Research Projects

Organelles are crucial for plant growth, development, and photosynthesis, and must therefore respond to external stimuli appropriately. The expression of the chloroplast genome is the result of a complex interplay of nuclear and organelle-encoded proteins. It is unclear how these organelles respond to insect infestation. Therefore, one of the consequences during plant-insect interaction reprogramming of the chloroplast genome expression. We performed transcriptome assays of a moderately resistant pigeon pea cultivar (ICC-332) along with two wild relatives of pigeon pea due to simulated herbivory (Helicoverpa). We found that the defense mechanism was unique in these cultivars and several key defense responsive genes were identified during the herbivory (Helicoverpa) simulation studies (Acharjee et al., manuscript drafted). Also, several transcription factors were found to be up-regulated.

Plastid RNA sequecing was achieved. DEGS of nuclear encoded oragnellar genes suggest their immense role during the defense. Trancriptome data of pigeon pea wild and cultivated species due to simulated herbivory was obatined. Trained more than 4 Research Fellows on transcriptome data analyses and interpretation.