The Turmeric Genome

The Turmeric Genome is the first comprehensive compilation of research deliberations focused on whole genome sequencing of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). This book serves as a valuable starting point for researchers working on turmeric and covers recent advancements in whole genome sequencing, structural and functional genomics, as well as molecular markers and breeding. It also includes fundamental information about the crop itself.

Turmeric is well known for its high nutritional value and is deeply rooted in traditional and indigenous medicinal systems across many turmeric-growing regions. Widely used as a spice for its flavour and as a natural colouring agent, turmeric also finds applications in cosmetics, as a condiment, and as a dye. Despite being cultivated and utilized for over 4000 years, turmeric continues to hold untapped potential for novel uses.

This book highlights recent developments in turmeric research, including chapters on bioinformatics tools for turmeric genome and the assembly of complex plant genomes.

Key Features:

• Presents the first comprehensive compilation focused on the whole genome sequencing of turmeric, including sequence assembly, gene annotation, and metabolic profiling; functional genomics; and the genomics of key agronomic traits, which is a central theme of the book.
• Provides up-to-date and inclusive data on phytochemistry, turmeric botany, cytogenetic analysis, genetic resources and diversity, traditional breeding methods, tissue culture, and genetic transformation.
• Explores the medicinal and pharmacological potential of turmeric.

Comprising 14 chapters, this book brings together contributions from globally renowned experts in turmeric research. This volume will be highly valuable for students, educators, and researchers in academia, as well as professionals in relevant industries interested in genomics, molecular genetics and breeding, biotechnology, structural and functional genomics, horticulture, and plant physiology.

Prasath D is educated in the field of Plant Sciences and has working experience in plant genetics and genomics since 1999. He focused his research on improvement of spices through conventional and molecular approaches. He made significant contributions in the field of spices genetic resources, breeding, and applied genomics. He was involved in release of 11 high yielding, disease resistant varieties and registration of five unique germplasm accessions in Spices. He was also involved in identification of promising ginger genotypes through mutation and polyploidy breeding. The heterosis and inheritance of cardamom mosaic virus resistance in cardamom was reported for the first time. This information can be used to evolve strategies for breeding of high yielding disease resistant cardamom genotypes suitable for various agro ecologies. He has also identified basal defence mechanisms against bacterial wilt resistance in mango ginger, which will be helpful in the development of wilt resistant ginger varieties. He has also standardized two technologies for quality planting material production in spices. He did his post-doctoral research at University of Guelph, Canada under prestigious BOYSCAST fellowship of DST, Govt. of India. He is also a recipient of Endeavour Research Fellow 2017, Government of Australia. He has published over 90 research papers in highly rated journals. He is presently working as Project Coordinator, ICAR-AICRP on Spices at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala.

Aarthi S is an aspiring young scientist in the field of Horticulture science and has research experience in the field of crop improvement of spices since 2014. She is currently pursuing her research work on conservation and improvement of Zingiber and Curcuma sp. She has developed expertise in turmeric breeding as a part of genetic improvement in turmeric through seedling selection and hybridization programme. She has explored the variation of curcuminoid fragments in different turmeric genotype and worked on the environmental interaction on turmeric quality traits. She has contributed in developing one turmeric and one ginger variety. She has published over 25 research articles. She is presently working as Scientist, Division of Crop improvement and Biotechnology at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala.

Chittaranjan Kole is an internationally reputed scientist with an illustrious professional career of spanning over thirty-eight years and original contributions in the fields of plant genomics, biotechnology and molecular breeding leading to the publication of more than 160 quality research articles and reviews. He has edited over 170 books for the leading publishers of the world. His scientific contributions and editing acumen have been appreciated by seven Nobel Laureates including Profs. Norman Borlaug, Arthur Kornberg, Werner Arber, Phillip Sharp, Günter Blobel, Lee Hartwell and Roger Kornberg. He has been honored with a number of Fellowships, Honorary Fellowships, and national and international awards including the Outstanding Crop Scientist award conferred by the International Crop Science Society. He has served at all prestigious positions in academia including as Vice-Chancellor BC Agricultural university, Project Coordinator of Indo-Russian Center of Biotechnology in India, and Director of Research of Institute of Nutraceutical Research of Clemson University, in USA. He worked also in the Pennsylvania State University and Clemson University as Visiting Professor in USA. He was awarded with the Raja Ramanna Fellow by the Department of Energy, Government of India. He is also heading the International Climate-Resilient Crop Genomics Consortium and International consortium for Phytomedomics and Nutriomics as their founding Principal Coordinator and presently as President.