Group – Plant Genomics and Breeding
INTRODUCTION
This research group was formalised in 2007 to strengthen research and devlopment in plant genomics and breeding at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The main focus of this group is on the effective utilisation of genomic and bioinformatic approaches to understand the complexity of genes controlling economically valuable traits for their improvement in boosting the agriculture and forestry industries in Malaysia and the region. A multidisciplinary approach involving expertise in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry, bioinformatics and agronomy is adopted by this group to tackle research problems.
The group members have successfully developed quantitative trait loci and fine maps for rice besides molecular markers and mapping populations for Acacia and high quality roselle mutants. Other key research areas include mechansim of plant defence to biotic and abiotis stresses, molecular biology of flowering in Calamus and induction of polyploidy in Acacia. We envisge the research outputs from this group will contribute towards enhancement of crop production and generation of value added products in line with the national goals and strategies to increase income of farmers and creationof new bioindustries.
TEAM MEMBERS
Leader
- Prof. Dr. Wickneswari Ratnam
Members
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kalaivani Nadarajah
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Yen
- Dr. Md. Atiqur Rahman Bhuiyan
- Pn. Noraziyah Abd. Aziz Shamsudin
GROUP LEADER: PROF. DR. WICKNESWARI RATNAM
School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences
Faculty of Science and Technology
Universiti kebangsaan Malaysia
43600 Bangi, Selangor
Tel: 603-89213840
Email: wicki@ukm.edu.my