Bohra Abhishek

Dr Abhishek Bohra is contributing to pigeonpea genetic improvement using CMS hybrid and varietal development approaches. As Principal Investigator for national hybrid breeding program under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP)-Pigeonpea, Dr Bohra is coordinating hybrid pigeonpea research at national level, and he has been involved in the development of pigeonpea hybrids and varieties. He has converted several early-maturing pigeonpea lines into stable CMS sources for deployment in hybrid development. Also, he has contributed in identification of promising germplasm lines for important traits (Phytophthora blight, Fusarium wilt etc.). Considering genomics- assisted breeding approach, he is associated with projects on developing novel mapping populations as new genetic stocks, identifying important genes/DNA markers associated with economically important traits and marker assisted selection. Notable contributions of Dr Abhishek Bohra in the area of pigeonpea genomics include development of the large-scale SSR/SNP markers, first genetic linkage map, the identification of DNA markers for important traits like resistance to sterility mosaic disease (SMD), Fusarium wilt, and fertility restoration. He is also associated with digitalization of crop breeding programs using breeding management system (BMS). Dr Bohra is leading four externally funded projects and serving as Co-PI in two externally funded projects. His research work has resulted in publication of nearly 100 research papers/reviews/conference papers/abstracts in leading international journals and international/national conferences. These articles have been widely cited by research community. Dr Bohra is contributing to the scientific community and society by serving as Editor and Reviewer and helping in organizing national symposiums/conferences/ workshops/brain storming sessions, project and stake-holders meetings.