Scientists

Research

Measurable and/or potential impact of the applicant’s work

• Technology spread and impact across the NARS
• (Wide spread adoption of identified wild donor accessions and pre-bred populations- a successful case study in chickpea and lentil)
• Trait specific wild chickpea and lentil donors identified through multi-locational field screening and further validation using controlled screening for resistance against ascochyta blight (ILWC239 of Cicer echinospermum), earliness and shorter internode (ILWC46 of Cicer reticulatum) were shared and introgressed in chickpea improvement by various crop improvement institutions viz; PAU Ludhiana, IARI New Delhi, CSKHPKV Palampur and IIPR Kanpur.
• Advanced pre-bred lentil (F_9:10) and chickpea (F_5:6) interspecific derivatives were  shared with different crop based institutions viz; ICAR-IIPR Kanpur, ICAR-IARI New Delhi, ICARDA- India Pulse research platform Amlah Bhopal of Madhya Pradesh, PAU Ludhiana, CSKHPKV Palampur, SKUAST Jammu. The pre-bred lentil materials has resulted into the identification of potential lines carrying resistance against major prevailing biotic stresses and high seed yielding derivatives identified by ICARDA at Bhopal centre and SKUAST Jammu for rainfed areas of north-western Himalayan region. SKUAST Jammu has recommended two lentil varieties (Jammu Lentil 71 and Jammu Lentil 144) for their release in rainfed area of N-W Indian Himalayan region.
• Some potential wild chickpea and lentil donors and value added pre-bred populations were also shared for accomplishing the basic and strategic research of M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholars belonging to various R & D institutions like, NIPGR New Delhi, PAU Ludhiana, CSKHPKV Palampur and SKUAST Jammu.                         
• Application, if any of R & D work of the nominee

2. The applicant’s basic and strategic research work on genetic resources introduction, exploration, collection, identification and utilization of crop wild relatives for enhancing genetic gains of cultivated gene pool of chickpea and lentil is very well known in the country. The study revealed identification of target traits of interest in wild gene pool, which are otherwise limiting the crop productivity of these two important pulse crops. Our well identified gene sources including pre-breeding populations can be utilized into the genetic improvement of these crop species for widening the genetic base and tailoring novel germplasm using appropriate breeding strategies. 
2. 2.Summary of significant contributions
2. Germplasm augmentation (Introduction and exploration/collection)

A total of 1168 germplasm accessions comprising of 23 kiwi varieties, 80 buckwheat accessions, 502 global wild lentil accessions, 355 wild Cicer and 208 rice bean accessions were introduced from global gene banks viz, ICRISAT Talengana, ICARDA Morocco, NARO Japan and USDA-ARS, USA. Beside, several exploration trips were undertaken in North-western Indian Himalayan region for collection of crop wild relatives (CWRs) of various crop species http://india.mongabay.com/2019/05/scientists-seek-help-from-wheats-wilds-cousins-to-sustain-high-yields/ and explored > 1000 accessions comprising of Cicer microphyllum (203), Elymus himalayans (132), Elymus nutans (144), Elymus longearistatus (32), Linum perenne (118), Hordeum spontaneous (125), Allium carolinianum (24), Prunus armeniaca (128) and Prunus mira (127).

2.   Germplasm characterization and evaluation against target traits

           (Enhncing use of genetic resources in crop improvement)

   The brief information on genetic diversity assessment in more than 15000 accessions of chickpea, >1000 accessions of pigeonpea, >4000 accessions of common bean, >2000 accessions of field pea and >3600 accessions of pseudo cereals (Amaranth, Buckwheat and Chenopods) as well as >800 accessions of global wild lentil and chickpea was unlocked through characterization, evaluation and diversity analysis. The study has resulted into identification of useful gene sources (biotic, abiotic, yield attributing and quality) carrying important traits of interest. This information will be immensely useful in mounting a very strong crop breeding program to combat nutritional security, disease and pest problems in these crops and help to reduce the economic losses suffered by the resources-poor farmers in India and elsewhere. The summary of elite trait identification in various crop species is given below.

 † ILWL-International Legume Wild Lentil; †ILWC-International Legume Wild Cicer

3. Synthesis of new gene pool following introgression of crop wild relatives of chickpea, lentil and common bean.

Successfully transferred and developed interspecific populations in chickpea, lentil  and common bean against target traits viz;   earliness, shorter internode, high pod number and reported resistance against ascochyta blight and botrytis gray mold from Cicer reticulatum and Cicer echinospermum species of chickpea and Fusarium wilt, rust and powdery mildew resistance in lentil transferred from Lens ervoides and L. nigricans species. Subsequently enhanced progenies (F_10:11) advanced through single plant selection from F₂ onwards  for developing stable yielding lines and  these were further evaluated for identifying useful yield related traits of interest  under different agro-ecological regions of the country for selecting most promising lines/selections. Likewise, in common bean, more than 4000 germplasm accessions were evaluated against target traits of interest. The study revealed some highly resistant accessions against anthracnose, bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), powdery mildew and white mold. As far as introgression of anthracnose resistance is concerned, successful attempts were made to hybridize local landraces of common bean with Phaseolus species belonging to primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary gene pools. The study revealed that wild relatives of common bean viz; Phaseolus coccineus, P. acutifolius and P. lunatus are an excellent source of resistance against anthracnose. The whole summary of elite crop gene pool diversification for tailoring new germplasm lines is given below.

4. Genomics and marker assisted selection/breeding

Characterized allelic diversity of global wild chickpea and lentil accessions using next generation sequencing to facilitate crop genetic improvement. In wild chickpea, large scale validation and high throughput genotyping suggested very high intra and interspecific diversity for monitoring introgression and transferring target traits specific genomic regions from wild to cultivated background for genetic enhancement.   In genome wide SNP discovery, we identified 82489 high-quality genome-wide SNPs from wild Cicer accessions using integrated reference genome- and de novo-based genotyping by sequencing (GBS) assays. The study suggested the utility of whole genome SNPs as a potential resource for identifying naturally selected trait regulating genomic targets/functional allelic variants adaptive to different agro-ecological conditions for genetic enhancement of cultivated chickpea. Also studied, RNA-sequencing followed by de-novo transcriptome assembly identified 11621 genes differentially xpressed in roots vs. shoots of a wild perennial Cicer microphyllum species. The comparative analysis of transcriptomes between Cicer microphyllum and cultivated desi cv. ICC4958 detected 12772 including 3242 root- and 1639 shoot-specific genes with 85% expression validation success rate. Transcriptional reprogramming of Cicer microphyllum root-specific genes implicates their possible role in regulating differential natural adaptive characteristics between wild and cultivated chickpea.   However, two wide cross populations (Pusa 1103 x ILWC 46 and Pusa 256 x ILWC 46) of chickpea has  been used to scan the major genomic region (s) underlying QTL(s) governing pod number trait using next generation sequencing based multiple QTL (mQTL) sequencing strategy. Further, utilization of mined SNPs led QTL analysis narrowed down into two genomic regions harboring pod number on chromosome 4. The strategy found efficacy in rapid genome wide scanning of potential candidate gene(s) for genomics-assisted breeding and genetic enhancement. Also developed integrated genomic approach for rapid delineation of candidate genes governing seed weight and pod number in wide cross populations using SNP and SSR markers. Furthermore, draft genome of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) was refined with genome assemblies. We followed an assembly reconciliation approach to compare the draft assemblies and merge them, filling the gaps by employing algorithm size sorting mate-pair library to generate high quality and near complete assembly with enhanced contiguity. The improved assembly reduced the number of gaps and predicted putative host resistance genes against Fusarium wilt disease of pigeonpea.  

5. Development of crop varieties
5. 1.Jammu Lentil 71: The variety Jammu lentil 71 was originally developed from an interspecific cross of ILL8006 x ILWL30 (Lens ervoides). The population was advanced through single seed descent (SSD) method of breeding and in F_9:10 generation, it was grown under multilocational testing including minikit trails in farmer’s field of Jammu region. The genetic material found earlier in maturity by 18-21 days than the check variety (PL-406) and average yield is 16-18q/ ha. The variety is small seeded and resistant against Fusarium wilt and root rot.
2. Jammu Lentil 144: The variety Jammu Lentil 144 was originally developed from an interspecific cross of ILL10829 x ILWL62 (Lens orientalis).The population was advanced through single seed descent (SSD) method of breeding and in F_9:10 generation, it was grown under multilocational evaluation including minikit trails in farmer’s field of Jammu area. The potential line found earlier in maturity by 12-15 days as compare to check variety (PL-406) and average yield is 16 q/ ha. The cultivar is small seeded and resistant against Fusarium wilt and root rot.
3. Jammu Lobia Super 60: The variety Jammu Lobia Super 60 has been recommended for sole cropping system of mid Himalayan region. It matures in 60-65 days and has prolific seed producing ability. Its plant height is 70-80 cm and seed yield 12 q/ha. The genotype has very good eating quality and resistant to wilt and pod borer.
6. Registration of genetic stocks/ unique germplasm in Indian National Gene Bank
6. 1. EC718515 (INGR-20088) A wild lentil germplasm accession resistant against rust and powdery mildew

The wild lentil accession EC718515 (INGR20088) belongs to Lens orientalis species was identified after preliminary characterization and evaluation of 405 global wild lentil collections. The genotype was screened against rust (Uromyces fabae (Grev.) Fuckel) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe trifolii) under hot spot natural field condition. It was further validated for confirming stable resistance against these pathogens. An accession EC718515 (INGR20088) has been reported resistant against both pathogens. The germplasm has its significant value for enhancing genetic gains of cultivated varieties.

2. EC718266 (INGR-20089) A wild lentil germplasm accession resistant against rust disease

The wild lentil accession EC718266 (INGR-20089) belongs to Lens nigricans species was identified after preliminary characterization and evaluation of 405 global wild lentil germplasm. The genotype was screened against rust (Uromyces fabae (Grev.) Fuckel) disease. It was further validated thrice for confirming stable resistance against the pathogen. An accession EC718266 (INGR-20089) has been reported highly resistant against the disease. The genotype has its significant breeding value for enhancing genetic gains of cultivated varieties through introgression of rust resistance.

3. IC278744 (INGR-20091) A common bean germplasm accession resistant against white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm accession IC278744 (INGR-20091) was collected from Chhogtali Sirmour Himachal Pradesh and screened against white mold disease. It was further validated thrice for confirming stable resistance against the pathogen. The above mentioned important trait has its significant breeding value while planning future common bean genetic improvement programme through introgression of resistance against this disease.

4. EC271515 (INGR-20090) A common bean germplasm accession resistant against white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)

The common bean germplasm accession EC271515 (INGR-20090) was introduced from CIAT Columbia and screened against white mold disease. It was further validated thrice for confirming stable resistance against the pathogen. The above mentioned important target character has its significant breeding value for enhancing genetic gains while planning future common bean genetic improvement through introgression of resistance against the pathogen.

5. IC486088 (INGR-13058) A chickpea genotype of upright podding and peduncle breeding behaviour

An accession IC486088 (INGR-13058) has been identified for an upright peduncle and podding breeding behavior after the characterization of 14651 chickpea germplasm accessions. The unique trait was also validated twice using multilocation and multiyear screening. The genotype has its special value for developing varieties suitable for mechanical harvesting.

6. EC720438 (INGR-21054) A wild chickpea accession resistant against ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei)

The wild annual Cicer accession EC720438 belongs to C. reticulatum species. The genotype was screened and validated against ascochyta blight resistance using artificial inoculation by frequently spraying with ascosporic suspension (1x10⁶ spores ml^-1) using local isolates of Ascochyta rabiei.After validation, an accession EC720438 (INGR-21054) has been reported resistant against the disease. The germplasm has its potential value for enhancing genetic gains of cultivated varieties of chickpea.

7. EC720481 (INGR-21053) A wild chickpea accession resistant against botrytis gray mold (Botrytis cinerea)

The wild annual Cicer accession EC720481 belongs to C. echinospermum species. The genotype was screened against BGM resistance using artificial inoculation of Botrytis cinerea (10,000 spore’s ml^-1) and validated twice under controlled screening test using cut-twig screening technique, in which water was used as supportive medium. The germplasm has its significant breeding value for enhancing genetic gains of cultivated varieties of chickpea.

8. Identified following disease resistant analogs in pigeonpea against Fusarium wilt, isolated from Cajanus cajan species and submitted in NCBI Gene Bank, USA. These resistant analogs could be useful for designing diagnostic and identifying markers associated with disease resistance against Fusarium wilt in pigeonpea.    

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/530290617/),KC966925.1)

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/530290616/),KC966924.1)

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/530290615/),KC966923.1)

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/530290614/),KC966922.1)

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/530290613/),KC966921.1)

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/530290612/),KF130786.1)

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/514430181/),KF130785.1)

(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/514430180/),KF130784.1)

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/514430179/),KF130783.1)

 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/514430178/) KF130782.1)

9. A core set of 1103 accessions of indigenous and exotic chickpea germplasm conserved in the Indian National Genebank developed from the characterization and evaluation of 14651 germplasm accessions. The core set also includes trait specific accessions viz; upright podding and peduncle breeding behavior, twin podded accessions and resistant to major biotic (ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt, root knot nematode, botrytis gray mold) stresses. These trait specific accessions would be useful for chickpea genetic improvement in India and elsewhere.

     The Crop Journal (2016) doi.org/10.1016/j.cj.2016.06.013

10. Identified 82489 high quality genome wide SNPs from 93 wild annual Cicer species including three cultivated varieties using integrated reference genome and de novo based genotyping by sequencing (GBS). The study has identified SNPs among accessions signify their efficacy for monitoring introgression and transferring target traits from wild annual Cicer species to cultivated chickpea. 

     Scientific Reports (2015) doi: 10.1038/srep12468

11. Developed integrated genomic approach for rapid delineation of candidate traits of interest governing useful agro-morphological (seed weight, pod and branch numbers) characters in chickpea interspecific populations using SSR and SNP markers. The study would be useful as potential candidates for marker assisted genetic enhancement of chickpea.

      DNA Research (2014) doi:10.1093/dnares/dsu031

12. Two wide cross populations of chickpea were used to scan the major genomic regions underlying QTL(s) governing pod number trait using next generation mQTL  sequencing strategy. The strategy has profound efficacy in rapid genome wide scanning of potential candidate gens (s) for genomic assisted breeding and genetic enhancement.

      DNA Research (2015) doi: 10.1093/dnares/dsv036

13. Determined inheritance and segregation process for distinct morphological traits viz; plant growth habit, flower color, cotyledon color, and pod dehiscence, while attempting interspecific hybridization in lentil. The study would be useful to lentil breeders to identify true to type F₁ hybrids using these traits.

     Journal of Genetics (2014) 93: 561–566.

7. Developed a new methodology of phenotyping and utilization of wild lentil  germplasm 

 A reliable phenotyping methodology was developed in case of wild lentil genetic resources for species characterization, agronomic evaluation and utilization by determining optimal temperature range during winter and summer season for pod and seed set performance w.r.t. diversification of cultivated gene pool. The study also concluded that maximum pod and seed setting percentage was observed between 13.9°C (minimum) to 23.4°C (maximum) temperature and overall performance of pod and seed setting was observed better under long days during summer season than normal winter season in which an average maximum/minimum temperature was 28.9°C – 8.5°C. The method is being followed by other lentil researchers for elite crop gene pool diversification.

                  Adv. Crop Sci. Tech (2014) doi.org/10.4172/2329- 8863.1000e117

8.    Technologies

Development of Community Based Models Recognized at National Level: Establishment of Community Seed Banks (CSBs): Success stories under technology led empowerment of mountain communities of north-western Himalayas for livelihood gain and better ecosystem services.

1. Establishment of Community Seed Bank at Dhangyara Village Panchayat, Distt. Mandi Himachal Pradesh

The model was developed on mainstreaming of farmers varieties of north-western Indian Himalayas through informal seed system, which has resulted into the collection of 571 traditional landraces of rice, beans, maize, and millets from the target sites of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These were multiplied, characterized and evaluated for certain traits of interest. To strengthen the local seed system, one community seed bank was established at Dhangyara in Distt Mandi of Himachal Pradesh, where traditional varieties of rice (Red rice, Naggar Dhan, Lamgurea Dhan, Bamkua Dhan) pulses (Rajmash, Mash) millets (Finger millet and Barnyard millet) and pseudocereals (buckwheat, grain amaranth and chenopods) were conserved and distributed/promoted into agricultural production system. Total eight farmer’s varieties comprising 4 of paddy, 2 each of rajmash and buckwheat were sent to PPV&FRA, New Delhi for registration purpose. Now these varieties are under evaluation for DUS testing at designated centres.

 Entrepreneurship development

The following significant activities were also accomplished to strengthen the community based model.

• Base line survey and enlisting of local seed materials of target regions.
• Different participatory rural appraisal (PRA) surveys were conducted including constitution of three self-help groups in the target area/ village panchayats.
• Various interaction meetings were also organized to educate farming communities’ w.r.t. traditional seeds including Focus Group Discussions with pilot farmers of target sites of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

2. Establishment of Community Seed Bank at Polling Village Panchayat, Distt. Kangra Himachal Pradesh

The second model on mainstreaming of farmers varieties of north-western Indian Himalayas through informal seed system was established at Polling village panchayat of Kangra Distt in Himachal Pradesh. The traditional seed of pulses (Barot Rajmash and Kinnauri Rajmash, Bharmour Mash) pseudocereals (buckwheat, grain amaranthus) and maize (Ratti, Chitknu and shathu) were collected, multiplied, characterized, conserved and distributed/promoted into agricultural production system of target areas. Total 2 farmer’s varieties of rajmash and 1 of Bharmour mash were sent to PPV&FRA, regional centre at Palampur for registration purpose. Now these varieties are under evaluation for DUS testing at designated centres.

Entrepreneurship development: The following activities were also accomplished to strengthen the community based model.

• Base line survey and enlisting of local seed materials of target region of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• Two self-help groups formed  
• Different participatory rural appraisal (PRA) surveys were conducted in Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand.
• Various interaction meetings were also organized to educate local   farming communities’ w.r.t. traditional seeds including Focus Group Discussions with pilot farmers of Barot region of Himachal Pradesh.

Teaching

Taught following courses at undergraduate and post graduate level from 2002 to 2009 at Dr YSPUHF Solan, Himachal Pradesh.

1. Undergraduate level

2. Post graduate leve

Designing of course curriculum

I was associated in designing of new course curriculum for Principles of Genetics and Cytogenetics (2+1) and Principles of Plant Breeding (2+1) to the under graduate students of Horticulture under ICAR 4^th Deans Committee on agricultural education.

List of 25 significant publications

1. Mohar Singh, Mukesh Kumar Rana, Krishna Kumar, Ishwari Singh Bisht, Manoranjan Dutta, Narinder Kumar Gautam,   Ashutosh Sarker and Kailash Chander Bansal (2013). Broadening the genetic base of lentil cultivars through inter sub-specific and interspecific crosses of Lens taxa. Plant Breeding, 132:667-675.

2. Mohar Singh, Ishwari Singh Bisht, Manoranjan Dutta, Krishna Kumar, Sandeep Kumar and Kailash Chander Bansal (2014). Genetic studies on morpho- phenological traits in lentil wide crosses. Journal of Genetics, 93: 561-566.

3. Mohar Singh, Ishwari Singh Bisht, Krishna Kumar, Manoranjan Dutta, Lavinder Kaur, Ashwani Kumar, Ashutosh Sarker and Kailash Chander Bansal (2014). Characterization and evaluation of wild annual Cicer species for agro-morphological traits and major biotic stresses under North-Western Indian conditions. Crop Science, 54: 229-239.

4. Maneesha S. Saxena, Deepak Bajaj, Vinod Kumar, Mohar Singh, Kailash C.  Bansal, Akhilesh K. Tyagi and Swarup K. Parida (2014). An integrated genomic approach for rapid delineation of candidate genes regulating agro-morphological traits in chickpea. DNA Research, doi.10.1093/dnares/dsu031

5. Mohar Singh, Ishwari Singh Bisht, Sandeep Kumar, Manoranjan Dutta, Kailash Chander Bansal, Ashutosh Sarker, Ahmad Amri, Shiv Kumar and Swapan Kumar Datta (2014) Global wild annual Lens collection: a potential resource for lentil genetic base broadening and yield enhancement. PLoS ONE, 9(9):e107781. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0107781.

6. Mohar Singh, Krishna Kumar, Ishwari Singh Bisht, Manoranjan Dutta, Mukesh Kumar Rana,  Jai Chand Rana, Kailash Chander Bansal and Ashutosh Sarker (2015). Exploitation of wild annual Cicer species for widening the gene pool of chickpea cultivars. Plant Breeding, 134: 186-192.

7. J.C. Rana, T.R Sharma, R.K. Tyagi, R.K. Chahota, N.K. Gautam, Mohar Singh, P.N. Sharma and S.N. Ojha (2015). Characterization of 4274 accessions of common bean germplasm conserved in the Indian gene bank for phenological, morphological and agricultural traits. Euphytica, doi: 10.1007/s10681-015-1406-3.

8. Shouvik Das, Mohar Singh†, Rishi Srivastava, Deepak Bajaj, Maneesha S. Saxena, Jai Chand Rana, Kailash Chander Bansal, Akhilesh K. Tyagi and Swarup K. Parida (2015). mQTL-seq delineates functionally relevant candidate gene harbouring a major QTL regulating pod number in chickpea. DNA Research, doi. 10.1093dnares/dsv036 [†joint first author].

9. Deepak Bajaj, Shouvik Das, Vinod Kumar, Mohar Singh, Kailash Chander Bansal, Akhilesh K. Tyagi and Swarup K. Parida (2015). Genome wide high throughput SNP discovery and genotyping for understanding natural (functional) allelic diversity and domestication patterns in wild chickpea. Scientific Reports, 5:12468| doi.10.1038/srep12468

10. Rishi Srivastava, Deepak Bajaj, Mohar Singh and Swarup K. Parida (2016).Transcriptome landscape of perennial wild Cicer microphyllum uncovers functionally relevant molecular tags regulating agronomic traits in chickpea. Scientific reports, 6:33616 | DOI: 10.1038/srep33616.

11. Sunil Archak , R.K. Tyagi, P.N. Harer, L.B. Mahase, Neeta Singh, O.P. Dahiya, M. Abdul Nizar, Mohar Singh, Vrushali Talukar, Vikas Kumar, M. Dutta, N.P. Singh and K.C. Bansal (20016). Characterization of chickpea germplasm conserved in the Indian National Gene Bank and development of core set using qualitative and quantitative data. The Crop Journal, 4: 417-424.

12. Rishi Srivastava, Mohar Singh†, Deepak Bajaj and Swarup K. Parida (2016). A high–resolution InDel (Insertion-Deletion) markers-anchored consensus genetic map identifies major QTLs governing pod number and seed yield in chickpea. Frontiers in Plant Science, doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.01362 [†joint first author].

13. Mohar Singh, Jai C. Rana, Badal Singh, D.C. Saxena, Ashok Saxena, and Ashutosh Sarker (2017). Comparative agronomic performance and reaction to Fusarium wilt of Lens culinaris x L. orientalis and L. culinaris x L. ervoides derivatives.  Frontiers in Plant Science, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01162.

14. Mohar Singh, Savita Rani, Nikhil Malhotra, Gopal Katna and Ashutosh Sarker (2018). Transgressive segregations for agronomic improvement using interspecific crosses between C. arietinum L. x C. reticulatum Ladiz. and C. arietinum L. x C. echinospermum Davis species. PLoS ONE, doi10.1371/journal.pone.0203082.  

15. Mohar Singh, Shyam K. Sharma, Badal Singh, Nikhil Malhotra, Rahul Chandora, Ashutosh Sarker, Kuldeep Singh and  Dorin Gupta (2018).Widening the genetic base of cultivated gene pool following introgression from wild Lens taxa. Plant Breeding, doi: 10.1111/pbr.12615

16. Sandeep Kumar, Anil Kumar Choudhary, Kuldeep Singh Rana, Ashutosh Sarker, and Mohar Singh* (2018). Bio-fortification potential of global wild annual lentil core collection. PLoS ONE, 13(1): e0191122.

17. Pradheep Kumar, Mohar Singh, Sheikh Mohmmad Sultan, Kuldeep Singh, R. Parimalan, and Sudhir P. Ahlawat (2018). Diversity in wild relatives of wheat - An expedition collection from cold-arid Indian Himalayas. Genet Resour and Crop Evol, doi.org/10.1007/s10722-018-0706-6.

18. Maneesha S. Saxena, Deepak Bajaj, Vinod Kumar, Mohar Singh, Kailash C.  Bansal, Akhilesh K. Tyagi and Swarup K. Parida (2014). Natural Allelic diversity, genetic structure and linkage disequilibrium pattern in wild chickpea. PLoS ONE, 9(9): e107484. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0107484.

19. Mohar Singh, Sandeep Kumar, Ashwani Kumar Basandrai, Daisy Basandrai, Deep Ratan Saxena, Ashutosh Sarker and Kuldeep Singh (2020). Evaluation and identification of wild lentil accessions for enhancing genetic gain of cultivated varieties. PLOS ONE 15 (3) e0229554.

20. Mohar Singh, Nikhil Malhotra and Kriti Sharma (2020). Buckwheat genetic resources: what can they contribute towards nutritional security of changing world? Genet Resour Crop Evol, Doi.org/10.1007/s10722-020-00961-0.

21. Sonali Chauhan, Shabnam Katoch, S.K. Sharma, P.N. Sharma, J.C. Rana, Kuldeep Singh and Mohar Singh* (2020). Screening and identification of resistant sources against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing white mold disease in common bean. Crop Science, doi: 10.1002/csc2.20160.

22. Soma Marla, Pallavi Mishra, Ranjeet Maurya, Mohar Singh, D.P.Wankhade, Anil Kumar, Mahesh C. Yadav, N.S. Rao, S.K. Singh and Rajesh Kumar (2020). Refinement of draft genome assemblies of pigeon pea. Frontiers in Genetics, doi: 10.3389/fgene.2020.607432.

23. Tapan Kumar, Neha Tiwari, Chellapilla Bhardwaj, Ashutosh Sarker, Sneha Priya, Sarvjeet Singh and Mohar Singh (2020). Identification and allelic variation of drought responsive dehydrin gene based on sequence similarity in chickpea. Frontiers in Genetics, doi: 10.1279/fgene.2080.307432.

24. Sanjeev Kumar†, Mohar Singh†, Nikhil Malhotra, MW Blair, JP Sharma, and Rucku Gupta (2021). Introgression of anthracnose resistance into the background of locally adapted common bean landraces. Euphytica, doi.org/10.1007/s10681-021-02784-1[Joint first author]

25. Mohar Singh, Nikhil Malhotra and Kuldeep Singh (2021).Broadening the genetic base of cultivated chickpea following introgression of wild Cicer species-progress, constraints and prospects. Genetic Resour Crop Evol. doi.org/10.1007/s10722-021-01173(0123456789

Books authored/edited

Authored

1. The Lentils: Treasure of Novel Diversity

   Authors: Mohar Singh, Ashutosh Sarker, Sandeep Kumar, Nikhil Malhotra, Ashok Kumar, Shiv Kumar and Kuldeep Singh, ICAR-NBPGR-ICARDA publication, ISBN: 987-81-937111-5-6, pages-151.

            2. Effect of Cropping Systems on Genetic Analysis in Blackgram

                Authors:Mohar Singh, M. Dutta and N.K. Gautam, Lambert Academic Publishing, 2011, ISBN: 978-3-8454-2188-9,

                 page, 201.

           3. Mutation Breeding Techniques in Horticultural Crop Plants

               Authors: College of Horticulture, Dr YSP University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, 2006, pages-192.

Edited

           1.  Himalayan Medicinal Plants: Advances in Botany, Production and Research

   Eds. Nikhil Malhotra and Mohar Singh

   Academic Press Elsevier Inc. ISBN: 9780128231517, p-289.

          2.  Millets and Pseudocereals: Botany, Production and Uses

   Eds. Mohar Singh and Salej Sood

   Wood head publishing, Elsevier Inc. ISBN, 9780128200896, p-268.

         3.   Chickpea: Crop Wild Relatives for Enhancing Genetic Gains

   Ed. Mohar Singh

   Academic Press Elsevier Inc. ISBN: 9780128182994, p-274

         4.   Lentils: Potential Resources for Enhancing Genetic Gains

   Ed. Mohar Singh

   Academic Press Elsevier Inc. 2018, ISBN: 978-12-813522-8, pages 226

        5.    Broadening the Genetic Base of Grain Cereals

   Eds. Mohar Singh and Sandeep Kumar

               Springer- Verlag, 2016, ISBN: 978-81-322-3611-5, pages 275

       6.     Genetic and Genomic Resources for Grain Cereals Improvement

   Eds. Mohar Singh and H.D. Upadhyaya

   Academic Press Elsevier Inc. 2015, ISBN: 978-0-12-802000-5, pages 307

       7.    Broadening the Genetic Base of Grain Legumes

  Eds. Mohar Singh and I.S. Bisht

  Springer-Verlag, 2014, ISBN: 978-81-322—2022-0, pages 245

       8.   Genetic and Genomic Resources for Grain Legume Improvement

 Eds.  Mohar Singh, H.D. Upadhyaya and Ishwari Singh Bisht

 Elsevier Insights, 2013, pages 363, ISBN: 978012-397-935-3 

• Recipient of Dr B.R. Barwale Award for excellence in PGR management for the year 2019
• Recipient of Harbhajan Singh Memorial Award for outstanding contribution in PGR management (Triennial 2011-13)
• Academic Editor, PLoS ONE Journal, since 2015
• Review Editor (Plant Breeding) Pantnagar Journal of Reserach, since 2019
• Editorial member, Journal of Plant Science and Research, since 2013
• Editorial member, Advances in Crop Science and Technology, since 2013
• Member, National Academy of Sciences (M.N.A.Sc.), India (2013)
• Member, State Biodiversity Board, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh (2017-2020)
• Member, Board of Management of Dr YSPUHF, Solan (2019-2021)
• Member, RAG of Himalayan Forest Research Institute Shimla (2019-2021)
• Certificate of appreciation received from the Deputy Director General (Crop Science) for commendable efforts in organizing inception meeting of SAARC countries on 12-13 July 2013.
• Life member, Indian society of  Genetics and Plant Breeding, since 2000
• Life member, Indian society of Plant Genetic Resources, since 2000