Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola

Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola was established on 20th October, 1969 with its head-quarter at Akola. This Agricultural University was named after the illustrious son of Vidarbha Dr. Panjabrao (alias Bhausaheb) Deshmukh, who was the Minister for Agriculture,Govt. of India. The jurisdiction of this university is spread over the eleven districts of Vidarbha. According to the University Act 1983 (of the Government of Maharashtra), the University is entrusted with the responsibility of agricultural education, research and extension education alongwith breeder and foundation seed programme. The University has its main campus at Akola. The instructional programmes at main campus are spread over in 5 Colleges namely, College of Agriculture, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, College of Forestry, College of Horticulture and Post Graduate Institute. At this campus 4 degree programmes namely B.Sc.(Agri.) B.Sc. (Hort.), B.Sc. (Forestry) and B.Tech. (Ag. Engg.) , two Master’s Degree Programmes viz. M.Sc.(Agri.) and M.Tech. (Agri.Engg.) and Doctoral Degree Programmes in the faculties of Agriculture and Agril. Engineering are offered. The University has its sub-campus at Nagpur with constituent College, College of Agriculture which offers B.Sc.(Agri.) and M.Sc.(Agri.) degree programmes. The Nagpur Campus is accomplished with a garden, surrounded by its natural beauty and a well established Zoo which attract the general public and visitors to the city. A separate botanic Garden is being maintained on 22 hectares with a green house for the benefit of research workers. In addition there are 2 affiliated grant-in-aid colleges and 14 private non-grant-in-aid colleges under the umbrella of this University A Central Research Station is situated at the main Campus which caters to the need of research projects undertaken by Crop Scientists of the principle crops of the region are Cotton, Sorghum, Oilseeds and Pulses.

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Open Access
MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES OF WHEAT GENOTYPES (Triticum aestivum) UNDER WATER STRESS.
(Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth Akola, Maharashtra., 2021-08-27) SURBHAIYYA, SHOBHA DEVIDAS.; Gahukar, Dr. S.J.
The present investigation entitled “Molecular and biochemical responses of wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum) under water stress” was carried out at the Biotechnology Centre, Department of Agriculture Botany, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during 2016-2019. In the present study, the objectives were accomplished at two phases of environment, physiological screening under in-vitro (lab) condition and morpho-physiological, biochemical, molecular screening under in-vivo (green house and field) condition. The experiments comprised of eight genotypes with two check viz., AKAW-3717 (tolerant) and AKAW-3722 (susceptible). In first phase of experiment, osmotic stress imposed under laboratory condition by using different concentration of PEG- 6000 viz., 0, 15 %, and 25 % and performances of various genotypes were monitored against a control. Seedling traits such as germination percentage, seedling vigor index, shoot length, root length, shoot fresh/dry weight and root fresh/dry weight were studied in unstressed and stressed condition. The result indicated that increase in osmotic stress caused a significant decreased in above seedlings parameters. Correlation coefficient studies revealed considerable and positive correlation among seedling traits.The result indicated that decrease in one trait may cause simultaneous decrease in other traits; hence, selection for any of these seedling attributes will lead to develop water stress tolerant wheat genotypes. Based on these observations, most water stress tolerant and susceptible genotypes were selected. (Check tolerant) AKAW-3717, AKAW-4842, and AKAW-5017 were recorded as the most water stress tolerant genotypes, whereas, (Check susceptible) AKAW-3722, AKAW-4925, and AKDW-5012 were recorded as susceptible genotypes. In second phase of experiments (under green house and field condition), the extent of yield reduction with water deficit depends not only on the magnitude of water deficit but also on the stage of plant growth at which it develops. Under green house condition, a pot study water stress treatments were created by using different concentration of PEG-6000 (viz., -3 bar and -6 bar PEG-6000) and water withholding. Under field condition, water stress were created by only withholding of water to assess the effect of induced water stress on performance of ten wheat genotypes at two critical growth stages (tillering and flowering). After seven to fourteen days, plants exhibited visible effects of stress. Thus plant sample were collected for further analysis and data collection. Screening of wheat genotypes for water stress tolerance on the basis of morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular level. The results showed that water stress significantly reduced in morphological and physiological traits like plant height, total tillers, spike length, number of spikes per plant, number of grains per spikes, 1000 grain weight, yield per plant, relative water content, and chlorophyll content. The biochemical analysis revealed increased total soluble sugar, total soluble protein, and proline significantly with increasing water stress. Proline content in stressed tolerant plants is found to be very higher as compared to that in unstressed susceptible plants suggesting its key role in water stress tolerance in plant. The activity of CAT was found to be highest in AKAW-3717 at both tillering and flowering growth stages which was found to a tolerant genotype in prior morphological and biochemical screening. The activity of POD was found maximum in all tolerant genotypes viz., AKAW-3717, AKAW-4842, and AKAW-5017 than in susceptible genotypes viz., AKAW-3722, AKAW-5010, and AKAW-4926. Superoxide dismutase activity was found to be highest in AKAW-5017. Water stress preferentially enhanced the activities of enzymatic antioxidant and osmolytes. Differential transcriptome analysis using cDNA based start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT marker) and oligodecamer (RAPD marker) were accomplished To identify differentially expressed TDFs. TDFs (cDNA-SCoT profiling) were produced in unstressed and stressed plant at tillering and flowering stages. At tillering stage, 186/215 (green house/field) TDFs were found differentially regulated out of 191/218 TDFs while 171/228 TDFs were found differentially regulated out of 177/229 TDFs at flowering stage. cDNA-SCoT profiling revealed that marker SCoT 03, SCoT 05, SCoT 11, SCoT 13, SCoT 14, and SCoT 18/SCoT 01, SCoT 04, SCoT 11, SCoT 14, SCoT 18, and SCoT 20 showed 100 % polymorphism at both stages. Similarly, TDFs (cDNA-RAPD profiling) were produced in unstressed and stressed plant at tillering and flowering stages. At tillering stage, 381 TDFs were found differentially regulated out of 398 TDFs while 373 TDFs were found differentially regulated out of 384 TDFs at flowering stage. AT both stages, cDNA-RAPD profiling revealed that marker OPF 7, OPF 14, OPH 16, OPB 10, OPI 16, OPI 13, OPI 2, and OPH 12 showed 100 % polymorphism. Further, gene expression studies were carried out using the four contrasting genotypes AKAW-3717 (check tolerant), AKAW-3722 (check susceptible), AKAW-4842, AKAW-4925, and AKAW-5017. Under green house as well as field condition there are five water stress specific markers (WDHN 13, α-Tubulin, WPIP, WTIP 11, and DREB 1A) were used for presence and expression of gene which can confer water stress resistance to a genotype. RNA was extracted by TriZol method. Then first strand cDNA synthesis was done by using Himedia cDNA synthesis kit. PCR was carried out by using the cDNA. PCR products were separated on polyacrylamide gel and visualized under gel doc system. AKAW-3717 followed by AKAW-5017 and AKAW-4842 performed best at various stress levels for morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters. However performance of AKAW-3722, AKAW-5010 and AKAW-4926 was poor. The gene expression, results indicated that, α-Tubulin showed their expression in all genotypes grown under controlled as well as water stressed conditions. While, WDHN 13 showed their expression in AKAW-3717, AKAW-5017, and AKAW-4842. None of the other gene expression was recorded in any other genotypes. It can be concluded that water stress levels had substantial effects on germination and seedling growth. Morphological, biochemical, physiological and molecular analysis revealed that adequate genetic difference for water stress tolerance existed in wheat genotypes tested AKAW-3717 and AKAW-5017 may prove a promising parent material for breeding water stress tolerant wheat genotype. Further molecular investigations are suggested to assess the genetic basis of water stress tolerance. AKAW-3717 and AKAW-5017 may be considered better genotypes for low rainfall drought prone areas. The present study can provide clues in identifying candidate genes for further functional analysis to delineate their precise role in abiotic stress response. As key genes are identified, efficiency increase and opportunities for genetic engineering are realized. This is a fundamental aspect of research into abiotic stress tolerance, and discoveries of abiotic stress tolerance genes, which is explored in the present study.
Open Access
DNA BARCODING AND FINGERPRINTING OF CITRUS SPP.
(Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2022-09-23) CHUNGADA, ANIL SANDUSING.; Gahukar, Dr. S. J.
The present investigation entitled “DNA Barcoding and Fingerprinting of citrus spp.” was carried out at Biotechnology Centre, Department of Agricultural Botany, Post Graduate Institute, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Akola. Commercial citrus cultivation has been done by grafting and budding. The rootstock is a very important part of a citrus orchard. The contamination in source seed for the raising of the nursery of citrus rootstock is a major challenge in assuming the quality of orchard and ultimately yield of citrus. Thus a reliable and life stage-independent method of species identification is important. In the present investigation, 11 different SCAR markers were validated for discriminating Galgal rootstock from other citrus species under study. The DNA amplification was carried out with 11 SCAR markers. The primer-1, primer-2, primer-3, primer-4, primer-5, primer-6 and primer-11 show the band size of 283 bp, 380 bp, 172 bp, 310 bp, 150 bp, 137 bp and 300 bp respectively. All these primers are promising primers for discrimination of Galgal from other species under study. A total of twenty-one SSR primers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of six citrus species. Seven primer pairs failed to show any amplification thus revealing no bands (null allele) in all the genotypes. Fourteen SSR markers exhibited polymorphism and showed high levels of allelic diversity. A total of 139 amplicons were amplified by 14 polymorphic SSR loci and the number of amplicons ranged from 5 to 18 with an average of 9.92 amplicons per locus. Only one primer i.e. SSR-5 shown 100 % polymorphism, whereas, 87 % polymorphism was observed in SSR-2 and 67 % polymorphism was detected in SSR-3, SSR-9, SSR-12 and SSR-13; showed an average 66.14 % polymorphism percent. Total alleles per locus were 9.92, whereas, the average number of monomorphic and polymorphic alleles are 2.92 and 6.85, respectively. The PIC value of 14 microsatellite loci ranged from 0.41 to 0.86 with an average value of 0.59. For each marker, the maximum PIC value was observed in marker SSR-5 i.e. 0.86 and the minimum was in SSR-11 i.e. 0.41. The present investigation also aimed to generate sequences for DNA barcodes of various citrus species by using matK, rbcL, ITS and trnH–psbA. The six citrus species i.e. Galgal (Citrus pseudolimon), Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia), Alemow (Citrus macrophylla), Jambhiri (Citrus jambhiri), Orange (Citrus reticulata) and Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) were selected from All India Co-ordinate Research Project on Citrus, Dr. P.D.K.V. Akola and Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur. The isolated DNA was amplified with three plastids (rbcL, matK and trnH-psbA) and two nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene regions. The rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA shows the band size of 700bp, 1700bp and 625 bp respectively and ITS shows a band size of 400bp. The amplified PCR products were sequenced by using the Sanger sequencing method by using Applied Biosystem Sequencer from Eurofins Genomics India Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore. The rbcL gives a good sequence of 629 bp for Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis). Barcode was generated from this sequence on BOLD (Barcode of Life Database) by using its “Phd.1”, “Trace”, “ABI” file of the sequence having sample ID- SOR-1 and Process ID-SOR001-19. The Barcode generated by using the sequence of Jambhiri (Citrus jambhiri) 860 bp, amplified by universal marker matK by using “Trace”, “ABI” file of the sequence on BOLD system 3 (Barcode of life Database) having Sample ID CJ-1 and Process ID-GRJ003-20. The Barcode generated by using the sequence of Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia) 738 bp, amplified by universal marker matK by using “Trace”, “ABI” file of the sequence on BOLD system 3 (Barcode of life Database) having Sample ID CRL-4 and Process ID-GRJ004-20. The Barcode generated by using the sequence of Galgal (Citrus pseudolimon) 820 bp, amplified by universal marker matK by using “Trace”, “ABI” file of the sequence on BOLD system 3 (Barcode of life Database) having Sample ID CG-2 and Process ID-GRJ002-20. From the present study involving four different barcode regions under study, it was concluded that rbcL and matK markers are good for the generation of a barcode in Citrus Sinensis, Citrus Jambhiri, Citrus Pseudolimon and Citrus Limonia. DNA barcoding can be a very effective tool to identify citrus species. Here, we tested DNA barcodes of plant plastid DNA, rbcL, matK, trn H-psb A and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) to resolve available citrus species. For the single barcode region, matK had the highest rate of correct identification than rbcL. In the present work, we lay the foundation towards DNA barcoding applications for citrus plants. matK is proposed to be a suitable candidate DNA barcode marker for citrus species identification. Further need to explore with additional markers which may improve citrus species identification for practical conservation. The most valuable finding of this study is that the developed barcodes will help in the identification of quality rootstock for citrus propagation, which can increase the life of citrus orchards and the productivity of citrus.
Open Access
INTROGRESSION STUDIES OF FUSARIUM WILT RESISTANCE IN PKV KABULI 4 USING MOLECULAR MARKERS.
(Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2021-10-31) KHELURKAR, VAIBHAV CHANDRAKANT.; SAKHARE, Dr. S. B.
The present investigation entitled “Introgression studies of Fusarium wilt resistance in PKV Kabuli 4 using molecular markers” was carried out at the Biotechnology Center and Pulses Research Unit, Department of Agricultural Botany, Dr. PDKV, Akola. The MABC program was initiated with the cross between PKV 4 (Moderately susceptible, recurrent parent) and WR-315 (Resistant, donor parent) to develop Fusarium wilt resistance to foc-1 during crop season September 20018-19. Total 67 different molecular markers were used for the parental polymorphism survey and seven markers found polymorphic namely, TA 194, TS 82, TA 59, TA 110, showed 100 % polymorphism and TR 19, STMS 02, TA 03 showed 75 % polymorphism. The identified polymorphic markers help in differentiating male and female parental lines and successfully detect the F1 hybrid progenies. From the hybridization program 75 F0 were seeds obtain Among 75 F1s plants, 45 hybrids were confirmed through using polymorphic markers (TA 14, TA 194, and TR 19). Further, the confirmed hybrids were used for the execution of the first round of backcrossing and 18 BC1F1 plants were grown at this point foreground and recurrent parent genome recovery was carried out. Foreground selections were carried out using linked markers namely, TA 59, TA 110, TA 194, TR 19 for selection of introgressed target region and six common heterozygous plants were selected. In BC1F1 population selection for target, the region was carried out using the linked markers. For identification of Fusarium wilt QTLs in the F2 population, 60 F2 individuals from a single cross were used simultaneously for genotyping by six polymorphic markers and phenotyping in the artificial greenhouse sick pot conditions. Using morphological and molecular data linkage map was constructed and one major QTL “qfwch-02” were identified. Which covered a total map length of 93.60 cM, the average map distance between any pair of markers was 16.1 cM and major QTL “qfwCh-02” was identified on linkage group 2 for Fusarium wilt resistance against race-1 at map position 31.4 cM in F2 progenies of PKV Kabuli 4 X WR-315. This QTL explained 10.91 % phenotypic variance with LOD score 3.3 flanked by left marker TA 110 and right marker TR 19. Background selection was performed in 18 BC1F1 individuals using 20 molecular markers distributed throughout the chickpea genome. The range of RPGR analysis in BC1F1 was ranged from 57 % (BC1F1-180) to 67.5 % (BC1F1-17). During the present investigation the validated markers, for foreground selection namely, TA 100, TR 19, TA 194, TA 59 for foc-1 race will help in early detection of resistant and susceptible plants in chickpea mapping population and to introgress fusarium wilt resistance in chickpea genotypes by Marker Assisted backcross breeding program. Developed genomic linkage map and QTLs identified will be useful for chickpea genetics and breeding applications. Moreover, linked markers found with identified QTLs for FW race-1 will be useful for molecular breeding for Fusarium wilt chickpea improvement.
Open Access
MOLECULAR AND SEROLOGICAL DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF TRISTEZA VIRUS IN CITRUS SPP.
(Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2020-03-18) THAKRE, RITESH ASHOKRAO.; Gahukar, Dr. S. J.
The present investigation entitled “Molecular and serological diagnostic method for the assessment of tristeza virus in citrus spp.” was carried out at Biotechnology Centre, Department of Agricultural Botany, Post Graduate Institute, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Akola. Traditional method of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) detection like surveys and biological indexing are relatively less reliable, time consuming and not feasible economically, preclude the handling of large number of samples beside of this molecular and serological methods has revolutionized the detection test, making it feasible to test large number of samples, which provide rapid, sensitive and economical detection of CTV in crude extracts. Hence the present investigation was designed to developed and validate the molecular and serological diagnostic methods for CTV detection at very early stage of infection to prevent the pathogenic spread. For molecular diagnosis of CTV, viral RNA was isolated from the CTV infected leaf samples of citrus spp. showing characteristic symptoms of CTV as vein clearing, yellowing, leaf cupping, quick decline etc. were collected from two location of Vidarbha region, during July-December in 2016-17 of Maharashtra state as well as from two different growth stage of citrus spp. using trizol reagent method. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out with ease of coat protein gene specific primers, showed amplification at 672 bp, confirmed prevalence of CTV. BTC series primers were validated to check cross amplification with other citrus infecting viruses. No amplification observed in other viruses samples and also in non template control, revealed that BTC series primers amplifies only CTV isolates from citrus field and hence it can be used in diagnosis and certification programme. In serodiagnostic approach CTV was isolated and purified from infected citrus spp. samples using ultracentrifugation method by caesium sulphate and sucrose gradient. Electron microscopic studies of the purified CTV showed the flexuous rod shaped particales measuring 2000 nm in length and 12 nm in diameter. In biological indexing of CTV, indexed seedlings produced characteristic disease symptoms of leaf cupping, vein clearing and yellowing, after two to four month of inoculation and subsequent growth was reduced, leaving the plants with a dwarfened appearance, shorter stem, internodes, petioles, and underdeveloped. Polyclonal antibodies specific to CTV were produced in Rabbit using ultrapurified virus and raised antiserum specificity was confirmed with Dot-Blot. Polyclonal antibodies detected closely related species during antibodies specificity confirmation. In Dot-Blot of Orange CTV sample, titter dilution was recorded at 1:10 of antigen 1:2000 of primary antibody and 1:1000 of secondary antibody. In sweet orange it was recorded at 1:20 of antigen 1:2000 of primary antibody and 1:1000 of secondary antibody, in lemon also, it was 1:20 of antigen 1:2000 of primary antibody and 1:1000 of secondary antibody. No colour was developed in control indicated sensitivity of assay. In Orange, Enzyme Link Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) OD reading was recorded at 405 nm for the detection of CTV. Optimum OD reading 1.31 was observed in the combination of dilution of 1:20 antigen and 1:4000 dilutions of antisera with secondary antibody dilution of 1:1000. Optimum OD 1.26 was observed in the combination of 1:20 dilution of antigen and 1:4000 dilution of antisera with secondary antibody dilution 1:2000. Similarly, in sweet orange optimum OD reading 1.35 was observed in the combination of dilution of 1:10 antigen and 1:16000 dilutions of antisera with secondary antibody dilution of 1:1000. Optimum OD reading 1.32 was observed in the combination of 1:10 dilution of antigen and 1:8000 dilutions of antisera and with secondary antibody dilution of 1:2000. Also, in case of lemon optimum OD reading 0.54 was observed in the combination of dilution of 1:20 antigen and 1:4000 dilutions of antisera with secondary antibody dilution of 1:1000. Optimum OD reading of 0.51 was observed in the combination of 1:20 dilution of antigen and 1:4000 dilutions of antisera and with secondary antibody dilution of 1:2000. Among the three citrus spp. sweet orange was heavily infected with CTV according to conclusion drawn from both DOT-BLOT and ELISA serological method. Plate ELISA at higher antibody and antigen dilutions was performed to check the reactivity at lowest concentration of antibody and antigen. No colour development was observed in any combinations and all OD readings were negative in the ELISA reader at 405 nm, indicate that dilutions of antibody beyond 1:32000 and dilutions of antigen above 1:50 were not working for detection of CTV Immuno diagnostic kit was developed and validated successfully by using different CTV infected citrus spp. samples. Out of eight CTV symptomatic samples selected morphologically, four showed incidence of CTV occurrence. Result of immunodiagnostic kit developed using polyclonal antibody proved to be efficient and reliable for CTV detection. Standardized and validated molecular and serological method of CTV detection can be used further for the CTV diagnosis in citrus spp. and also for certification programme.
Open Access
DECIPHERING THE DIFFERENTIALLY EXPRESSED GENES IN FOXTAIL MILLET (Setaria italica L.) IN RESPONSE TO WATER STRESS.
(Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2017-06-15) GAWAI, DIPTI CHANDRABHAN.; Gahukar, Dr. S. J.
The present investigation entitled “Deciphering the differentially expressed genes in Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) in response to water stress” was carried out at the Biotechnology Centre, Department of Agricultural Botany, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during 2013-2016. In the present study, sixty two accessions of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) were investigated for physiological, biochemical and molecular responses for water stress. Water stress was imposed under laboratory conditions by using PEG-6000 and by withholding water and performances of various genotypes were monitored against a control. Seedling traits such as germination percentage, root length, shoot length and seedling dry weight, various physiological parameters like relative water content (RWC), leaf water potential (LWP) and chlorophyll content (CC) were studied in unstressed and stressed experiments. The results showed that water deficit stress has exerted negative effect on all the physiological parameters considered. Based on these observations, most drought tolerant and susceptible accessions were selected. IC97087, IC97189, IC120159 and IC120239 were recorded as the most drought tolerant accessions, whereas, IC97109, IC120234, IC120346 and Lepakshi were recorded as susceptible accessions. The selected core set of accessions were then screened for their water stress tolerance on the basis of some primary metabolites like proline, total carbohydrates, starch and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase and glutathione reductase. Osmolytes viz. proline and carbohydrates increased with increasing drought stress. The proline content in unstressed tolerant plant is found to be much higher as compared to that in unstressed susceptible plants suggesting its important role in drought tolerance of plants. Photosynthetic pigment decreased with increasing drought stress. Activities of antioxidant enzymes increased with drought stress in most of the accessions. The activity of SOD was found to be highest in IC120239 which was found to be a tolerant accession in prior physiological screening. The activity of GR was high in all tolerant accession than in susceptible accessions. Catalase and POD activity was found to be highest in Prasad. Drought stress preferentially enhanced the activities of enzymatic antioxidants and accumulation of osmolytes. Further, gene expression studies were carried out using the two contrasting accessions IC97189 (tolerant) and IC97109 (susceptible), for deciphering the transcriptional regulation of abiotic stress-related genes. cDNA SRAP analysis showed a relatively higher number of genes expressed in IC97189. The differential gene expression of drought responsible transcriptional factors like DREB1, DREB2, Aquaporins and C2H2 was studied in selected drought tolerant and susceptible plants each one showing considerable difference gene expression. Genome–wide investigation of plant aquaporin protein from foxtail millet was carried out to show that aquaporins comprise of MIP superfamily with conserved motif. Expression profiling of PIPs showed differences in gene expression pattern. Further an attempt was made to characterise full length sequence of PIP 2;7 to isolate a 770bp long DNA stretch out of the 857 base pair CDS having high homology to a UNPRIDICTED PIP2;7 gene in Setaria italica L. with an identity of 99%. Theoretical model of the tertiary structure shows that it has a highly conserved containing the NPA motif which was further validated by Ramachandran plot. Analysis for cis regulatory elements identified more than 250 cis-regulatory elements present in the promoter region of PIP2;7 aquaporin gene in foxtail millet which revealed the presence of a number of abiotic stress responsive acting elements such as, ABRE binding site, MYB binding site, AP2/ERF binding site, LEA-5 binding site, NF-YB/A/C binding site, Trihelix binding site, EIN3:EIL binding site etc. Promoter analysis also revealed the presence of binding site for a sequence-specific DNA-binding domain (designated CG-1) present in calmodulin-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs) in the upstream region of PIP2;7 aquaporin. This domain could bind DNA directly and activate transcription, or interact with other transcription factors, not through DNA binding, thus acting as a co-activator of transcription. This might be the reason for high expression of PIP2;7 aquaporin. Applying different physiological and biochemical tests to appreciate drought tolerance in plant leads to faster selection methods. Therefore, these characters can be used as an indirect selection criterion for screening drought tolerance plant materials which will lead to new cultivars with high yield potential and high yield stability that in turn will result in superior performance in dry environments. Hence, this research can provide documentation for breeding/selection of higher drought resistant foxtail millet in arid regions and acquisition of good information for future molecular research. The physio-biochemically screened accessions can further prove to be useful in studies involving transcriptome changes to fetch out the molecular mechanism underneath of its drought adaptation. Accomplishments of these goals permit better understanding of molecular and physiological mechanisms utilized by plants during adverse growth conditions and define the biomarkers of tolerance against stresses. The research provides a possible point of integrating various molecular and biological pathways with water stress regulated gene expression. The study can prove helpful to the farmers in selecting foxtail millet cultivars for unaffected yields in diverse agronomic conditions. These findings provide insight for further investigation of CG-1 domain in plant aquaporins in opening new perspectives for improving drought tolerance which could eventually lead to better crop production. The identified aquaporin could be explored in development of tolerant lines by MAS using PIP 2;7 as a functional marker and also in transgenic development in other related crops.