2. To promote application of agricultural biotechnologies for the benefit of farmers.

3. To offer PhD programme for research scholars

4. To organize short term and long term training programmes

5. To undertake research for demonstrating the use of Interactive Bottom Up approach (IBU) in modern biotechnology research

6. To serve as an independent, knowledge based nodal agency to promote public discussion on transgenic technologies, biosafety, intellectual property rights, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, information dissemination and related policy making.

7. To bring awareness among the people particularly research students and farmers about the biotechnological innovations

8. To strengthen HRD activities, so as to improve the skilled human resources in biotechnology

Organogram

General BodyExecutive Committee

Office Bearers

Research Advisory Committee

Institute Bio-Safety CommitteeExecutive Director

Plant Tissue Culture Unit Plant Biotechnology Unit Microbiology Unit ABF Ananthapuram Unit

2 Agri Biotech Foundation Annual Report 2015-16

2. PROGRESS OF RESEARCH

List of on-going Research Project (2015-16)

Project code Title

A Crop Improvement through Biotechnologies – Marker Assisted Selection

01ABFMBG/2013 Biotechnological approach for controlling Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) resistance in black gram– funded by RKVY

02ABFMR-DBT/2013 Molecular marker-assisted introgression of two major blast resistance genes and a major QTL for grain yield under drought stress in rice – funded by DBT

03ABFMR-PH/2014 Identification and utilization of new sources of BPH resistance through marker aided breeding (MAB) in rice improvement – funded by RKVY

04ABFMR-NASF/2015 Molecular crosstalk between defense pathways in rice: from antagonism to synergism- funded by National Agricultural Science Fund (ICAR)

B Crop Improvement through Biotechnologies – transgenic approach

05ABFTC/2012 Development of transgenic cotton (Narasimha variety) for improving resistance against lepidopteran pests- funded by RKVY

06ABFTG/2014 Development of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) transgenic plants for improving abiotic stress tolerance – funded by RKVY

07ABFTGG/2014 Development of herbicide tolerant mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) through genetic engineering- funded by RKVY

C. Improvement of Crop Performance through Microbes

08ABFMi-LBF/2013 Development and standardization of abiotic stress tolerant cyst based liquid bioformulations of Azotobactor and Azospirillum – funded by RKVY

09ABFMi-ACC/2014 Differential expression of RNAs in maize under drought stress inoculated with ACC Deaminase producing Rhizobacteria– funded by DST under SERB

10ABFMi-Endo/2014 Endophyte mediated enhancement of plant performance in relation to biocontrol and gene expression under drought stress – DBT BIOCARE project

11ABFMi-EPF/2014 Genetic diversity of abiotic stress tolerant entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and their role in plant protection – funded by RKVY

D. Taking Science to Society (Extension of biotechnologies to end users)

12ABFSS-SB/2012 Popularization of softer biotechnologies for agriculture improvement – funded by DBT

13ABFSS-SCST/2013 Socio-economic upliftment of the rural and peri urban SC/ST population of Srikakulam district through agri biotechnologies funded by DBT

14ABFSS-NICRA/2013 Documentation of indigenous coping strategies to climate change in different areas of agriculture with special reference to drought prone areas of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.- funded by National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (ICAR)

15ABFSS-TSP /2013 Livelihood Improvement among Tribals through Oil Seeds Production

16ABFA-IBRC Establishment of Integrated bio-resource Centre – funded by RKVY-AP

17ABFA-BF Establishment of biofertilizer production unit at Ananthapuram – funded by RKVY-AP


A. CROP IMPROVEMENT THROUGH BIOTECHNOLOGIES – MARKER ASSISTED SELECTION

01ABFMBG/2013Biotechnological approach for Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) resistance in black gram

LBG685 is a popular variety of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.Hepper), developed by Lam Farm, Guntur, extensively cultivated as a pulse crop in Andhra Pradesh. However, it is highly susceptible to Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) which is one of the most important biotic stresses. This viral disease is transmitted through the white fly, Bemisia tabaci, and it reduces the crop yield drastically. In order to improve LBG685 for MYMV resistance, PU31 possessing MYMV resistance genes was used as donor parent for MYMV resistance and the strategy of Marker Assisted Breeding (MAB) coupled with phenotypic selection for MYMV resistance was adopted for targeted introgression of the resistance genes.

So far, three back-crosses have been made between donor parent PU31 and the recurrent parent LBG685. Some of the BC1F1 plants have been self-crossed to advance generations. At BC1F4 the lines were evaluated against MYMV under natural incidence and four resistant and three susceptible lines were selected. These are being further advanced and being evaluated for agronomic performance. Simultaneously, from the cross between the two parents a set of recurrent inbred lines are being developed following single seed descent method. The RILs are in F7 generation. With availability of SSR and EST-SSR markers for black gram, over 100 markers have been screened and over 50 markers polymorphic between PU31 and LBG685 have been identified. Further, based on the genomic sequence data for the two species of begamovirus MYMV and MYMIV, that are prevalent in India, nine sets of markers have been developed to test the presence of virus in the plants. A greenhouse screening technique of infecting plants with MYMV virus using whiteflies is being developed.

During this year a set of 31 genotypes of blackgram consisting of 12 released varieties, 10 advanced breeding lines in pipeline for release and 6 accessions of land races including two duplicate samples was analyzed for genetic diversity in terms of DUS (distinctness, uniformity and stability) features and polymorphism at 40 SSR loci. Dendrogram generated through UPGMA clearly brought out genetic similarity among the breeding lines and distinctness of these from the land races (Fig. 1). These genotypes were also screened for MYMV reaction in greenhouse and through detection of virus in plants using MYMIV-A marker (Fig. 2). While ten of the genotypes appeared to be resistant

to MYMV with no symptom or presence of virus in plant, these reactions are being confirmed.

Fig. 1 Dendrogram based on 40 SSR marker polymorphism to depict similarity coefficients among the 31 balckgram genotypes

Fig. 2 Detection of MYMIV virus in plants of 31 blackgram geno-types after being infected with whiteflies under greenhouse. Ar-rows indicate presence of disease symptom and presence of virus while asterisk indicates absence of symptom but presence of virus. Blank lanes are likely to be resistant genotypes

02ABFMR-DBT/2013Molecular marker-assisted introgression of two major blast resistance genes and a major QTL for grain yield under drought stress in rice

Upland rice needs to survive drought and blast disease to be productive. Blast caused by the filamentous ascomycete fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the major threats for rice produc-tion across the rice growing countries. Whereas drought stress is the major limiting factor for crop productivity in general. Ge-netic improvement conferring drought and blast resistance is an ideal solution to the twin problems. This project aims at in-trogression of two major, dominant blast resistance genes (Pi1 and Pi54) and a major QTL Dty12.1 in the genetic background of two elite rice cultivars (Varalu & Satya) with the help of molec-ular markers. It is to be noted that linked molecular markers are available for these important blast resistance genes.

The project was initiated with two crosses: 1) between the par-ents Satya and blast resistant BPT-LT (with Pi1 + Pi54 genes) and 2) between Satya and Vandana NIL (with yield under drought


stress QTL qDTY12.1). Reported markers linked to the genes of interest were validated for polymorphism between the parents for foreground selection. True F1 were backcrossed to recurrent parent to obtain BC1F1 progeny. Parental polymorphism survey has been done with over 600 SSR markers spread across all 12 chromosomes and identified 167 and 213 polymorphic mark-ers between these two pairs of parents for background selec-tion. Two positive BC1F1 plants from first cross with Pi1 and Pi54 genes were crossed back and 80 BC2F1seeds were generated. Foreground selection of these identified 10 plants with both the blast genes. One of the plants was used for making third back cross. Other plants were self-crossed to generate BC2F2 proge-ny. Six BC1F1 plants obtained from the second cross Satya//F1s of Satya/Vandana NIL were self-crossed to obtain BC1F2 genera-tion. BC1F2 plants (n=50) were grown and foreground selection was done for qDTY12.1. Among these 11 plants were positive for both the reported markers viz. RM28099 and RM28130.

During 2015-16, over 230 BC2F2 plants from the cross Satya*2 X BPT-LT were raised. Foreground and background selections were done. In foreground selection 24 plants were found to be homozygous for both Pi1 and Pi54 alleles. In background selec-tion plant no.# 7-28 showed maximum parent genome recov-ery of ~ 82% with 109 loci out of 133 tested similar to recur-rent parent Satya. Third backcross was made from four plants homozygous for both Pi1 and Pi54 alleles. A total of 134 BC3F1 seeds have been generated from these crosses. Out of these, 12 generated from the cross made with plant no.# 7-28 were raised and subjected to foreground selection for the presence of Pi1 and Pi54 alleles; two plants were found to be heterozygous for both the alleles (Fig. 3). Further, performance of gene pyramid-ed lines against blast pathogen was tested in selected BC2F2 lines with both Pi1 and Pi54 genes along with the parents Satya and BPT-LT, and a susceptible check line HR12 by inoculating with Magnaporthae oryzae spores. After 7 days of inoculation, the symptoms were observed. BPT-LT and introgressed line (Plant# 3-12) with both the genes (Pi1 and Pi54) showed min-imal symptoms/lesions as compared to Satya and HR12 (Fig. 4).

03ABFMR-PH/2014Identification and utilization of new sources of BPH resistance through marker aided breeding (MAB) in rice improvement.

Rice planthoppers: brown planthopper (BPH) and white backed planthopper (WBPH) are two sympatric species occurring to-gether and causing a great yield loss in most of the intensively rice cultivated areas of Asia. Breeding resistant rice varieties has been the primary approach to contain these pests since 1970s. However, the ability of the pest to quickly evolve virulent bio-types in response to host-plant resistance is the main bottle-neck in the approach. Marker assisted pyramiding of R genes to provide durable resistance is one solution to overcome the problem. But for the Indian populations the reported R genes for which linked markers are known are not effective. Converse-

ly, the effective R genes for Indian populations have no known linked markers. To bridge this gap, the present project propos-es to identify new sources of BPH resistance and develop linked molecular markers for their possible use in marker assisted gene pyramiding.

So far, rice varieties reported to be resistant to either BPH or WBPH were obtained and screened against both the planthop-pers. This led to identification of sources like Ptb33, BM71, RP2068, ACC5098 and ACC2398 which displayed resistance to both the planthoppers. To tag and map R genes in BM71, a mapping population consisting of over 200 F2:3 lines from cross Swarna x BM71 was developed in association with ANGRAU, Hy-derabad. Likewise, for tagging and mapping R gene(s) in rice line RP2068, a RIL population in F13 generation from the cross TN1 x RP2068 developed at ICAR-IIRR was obtained.

Fig. 3 Foreground selection of BC3F1 plants from the cross Sat-ya*3/BPTLT with markers linked to Pi1 and Pi54 genes

Lanes with 1-10 label - BC3F1 plants, P1 – BPT-LT, P2 – Satya; Note plant# 5 & 10 are heterozygous for both the genes (indicated with arrow mark).

Fig. 4 Screening of parents and BC2F2 introgressed lines with Pi1 + Pi54 genes against blast


During the report period a total 80 F3 lines of cross Swarna x BM71 was screened against BPH in SSST(Standard seed box screening Technique). Among these, 15 lines showed resistance with damage score ≤4 and 14 lines were susceptible with dam-age score =9. Through Bulked Segregant Analysis of polymor-phic markers, two SSR markers i.e., RM8213 (a reported linked marker for Bph17 gene) and RM261 located on chromosome 4 at 4.41 and 6.57 MB, respectively, were found to be linked to BPH resistance (Fig. 5). Analysis of rice genome segment of chromosome4 between these two markers revealed four likely candidates genes. Primers were designed based on partial se-quence of these genes and tested for polymorphism between the parents. One of the primer set (NBS-LRR primer targetting the gene) showed polymorphsim between the parents and R and S pools. In another study aimed to track WBPH resistance gene(s) in RP2068 rice, 180 F13 RILs developed from the cross TN1 X RP2068 are being screened against WBPH. Seven RIL lines were tested and one line (line no # 74) showed low nymphal survival rate (63.33%) and prolonged nymphal duration(13.85 days) when compared with susceptible check TN1 (90.83% and 12.6 days, respectively).

Fig. 5 Amplification of SSR markers A) RM8213 and B) RM261 and 3) NBS-LRR gene based marker in BM71, Swarna, R pool and S pool of F2:3 population from the cross Swarna x BM71. RM8213 is re-ported to be linked to Bph17 gene earlier

04ABFMR-NASF/2015Molecular cross-talk between defense pathways in rice – Antagonism to synergism.

Rice plant has been known to defend itself against a host of pathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and insects. Recent advances in tagging and mapping R genes have iden-tified closely linked molecular markers that have enabled rice breeders to pyramid several R genes into elite rice varieties. It is generally taken for granted that pyramiding R genes will re-sult in additive effect and all the genes express to confer desired broad range of resistance. However, it is also well documented that resistance against fungal pathogen is mediated through salicylic acid (SA) based signaling while resistance against sev-eral leaf feeding insects is mediated through jasmonic acid (JA) mediated signaling. These pathways act mutually antagonistic. This project, proposes to dissect out the defense pathways in selected rice lines carrying multiples of R genes. The objectives of the study are to identify instances of synergism and antago-nism in these lines, identify molecular basis of such interactions and means to mitigate antagonism, if any.

This new project was initiated this year with a set of 10 geno-types that carry different combination of three BLB resistance genes Xa21, xa13 and xa5, two blast resistance genes Pi2 and Pi54 and four gall midge resistance genes (Gm1, gm3, Gm4 and Gm8). Initially, the presence of the target genes in the test lines was confirmed with designate closely linked or gene based

Table 1 Damage score of RPNF lines against BPH and WBPH

Line Code

Line# (with gene)

Damage Score (BPH)

Rating

Damage Score

(WBPH)

Rating

Mean ± SE Mean ± SE

RPNF01 RP5922-21 (Gm1)

9.0 ± 0.0 S 7.7 ± 0.3 S

RPNF02 RP5923-22 (gm3)

6.1 ± 0.5 MS 3.9 ± 0.2 MR

RPNF03 RP5924-23 (Gm4)

8.0 ± 0.4 S 6.6 ± 0.4 MS

RPNF04 RP5925-24 (Gm8)

8.0 ± 0.4 S 6.9 ± 0.4 MS

RPNF05 RP5926-25 (Gm1+4)

7.4 ± 0.5 S 4.3 ± 0.3 MR

RPNF06 RP5926-26 (Gm1+4)

7.4 ± 0.5 S 6.8 ± 0.4 MS

RPNF07 RP5871-1-8-6 (Pi2)

5.3 ± 0.5 MS 6.0 ± 0.4 MS

RPNF08 RP5864-2-18-5 (Pi54)

7.6 ± 0.4 S 6.5 ± 0.4 MS

RPNF09 RP5872-5-156 (Pi2+54)

5.8 ± 0.4 MS 6.8 ± 0.3 MS

RPNF10 Improved Samba Mahsuri

6.4 ± 0.4 S 7.7 ± 0.4 S

Fig. 6 Reaction of ten RPNF lines against WBPH in greenhouse


functional markers. The test set was also screened against the non-target pest like White Backed Planthopper (WBPH), Brown Planthopper (BPH) using Standard Seed box Screening Test (SSST) in greenhouse at ABF. Two lines (RPNF# 2, 5) showed moderate resistance and six lines (RPNF# 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9) showed moderate susceptible against WBPH (Table 1; Fig. 5). Though none of lines was resistant, three lines (RPNF# 2, 7, 9) showed moderate susceptibility against BPH.

B. CROP IMPROVEMENT THROUGH BIOTECHNOLO-GIES – TRANSGENIC APPROACH05ABFTC/2012Development of transgenic cotton (Narasimha variety) for improving resistance against lepidopteran pests

Cotton is the principle commercial crop widely cultivated for its fiber and seed. The Bt cotton has revolutionized cotton cultiva-tion across the globe. The first generation Bt cotton with single Bt gene, most often Cry1Ac, was aimed at managing Helicover-pa- the major pest of cotton. However, this gene did not offer enough protection against other lepidopteran pests like Spo-doptera. Besides, reports of breakdown of resistance to Cry1Ac toxin in Helicoverpa populations is being reported. Hence a combination of Cry genes is desirable to manage a broad spec-trum of lepidopteran pests. This project aims at transforming the most popular cotton variety Narasimha with triple Bt gene construct.

In the current project, a non-tissue culture based in-planta transformation protocol is being adopted through Agrobacte-rium tumefaciens by transferring Cry genes for enhancing the resistance against lepidopteran pests. Genetic transformation was initiated using plant expression vector pMDC100 compris-ing of three cry genes:Cry 2Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1F driven by globulin, nodulin and double 35S promoter, respectively, along with nptII as selection gene.

In all 1010 embryos were infected in eight batches of which 121 embyos survived two rounds of kanamycin selection. From these, 111 plants with roots were transferred to greenhouse. These T0 plants were grown to collect T1 seeds.Approximately, 4000 T1 seeds were collected from 100 T0 plants and these seeds were screened through kanamycin selection assay and/or PCR analysis for presence of transgenes. Approximately, 72 plantlets out of 1242 T1 seeds tested survived the selection medium and they were phenotypically healthy.

During this year, PCR analysis was carried out using npt II, cry1Ac, cry2Ab and cry1F gene specific primers. Of the 210 putative transformed T1 plants tested 19 plants showed PCR positive for all the four genes genes. These plants (T1) also showed positive in dip strip assay for Cry1Ac protein (Fig. 7). The T2 generation cotton plants are being raised for bio assay and ELISA experi-ments.

Fig. 7 T1 and T2 seeds tested for the presence of Cry1Ac protein

T1-21 plants (PCR positive with different combinations of genes) showed very light band at T1 generation (not visible in picture-6th sample). However, the band intensity increased very high at T2 Generation (1, 2 and 3 samples). PC: Jadoo Bt cotton.

06ABFTG/2014Development of ground nut (Arachis hypogaea) transgenic plants carrying an Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4a under stress inducible promoter for improved abiotic stress tolerance

Peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is one of the impor-tant food legume and oil seed crops in the semi arid tropics of the world. Most of the cultivated groundnut varieties are high-ly sensitive to long durations of water stress. As conventional breeding approaches to develop cultivars with drought stress tolerance have met with limited success an alternative genetic engineering approach that promises abiotic stress tolerance in groundnut may be tried. In current project, an eukaryotic trans-lation initiation factor 4A (eiF4A) gene isolated from stress in-duced Pennisetum glaucumis was cloned in pGreen0179 vector under the regulation of stress inducible promoter rd29A. This vector has been used in transformation of a drought sensitive groundnut variety JL-24 through Agrobacterium tumefacience (LBA 4404) for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance.

So far, the rd29A:eiF4A:polyA construct was sub cloned in pGreen0229 (BAR vector) for the purpose of in-planta transfor-mation. The de-embryonated cotyledons were prepared from mature groundnut seeds and these explants were infected with Agrobacterium culture by dipping explants once in the culture for few seconds. Then the explants were co-cultivated for about 48 hrs on MS with B5 medium. After 2 days, the explants were washed with 250 mg/l cefotaxime and dried on Whatman filter paper and then transferred to shoot induction medium con-taining MS+B5+ BAP (5 mg/l) + 2, 4 – D (2.15 mg/l) and 3% sucrose at pH 5.8 and solidified with 0.8 % agar. Cultures were maintained at 26 ± 1°C under a 16 h photoperiod with white flu-orescent light of intensity 60 mE/m2/s. The regenerated shoots were transferred to selection medium containing MS + B5 + BAP (10 mg/l) + 2, 4 – D (2.15 mg/l) + hygromycin (10 mg/l) and allowed them to grow for 30 days . The resistant shoots trans-ferred to root induction medium.


During the period of report, of the 732 de embryogenic ex-plants infected with Agrobacterium harboring rd29A-eIF4A-po-lyA construct, 47 regenerated shoots of which 24 survived un-der controlled transgenic glass house conditions. These plants were screened by PCR to determine the presence of transgene with promoter and gene specific primer set i.e. rd29A FP and eiFRP. About, 24 plants showed amplification of expected 647 bp fragments with the primer set (Fig. 8). However, the control plants failed to show the amplification of desired fragment. In addition, three native eIF genes were identified through NCBI data base analysis. The primers were designed for these three genes (eIF5A, eIF4E and eIF4E (iso) based on sequence informa-tion and these genes were amplified by PCR and showed band length of 483 bp, 420 bp and 607 bp respectively. These genes will be cloned into TOPO-TA vector for further sequencing.

Fig. 8 PCR analysis of putative transgenic groundnut T0 plants for rd29A-eIF4A gene. L. Molecular Marker, 1-24 Rd29a- eIF4A carry-ing putative transgenic plants showing the amplification product of 645 bp, C untransformed control, +ve: positive control, marker, -ve: negative control

07ABFTGG/2014Development of herbicide tolerant mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) through genetic engineering

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) commonly known as green gram, is the third most important pulse crop of India after chickpea and pigeon pea. India is the largest producer, consum-er and importer of mungbean. Weeds are a major yield limiting factor in mungbean cultivation and weeds cause 30-40% loss-es in yield. While physical control is eco-friendly but it is tedi-ous and labor-intensive, chemical control is the most effective though expensive way of weed management. Glyphosate is an actively translocating, systemic, non-selective herbicide which is effective against a broad range of weeds. Herbicide tolerance can be engineered into crop plants by introducing either EP-SPS (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase) or GAT (Glyphosate Acetyl Transferase). In the present study it is pro-posed to introduce these two herbicide tolerance genes into locally popular variety LGG-460 of mungbean through Agro-bacterium-mediated genetic transformation with the following objectives.

Protocols for tissue culture based and in planta transformation for the cultivar LGG460 are being standardized so far. Three day-old cotyledonary node and shoot tip explants were used. Multiple shoot buds were induced from axillary meristematic region of cotyledonary node explants and apical meristem-

atic region of shoot tip explants. An average of 7.90 and 5.67 shoots/explant were produced from cotyledonary node and shoot tip explants respectively on MSB5+10 µM BAP. Agrobac-terium culture having pMDC99 vector cloned with EPSPS, GAT genes has been obtained from ICGEB and revived the fresh culture on YEM agar medium. Three day old shoot tip explants were prepared, pre-cultured for two days on shoot regenera-tion medium (MSB5+10 µM BAP) and infected with overnight grown Agro-culture and co-cultivated for three days under dark at 23 0C. Co-cultured explants were washed with cefotaxim wa-ter and transferred onto selection medium containing 5 mg/l Glyphosate. A total of 140 shoot tip explants were infected till now in two batches. For in planta transformation few healthy, round and equal size seeds were selected, surface sterilized and soaked for 16 h in sterile distilled water under dark. Seed coat was removed and one cotyledon was removed by gently push-ing the two cotyledons away from each other. Seedlings (em-bryo axis with one attached cotyledon) were pricked with fine

Fig.9 Optimization of hygromycin concentration for selection of mungbean transformants by culturing un-transformed control explants on MSB5+ 10µM BAP containing 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/l hygromycin media.

0 mg/l

20 mg/l

40 mg/l

10 mg/l

30 mg/l

50 mg/l


needle at the apical meristematic region and submerged in the Agro-culture and infected for 30 min. Seedlings infected with Agro culture were transferred onto co-cultivation medium and co-cultured for three days at 23 °C. After co-cultivation seed-lings were washed with cefotaxim water and transferred into nursery covers for hardening.

During 2015-16 it was realized that screening putative trans-formed explants with glyphosate resulted in plants failing to grow further after selection, a new protocol with hygromycin as selection agent was standardized through development of a kill-curve. The results showed that at 40 mg/l concentration hy-gromycin checked growth of shoots (Fig. 9). The first batch of 82 co-cultivated shoots after screening with hygromycin and root induction (45 plants) were transferred to pots for primary hard-ening. Unfortunately, none survived. Further generation of transgenics and screening is going on. An attempt is also being made to redesign the herbicide tolerance gene construct and identifying legume specific promoter sequences to modify the construct with the assistance of Dr. M. K. Reddy. Seeds collected from T0 plants generated through in planta transformation were sown and T1 plants are being raised for molecular analysis.

C. IMPROVEMENT OF CROP PERFORMANCE THROUGH MICROBES

08ABFMi-LBF/2013Development and standardization of abiotic stress tolerant cyst based liquid bio-fomulations of Azotobactor and Azospirillum

Biofertilizers are microbial inoculants of bacteria, algae, fungi alone or in combination. They hold vast potential in meeting plant nutrient requirements, minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers. These, bioinputs or bioinoculants, improve plant growth and yield. Their application needs a carrier material which maintains viability of the microbes (shelf-life) and pro-vides a suitable microenvironment for rapid growth upon their release. Currently used carrier material for bio-fertilizers are dry products (dusts, granules or briquettes) which result in shorter shelf life, sensitivity to temperature, more chance of contamina-tion, and poor quality. Hence, a concerted effort is needed to improve biofertilizers to obtain better agricultural yields. Liquid biofertilizer formulation (LBF) could be considered as one such potential strategy. In view of this the present research project is proposed to optimize the cyst formation in Azotobacter and Azospirillum species to get bio-inoculants with longer shelf life and their tolerance to adverse conditions.

The project was initiated with collection of soil samples from rhizosphere to isolate strains of Azospirillum and Azotobacter spp. and screen these for plant growth promoting traits (PGP). Best isolates were further tested for survival in different addi-

tives such as polyvinyl pyrolidine, gum Arabica and sodium alginate. PVP showed better cell viability at different concen-trations (1-5%) compared. Isolates with higher cell viability in the additives were selected for use in liquid formulations. Two isolates of Azospirillum (Asp6 and Asp7) and two ofAzotobacter (Azt7 and Azt9) were selected for liquid formulation using 4% PVP. Developed liquid formulations were analysed at month-ly intervals for viable cell count, pH and contamination.All the four isolates (Asp6, Asp7, Azt7 and Azt9) were also screened for drought tolerance using polyethylene glycol (PEG6000) at 5-25%. Azospirillum isolate Asp6 and Azotobacter isolate Azt-7showed best growth at 25% PEG6000 and tolerance to high temperatures.

During this year, the selected strains were genotypically char-acterized and identified as Azotobacter chroococcum (Azt-7), Azotobacter vinelandii (Azt-9) and Azospirillum brasilense (Asp-6) based on sequence of 16S rRNA coding gene and the gene se-quences were submitted to GenBank under the accession num-bers KT374218, KT374219 and KT374217 respectively. The ef-fect of seed inoculation of drought tolerant strain Azt-7 on the growth of Okra plants was studied under drought stress (water withholding) and non-stress conditions (Fig. 10). Inoculation enhanced the plant growth promotion and biochemical status of okra seedlings under non-stress and drought stress condi-tions. Continuing monthly evaluation of formulation analysis for viable count, pH and contaminations showed that even af-ter 12 months of storage these formulations (Azt-7, Azt-9, Asp-6 and Asp-7) did not show any significant drop in plant growth promotional effects as seed inoculation as compared with the freshly prepared liquid formulations on the growth of maize and spinach plants.

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

0

10

20

30

40

50

CNS INS CDS IDS

Drym

ass (

mg)

Root

and

Sho

ot le

ngth

(cm

)

Treatment

Root length Shoot length Dry biomass

Fig. 10 Root, shoot length and dry biomass of okra seedlings inocu-lated with Azotobacter spp. strain Azt-7 exposed to drought stress and nonstress conditions. (CNS control at nonstress, CDS control at drought stress, INS inoculated at non stress, IDS inoculated at drought stress). Error bars are mean of ± standard deviation.


09ABFMi-ACC/2014Differential expression of RNAs in maize under drought stress inoculated with ACC deaminase producing Rhizobacteria

The agricultural sector represents 35% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and therefore plays a crucial role in the country’s food security and trade. Out of total 149 million ha, about 2/3rd area is rain fed and it may not be exaggerating if drought is said to be the first and most important yield limiting factor Most of the crops grown under stressed ecosystems suffer from drought with significant yield declines. Various kinds of stresses accentuate the biosynthesis of ethylene, which in most cases inhibits plant growth through several mechanisms at molecular level. Beneficial plant-microbe relationships are frequent in nature, improving plant nutrition or helping the plant to overcome abiotic and biotic stresses. The association between plant-microorganism involves mutual recognition and coordination which requires cellular and molecular dialogue between the plant and the beneficial organism. A better understanding of beneficial interactions between plants and microbes may offer unprecedented opportunities to increase crop productivity. This project proposes to study the complete interactome (gene level).

A total of 18 rhizosphere soil samples were collected from different crop production systems from the fields of Anantapur and Srikakulam distircts for the isolation of ACC deaminase producing rhizobacteria. Priliminary screening studies for plant growth promoting traits were performed for the isolates for standardization of protocols.A total of 25 isolates were selected and all the isolates were screened for plant growth promoting traits such as indole acetic acid, phospahte solubilization, hydrogen cyanide, siderophore and ammonia production.Among the 25 isolates four (MZ-2, MZ-4, MZ-6 and MZ-7) were unable to show the phosphate solubilization activity compared to all other isolates.The highest p-solubilization was observed with FMB-1 (257) followed by FTB-2 (250), MZ-3 (250), FOB-3 (237), FCBB-2 (210), FGNUT-1 (190) and FOB-1 (185) respectively. In case of hydrogen cyanide production only one isolate (FCBB-2) showed postive result. Similarly 18 isolates were positive for siderophore production whereas seven were negative. Ammonia production was detected in all the 25 isolates along with indole acetic acid (IAA) production but variability was observed in case of IAA production betwenn the isolates. Among the 25 isolates FCBB-2 showed higher value for IAA production (4.88±0.13) followed by FBKV-2 (4.51±0.11), FOB-1 (4.08±0.10), OKV-1 (3.97±0.15), FGNUT-1 (3.87±011) respectively. Of the 25 isolates tested for seed germination OKV-1, FMCP-4, FBKV-2, FMCP-5, MZ-3, FGNUT-1, FCBB-2, FOB-1, FOB-2 and FBKV-3 were able to promote higher seed germination rate from 90-100% along with better seedling length when compared to other isolates and uninoculted control. These ten isolates are selected for plant studies under green house conditions.

Best five isolates from the earlier studies (PGP traits, ACC deaminase, seed germination and preliminary plant studies) were screened for drought tolerance in Trypticase soy broth supplemented with different concentrations of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000). Out of five isolates, four could tolerate minimal water potential of −1.03 MPa and were evaluated for plant growth promoting (PGP) traits under non-stress and drought stress (−1.03 MPa) conditions. Isolate FBKV2 isolated from brinjal rhizosphere, showed multiple PGP traits such as 1- amino cyclopropane - 1- carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, phosphate solubilization, indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production under non-stress and drought stress condition (Fig. 11) . This strain was evaluated for growth promotion of maize seedlings under drought stress. Seedlings inoculated with isolate FBKV2 showed better growth in terms of shoot, root length, and dry biomass with greenish leaves indicating high chlorophyll content while un-inoculated seedlings showed rolling and wilting of leaves under drought stress conditions. Inoculation improved stomatal conductance, leaf relative water content, proline, sugars, starch, amino acids and protein content. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the colonization of strain FBKV2 on the root surface of maize seedlings. The isolate was identified as Pseudomonas putida by 16S rRNA sequence analysis and the sequence was submitted to GenBank under the accession number KT311002.1.

10 ABFMI-ENDO/2014Endophyte mediated enhancement of plant performance in relation to biocontrol and gene expression under drought stress

Moisture stress is one of the major environmental conditions that adversely affect plant growth and crop yield. To cope with environmental stresses, plants elicit a number of physiological and molecular responses. Beneficial plant-microbe relation-ships are frequent in nature, improving plant nutrition and helping the plant to overcome abiotic and biotic stresses. Plant cell surface contains pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize cell/organism-associated molecular patterns; The elicitors are microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). Recognition of MAMPs by plants leads to the activation of sig-

Fig. 11 Hydrogen cynide production by endophytic fungal strains


naling cascade, thereby enhancing plant tolerance and growth. Use of PGPR as elicitors for expression of drought stress-respon-sive genes helps us to understand microbial mediated drought tolerance in maize. Plant genomics approaches helps in under-standing the molecular mechanisms by which plants tailor their responses to PGPR.

So far, 55 endophytic bacteriahave been isolated from different root tissues. Screening was done based on fluorescence and non-fluorescent pigmentationon in trypticase soya agar and pseudomonas fluorescence agar. Similarly 15 isolates were screened from seeds of different maize varieties. Based on size, shape, color, margin, elevation, consistensy, opacity etc. In all 43 root tissue isolates were screened for plant growth promoting (PGP) traits like production of IAA, P-solubilization, and production of HCN, ammonia, and siderophores.

Out of 65 endophytic bacterial isolates screened for survival under water stress, 22 isolates could grow under the matric potential of -0.73(25% PEG concentration) and 8 could tolerate up to -1.02Mpa (30% PEG concentration) (Fig. 12). Seven of the Isolates NFRGR-1, FBK-3, FMZR7,MZ30V92, FGR3, FTR, and NFTR showed positive ACC deaminase activity in liquid media and could grow in solid media which was used for revival of culture from liquid DF medium. Three of the isolates (FTR, NFTR and MRC12) showed significant antifungal activity against six plant pathogenic fungi namely Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporium, Sclerotium hydrophilium, Pythium aphanidermatum and Alternaria sp. (Fig.13). Furthermore the endophytic bacteria were screened for plant cell wall degrading enzymes such as cellulase, protease, and pectinase activity.The selected promising isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strains FTR and NFTR), Pseudomonas monteilii (strain FMZR2), Pseudomonas putida (strain FMZR9), Acetinobacter brumalii (strain MZ30V92), Enterobacter asburiae (strain MRC12), Sinorhizobium meliloti (strain MRC31), Pseudomonas thivervalensis (strain MRC33), Pseudomonas fulva (strain MRC41), and Pseudomonas lini (strain MRR2) based on 35S rRNA gene sequence data and

these sequences have been submitted to GenBank under the accession no. KU672378, KU672377, KU672371, KU672370, KU672376, KU672369, KU672372, KU672373, KU672374 and KU672375 respectively.

11 ABFMI-ENTPH/2014Genetic diversity of abiotic stress tolerant entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and their role in plant protection

The entomopathogenic fungi beloning to genera Metarizium and Beauveria are known as biocontrol agents against several important insect pests of crop plants. However, these agents are effective under field conditions only when temperature and humidity are optimal for their growth. To extened the effectiveness of these agents under relatively higher temperature and lower humidity, efforts are needed to identify species/isolates that are abiotic stress tolerant. This project aims at isolating such strains and genetically characterize them and test efficacy of such strains for biocontrol of the target pests. Initially soil samples and insect cadavers were collected from different rhizosphere region of various cropping systems.A total of seven Metarizium isolates were isolated. Identification by microscopic studies was completed.

During this year molecular characterization of four fungi were carried out by amplification of ITS regions followed by sequencing which showed 98% - 99% homology to Metarizium anisopliae (Accession no: FJ609313, KT360950, KT373806) and 98% homology to Beauveria bassiana (AF293968). Four characterized promising isolates of Metarizium and two Beauveria were studied for their survival and growth under water stress at different matric potential using polyethylene glycol and fungal biomass was analysed. Results (Table 2) showed MZ2 strain to produce the highest of 63.3% of dry mass even under -0.73MPa drought stress as compared to that of no stress and thus was most adapted strain.

Fig. 12 Drought stress tolerance of the isolates of endophytic bac-teria at different water stress potentials created by PEG in the me-dium

Fig. 13 Inhibition of plant pathogenic fungi by endophyte isolate MRC12


Table 2 Dry biomass,as percentage of control, of fungi under drought stress

Fungus - isolateDry biomass percentage under

−0.30MPa −0.49MPa −0.73MPa

Metarizium anisopliae MZ1 72 65 31

Metarizium anisopliae MZ2 88.5 72.0 63.3



Beauveria bassiana B1 69.12 52.12 45.28

Beauveria bassiana B2 58.2 47.9 46.13

D. TAKING SCIENCE TO SOCIETY (EXTENSION OF BIOTECHNOLOGIES TO END USERS)

12ABFSS-SB/2012Popularization of softer biotechnologies for agriculture improvement

Among different technological options, biotechnologies hold great promise in revitalizing the Indian agriculture. Howev-er, their wide adoption and application are far from satisfacto-ry because of a combination of factors. It is therefore, essen-tial that concerted efforts are made to popularize the proven technologies. This is possible only through awareness creation, continuous supply of quality bio products. This projects aims at both these two goals

To popularize softer bio technologies such as vermicompost-ing, applications of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides and ben-efits of using tissue cultured teak and banana plants focused attention was given to farmers at village level.These activities were performed in cluster of five villages in Nalgonda district, three villages in Ranga Reddy district, two villages of Anantha-puram district and one in East Godavari district. Special focus was on the women farmers who were made aware of sources of biofertilizers and biopesticides, their production methods, as well as selection of plant material for tissue culturing for their understanding of Agri-technologies at grass root level. Women farmers were given training and hands on skills on bio-input ap-plication technologies (seed, seedling and soil) and production procedure of vermicomposting using agricultural wastes. ABF has so far organized 21 awareness cum training programmes for farmers and different stakeholders like college students, NGOs, extension personel etc. The building up of awareness levels on agri-biotechnologies to the women farmers engaged in vegetable cultivation and few other crops has improved their knowledge in understanding the application of bio-inputs as reflected by their feedback during the monitoring of farmers’ fields.

During this period 11 training sessions on hands on skills on application technologies (seed, seedling and soil) of bio-inputs were given to farmers, with special focus on women farmers. A total of 649 farmers were given awareness and training, out of which 300 were women farmers (Table 3, Fig. 14). Training was followed by distributing of bio- products as well as tissue cultured teak and banana plants. Four Public Debates on Pros and Cons of Biotechnology were conducted at different collages (Table 4). During the period 8.0 tonnes of Bio fertilizers such as Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and Rhizobium was produced and 5.1 tons of bio pesticides in the form of Trichoderma sp. and Pseudomonas sp. was produced. Total of 28 tonnes of Vermicompost was produced. Besides, 37,010 tissue cultured banana and 92,000 teak plants were produced. Feedback from farmers on the use of bio-inputs was collected from different villages.

Table 3 Training programmers for Farmers organized under popularization activity

Sl.No. Date Place

No. of partici-pants

Remarks

1 11-6-15 Agri Biotech Foundation

36 Farmers from Chhattisgarh


92 Farmers from Singanamalamandal, Ananthapuram


58 Farmers from Medak, Ranga Reddy, Mahaboognagar


75 Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFCO, Rajendranagar

5 28-10-15 Agri BiotechFoundation

62 Mulkanoor village, Karimnagar district

6 28-1-16 Kothavalusa 54 Farmers of Kothavalusa village of Srikakulam

7 29-1-16 Chinthalapeta 35 Farmers of Chintalapeta village of Srikakulam

8 30-1-16 Mandavakuriti 42 Farmers of Mandavakuriti village of Srikakulam

9 20-2-16 Chouderpally 65 Farmers from Chouderpally, Nalgonda district

10 22-2-16 Bathalapalli 60 Farmers from Bathalapalli villages of Ananthapuram district

11 23-2-16 Reddipally 70 Reddipally village farmers of Ananthapuram

Total 649


Table 4 Public debates organised

Sl.No. Date Place

No. ofpartici-pants

Remarks

1 3-2-2016 Koti Women’s college, Hyderabad

85 Graduate and post graduate’s students belonging to Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Microbiology

2 20-1-2016 NTR Government Degree collage,MBNR

107

3 23-2-2015 Ananthapuram Degree college, Ananthapuram

61

4 17-3-2016 PJTSU Agriculture Collage

23

Total 276

Fig 14 Women farmers practicing seed application of biofertilizers

13ABFSS-SCST/2013Socio-economic up-liftment of the rural and peri urban SC/ST population of Srikakulam district through agri biotechnologies

Illiteracy and lack of skills lead to unemployment and result in poverty and hunger. This phenomenon is more predominant in socially and economically weaker sections like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes populations in our country. The role of novel technologies and innovative approaches hardly needs any emphasis for realizing the objectives of economic empowerment of people. Among different technological options, biotechnologies hold a great promise in revitalizing the Indian agriculture. The proposed project is being implemented in four villages of Srikakulam district where the SC/ST populations are predominant. People living in these areas are either landless or small farmers with land holding ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 ha. Hence the income derived from these lands is inadequate reflecting, poor socio-economic status and lack of livelihood in these villages.

This project initiated with base line surveys and identification of four villages developed through providing training and assets to four primary beneficiary farmers. Production of vegetable nurseries using pro-tray technology and vermincomposting activities were initiated soon. Several cycles of nurseries (okra, tomato, chilli and brinja)were completed and the nurseries were sold to other farmers making additional income for the beneficiary farmers. However, one of the units at Boddam village was totally damaged by Hudhud cyclone.

During the report period three units (Kothavalasa, Chintalapeta and Mandawakuriti) are progressing successfully in terms of vegetable seedling production and completed four cycles during 2015-16 and generated good revenue (Table 5) i.e. Mr. Potanna Dora (Kothavalasa) Rs.12,810/-; Mr. Ramulu (Chintalapeta) Rs.10,350/- and Ms.Nagamani (Mandwakuriti) Rs.10,035/- respectively. The vegetable seedling unit at Boddam was lost due to Hudhud cyclone during October, 2014 and there was no progress in the production activities. In case of vermi compost unit only one unit at Kothavalasa is active and progressing and distributing the produced vermi compost to the surrounding farmers and generated income of Rs.9,800/- whereas, other three units are lost due to cyclone. Similarly, coir pith composting was initiated at Kothavalasa unit during January, 2016 and is under progress. The beneficiaries from the project are 105 farmers who got benefited by purchasing the vegetable seedlings and vermi compost from the volunteers of the project (Fig. 15). The beneficiaries who purchased the vegetable seedlings could observe good production and yield of vegetable crops.

Table 5 Income generated from vegetable seedlings as on March, 2016

Sl.No.

Volunteer PlaceIncome Generated per cycle in Rs. Total

Income (Rs.)3rd cycle 4th cycle 5th cycle 6th Cycle

1 Mr.K.RajaSekhar

Boddam Hudhud Damage

Hudhud Damage

Hudhud Damage

Hudhud Damage

0.00

2 Mr.M.Potanna Dora

Kothavalasa

3410 2500 3650 3250 12,810

3 Ms.Nagamani Mandawakuriti

2235 2700 2100 3000 10,035

4 Mr.B.Ramulu Chintala-peta

2700 2700 2100 2850 10,350

Fig. 15 Farmers purchasing seedlings from the volunteers at all the villages

14ABFSS-NICRA/2013

Documentation of indigenous coping strategies to climate change in different areas of agriculture with special reference to drought prone areas of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

Traditional knowledge certainly has great value and high recep-tivity, primarily because it emanates from the experiences of lo-cal people and practices with good results by them for genera-


tions. However, it is not free from limitations nor it is a complete substitute for modern science based knowledge. Technologies based on scientific research have also proved their potential to offer solutions to some of the problems we are confronted with. A number of such tools are available even for mitigating the problems of climate variability. The present project is proposed on the premise that a combination of indigenous knowledge of local people and modern science based approaches might provide optimum results in our fight against climate variabil-ity. The project proposes to map all the known, recorded and unrecorded indigenous practices, cross check their validity, re-vive their suitability and suggest ways and means of integrating them with modern methods.

Since initiation of the project two case studies on “Traditional Soil management Practices” and “Traditional Cropping System” were executed in villages of Anantapur and Bellary districts. A one-day workshop on “Data Sources on Indigenous Knowledge: Multi-Stakeholders Consultations” was organized during March, 2015 at Research Centre of ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Bellary, to know the key information sources on traditional knowledge in agriculture in Karnataka. Literature on traditional soil management practices and cropping system was reviewed and two case studies on “Traditional Soil Management Practices” and “Traditional Cropping Systems” were executed in villages of Anantapur and Bellary districts. The results of the case study revealed that farmers used tank silt as soil fertility improvement agent as well as for soil moisture retention. They have also used ant hill soil to improve soil fertility in the fruit orchards. Cattle dung and vegetative waste are the major component of the farm yard manure. Green manure is extensively used in fertilising fields with locally available plants. Vegetative bunds, soil bunds and stone bunds are major strategies played against the soil erosion. Non-intensive tilling practices are used as moisture preservation mechanism. Case studies on ‘Traditional Plant Protection System’ and ‘Traditional Socio-Institutional Adaptations to Climate Change’ were executed in Anantapur and Bellary districts, respectively. Traditional plant protection practices like sprinkling of cow urine, broadcasting of pottery ash, neem extract application, preparation of green manure etc. were the findings during the case studies. Traditional Socio-Institutional adaptations like migrating to other regions for work, resorting to labour work offered by the land lords or government, eating non-conventional foods, offering food grains as wage, credit in faith to survive famines, etc. are reported in the case study. Among the reported adaptations, migration and occupational changes are presently practiced by the farmers of the study area.

During this period of report, literature was reviewed to develop sampling framework for the survey research executed in the study villages of Anantapur district. Accordingly, five villages namely Atmakur, Thopudurthi, East Narsapuram, Basapuram and Mallapuram in Anantapur district were selected for

the study based on the purposive sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was prepared based on the contextual framework. Discussions were made to verify the content validity of the questionnaire. A pilot study was designed and executed to evaluate validity and reliability of questionnaire.An appropriate structure of the questionnaire was finalised to present various questions or statements in a thematic sequence or groups. The minimum size of the sample population, i.e. 100 persons, was estimated for the study. Accordingly, a sample of 20 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed in each village (Fig 16). All the respondents were asked to respond to various questions and statements, related to crop production and adaptations to climate change, raised in the questionnaire. The filled-in questionnaires were checked for missing items. Various codes were assigned to various responses given against questions or statements in the questionnaire. All the questionnaires were digitized for the administration of various descriptive and inferential analysis techniques.

Fig. 16 Interviews with respondents during the survey

15ABFSS-TSP/2013

Livelihood Improvement among tribals through oil seeds productionInclusive economic development is the aim of Government of India. The strategic plans are designed accordingly. Tribal Sub-Plan was initiated during Fifth Five Year Plan for socio-economic amelioration of the tribal communities. The basic objective of Tribal Sub-Plan is to channelize the flow of outlays and benefits from the general sectors in the Central Ministries/Departments for the development of Scheduled Castes and Schedules Tribes at least in proportion to their population, both in physical and financial terms.The project is part of the main sub-plan being implemented by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad.

During this period 75 demonstrations were held in three villages covering 48 tribal familis. Also, field visits were made to the farmers’ field to ensure that the packages of practices suggested by the IIOR are duly followed by the tribal farmers who are covered under this project. Farm implements like ‘Castor Shellor’ and ‘Hand-Drawn Weeder’ were procured and transported to Diguvametta Thanda of Prakasam district and Reddipalli of Ananthapuram district to be handed over to the tribal farmers. Data on castor crop cultivation were collected from the each beneficiary farmer for the report.


3. ACTIVITIES OF ANANTHAPURAM UNIT16. Integrated Bioresource center (IBRC)

Established along with biofertilizer production unit, IBRC mainly focused on production of tissue cultured banana and teak. During period under report, 1760 banana and 3580 teak saplings have been produced. Also, a total of 1600 banana saplings have been distributed to the farmers free of cost for popularization of softer biotechnologies along with training to create awareness regarding applications of bio-fertilizers.

Training Programmes

1) Two day training programme was organized on “Organic Farming” on 22 – 23 June 2015. The training programme was sponsored by APBIRED. Hands-on training and importance of Bio-fertilizers were emphasized during the training programme. Presentation was made on the benefits of application of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, and also emphasized on the importance of organic farming techniques. Skill-based training was given to farmers which would help them in managing their farming land. At the end of the training programme, 180 kgs of bio-inputs and tissue culture plants were distributed to the farmers for free.

2) Two training programmes for women farmers on “Usage of Bio-fertilizers and Bio-pesticides for Crop Improvement” were organized. These programmes were conducted at Bathalapalli on 22nd February 2016 and Reddipalli on 23rd February 2016 respectively. Hands-on training and importance of Bio-fertilizers were emphasized during the training

programme. The training programme concluded by distribution of Bio-fertilizers and tissue-culture plants to the farmers for free. A total of 240 kgs of bio-inputs and 160 tissue culture plants were distributed.

3) A debate was conducted on “Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture sector” on 23rd February 2016 at Government Degree College (UG/PG), Ananthapuram.

17. Establishment of Biofertilizer production Unit at Anathapuram

The production unit was established in temporary accommodation and started production during November 2014. During 2015-16, in all 16.205 tonnes of bio-fertilizer was produced (Table 6) Simultaneously, batch-wise quality control tests have been performed on the same. Most of the produce was supplied to mandal agriculture offices (MAO) under NFSM programme during Kharif season. During rabi season PSB and Rhizobium cultures were supplied to ADA(R) divisions under NMOOP scheme. So far, a total of 11,262 tonnes of both PSB and Rhizobium was supplied against their order in both kharif and rabi 2015. Total revenue generated from the sale for this period was Rs.59,325 during kharif and Rs.1,62,000 during rabi at 50% subsidized prices.

Table 6 Production and supply details of biofertilizers at Ananthapuram unit during 2015-16

S.No.

Species/Strain

Quantity produced

(kg)

Quantitysupplied to

Dept. of Agriculture (kg)

Quantity distributed

free to farmers (kg)

1 PSB 9,954 9,241 200

2 Rhizobium (redgram)

213 141 0

3 Azospirillum 2,343 0 90

4 Azotobacter 1,530 0 90

5 Rhizobium (groundnut)

2,165 1,880 80

Total 16,205 11,262 460


4. OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ACTIVITIESA. General Body and Executive Committee Meetings of

the ABF Society

The eighth General Body meeting was held on 26th August 2015.

List of members of the General body and Executive Committee is given under section 9

Four Executive Committee meetings were held on the following dates

29th Executive Committee meeting held on 28.04.2015

30th Executive Committee meeting held on 26.08.2015

31st Executive Committee meeting held on 06.01.2016

32nd Executive Committee meeting held on 29.04.2016

B. Research Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting

Third Research Advisory Committee meeting was held on 9th June 2015. The progress of ongoing research projects were critically reviewed and future activities were planned. RAC made several useful suggestions to improve the research activities under different ongoing and proposed projects.

Following is the list of RAC members.

1. Prof. G. Pakki Reddy, ED, ABF, Chairman

2. Dr.G. Anuradha, member, IBT, ANGRAU, Hyderabad

3. Dr. V. Dinesh Kumar, member, IIOR, Hyderabad

4. Dr. K.B.R.S. Visarada, member, IIMR, Hyderabad

5. Dr. P. Ananda Kumar,member, IIRR, Hyderabad

6. Dr. Rajeev Varshney, member, ICRISAT, Patancheru

7. Dr. Minakshi Grover, member, CRIDA, Hyderabad

8. Dr. J.S. Bentur, ABF, Member Secretary

9. Dr. Sk.. Z. Ali, ABF

10. Dr. G. Mallikarjuna, ABF

11. Dr. V. Sandhya, ABF

12. Mr. M. Gopala Krishna, ABF

C. Institutiona Biosafety Committee (IBSC) meeting Third i.exeInstitutional Biosafety Committee meeting of Agri

Biotech Foundation was held on 18th June 2015. . Ongo-ing research projects dealing with genetic transformation were reviewed and new proposals were considered by the committee.

Following is the list of IBSC members

1. Prof. G. Pakki Reddy, Chairman, ABF

2. Dr. K. V. Rao, DBT Nominee, Osmania University, Hyderabad

3. Dr. P. Reddanna, External Expert, NIAB, Hyderabad

4. Dr. Nuzhat Fatima, Biosafety Officer

5. Dr. G. Mallikarjuna, Member Secretary, ABF

D. Project Advisory Committee meeting Advisory Committee for the NASF sponsored project on

Molecular cross talk between the defense pathways in rice met on 22nd March 2016 under the chairmanship of Prof. EA Siddiq and external expert Dr. M.K. Reddy from ICGEB. PI and collaborating PIs from CCMB and ICAR-IIRR attended the meeting.

RAC meeting in progress

Advisory Committee for NASF project


E. Ph.D. Programme

Four of our staff submitted their Ph.D. dissertation to their Universities for evaluation as detailed below

S. No. Name Title of Thesis University

1 Ms. D. Divya Identification and functional validation of gall midge resistance genes in rice varieties Abhaya and Aganni

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyd

2 Mr. K.L. Prasannakumar Technological Innovations Management in Micro-Propagation Industry in Erstwhile United Andhra Pradesh

Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa

3 Mr. Juturu VN Heterologous Expression of Cajanus cajan Cyclophilin Gene in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Confers Abiotic Stress Tolerance

Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa

4 Mr. M. Gopalkrishna Development of efficient tissue culture and genetic transformation protocols for greengram

Osmania University, Hyderabad

F. Symposia, Refresher/Summer Courses Organized International Conference on Climate Change and Food

Security: Ethical Perspective This international conference was organized during 11 – 13

February 2016 at the Golconda Hotel, Hyderabad. There were about 100 participants from six countries viz. United Kindom, Norway, The Netherlands, Canada, United States of America and India with varied backgrounds like science, administration, research etc. Distinguished participants included Prof. Matthias Kaiser, University of Bergen, Norway, Mr. Theo Van De Sande from The Netherlands, Prof. E. Hari Babu, Dr. M.V. Gupta, World Food Prize winner etc.

DBT Sponsored Short Term Training course on “Molecular cloning and transgenic technologies for crop improvement

A 16 day short term training course was organized during 1st and 16th September 2015. This course intended to impart hands on training for upgrading the skills of mid-career scientists/ researchers in molecular cloning and development of transgenic crops. There were 21 participants representing 12 Institutions from eight states.

2nd Summer Internship in Biotechnology for Under-graduates (SIBU 2015)

Second summer internship course for undergraduates was organized during 1 to 31 May 2015. A total of 12 students from Arora Degree College, Reddy Womens’ College and St. Ann’s Degree College participated. The motto of the course is to catch them young and motivate them to take a career in life sciences.


5. PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS AT SYMPOSIAResearch PapersBentur JS, Rawat N, Divya D, Sinha DK, Agarrwal R, Atray I

and Nair S (2016) Rice-gall midge interactions: Battle for survival. J. Insect Physiol. 84:40-49.

Chandrateja KNP and Rahman SJ (2016) Characterization and evaluation of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin strains for their temperature tolerance”. Mycology (under review)

Divya D, Singh YT, Nair S, Bentur JS (2016) Analysis of SSH library of rice variety Aganni reveals candidate gall midge resistance genes. Functional & Integrative Genomics. 1-17.

Gopalakrishna M, Juturu VN, Mallikarjuna G, Kirti PB and Yadav SK (2016) Optimization of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of shoot tip explants of green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek). Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture- special issue on Leguminous pulses. (In Press) DOI : 10.1007/s 11240-016-1085-3.

Juturu VN, Gopalakrishna M, Akila CS, Mallikarjuna G (2016) High frequency induction of multiple shoots and plant regeneration from zygotic embryo axis explants of cotton cultivar L-604 (Gossypium hirsutum L.) International Journal of Bioassays. (In Press) DOI : 10.21746/ijbio.2016.09.0

Mallikarjuna, G, Rao TSRB and Kirti PB (2016) Genetic engineering for peanut improvement: current status and prospects. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) 125 (3): 399-416.

Prasad SSKVV, Sandhya V, Shrivastav M and Ali SkZ (2016). Isolation of ACC deaminase producing Pseudomonas spp. from arid rhizosphere soils and evaluation of plant growth promotion in maize seedlings under drought stress. Rhizosphere (In press). DOI 10.1016/j.rhisph.2016.07.005

Prasad SSKVV, Sandhya V, Shrivastava M and Ali SkZ(2016). Enhancement of drought stress tolerance in crops by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Microbiological Research. 184:13-24.

Srichandana B, Durgarani ChV, Gouthami T, et al., (2015) Screening of Rice Genotypes for Resistance to Brown planthopper biotype 4 and detection of BPH resistance genes.International Journal of Sciences Biotechnology and Pharma Research. Vol. 4,No. 2.

Presentations at Symposia/ ConferencesDivya D et al. (2015) “Identification of candidate gall midge

resistance genes Gm4 and Gm8 in rice”. paper presented at the International Rice Symposium held at Hyderabad during 18th -20th November, 2015.

Juturu VN et al. (2015) Expression of Cccyp gene in Oryza sativa L. cv. BPT5204 confers tolerance to drought and salinity stresses” paper presented at the International Rice Symposium held at Hyderabad during 18th -20th November, 2015.

Prasad SSKVV, Shrivastava M, Sandhya V and Ali SkZ (2015) Isolation of drought tolerant Pseudomonas spp. from different crop production systems and their

characterization for ACC deaminase activity. Poster presented at the 56th Annual Conference of Association of Microbiologists of India in the International Symposium on “Emerging Discoveries in Microbiology”, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 07-10 Dec, 2015.

Sahu N, Hari Y,Prashanth PNP, Bentur JS, Madhav SM and Mallikarjuna G (2015). Marker assisted introgression of two major blast resistance genes (Pi1 and Pi54) and a QTL for grain yield under drought stress (qDTY12.1) into Satya variety of rice. Poster presented at International Rice Symposium 2015 during 18 to 20th November 2015 organized at IIRR, Hyderabad, India.

Shrivastava M, Prasad SSKVV, Ali SkZ and Sandhya V (2015) Isolation and characterization of drought tolerant endophytic bacteria from maize tissue.. Paper presented at 56th Annual conference, Association of Microbiology, JNU, New Delhi.

Srichandana B, Durgarani ChV and Bentur JS (2015) Brown plant hopper resistance in indiaca/japonica derived line BM71:genetic and molecular characterization. Abstarct submitted to International Rice Symposium. 18-20 November 2015, IIRR,Hyderabad.

Srichandana B, Durgarani ChV, Jhansilakshmi V, Vasanthabhanu K, Kumar APN, G. Padmavathi G, M. Balram M and Bentur JS (2014). Identification of resistant sources and the mechanisms responsible against brown planthopper [NilaparvatalugensStål.] in rice. Abstract submitted in 3rd International plant phenotyping symposium. 17th -19th February 2014, M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai.

Sumalatha K and Mallikarjuna G (2015) Development of cotton (Narasimha variety) transgenics for durable resistance against insect pest. Abstract presented at the National Symposium on “Future Technologies: Indian cotton in the next decade” organized by Cotton Research Development Association at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur during 17th -19th December 2015.

Book ChaptersAli Sk Z, Reddy GP and Sandhya V (2015) Organic Farming: Food

security of small holding farmers. In: Leire E San-Epifanio and M De RenobalesScheifler (Edt) Envisioning a future without food waste and food poverty: Societal challenges. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Netherland, pp. 309-316.

Sandhya V, Reddy GP, Ali SkZ and Kumar PKL (2015) Traditional Knowledge and sustainable agriculture: The strategy to cope with climate change. In: Leire E San-Epifanio and M De Renobales Scheifler (Edt) Envisioning a future without food waste and food poverty: Societal challenges. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Netherland pp.109-118.

MiscellaneousBentur JS (2015) Gall midge resistance in rice : An update.

Eigth Dr. S. Pradhan memorial Lecture. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, pp.28.


6. PARTICIPATION IN CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, DEPUTATIONS ABROAD

International ConferenceDrs.V. Sandhya and Sk. Z. Ali, Assistant Professors, Microbiology, were deputed to visit Bilbao, Spain to attend the international conference on “Envisioning a Future without Food Waste and Food Poverty” during 17-18 November 2015. Dr. Sandhya presented a paper entitled ““Traditional knowledge and sustainable agriculture: the strategy to cope with climate change” while Dr. Ali presented the paper “Organic farming: Food security of small holding farmers”.

Project Advisory MeetingProf. G. Pakki Reddy, Executive Director, participated in the Project Advisory Meeting of the project on “Multinational Enterprises and Global Development” funded by European Commission. Meeting was held during 13-22 October 2015 at Oxford University, Oxford, UK.

7. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Dr. J. S. Bentur, Subject Matter Specialist was invited to deliver eigth Dr. S. Pradhan Memorial Lecture at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi on 20th August 2015.

8. DISTINGUISHED VISITORS7.10.2015 Dr. Hamington Odame Executive Director, Centre for African Bio-Entrepreneur, Nairobi, Kenya

7.10.2015 Ms. Maureen Akwara Research Associate, Centre for African Bio-Entrepreneur, Nairobi, Kenya

7.10.2015 Dr. Amit Kumar Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), IHC, New Delhi

7.10.2015 Mr. D.P. Kala Deputy Director (Admn), Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), IHC, New Delhi

6.11.2015 Mr. N.K. Gautam Senior Scientist, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi

13.2.2016 Mr. Theo Van De Sande Ministry of foreign Affairs, The Netherlands


9. LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL BODY1. Dr. M. V. Rao,

President, Agri Biotech Foundation(until 8th March 2016)Special Director-General, ICAR @(Retd) Vice Chancellor, ANGRAU (Retd)Plot No.4, BHEL Colony Akbar Road, Bowenpally, Secunderabad-500 009

2. Dr. C. R. Bhatia Vice President, Former Secretary DBT, GOI, 17, Rohini, Plot No.29-30, Sector 9-A, Vashi, Mumbai - 400 703

3. Dr. E. A. Siddiq Former Deputy Director General (ICAR), Honorary Professor, Institute of Biotechnology, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030

4. Dr. M.V. GuptaWorld Food Prize WinnerC-502, Aditya Elite, B.S. MakthaBegumpet, Hyderabad – 500 016

5. Dr. P. Raghava Reddy Former Vice Chancellor Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural Univ.3-1-5/41, G1, Lakshmi Nagar, Attapur, Hyderabad – 500 048

6. Dr. Narayan G. Hegde, Principle Advisor (Ex President and Managing Trustee), BAIF Development Research Foundation, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar, Warje, Pune 411 058

7. Shri Ajeya Kallam, IAS Special Chief Secretary (Revenue) (AP), 4th Floor, ‘L’ Block A.P. Secretariat, Khairatabad, Hyderabad – 500 022

8. Dr. S. Raghuvardhan Reddy Former Vice Chancellor, ANGRAU, 2-2-23/22/D/3 Bhagamberpet, Hyderabad-500 013

9. Prof. R. Madhavi Former Vice Chancellor, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vidyalaya 102, M K Royal Apartments, Opposite Grand Bay Hotel Maharanipet, Visakhapatnam-530 002

10. Dr. D. M Hegde Former Project Director, ICAR-IIORC 108, SMR Vinay Galaxy, Hoody Circle, ITPL Road, Mahadevpura, Bangalore – 560 048

11. Dr. P. SreeramuluFormer Additional Director, DAHB-Block, Flat No.102BNR Apartments, Attapur, Hyderabad-500 048

12. Dr. P. Ananda Kumar, Principal ScientistIndian Institute of Rice Research (IORR)Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 030

13. Dr. Rakesh Tuli, Professor & Senior Research AdvisorJC Bose National Fellow, UIET, Punjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh 160012

14. Mr. Stephen LiveraExecutive Director, SDDPAD No.41/83/1, NTR ColonyWanaparthy - 509 103, Mahaboobnagar

15. Smt. C.S. Rama Lakshmi, I.F.S (Retd.)Advisor (SERP) (AP)5-10-192, 4th Floor, Hermitage Office Complex, Hill Fort Road, Hyderabad – 500 004

16. Dr. K. K. SharmaPrincipal Scientist, Genetic Transformation LaboratoryI C R I S A T, Patancheru - 502 324

17. Dr. Vidya Gupta, Head, Plant Bio Chemistry and Molecular Biology NCL, Dr. Homey Bhabha Road, Pune – 411 008

18. Prof. (Dr.) K. JayalakshmiProfessor & Head, Centre for Panchayat Raj, National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030

19. Dr. V. P.Gupta,A-304, ANMOL APARTMENTS, Plot-3A, Sector 2, DWARKA, New Delhi-110075

20. Dr. G. Gopal ReddySecretary, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Rural Devlop.Gaddipally, Nalgonda District – 508 201

21. Mr. P. Vidya Sagar Chairman & Managing DirectorVibha Agrotech LImited, “Inspire”, Plot NO. 21, Sector – 1, High tech City Road, Madhapur, Hyderabad – 500 081

22. Prof. G. Pakki ReddyExecutive Director, Agri Biotech Foundation, ANGRAU Campus, Hyd.


Members of Executive Committee

1 Dr. M.V. Rao Chairman

2 Dr. R.C. Bhatia Vice Chairman

3 Dr. D.M. Hegde Joint Secretary

5 Dr.P. Sreeramulu Treasurer

6 Dr. P. Ananda Kumar Member

7 Dr. M.V. Gupta Member

8 Dr. V.P. Gupta Member

9 Dr.Narayan Hegde Member

10 Dr.S. Raghuvardhan Reddy Member

10. FACULTY AND STAFF

S.No Name1. Prof. G. Pakki Reddy2. Dr. J.S. Bentur3. Dr. Sk. Z. Ali4. Dr. G. Mallikarjuna5. Dr. V. Sandhya Rao6. Dr. Uday Kiran Avasthi*7. Dr. Ravishankar Reddy8. Mr. B. Maheswara Reddy 9. Mr. T. Satyanarayana

10. Mr. M. Gopala Krishna11. Ms. P. Padmaja12. Ms. K. Padmaja Rani13. Ms. N. Mounika

The following members were on rolls of the Foundation during the year 2015-16

11 Dr. P. Raghava Reddy Member

12 Dr. E.A. Siddiq Member

13 Prof. G. Pakki Reddy Member Secretary

Office Bearers

1 Dr. M.V. Rao President

2 Dr. R.C. Bhatia Vice President

3 Dr. D.M. Hegde Joint Secretary

4 Dr.P. Sreeramulu Treasurer

4 Prof. G. Pakki Reddy Member Secretary

* Left ABF in March 2016

S.No Name14. Mr. K. Chandra Teja15. Mr. K.L. Prasanna Kumar16. Ms. D. Divya17. Ms. Bindu Prathyusha18. Ms. Sumalatha19. Mr. Sai Prasad20. Ms. Srichandana21. Mr. Santhosh22. Mr. Nihar Sahu23. Ms. Latha24. Mr. J. Vijaya Naresh25. Ms. G. Srujana26. Mr. K. Buchi Babu27. Mr. G. Naga Raju


11. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



Audit Fee & Expenses


Acknowledgements

We record with deep sense of gratitude the invaluable guidance provided by late Dr. M.V. Rao, founder President of Agri Biotech Foundation since its inception. We thank all the members of the General Body and particularly the members of the Executive Committee for their contribution in management of the Foundation. We thank authorities of ANGR Agricultural University and PJTS Agricultural University for their patronage; Govt. of Andhra Pradesh for supporting the activities of ABF through ANGRAU under RKVY; Department of Biotechnology, Department of Science and technology, Indian Council of Agricultural Research for support through various competititve grants.

Welcome Address by Prof. G. Pakki Reddy

Valedictory Session

Presidential Remarks by Prof. E. Hari Babu

Keynote Address by Prof. Matthias Kaiser Message by Mr. Theo Van De Sande

Inaugural Speech by Dr. M. V. Gupta World Food Prize and Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate

Keynote Address by Narendra Kumar Tyagi

Agri Biotech FoundationOpposite ICAR-IIOR, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad 500030, TS.+91-40-29803417, [email protected] www.abfindia.org

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