A team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Research Centre on Pomegranate (NRCP) - has completed the genome sequencing for pomegranates.
This means that for the first time anywhere in the India, the ICAR-NRCP team at Solapur, Maharashtra has been able to identify all the bases of DNA material in perfect sequence in the process unlocking several genetic mysteries such as identifying particular genes responsible for sweetness, seed softness or colour of the fruit, those responsible for disease and pest resistance, and those for the enlargement of the fruit size, among others.
It has taken the team six years in accomplishing full genomic sequencing of this Indian pomegranate. The reference-quality genome assembly of the 'Bhagawa' developed by ICAR-NRCP under aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research is a huge reservoir of publicly accessible genomic resources for pomegranate researchers across the globe and will provide a great impetus to the pomegranate improvement programme in India.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com