Research Projects

Genomic offset refers to the deviation from the expected genetic constitution in genes of adaptive traits for a species to adapt to a changed environment. Date palm, a nutrient-dense fruit crop, can tolerate heat, drought, and salinity, but extreme temperatures can be harmful. single nucleotide polymorphisms (sNP) and simple sequence Repeats (ssR) are markers for genetic diversity. Climate change is predicted to increase temperature, reduce precipitation, and increase pests and diseases, reducing the productivity of date palm. Omics studies indicate genes governing adaptive traits responsive to future stress factors. However, research gaps exist for sNP or ssR in sex, color, and other fruit traits. A work plan involves studying date palm crop suitability in India in 2050, 2080, and 2100 using ecological niche modeling approaches. The plan involves short-listing climate change abiotic and biotic stress-responsive adaptive traits and identifying genes governing those traits. statistical modeling of genomic offset in date palm will be performed based on sNP and ssR information. The proposal aims to provide ecological niche modeling for date palm crop suitability in India and work out genome offset.