Plant Molecular Genetics and Stress Physiology: Extensive experience in characterizing transcription factors, particularly WRKY genes in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). This includes studying the role of SlWRKY23 in regulating root sensitivity to key plant hormones (ethylene, auxin, and jasmonic acid) and its involvement in enhancing salt and osmotic stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis.
Developmental Biology: Research has covered various aspects of plant development, including the identification of tomato root growth regulatory genes, the hormonal regulation of the flowering process in saffron (Crocus sativus L.), and the function of INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION-LIKE genes (RbIDL1 and RbIDL4) in rose abscission.
Biotechnology and Crop Improvement: Contributed to studies on genetic improvement of poplar and the biofortification of tomato to enhance its vitamin and mineral content. Utilized techniques such as Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) for functional genomics in saffron.
Conference Presentations: Presented research findings on tomato WRKY genes and their role in root development and hormonal response at major international and national conferences, including the International Conference on "Plant Developmental Biology & 3rd National Arabidopsis Meeting" (2017) and the "4th International Plant Physiology Congress" (2018).
Crop Improvement Principles and Practices
Field Crop Improvement
Plant Physiology
Plant Molecular Genetics and Stress Tolerance: Characterization and functional analysis of transcription factors, particularly WRKY genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). This includes their roles in root development, modulating plant hormone pathways (ethylene, auxin, jasmonic acid), and enhancing tolerance to abiotic stresses like salt and osmotic stress.
Plant Developmental Biology: Investigating the molecular and hormonal mechanisms that govern key developmental processes, such as:
Hormone-mediated regulation of flowering in saffron.
Molecular control of abscission, exemplified by studies on IDL genes in rose.
Identification of genes and transcription factors regulating root growth.
Genetic Engineering and Crop Improvement: Applying biotechnology for the improvement of crop plants, including:
Genetic improvement strategies for tree species like Poplar.
Biofortification of crops, such as enhancing vitamin and mineral content in tomato.
Use of functional genomics tools like Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) in saffron.
Plant Molecular Biology and Genetics
Plant Biotechnology
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
Genetic Engineering and Functional Genomics
Crop Improvement and Stress Biology
Qualified ARS-NET (Agricultural Biotechnology)
Qualified GATE (Biotechnology)
JNU combined entrance exam for M.Sc. Biotechnology
Scholarly Publishing: Authored or co-authored multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals, including:
Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants (2020, 2021, 2024)
Frontiers in Plant Science (2023)
Plant Physiology and Biochemistry (2023)
Plant Cell Reports (2023)
Also contributed chapters to books like Genetic Engineering of Crop Plants for Food and Health Security (2024) and Harnessing Crop Biofortification for Sustainable Agriculture (2024).
Conference Participation and Presentations:
Presented posters on the role and characterization of tomato WRKY genes (SlWRKY75 and SlWRKY23) at three major events:
International conference on "Plant Developmental Biology & 3rd National Arabidopsis Meeting," NISER, Bhubaneswar (2017).
"4th International Plant Physiology Congress," CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (2018).
NCPP (2019) in Kerala.
Attended the National symposium on Plant Biotechnology for Crop Improvement and the 37th Annual Meeting of PTCA, Lucknow (February 25th-27th, 2017).
Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture (AIOA)
Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture