Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources
RTGR building to be inaugurated by DBT Secretary on September 2, 2013
In the year 2004 an international initiative was started to sequence the tomato genome with an International Scientific Network named "International Solanaceae Genome Project" (SOL). The Dept of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi, supported Indian SOL program as a part of above international network. Under SOL Phase I,DBT sanctioned grants to University of Hyderabad for isolation of tomato mutants using reverse genetic tools to generate genomic resources and provide the gene specific mutant lines to scientific community. In addition, the DBT also sanctioned grant for biofortification of tomato fruits with health beneficial nutraceuticals. To carryout research in above areas the DBT provided nearly Rupees 20 Crore grant to University of Hyderabad.
To house the genomic resources and continue the research for tomato functional genomics and metabolomics, University established a "Repository of Tomato Genomics Resources" (RTGR). The RTGR is housed in a building with 10,000 sq ft area in 7 acre land earmarked for growing tomato plants. In addition, this area also has 10 Green Houses with floor space of 6000 sq ft to grow the tomato plants.
The major aim of RTGR is functional characterization of all tomato genes through the use of mutants, allelic variation, expression profiling (at metabolite, protein and gene levels) and other methods. The RTGR is using above resources to improve the nutraceutical quality of tomato fruits and shelf life. University of Hyderabad is a leading University in scientific research and setting of RTGR is one such step that keeps the University at the forefront of the mainstream research with potential benefit to society.
Prof K VijayRaghavan, Secretary, Dept of Biotechnology, Government of India, would inaugurate the RTGR building in the presence of Prof Ramakrishna Ramaswamy, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad at 11:00 am on 2nd September 2013.
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