A3 Refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book

Genetics and genomics of abiotic stress in rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis)




AuthorsKarumamkandathil Rekha, Jayasree Parukuttyamma Kumari, Radha Jayashree, Uthup Thomas K., Mathew Suni Annie, Sathik Mohamed Badhusha Mohamed

EditorsChittaranjan Kole

PublisherSpringer International Publishing

Publishing placeCham

Publication year2022

Book title Genomic designing for abiotic stress resistant technical crops

Journal name in sourceGenomic Designing for Abiotic Stress Resistant Technical Crops

Number of pages54

ISBN978-3-031-05705-2

eISBN978-3-031-05706-9

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05706-9_8

Web address https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-05706-9_8


Abstract

Among various latex yielding plants, Para rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis is the viable source of natural rubber for commercial exploitation and which accounts for more than 98% of the world's natural rubber production. The unique physical and chemical properties compared to synthetic rubber make it indispensable and irreplaceable by any synthetic alternatives. Also, it is an environmental friendly and sustainable raw material in contrast to the environmental pollution of the industrial synthetics. Because of the economic importance of the crop, there is always a demand—supply gap. The decline in natural rubber production occurs mainly due to poor soil fertility, environmental vagaries like drought, cold, high solar radiation, low atmospheric humidity. These factors also limits the expansion of rubber cultivation to marginal areas. Taxing environment limits rubber productivity in the conventional rubber growing tracts also. As a result of abiotic stresses, ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels enhances and have a negative influence in biosynthesis of chlorophyll, photosynthetic capacity, and carbohydrate, protein, lipid, and antioxidant enzyme activities. High levels of salts or toxic metals (aluminium, arsenate, cadmium etc.) accumulated in the soil also significantly influence the growth of plants and negatively affect plant productivity. In the present scenario of unprecedented climatic conditions, combinations of different types of stresses can occur simultaneously in areas of crop cultivation worldwide, causing huge loss worth billions of dollars. Hence, importance of genetic improvement in a perennial tree crop like rubber facing the vagaries of environment needs no further emphasis. Genomic studies for understanding the molecular mechanisms behind abiotic stresses and their manipulation can solve the issues to a greater extend. This chapter gives an overview of the different abiotic stresses and genomic work carried out in rubber during the last two decades which have far-reaching impact on Hevea improvement towards plant health, productivity, and enhanced stress tolerance.



Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 21:51