In the rapidly evolving landscape of crop genetics, the book, Harnessing Genomic Tools for Crop Improvement is an essential resource designed for researchers, students, and professionals seeking to leverage bioinformatics tools for precision breeding. This comprehensive manual provides step-by-step guidance on utilizing molecular data derived from genetics and breeding experiments, offering hands-on instructions for key software applications in genetic diversity analysis, QTL mapping, genome-wide association mapping, haplotype analysis and genomic selection.
Beyond technical tutorials, the book explores cutting-edge bioinformatics tools such as sequence databases, BLAST, primer designing, and sequence alignment, ensuring users gain a holistic understanding of genomics-driven crop improvement. Definitions, terminology clarifications, and interpretation of the results help bridge the gap between theory and application, simplifying complex analyses.
Whether you are a novice or an experienced researcher, this book equips you with the skills to analyze and apply genomic data effectively, making it an invaluable asset for transforming geneticists into genomicists in both plant and animal sciences.
Amaravathi, Yellari: -
Dr. Yellari Amaravathi has extensive research experience in molecular breeding, tissue culture, genetic engineering, and genomics. She earned her M.Sc. (Ag) in Plant Genetic Resources from the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), IARI, New Delhi, and completed her doctoral studies at the National Institute of Plant Biotechnology, IARI, New Delhi. She began her career as a Scientist at the Defence Agricultural Research Laboratory (DARL), Ministry of Defence, where she worked on genetic engineering for cold tolerance in vegetable crops such as tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and radishes. In 2013, she joined ANGRAU engaging in both teaching and research. Her research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms in plant-pathogen interactions, identifying genes for durable resistance, and leveraging advanced technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 for crop improvement.
Reddyyamini, Bommisetty: -
Dr. Bommisetty Reddyyamini earned her postgraduate degree from Agricultural College, Mahanandi, and her Doctoral degree from S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, ANGRAU, India. She has extensive teaching and research experience in advanced plant breeding methods, specializing in genomics-assisted breeding. Her research led to the identification of novel QTLs for grain number and grain weight in rice using QTL-Seq. She has published several research articles in reputed peer-reviewed journals. In recognition of her contributions, she received the "Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis Award" at the Second International Conference on Advancement of Science and Technology for Environment, Society, and People (ICASTESP-2023).
Vemireddy, Lakshmi Narayana R.: -
Dr. Lakshmi Narayana R. Vemireddy is a leading molecular geneticist and professor at Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), India, with over 15 years of experience in teaching and research. He specializes in genomic tools such as QTL mapping, molecular breeding, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), QTL-seq and transcriptomics techniques like RNA-Seq. His key contributions include the discovery of novel QTLs for drought tolerance, grain quality, and yield, the development of DNA fingerprinting for Basmati rice authentication, and the creation of cultivar-specific QR codes for rice, sesame and little millet. He has also identified alternate dwarfing gene and employs marker-assisted breeding to enhance popular rice varieties in India. With numerous publications in high-impact journals, he has been instrumental in advancing genomic tools for crop improvement. As a dedicated mentor, he has supervised numerous Master's and Ph.D. students, shaping the next generation of geneticists.
