ICAR-Indian institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur

Significant Research Achievements

A. Genetic Enhancement in Pulses

• Genetic enhancement for yield and quality: The breeding efforts at ICAR-IIPR have led to release of 46 varieties of different pulses with increased yield level (1–1.5 tones) along with enhanced resistance against major biotic and abiotic stresses.
• Exploitation of heterosis in pigeonpea: IPH15-03 and IPH 09-5 short duration, high-yielding, multiple disease-resistant pigeonpea hybrids released for cultivation in the NWPZ.
• Machine harvestable varieties in pulses: Developed machine-harvestable chickpea variety IPC 2015-132 (Kundan) for NEPZ. Research ongoing to develop machine-harvestable pigeonpea, mung, urd, lentil, and field peas.
• Integrated pre-breeding approach: Established a wild garden for chickpea, pigeonpea, vigna, lentil, and cowpea. A total of 443 accessions of 35 species of pulses are maintained. Several wild species have been used for generating pre-breeding lines.
• Genomics-enabled pulse crop improvement: MAS used to develop wilt-resistant chickpea IPCMB19-3 (Samriddhi) and drought-tolerant IPC MAS-1. Similar efforts underway in pigeonpea for wilt-resistant varieties.
• Biofortified pulse varieties: Chickpea: IPC 2005-62 (high protein). Lentil: IPL 220 (high Fe & Zn).
• Breeding for drought & temperature tolerance: Developed 32 registered donors and multiple mapping populations in pulses.
• PGR management: Working collections maintained — Chickpea (2035), Pigeonpea (2000), Mungbean (800), Urdbean (510), Lentil (1480), Fieldpea (750), Rajmash (1205), Cowpea (570), Horsegram (240), Lathyrus (871), Mothbean (300).
• Maintenance breeding & seed production: Released 56 varieties (2014–2025) — Chickpea (13), Pigeonpea (6), Mungbean (7), Urdbean (7), Lentil (10), Fieldpea (13). Maintains nucleus and breeder seeds as per DAC indent.
• Mapping populations available:
  • Pigeonpea wilt: Bahar / ICPL 20096
  • Fieldpea rust: HFP 4 × FC 1
  • Mungbean YMD: SML 832 × V. glabrescens, SML 832 × TCR 7, IPM 2-14 × TMB 37, PDM 139 × TMB 37, etc.
  • Urdbean YMD: IPU11-02 × PM-6, LBG645 × DPU88-31
  • Chickpea heat tolerance: ICC 15614 × ICC4567, DCP92-3 × ICC1205
  • Chickpea nutritional quality (Protein): Several mapping populations (e.g., IPC04-98 × 39-1, JG16 × T39-1)
  • Dry Root Rot resistance: IPC05-28 × BG212, JSC37 × BG212
  • Ascochyta blight resistance: L 550 × IC 117744
• IP generated: 32 PPVFRA registrations; 23 copyrights; 11 patents filed/published; 1 patent granted; 10 trademarks; 3 designs; 2 microbial strains; 14 ICAR-certified technologies.
• Technology commercialization: 75 technologies commercialized — Varieties (59), value-added products (7), machinery (5), microbial strains & consortia (4). MoA signed with 25 industry partners.

Pulses Varieties developed during 2014-2025

Donors Registered (2014-2024)

B. Plant Genetic Resources

Maintenance of wild speciese- A pre-breeding garden was established at IIPR for maintenance and utilization of genetic diversity contained in wild species of different pulse crops. The wild accessions maintained at IIPR’s pre-breeding garden include 126 accessions of chickpea (Cicer. pinnatifidum, C judaicum, C. echinospermum, C. reticulatum, C. chorassanicum, C. bijugum and C. cuneatum); 121 wild accessions of lentil belonging to 5 species/subspecies (Lens nigricans: 7 acc., L. culinaris ssp. orientalis: 78 acc., L. culinaris ssp. tomentosus: 1 acc., L. culinaris ssp. odemensis: 13 acc., and L. ervoides: 13 acc.). In pigeonpea, 108 accessions are being maintained, which belong to Cajanus scarabaeoides, Cajanus cajanifolius, Cajanus lineatus, Cajanus sericeus, Cajanus albicans, Cajanus crassus, Cajanus platycarpus and Cajanus mollis besides 31 accessions of Rhynchosia and Flemingia species. Likewise, 57 wild accessions of Vigna (V. delzelliana: 5 acc., V. glabrescens: 1 acc.,V. glabrescens: 1 acc., V. hainiana: 5 acc., V. mungo var. mungo: 5 acc., V. mungo var. sylvestris: 5 acc., V. pilosa: 3 acc., V. radiata var. radiate: 5 acc., V. radiata var. setulosa: 2 acc., V. radiata var. sublobata: 3 acc., V. trilobata: 8 acc.,V. umbellate: 10 acc., V. unguiculata: 1 acc., V. vexillata: 2 acc. and V. trinervia: 2 acc.) have been collected and procured from Western Ghats and NBPGR, New Delhi, respectively are being maintained.
 

C. Crop Protection

Microorganism Registered

• Four Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains deposited at NAIMCC-NBAIM, Mau: F1.IIPR (NAIMCC-B-03049), F4.IIPR (NAIMCC-B-03050), F5.IIPR (NAIMCC-B-03051), and F6.IIPR (NAIMCC-B-03052),
• Microbial Strain registered with ICAR-NBAIM, Mau for uniqueness characters/trait: Trichoderma asperellum (IIPRTh-31)(Reg. No. NAIMCC-R-5), and Trichoderma afroharzianum (IIPRTh-33) (Reg. No. NAIMCC-R-6)

Diagnostics and characterisation

• First reports of GBNV in pea, rajmash, and wild Vigna; MYMIV in wild Vigna; and mixed infections of MYMIV, MYMV, and HgYMV in mothbean, urdbean, and V. stipulacea.
• New viruses (RhYMV, BpYMV, CsYMV) and new host associations (FbSLCV, FbLCV, ToLCGV) identified in pulses.
• Alternate weed hosts of MYMIV identified for the first time in India.
• Developed PCR and full-genome amplification protocols for major YMD viruses and three rapid diagnostic kits (LYMVs PCR, Direct PCR, and Mplex).
• Standardized a low-cost DNA extraction method enabling virus detection from a single whitefly.
• Complete genome of Spilosoma obliqua NPV assembled and characterized.
• Stem rot of pigeonpea caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum reported first time from India.
• More than 500 isolates of Fusarium udum were collected from major pigeonpea-growing regions across the country and characterized using seven wilt differentials. Based on their pathogenic reactions, the isolates were classified into five distinct F. udum races prevailing in India.
• Fifty isolates of Phytophthora cajani were identified and characterized using ITS and COX gene primers from major pigeonpea-growing areas, and the sequences have been submitted to NCBI.

Distribution map of yellow mosaic disease causing viruses

• A country-wide interactive map was developed to depict the distribution and prevalence of Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD)-causing begomoviruses across India, based on 581 molecular reports from 119 locations and 53 hosts. The map highlights the dominance and regional spread of MYMIV, MYMV, and HgYMV, supporting virus surveillance and resistance breeding. It serves as a dynamic digital resource integrating virus diversity, climate, and host data for effective YMD management.

Bioecology

• Characterized, for the first time in India, the major bruchid species (C. maculatus, C. analis, C. chinensis, C. theobromae, A. obtectus) and mapped their distribution across regions and storage systems.
• Reported, for the first time, the resistance status of Indian bruchid populations against phosphine—the only recommended fumigant for pulse storage.
• Worked out the economic threshold levels (ETL) of gram pod borer (H. armigera) in chickpea and pigeonpea; one larva was found capable of damaging 20–25 pods.
• Demonstrated that Heterodera cajani infestation reduces urdbean yield by 50.9% and lowers grain protein content, with cyst eggs remaining viable for over three years in soil.
• Documented 12 nematode genera from chickpea and 11 from pigeonpea rhizospheres in Bundelkhand, with Tylenchorhynchus, Pratylenchus, and Heterodera as the predominant groups.

Biological control (Characterization, Conservation & Formulation development)

• Identified and characterized native Bt strains (F8.IIPR, Ak2.IIPR) and viral isolates (SpobMNPV, HearNPV-IIPR05) for eco-friendly management of Helicoverpa armigera and Spilosoma obliqua.
• Achieved biogenic synthesis of Zn, Ag, and Fe nanoparticles using Trichoderma isolates for disease management.
• Characterized five entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema siamkayai) and ten strains of Purpureocillium lilacinum as potential biocontrol agents against H. armigera and Meloidogyne incognita.
• Identified seven isolates of Pasteuria penetrans, an obligate bacterial hyperparasite of root-knot nematodes.

Pest Management

• Among 11 bio-rationals / chemical insecticides evaluated against M. vitrata, the lowest pod damage (4.8%) with high-cost benefit ratio was recorded in Indoxacarb 14.5 SC treated plots followed by Spinosad 45SC (5.2%) as against 15.4% in untreated control.
• Prophylactic treatment for bruchid management: Mix 120 grams of Deltamethrin 2.5% WP powder in 3 liters of water and spray this entire solution to 100 square meters area on empty areas in and around storage rooms, gunnage and gangways.
• Curative control of bruchids: Fumigation of stored grain/seeds with Aluminium phosphide 56 % W/W @ 3 tablets (3-gram tablets) or one tablet/pouch (10-gram tablet or pouch) per tonne under complete airtightness for seven days is recommended to eliminate the bruchid infestations, completely.
• One to two foliar sprays of carbendazim 50 WP @ 0.025% or thiophanate methyl 70% WP @ 0.05% have been found very effective in controlling Cercospora leaf spot disease in mungbean.
• Field sanitation + seed treatment + intercropping/mixed cropping of sorghum and use of moderately resistant cultivars has reduced wilt incidence in pigeonpea
• Intercropping of mustard with chickpea has been found effective in management of gram pod borer and root knot nematode.

D. Plant Biotechnology

• Agronomic evaluation of putative edited chickpea plants for Efl1 gene suggests induction of early flowering in selected plants. Molecular characterization of the progenies derived indicated mutation in the target locus.
• Bioinformatics analysis of the Ln and Sfl loci in chickpea genome to understand the structural components and allelic variation in the locus encoding number of seeds per pod (Ln) and double podding (Sfl). Guide RNA specific for Sfl gene and pegRNA for Ln locus have been designed.
• Evaluation of E1 seeds from independent E0 pigeonpea plants (dual guide specific to DEP1) raised in Plant Biosafety Level 1 (PBSL1) Containment Facility. PCR analysis of 112 germinated plants identified 29 Cas9-positive plants. Additionally, 21 primary regenerants (particle bombardment of DEP1 construct) were established.
• Genome editing of CaPDS gene indicated targeted mutation of PDS resulting in shortened and pale phenotype in regenerants.
• T1 seeds (28 plants) were germinated from 16 T0 grasspea plants in PBSL1 facility and molecular analysis is in progress. Dual gRNA designed for LsBOS validated in vitro is being used for genetic transformation.
• Identified 76 gamma-irradiated M3 seeds and 8 electron-beam irradiated M4 seeds with low ODAP content (0.01%–0.03%).
• Genome-wide identification and characterization of NHX gene family in Vigna mungo identified five candidate Vm_NHX genes, four of which (Vm_NHX16, Vm_NHX17, Vm_NHX29, Vm_NHX33) were localized to vacuolar/lysosomal membrane.
• Thirty-three InDel primers spanning chickpea QTL hotspot (9.5–15 Mb) were designed using whole-genome resequencing data of contrasting phenotypes and validated between ICC4958 and recurrent parents for marker-assisted breeding.
• The loss of SFL (Single Flower Locus) governs double-flower per node (dfpn) trait in chickpea. Most Indian dfpn cultivars have a 44 kb deletion (as in JG62), while accessions ICC 14340, ICC 10919, ICC 15939 and IPC 08-69 possess a 44 kb insertion with a missense mutation causing the dfpn trait.
• The major QTL qSSI_YP6.1 for salt tolerance in chickpea was fine-mapped on chromosome 6. It influences yield under salt stress (LOD 4.38, R² 20.8%). QTL-flanking InDel markers can be used in marker-assisted breeding.
• Codon usage bias analysis of SVP genes identified 27 optimal codons (mostly ending with A/T). Cool-season and warm-season legumes differed by one optimal codon encoding lysine. First comprehensive study useful for codon optimization in legumes.
• Developed fusion protein combining chickpea GRF4 and its cofactor GIF1 (including modified version with altered miRNA site) and cloned it into pCAMBIA2300.
• Identified a 1-bp substitution in conserved EAR motif of CaLn specific to the wild allele (in C. cuneatum).
• Produced Nucleus seed of drought-tolerant MABC variety IPCL4-14 at IIPR Kanpur & RS Bikaner; seeds also multiplied at NSC Kanpur.
• Identified a megaplasmid with several cry genes, a solitary VIP gene, and a novel 69,124 bp plasmid associated with virulence, heavy metal degradation, and antibiotic resistance from novel Bt isolates in legume rhizosphere.
• Generated whole-genome sequence of two Fusarium udum isolates (F16 & F17) with 99.6% completeness confirming placement under order Hypocreales.
• Submitted eight transcriptome sequences to NCBI for blackgram-YMD infestation.
• Submitted whole genome sequences of two blackgram varieties (tolerant to YMD, tolerant to powdery mildew) and one germplasm (tolerant to bruchids).
• Developed CAPS and InDel markers based on SNPs identified in vegetative and reproductive QTL regions for salinity stress in chickpea.
• Identified 31,644,821 bi-allelic SNPs and 6,601,383 InDels from resequencing data of 195 chickpea genotypes across 7 wild species.
• Developed a high-throughput, cost-effective, reproducible hydroponics-based phenotyping system for urdbean salinity tolerance; validated for 3 consecutive seasons.
• Optimized cost-effective single-seed chipping method in grasspea for ODAP estimation before field planting.

E. Outreach activities

Functional seed model
A functional “seed system model” depicting roles of various stakeholders and related institutional linkages and anticipated outcomes was developed as an outcome of experimentation for improved access to quality seed of farmer-preferred varieties at a reasonable cost and at the right time among pulse farmers. The institutional support for Breeder/Foundation seed supply and technical backstopping, regular capacity building program with close functioning with village level local bodies and support institutions for partner farmers’ bodies support from seed certification agency all converged for up gradation of farmers’ skill and seed sufficiency for the region. Four farmers seed development societies were created for at village level.
 
Farmer to farmer extension model
Farmer led mechanism of Farmer to Farmers Extension (FFE) model was developed for speedier diffusion of quality seed of pulse crops among the farming community through action oriented experimentation with 143 key farmers from Bundelkhand region of UP state during 2010-16. The model was tested and was found effective in diffusing improved pulse varieties with 2.7, 4.4 and 3.7 fold increases in the number of farmers covered, area sown and quantity of seed made accessible among farmers, respectively. The unstructured diffusion was recorded to be 7480 kg (2.95 times the original seed introduced) of produce was spread as seeds among 331 additional farmers (1:2.3 ratio), covering about 300 acres (8.33 times) of area through farmers to farmer informal diffusion.
 
Statistical computing code for posthoc procedure for alpha design
For large number of treatments in agricultural field experiment it is difficult to maintain within block homogeneity and incomplete block alpha design is used for conducting IVT trials for AICRP chickpea crop trials. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) usually is done to test the significance of genotypic lines and posthoc test procedure is an integral part of ANOVA pair wise comparison. Statistically significant result in ANOVA indicates that not all of the group means are equal. However, ANOVA results do not identify which particular difference between pairs of means are significant. A SAS (Statistical Analysis System) code is written to get data analysis of alpha design and post-hoc procedure for pair-wise comparison. As there is more than one Least Square Difference (LSD) value in alpha design and it is cumbersome and difficult to get frequency for subsequent promotion and ranking of genotypic line which is better than check. This computing code gives p-vlaues for each of the pairwise comparison and easy to find the frequency and ultimately rank of the genotypic lines.
 
Impact assessment of pulses varieties
Working on evaluating the economic impact of fieldpea (IPFD 1-10 (Prakash), IPF 5-19 (Aman) and IPFD 10-12) and Mungbean (IPM 205-7 (Virat), IPM 410-3 (Shikha) and IPM 02-03) varieties developed by ICAR-IIPR, Kanpur. Also, working on the economic impact of chickpea (GNG 1581, IPC 2006–77 and IPC 2010–134), pigeonpea (IPA 203 and IPA 15–2), urdbean (IPU 11–02 and IPU 13–1), and lentil (IPL 526 and IPL 534) varieties under the theme of climate-resilient agriculture by employing the Economics Surplus Model. Considering the breeder opinion and DAC indent of breeder seed production in adoption domain and India, the expected adoption level of each varieties viz; GNG 1581 (15%), IPC 2006–77 (5%), IPC 2010–134 (3%), IPA 203 (30%) and IPA 15–2 (15%), IPU 11–02 (10%), IPU 13–1 (12%), IPL 526 (3%) and IPL 534 (3%) was assumed and path had been traced by using logistic curve in the adoption domain. The respective yield advantage over check varieties has been taken from the state and AICRP coordinated varietal trials at different locations. The tentative results show the projection of total economic surplus which varies form 200 crore to 4458 crore till 2030 at 2022-23 prices for the varieties under climate resilient agriculture theme.
 
Video-Mediated Extension Approach
Video-Mediated Extension Approach for realising desirable change among pulse growers through enhanced access to knowledge on pulse production technologies. A total of 150 videos on critical pulse production technologies prepared and published on dedicated YouTube channel “ICAR-IIPR Pulse Farmer Corner” for the benefit of farmers, knowledge intermediaries and other stakeholders. The videos prepared on chickpea, pigeon pea, lentil, field pea and mung bean production technologies in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil and Kannada languages for wider reach among the stakeholders. The videos placed on “ICAR-IIPR Pulse Farmer Corner” have more than 3.51 lakh views with a wide subscriber base.
 
Framework for development of Model Pulse Villages: Community-Based Extension Approach
Novel framework was developed for creation of Model Pulse Villages (MPVs) with social, economic, technological, institutional and capacity building as major indicators through action research conducted during 2015-19 in Kanpur dehat and Jalaun districts, UP state with 600 partner farmers, farm women and rural youth. Multipronged strategy with multiple target groups (farmers, farm youth and farm women), multiple pulses crops (chickpea, pigeon pea, field pea, urd bean, mung bean), multiple technology interventions (seed treatment, crop production, crop protection, seed production technologies) and multi-pronged extension strategy, with inclusion of technology demonstrations, capacity building, social institutions, digital extension services and social networks was adopted. Improved varieties along with production technologies of pulses were introduced in MPVs through participatory demonstrations (133 nos) on 61.3 ha supported by 14 trainings. Partner farmers received yield advantage of 1.95- 10.51q/ha, leading to substantial area enhancement under introduced pulse varieties in and around the project villages. Farmers diffused about 81.63 q seeds of pulse informally to 192 non-partner farmers, covering 266 ha in 81 adjoining villages. Partner farmers and village youth produced 235.94 q seeds of pulse varieties and collectively earning gross income of Rs 11,24,629 (2015-18).
 

F. Digital Extension and IT activities

Digital Extension and advisory services for inclusive extension methodology
For extending the reach of pulse production technologies among the pulse growers across country. Developed ICT based products on pulse production technologies involving web portal(01nos), mobile applications (02 nos), voice-based SMS advisories, e book, videos (150 nos) on critical pulse production technologies and participatory videos on farmers feedback on successful experiences with technological interventions, that could reach about of 629755 users. The overall effectiveness Hindi web portal (e-Dalhangyanmanch.res.in) and English web portal (e-Knowledge Platform on Pulses) was assessed on five indicators of comprehensiveness of coverage, precision, presentation, accessibility, information flow, wherein they were scores 4.7 and 4.6 respectively. Similarly, the app scores 4.6(out of 5.0).

IT products and IPRs: 04 Computer Softwares, 06 Copyrights and 01 Trade Marks

Developed R package: “CompGR” to compute Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)