Molecular Plant Breeding Lab at the Clemson Pee Dee Research and Education Center

Our Lab

Established in 2016, the Rustgi Lab is a molecular plant breeding lab located at the Clemson Unversity Pee Dee Research and Education Center in Florence, South Carolina. The lab's research has four primary areas of focus: development of nutritionally enhanced, allergen-free, or non-immunogenic crops, increasing genetic diversity in cotton germplasm and identification of cotton genotypes with annual growth habits, development of a novel eco-friendly pesticide to control sugarcane aphid, and breeding for recurrent flowering in rose and peach. If you are interested in learning more about our lab or interested in potentially becoming a member please click the link below.

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Recent Publications

Impact of Mutations in Soybean Oleate and Linoleate Desaturase Genes on Seed Germinability of Heat-Stressed PlantsSoybean is the primary oilseed crop in the United States, with significant industrial value. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of heat stress tolerance in soybean plants is critical for developing stress-resistant cultivars. Current knowledge about the role of fatty acid desaturases (FADs) in modulating membrane fluidity under abiotic stress prompted this investigation into the impact of mutations in the FAD genes on seed germination from heat-stressed plants. In soybean plants, exposure to heat stress during anthesis is known to significantly reduce seed germination. In silico expression analysis indicated high expression levels of the soybean FAD2 and FAD3 genes in the leaves. Therefore, a detailed expression analysis of these genes was conducted using qRT-PCR from leaf tissue. Generally, downregulation of these genes was observed in the mutants; however, two genes, FAD3A and FAD2-3, showed a more than 2-fold increase in expression in six out of ten mutants under heat stress. This upregulation was particularly pronounced (7-fold) in the mutant S17CR-170. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation (up to 0.48) between the expression level of FAD3A, FAD3B, FAD3C, and FAD2-3 and the decline in germination from heat-stressed plants. This suggests these FAD genes may act as negative regulators of germination under heat stress conditions.

Gluten-free Diet, a Friend or a Foe, an American Perspective - Plant Foods for Human NutritionGluten proteins in cereal grains are often considered unsafe for health. Indeed, the dissemination of misinformation through various sources has led to a widespread misconception that the consumption of gluten by healthy individuals results in adverse health consequences and contributes to obesity. In recent years, many health-conscious consumers have started reducing or avoiding gluten consumption without a medical recommendation. Consequently, the adoption of gluten-free diets has expanded significantly. This study compared 39 gluten-free products and their gluten-containing counterparts for energy, sugar, dietary fiber content, and price. We found that, on average, gluten-free products available to United States consumers contained significantly less protein and more sugar and calories. Furthermore, on average, gluten-free products are more expensive than gluten-containing products. Our finding may serve as a guide for dietitians, nutritionists, and legislators in introducing a gluten-free prescription list for individuals with celiac disease, wheat allergy, and non-celiac wheat sensitivity.

An insight into the gene-networks playing a crucial role in the cotton plant architecture regulation - The NucleusCotton is a global source of natural fiber and edible oil. Plant architecture and flowering time are key factors in determining the cotton yield and efficiency of mechanical harvesting. The molecular functions of plant architecture and flowering time-related genes are well-studied in Arabidopsis (a long-day plant), tomato (a day-neutral plant), and rice (a short-day plant). It has improved our general understanding of flowering mechanisms in plants. The upland (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and Sea Island (Gossypium barbadense L.) cotton are intrinsically perennial and exhibit indeterminate growth habit and a complex branching pattern. In this paper, we review the progress on gene identification for plant architecture (including branching patterns, branch angle, fruit branch length, and plant height) and floral induction in cotton. However, attention is given to the genes involved in plant hormone perception and signal transduction, especially the phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding protein gene family in cotton, i.e., the FT/SFT and SP genes or the florigen and anti-florigen system. Furthermore, we identify areas that need further research. These findings lay the groundwork for engineering cotton cultivars with desirable plant architecture, flowering time, growth habit, and improved yield with suitability for mechanized cotton production. Graphical abstract

In the News and Events

Clemson researchers find gluten-free products may be less healthy A recent study by Clemson University finds gluten-free foods may be less healthy than their counterparts.

Congratulations to Hrishikesh Ingole on being awarded the ASPB travel award to attend Plant Biology 2025
Be sure to check out Dr. Sachin Rustgi, Dr. Gautam Saripalli, and Zack Jones present at Plant and Animal Genome 32 in San Diego, CA
Zack Jones has been awarded a Graduate Travel Grant to attend Plant and Animal Genome 32, congrats!
The Rustgi Lab is happy to congratulate Hrishikesh Ingole, Zack Jones, and Seyi Toyinbo for being awarded the Wade Stackhouse Fellowship for the 2024-25 year
Congratulations to Dr. Sachin Rustgi on being named an Adjunct Professor at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST)
The Rustgi Lab is happy to announce that Dr. Sachin Rustgi has been awarded the See Fellow Award of the Society of Extension Education, Agra, India

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Rustgi Lab

Our Lab

Recent Publications

In the News and Events

Rustgi Lab | Clemson Pee Dee REC, 2200 Pocket Road, Florence, SC 29506