Services to be Offered

For the vision to become reality, the CEG provides:

High-throughput, low cost, allele detection platforms such as

• High-throughput, low cost, whole-genome profiling using Diversity Array Technology (DArT) analyses


• High-throughput, sequencer-based SSR analyses

Access to large-scale field screening for abiotic stresses

Biometrics and bioinformatics support

Training courses for scientists and students from Indian national agricultural research systems (NARS) in the use of high-throughput methods in breeding and research.

Delivery of Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) services for crops and species

Molecular markers have been shown to be powerful tools for genetic dissections and manipulation of many traits of importance in agriculture. However, their full impact, especially in breeding, is yet to be realized. This is due to a number of limitations, with cost and throughput as major issues. DArT is a cost effective and whole-genome genotyping tool. The technology is not dependent on having DNA sequence information, is expandable based on the user's needs, and is high-throughput and low cost.

Allele Discovery using TILLING and EcoTILLING approaches

Targeting Included Local Lesions in Genomes (TILLING) is a powerful reverse genetic strategy for functional analysis of candidate genes. In TILLING, a genome of a particular plant species is subjected to mutation, a large number of mutant lines generated, DNA from the mutated lines pooled, amplified with lebeled primers for candidate genes, and analyzes using a LICOR gel analyzer system. The results provide an alleic series for a particular gene and lead to functional analysis of the gene. EcoTILLING applies the power of TILLING to natural genetic resources.Through the use of EcoTILLING, a large germplasm collection can be grouped into a small number of haplotypes for further studies to detect novel genetic variation.

High-quality phenotyping to identify genomic segments for drought tolerance