Biochemical and Molecular Dissection

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CROP PHYSIOLOGY

Biochemical and Molecular Dissection of Abiotic and Biotic Interaction in Groundnut linking Drought and Fungal Infection to Nutritional Integrity and Antioxidant defense mechanisms

Name of the PI

Dr. SADRAS BHAVANA, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Crop Physiology, School of Agriculture, Kaveri University.

Abstract

This study investigates the interplay between drought stress and fungal infection in groundnut, focusing on their combined effects on kernel nutritional integrity and antioxidant defense systems. Through biochemical assays and molecular profiling, the research aims to unravel changes in primary and secondary metabolites, antioxidant enzyme activity, and expression of stress-responsive genes. Insights from this work will contribute to strategies that preserve nutritional quality while enhancing resilience, offering potential pathways for sustainable production under concurrent abiotic and biotic stresses.

Objectives

  • To elucidate differential perturbations in lipid peroxidation dynamics and osmolyte flux under concomitant drought–pathogen duress, with or without exogenous elicitor application.
  • To characterize secondary metabolite fluxes through phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic routes in response to intersecting abiotic–biotic stress signaling cascades.
  • To delineate transcriptional plasticity in redox homeostasis modulators and pathogenesis-related (PR) protein networks under dual stress imposition.

Technical Details (Brief)

The proposed study will investigate the interaction between abiotic (drought) and biotic (fungal infection) stresses in groundnut, with emphasis on their combined influence on kernel nutritional quality and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Selected groundnut genotypes will be evaluated under controlled and field conditions for stress responses following standard agronomic practices.

Biochemical analyses will be carried out to quantify key nutritional and antioxidant parameters, while molecular assays will be employed to profile stress-responsive gene expression patterns associated with oxidative balance and metabolic regulation. Basic disease scoring and physiological assessments will be performed to establish correlations between stress severity, nutritional integrity, and antioxidant defense efficiency.

The outcomes are expected to identify groundnut types and treatment strategies that maintain higher nutritional quality under concurrent abiotic and biotic stress scenarios, contributing to resilient production systems and enhanced market value.

Project Duration

3 years

Expected Impact

  • Comprehensive data on how drought and fungal stress interact to affect groundnut quality.
  • Identification of effective biochemical treatments to mitigate dual stress effects.
  • Molecular understanding of cross-talk between abiotic and biotic stress signaling pathways.
  • Guidelines for producing nutrient-rich, disease-resilient groundnut under water-limited conditions.

Collaborating Partners (Institutions)

  • ICRISAT, Patancheru, Telangana – Expertise in groundnut genetics, biochemistry, molecular profiling, and access to drought simulation and controlled-environment facilities.
  • National Research Centre for Groundnut (ICAR–Directorate of Groundnut Research), Junagadh – Specialized knowledge in groundnut pathology and nutrition studies.
  • Kaveri Seeds Company (for dissemination and seed improvement),
  • University Extension Wing, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Telangana and neighbouring states.

Funding Agency

GROW FURTHER – A FOOD-SECURE FUTURE

Budget Summary

$ 95,384

Category

Estimated Cost (USD)

Personnel

28,500

Consumables

21,000

Equipment & Accessories

15,400

Field Trials & Sampling

9,800

Collaborative Activities

8,500

Data Analysis & Documentation

5,600

Contingency

6,584

Total

95,384

Kaveri University was established as per the Telangana Private Universities (Establishment & Regulation) Act, 2018 under section 3.

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