Dilbag Multani Email & Phone Number

Wilmington, DE 19803

Mitochondrial genome editing for hybrid crop plants

Johnston, Iowa 50131

• Developed genetic variants through CRISPR CAS9 genome-editing tool for dwarfing stature and yield enhancing components in corn and sorghum using in house cloned genes and sequences from published literature. Designed.
• Developed genetic variants for br1, and br2 dwarfing genes in corn and dw3 in sorghum through genome editing and filed IP application.
• Cloned genes and delivered markers for marker-assisted selections, enhancing improved agronomic traits.
• Established and executed internal and external research collaborations, reducing time for product development.
• Published scientific papers from research collaborations, enhancing company’s visibility to attract talent.

Johnston, Iowa, USA 50131

• Conceived new ideas on how to isolate mutants and clone candidate genes efficiently for agronomically important traits in corn. Evaluated mutants and handoff cloned genes and markers for enhancing stalk strength.
• Cloned candidate genes for stalk strength and dwarfing statures using forward genetics tools.
• Dissected and isolated 2 QTLs conferring resistance to Anthracnose Stalk Rot (Rcg1 & Rcg2) in corn.
• Developed molecular markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) for improved silage in corn.
• Delivered candidate genes for drought tolerance and yield enhancement, developing product pipeline.
• Conducted field trials for screening disease resistance, replicated yield trials at various research stations.

Johnston, Iowa 50131

• Planned and executed laboratory, greenhouse (GH), and field research work to induce, clone, and molecularly characterize mutants. Collected and analyzed data to deliver results, supported research scientist programs..
• Molecular characterized br2 and dw3 dwarfing genes in corn and sorghum to understand mechanism and develop stable dw3 for commercial hybrid seed production.
• Cloned adult plant resistance against Helminthosporium carbonum (Hm1A) in corn for enhancing yield.
• Inducted mutations using chemical EMS mutagen, isolating candidate genes.
• Designed, managed, and advanced genetic materials in GH and field, developing superior germplasm.
• Screened germplasm with fungal pathogens for disease resistance.

Columbia, Missouri Area

Led molecular characterization of dwarfing stature mutations in corn and sorghum. Cloned adult plant resistance against Helminthosporium carbonum (Hm2) in corn. Induced mutations using EMS chemical mutagen.

Sydney, Australia

Fingerprinted a set of Australian cotton cultivars using RAPD markers. Collected, isolated and molecular characterized 121 isolates of Verticillium dahliae fungus, causing Verticillium wilt disease in cotton in NSW, Australia.

Manila, Philippines

Developed and utilized aneuploids (secondary trisomics) for mapping and centromere location in rice. Successfully transferred Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) and insect Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) resistances from wild species to cultivated rice. Molecular tagging of BPH resistance with RFLP markers for marker-assisted selection in rice. Induced novel variability.

Ludhiana Area, India

Bred cultivated wheat varieties for disease resistance to fungal diseases. Collected, maintained, and evaluated germplasm of wild species of wheat and related genera. Gained experience in tissue culture, embryo rescue, chromosome doubling, and di-haploids (DH). Taught 2 courses, ‘Introduction to Genetics’ and ‘Advances in Cytogenetics’ to graduate students.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Ogpa 3.63/ 4.00

□ Thesis titled, “Cytogenetical investigations in Trigonella foenum-graecum L.”

Master Of Science - Ms, Genetics And Plant Breeding, Ogpa 3.75/ 4.00

□ Thesis titled, “Chromosomal identifications of interchanges in pearl millet, Pennisetum typhoides, Burm. S. & H.”

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Biology, General, 73%

Botany, Zoology, Chemistry