Recent Research Initiatives

Gene Editing Program initiated with objectives of To enhance the nutrition as well as synthesis of novel bioactive compounds. Develop disease resistance varieties by targeting the susceptible genes. 11 Institutes are collaborating Crops: Cucumber, Muskmelon, Potato, Onion, Cassava, Apple, Banana, Papaya, Grapes, Black pepper, Ginger, Cumin, Coriander, Marigold Single copy Mendalian segregation of the T-DNA was observed eg. Papaya line No. R2P5G2 has shown a ratio of 3:1 with 31 T-DNA +ve and 11 null plants. begomovirus resistant tomato plants through CRISPR-Cas9 system2 gRNAs targeting pelota gene
Applications of UAVs and Drones Module and protocol for assessment of the crop acreage (area) with crop signature using ground truth, UAV and satellite data together with > 85% accuracy UAV for foliar appication
Application of Sensors Prototypes for automated vineyard monitoring Moisture sensors measure soil moisture
Pollinators and Ecosystem Services
Honey bee assisted pollination in polyhouse Apis serana and Tetragonula iridipennis Fruit set (80 to 90%) with 2.5 times Higher yield compared to open field Bee-friendly flower genotypes & rearing structures for pollinator’s conservation.
Vertical Farming and Peri-urban Horticulture VEGFAST- A technology for growing vegetable on rooftops Arka Vertical Garden structure Arka Vegetable Garden Model Vertical Gardens for Foliage Plants Arka Sasya Poshak Ras (ASPR) - A Liquid Nutrient Formulation for Soilless Cultivation
Digital Horticulture Sensor - based controlled irrigation system in tomato e-Crop Based Smart Farming (e-CBSF) in tuber crops Artificial Intelligence powered decision support system for leaf spot and other pest in banana UAV based IR detection of palm health
Export Protocols for Horticultural Crops (Banana, Mango, Pomegranate) ICAR-CISH, Lucknow, NRC Pomegranate and NRC Banana have standardized the Export protocol of Mango ,Banana and pomegranate to US &EU with the support of APEDA.
Clean Plant Progam The key principle: “start clean, stay clean”. The project aims at improving horticulture farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials. This will result in improved yields and crop quality Crop identified- Almond, apple, avocado, berries, citrus, grapes, guava, litchi, mango, pomegranate, and walnut.