Abstract

Bioprospection of rich repository of Himalayan plant genetic resources (~3500 plant species) remains offset due to complex life cycle and non-availability of genomic resources. Consequently, the information about the genomics of important biological processes are inadequate due huge cost involved in sanger sequencing. Nevertheless, the advent of fast and cost effective next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms (Illumina, ABI/Solid) and single molecule sequencing (Pac-Bio) in the recent past has enabled the elucidation of complex molecular mechanisms and gene clusters unique to these species. NGS assisted genome-wide transcriptional analysis (in-situ/ wet lab) coupled with stress (biotic/ abiotic), spacio-temporal gene expression analysis and ascertainment of sequence based markers in tea, stevia and important Himalayan bioresources facilitated development of species specific genomic resources for bioprospection, evolutionary analysis and implementations of conservations strategies in important bioresourcses. Regulatory genomic machinery mitigating global mechanism of stress tolerance, developmental phase transitions and biosynthesis of important metabolites are useful for genetic improvement of targeted plant species. Furthermore, key candidate(s) involved in important biosysthetic pathways and stress tolerance can be utilized for identification of functionally revenant marker resources for diversity characterization for identification of core populations and dissection of desirable traits in non- model plant species. Additionally, key candidates can also be utilized for genetic engineering targeted plant species and crop plants. In conclusion, our ongoing next-generation genomics efforts coupled with field studies will help in expediting the marker assisted breeding in natural populations through identification of potential parental selections for genetic improvement and sustainable utilization of important plant genetic resources at commercial scale.