Crop Physiology and Biochemistry
The Division of Crop Physiology and Biochemistry consists of Biochemistry and Physiology disciplines. It has identified several rice germplasm with higher protein and micronutrient content in the past and contributed to development of high protein and high zinc rice varieties from NRRI. Several germplasm with tolerance to drought, submergence, salinity, high temperature, low light and those with multiple abiotic stress tolerance have been identified and evaluated, some of which are already in use for developing abiotic stress tolerant varieties. The research program of the Division is aimed at identifying and developing rice varieties with desirable grain and nutritional quality traits, tolerance to various abiotic stresses and improving photosynthetic efficiency of rice keeping in view the changing climate scenario with emphasis on the following:
- Evaluating the rice germplasm for physico-chemical grain quality traits, protein and micronutrient content and their bioavailability, specialty rices including low glycemic index rice, aromatic rice and pigmented rice, and value addition
- Identifying rice germplasm with single/multiple abiotic stress (submergence, salinity, drought, low light, high temperature tolerance with specific traits and improving the photosynthetic efficiency of rice through traditional and biotechnological approaches involving introduction of C4 traits from other crop plants and glycolate metabolism genes from E. coli.