The Trait Discovery and Delivery (TDD) Theme is dedicated to accelerating the identification, validation, and deployment of high-value traits that enhance the performance, resilience, and impact of ICRISAT’s mandate crops across Asia and Africa. Through frontier genomics, phenomics, bioinformatics, predictive breeding, and advanced data analytics, the theme supports more precise, efficient, and faster crop improvement pipelines.
The theme focuses on discovering and understanding the genetic basis of traits associated with climate resilience, productivity, nutritional quality, adaptation, pest and disease resistance, resource-use efficiency, and market preferences. Through the integration of forward and reverse genetics, multi-omics approaches, and advanced breeding technologies, the TDD Theme enables the translation of scientific discoveries into practical breeding solutions that benefit farmers and consumers.
A key area of work involves exploring the diversity and molecular characterization of germplasm, breeding populations, elite lines, varieties, hybrids, and beneficial microorganisms. Using advanced sequencing technologies, high-throughput phenotyping, and bioinformatics tools, the theme investigates crop genomes and pangenomes to identify genetic variations associated with important agronomic and adaptive traits.
This knowledge underpins the development of robust trait-linked markers, genomic prediction models, and decision-support tools that strengthen breeding programs through genomic selection, marker-assisted breeding, trait deployment, variety tracking, seed quality assurance, and genetic purity assessment.
The theme works closely with breeding teams to ensure that valuable traits identified from diverse germplasm and genetic resources are rapidly validated, integrated, and delivered into improved varieties and hybrids. The theme also contributes to capacity strengthening, knowledge generation, and the development of analytical platforms, digital tools, and publicly accessible databases that enhance the use of genetic and genomic information across the global breeding community.
Key Area of Focus:
Trait discovery through genomics, phenomics, and multi-omics approaches
Genome diversity analysis and molecular characterization
Genomic prediction and AI-enabled breeding models
Trait mapping, validation, and deployment
Genomics-assisted breeding and pre-breeding
Marker-assisted selection and genomic selection
Translational genomics and breeding innovation
Development of trait-linked markers for hybrid breeding systems
Variety identification and tracking
Seed health and quality assessment
Data science, bioinformatics, and breeding decision-support platforms
Capacity building and knowledge sharing in advanced breeding technologies.
The theme connects scientific innovation with crop improvement, supporting the development of climate-resilient, nutritious, and high-performing crop varieties. Working closely with breeding programs and partners, the theme helps deliver solutions that strengthen food security, livelihoods, and resilience in dryland farming systems across Asia, Africa, and beyond.