http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/17 2026-05-18T11:20:01Z 2026-05-18T11:20:01Z Bhomkar, S. Yadav, V. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7858 2026-04-30T06:11:24Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Genomic Innovations for Climate-Smart Crop Development Bhomkar, S.; Yadav, V. Climate change threatens global agricultural sustainability. Accelerating climatic shifts are already reducing crop yields, food availability, and ecological stability across many regions worldwide. This chapter emphasizes the role of genomic science in advancing adaptive crop improvement, to help farmers confront these challenges and build resilience in agricultural practices. The focus is placed on the transformative impact of genome analysis techniques, which enable deeper exploration of genetic diversity and stress tolerance traits. Genome editing tools, especially CRISPR-Cas platforms, are discussed as powerful methods for precision breeding, allowing rapid and targeted modifications for stress tolerance and yield stability. Beyond sequence variation, the chapter briefly examines how various omics-based approaches broaden our understanding of plant adaptation, while bioinformatics and machine learning integrate these multi-omic datasets into predictive models for trait selection. Additionally, we address challenges such as high costs, phenotyping bottlenecks, regulatory complexities, and issues of equitable access, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance and open data sharing. By linking molecular insights with sustainable practices, genomic innovations provide a roadmap for climate-resilient agriculture that maintains productivity, while preserving biodiversity and supporting farmer livelihoods.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Yadav, V. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7771 2026-01-12T11:14:51Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Structural and Functional Diversity of Noncoding RNA Yadav, V. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression, genome organization, and cellular homeostasis, challenging the earlier view of noncoding regions as "junk DNA." This chapter provides a systematic overview of the classification, biogenesis, structural features, and functional roles of ncRNAs, focusing on plants. ncRNAs are mainly categorized into small (less than 200 nt) and long (greater than 200 nt) classes, including microRNAs, small interfering RNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and others. Particular emphasis focuses on the roles of ncRNAs in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation, epigenetic modification, genome stability, nuclear architecture, development, and stress responses. Structural motifs, evolutionary conservation, and posttranscriptional modifications are highlighted as key determinants of ncRNA function. Through specific examples, this chapter underscores the regulatory versatility and evolutionary significance of ncRNAs in shaping the complexity of eukaryotic genomes.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Naik, V. Kerkar, S. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7725 2025-11-11T09:04:55Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Saltpan Bacillus licheniformis for development of a fermented cowpea powder Naik, V.; Kerkar, S. Saltpans are a reservoir to microorganisms with proven biotechnological applications. Bacillus licheniformis has been reported in food fermentation and this bacterial isolate from Goan saltpan, fulfilling safety and probiotic attributes was used as a starter culture to develop a fermented powder using a cowpea cultivar var Goa Cowpea (GC3) with enhanced nutritional properties. The potential probiotic was tested negative for enterotoxin genesand endotoxins, thus confirming its safety. This study was conducted to assess the fermentation ability of B. licheniformis PQ098138 in GC3 and to assess its effect on protein content, anti-nutritional factors like phytate and non-dietary polysaccharides. B. licheniformis resulted in effective fermentation of GC3 with a desirable viable count of GC3 slurry (11 log cycle), change in pH, TTA and viscosity. This fermentation resulted in an increase in the protein content from 12.06 plus-minus 0.01 percent to 25.32 plus-minus 0.01 percent at 16 h with the detection of 16 free amino acids. There was also a corresponding increase in free amino nitrogen on 16 h fermentation. The fermented GC3 slurry was developed into lyophilized powder which displayed viable count at a desirable level (greater than 7 log cfu/ g). A considerable reduction in phytate, raffinose family oligosaccharides and dietary fiber of fermented GC3 was observed. The use of starter culture facilitated controlled fermentation, eliminating the chances of contamination of powder with pathogens and spoilage organisms.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Velho-Pereira, S. Naik, S.R. Naik, A. Shekupa, R. Palkar, V. Shaikh, F. Naik-Samant, S. http://irgu.unigoa.ac.in/drs/handle/unigoa/7689 2025-09-09T11:28:35Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Exploring the multifaceted applications of manganese dioxide nanoparticles: Antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and hemolytic activities Velho-Pereira, S.; Naik, S.R.; Naik, A.; Shekupa, R.; Palkar, V.; Shaikh, F.; Naik-Samant, S. Phase-pure alpha-manganese dioxide (MnO sub(2)) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using an environmentally benign wet chemical redox method and evaluated for their multifunctional biological activities. Antimicrobial testing revealed significant inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris) and Gram-positive strains (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus). Notable antifungal activity was observed against Candida and Aspergillus species. Antioxidant assays showed strong free radical scavenging: 95 percent (DPPH), 30.25 percent (ABTS), 56.85 percent (nitric oxide), and 86.17 percent (superoxide). MnO sub(2) NPs also exhibited substantial antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable to conventional antibiotics. Hemolysis assays confirmed their biocompatibility, with values below the cytotoxic threshold. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive evaluation of MnO sub(2) NPs across five biological functionalities-antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and hemocompatibility-within a single experimental framework. This integrative approach advances our understanding of MnO sub(2) NPs as versatile candidates for biomedical and environmental applications, supporting their development as safe and multifunctional agents for infection control, oxidative stress management, and future therapeutic strategies.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z