Research Projects

Hypergravity is defined as a condition where the force of gravity is more than the Earth’s gravity, and conveniently expressed as greater than one (1g). A hypergravity environment can be simulated in the laboratory by centrifugation. It is reported that hypergravity can impart phenotypic and physiological benefits to plants (Hosamani et al., 2023, Review). From our previous DST-SERB-EMEQ grant (EEQ/2018/000604), we were able to substantially demonstrate the utility of hypergravity as a novel tool in inducing desirable phenotypes in crop plants. Specifically, two prominent phenotypes were altered in response to hypergravity i) significantly enhanced root length, root volume, and root dry weight in the rainfed wheat genotype (UAS-375) (Swamy et al., 2021). And ii) delayed leaf senescence phenotype– plants retained green leaves significantly longer after anthesis compared to control in the greenhouse (Swamy et al., 2021; Sathasivum et al., 2022). These findings were published in great detail in Scientific Reports, 11, 15303 (2021); Genomics, 114 (2), 110307 (2022); and reviewed in Planta, 257(1):17 (2022). These two prominent phenotypes may have direct implications on drought tolerance and yield advantage. However, we need to confirm this extrapolation in field conditions across different genotypes. Hence, the proposed Core Research Grant addresses follow-up questions such as do these phenotypes observed in the greenhouse retain in field conditions, and across different genotypes? If yes, do these phenotypes translates any yield advantage and confer abiotic stress tolerance – drought and salinity? And finally, what is the underlying cellular and molecular basis of these altered phenotypes? To address these questions following objectives were proposed 1) Elucidation of cellular morphometric and molecular basis hypergravity-induced root growth phenotype with a specific focus on root tip cell imaging using phase contrast/scanning electron microscopy, quantifying the qPCR-based relative expression of cell division associated transcripts, and through profiling differential protein expression using an Isobaric Tagging Liquid Chromatography−Tandem Mass Spectrometry approach. 2) Assessing the genotypic response of hypergravity-induced root growth phenotype by testing in different wheat genotypes – UAS-375, UAS-446, and UAS-347. 3) Evaluating whether hypergravity-induced root growth and delayed leaf senescence phenotypes translates into good yield in field condition and confer abiotic stress tolerance such as drought and salinity. The proposed study will validate the efficacy of hypergravity-induced altered phenotypes in contributing to yield and abiotic stress tolerance across different genotypes and identifies cellular and molecular regulators of hypergravity-induced altered phenotypes. Thus, this proposed study will ensure the continuity of research findings delivered in the EMEQ grant and lead to translational research for crop improvement