Research Projects

The proposed work aims to enhance rice yield by introducing a multi-floret trait. Two approaches are proposed: simultaneous knock-out of three genes (lf1, df1, and large2) and simultaneous mutation in four genes (lf1, fon4, mir396e, and mir396r) by ICGEB and NABI respectively. The lf1 gene induces three floret spikelets, with two additional flowers each side of the original floret. However, the molecular basis of this variation is not yet known. Similarly, knockout mutations in fon4 and df1 induce multi-floret spikelets, but the desired mutations will produce uniform spikelets with three florets each, but reduce grain size. To increase grain number while maintaining grain size, knockout mutations in large2 and mir396e-r are proposed. These genes not only increase grain size but also enhance panicle size and total biomass, which will be needed to explore increased sink-size in multi-floret genotype. The major challenge of introducing mutation simultaneously in 3-4 genes can be achieved with multi-target genome editing already optimized at NABI. Single target genome editing, use of new plant type genetic background, and exploration of natural alleles available with 3K IRRI set will be explored. Landraces like Jugal and Sateen with different degrees of multi-floret spikelet will be used to improve understanding and trait introgression.