Contact Information: 0092-333-8367211, dratif@uaf.edu.pk

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Research at the Chickpea Biotechnology Lab, CAS-AFS, focuses on developing resilient, high-yielding chickpea varieties tailored for Punjab’s irrigated cropping systems. With a strong emphasis on irrigation-responsive chickpea genotypes, our work involves multi-location trials to evaluate and demonstrate optimal production practices across diverse farming systems. By integrating advanced genomics, we are identifying and characterizing key gene families associated with abiotic stress tolerance, including drought and heat, not only in chickpea but also in other essential crops like rice and cotton. These studies aim to uncover gene families that drive productivity and resilience, laying the groundwork for enhanced crop performance under variable climate conditions. Through innovative research, our lab contributes to the development of sustainable, high-yield agriculture that benefits farmers and strengthens food security.

Selected Publications

TITLE :
(1). Waqas, M. , M. T. Azhar, F. Azeem, M. A. Ali, M. A. Nawaz, G. Chung, and R. M. Atif, 2019, Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of WRKY transcription factor family from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) reveal their role in abiotic stress tolerance, Genes and Genomics, , 1-15
(2). The role of the DNA-binding One Zinc Finger (DOF) transcription factor family in plants
(3). A molecular docking approach to evaluate the pharmacological properties of natural and synthetic treatment candidates for use against hypertension
(4). Insights on calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) signaling for abiotic stress tolerance in plants
(5). Gene transfer in legumes
(6). Genome-wide identification and expression analyses of WRKY transcription factor family members from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) reveal their role in abiotic …
(7). Harnessing the potential of plant transcription factors in developing climate resilient crops to improve global food security: Current and future perspectives
(8). Redox and ionic homeostasis regulations against oxidative, salinity and drought stress in wheat (a systems biology approach)
(9). A Comparative Study for Assessing the Drought-Tolerance of Chickpea under Varying Natural Growth Environments
(10). Transgenic crops for the agricultural improvement in Pakistan: a perspective of environmental stresses and the current status of genetically modified crops
(11). Meta-analysis of grain iron and zinc associated QTLs identified hotspot chromosomal regions and positional candidate genes for breeding biofortified rice
(12). Assessment of salinity tolerance in rice using seedling based morpho-physiological indices
(13). Heat stress in cotton: a review on predicted and unpredicted growth-yield anomalies and mitigating breeding strategies
(14). Using exogenous melatonin, glutathione, proline, and glycine betaine treatments to combat abiotic stresses in crops
(15). Genetic and molecular control of floral organ identity in cereals
(16). Genome-Wide Analysis of Potassium Transport-Related Genes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and Their Role in Abiotic Stress Responses