Faculty Member

Profile

Research Area

Research Interest

Exploring the intriguing biology of seeds, and plant stress adaptation

Studying molecular, biochemical mechanisms and intricacies of seed maturation, desiccation tolerance, longevity, germination vigor and plant adaptation to environmental stresses

Seed occupies the crucial position in the life cycle of plants and has acquired several spectacular characteristic features, besides their overwhelming importance of human’s life. For example, seed can sense external environment and can decide whether to germinate or not. In addition, seed has the unique ability to survive in the dry state for prolonged periods of times. The lifespan of orthodox seeds can sometimes be astonishingly long from decades to centuries and even millennium (Nelumbo nucifera: nearly 1,300 years; Phoenix dactylifera: >2,000 years). Seeds are resistant to environmental stresses. Studies suggest that seed has evolved with complex systems (protection, detoxification and repair) to achieve the optimized seed life span. However, the underlying molecular intricacies and mechanisms of maintaining germination vigor and viability of seeds for prolonged periods of time are still obscured. Research in my laboratory centers around studying molecular intricacies, mechanisms and events that govern seed germination, viability, longevity and seedling emergence and adaption to environmental stress We employ molecular genetics and biochemical approaches with modern tools and techniques to address our research questions. Currently, we study how Protein Repairing Enzymes [Protein L ISO-ASPARTYL METHYLTRANSFERASE (PIMT), Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase (MSR)]; 26S Proteasome Pathway [E3 Ligase, F box proteins] and Protective Metabolites [Inositols and RFOs] contribute in achieving high germination vigor, viability and longevity, and also in successful seedling establishment/plant stress adaptation in wide environmental conditions.

Socio-economic application of our research

Seed longevity is a vital trait for the germplasm conservation of endangered and cultivated species. Maintenance of seed vigor and longevity during storage is also one of the important concerns in Agriculture, since under sub tropical climate, seeds of most crop species show rapid deterioration and exhibit reduced seed longevity, which significantly affects country’s agricultural economy. We exploit this knowledge generated to improve seed vigor, seed storage life and seedling performance of crop plants.