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DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
ST. XAVIER’S COLLEGE
(AUTONOMOUS)
PALAYAMKOTTAI
STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME (2014-2017)
Annual Report 2014-15
Sponsored by
Department of Biotechnology
Govt. of India, New Delhi
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY STAR COLLEGE SCHEME
REPORT FOR 2014-2015 & 2015-2016
1. Name of the College: St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai-627002,
2. Name of Departments supported: BOTANY
3. Name of Coordinator: Dr. L. Henry Joseph
Designation: Associate professor
Address: St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai
Phone: 9443507679
4. Number of regular faculty with Ph.D. in the department:
11 (Elevan)
5. List of courses offered by the participating department:
B.Sc. Botany
M.Sc. Botany
M.Phil. Botany
Ph.D. Botany
6. Cut off percentage for admission in different courses in participating department
B.Sc.- Pass in Hr. Sec. examination
M.Sc.- Pass in B.Sc. Botany from any recognized university
M.Phil.- 50% in M.S.Sc
Ph.D.- Pass in M.Phil degree Or pass in the eligibility test conducted by the university
7. Position in the University
Autonomous status
8. Percentage of result in 2009-2010 academic sessions:
9. List of projects undertaken by students:
2014-2015
1. Phytochemical analysis and influence of seaweed liquid fertilizers of Chaetomorpha
crassa (C.AG.) Kuentzing on selected two crops
2. Micro propagation of Sauropsis androgynous (L.) Merr. - A medicinal plant
3. Ethanobotanical assessment, nutritive potential and nanotechnological studies on selected
Cucurbitaceous members
4. Studies on the bioactivities of Scilla indica Baker.
5. Biopotency of Dictyota bartayresiana J.V. Lamorous
6. Effect of aqueous extract of Isoetes coromandalina L (Isoetaceae-Pteridophyte) on seed
germination and UV stress tolerance of selected crops
7. A survey of Isoetes (Isoetaceae-Pteridophyte) populations in Trirunelveli district
8. Molecular docking studies on inhibition of H+ / K
+ ATPase by selective phytochemical
compounds
2015-2016
1. Preliminary Phytochemical, Physicochemical Nanotechnological and biological
activity studies on rhizome of Sphaerostpahnous unitus L.) Holttum
2. Green synthesis, Histochemistry, Cytotoxicity, Phytotoxicity and biochemical
studies on selected plants of Euphorbiaceae
3. Studies on the Phytoplanktons of selected ponds of Tirunelveli district
4. Phytochemical constituents effect of seawed concentrate and Phytosynthesis of
Silver Nanoparicles by Dictyota dichotama (Huds.) Lamourous
5. Documentation of vouchers of cytologically known Pteridophytes from the
Western Ghats of South India
6. Physicochemical and biological analysis of water samples of St.Xavier‟s college
campus
7. Charcterization and antibacterial effect of Lannea coromandellica (Houtt)
Merr.mediated Silver Nanoparticles.
8. Air pollution tolerance index of some trees in Tirunelveli District
9. Ecology and distribution of linsaeoid ferns of the Western Ghats, South India
10. Industrial visits by students:
11. Summer training in last one year: one
12. Training received by faculty from participating department:
1. Seaweed farming Annamalai University, Parangipettai 1.12.0214 to 5.12.2014
- Dr. G. Sahaya Anthony Xavier
2. Special training for Botany Faculty in Phase Contrast and Fluorescent
Microscopy on 14th
March, 2015
3. Special training in UV- Visible Spectrophotometer and Potentiometer on
13.12.2014
4. Special training in Mathematical applications in Bioinformatics on
19.3.2015
5. Training in Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques 8th
&10th
September, 2015
6. Training in preparation of visual and animated presentation for the class
13. List of exhibition / seminars / training courses conducted by the college:
1. Special training in Biological Techniques for I B.Sc. Botany students on 5th
and
6th
March, 2015.
2. Training in Agro-biotechnology and Eco-Biotechnology to I B.Sc. Botany
students on 10th
March, 2015.
3. Special lecture on Bioinformatics to physics students on 07.01.2015
4. Special lecture on Nano-Biotechnology to chemistry students on 5.3.2015
14. Name, designation, host institution of guest faculty invited:
Refer to Table 1
15. List of new practical / demonstrations introduced in the departments in last one year:
Refer to Table 2
16. Details of new equipment purchased in each department from DBT grant
(Items, number. cost, date of order placed, purchase / installed)
Refer to Table 3
17. Details of books & journals subscribed from DBT grant
Refer
18. Qualitative improvements due to DBT support (please highlight salient quality
improvement in five lines):
Undergraduate students are exposed to recent developments in biotechnology
and hence they are motivated to learn.
Students show lot of enthusiasm and interest to learn the new techniques in
biotechnology.
Non biology students are able to appreciate learning of biological sciences.
A lot of renewed interest has emerged among the non biology students to go
for interdisciplinary approach in their dissertation work.
DBT support enhanced the quality improvement in practical components
19. Problems faced, if any, in implementation of the programme and utilization of DBT-
Grant: (in two-three lines)
Nil
20. Other details: Students‟ achievement, Staff achievement (resource person, publications,
reorganization, project received)
Table 1. DETAILES OF GUEST FACULTY INVITED
S. No. Name Designation Host Institution
1 Dr. M. I. Zahir Hussain, Assistant
Professor
Department of Zoology,
Sadakathullah Appa College,
Tirunelveli .
2 Dr. A. Saravana Gandhi Assistant
Professor
Department of Botany,
Rani Anna Govt. College for
Women, Tirunelveli.
3
Mr. M. Kalidasan
Senior
Research
Fellow
Department of Biotechnology,
M.S. University, Tirunelveli
4 Mr. G. Gomathinayagam Manager &
C.E.O
Vivasaya Seva Sangam
Puliankudi- 627855
5 Mrs. Annam Technical
Assistant
Vivasaya Seva Sangam
Puliankudi- 627855
6 Mr. Gowri Sankar
Senior
Research
Fellow
Department of Biotechnology,
Alagappa University, Karaikudi
7 Mr. Maruthu Pandian
Senior
Research
Fellow
Department of Biotechnology,
Alagappa University, Karaikudi
8. Dr. B. Jeganath Research
Department of Plant Genetic
Engineering,
Bharathidasan University, Trichy
9. Sr. RajaPushpam
Sr. Sahayam Professional CIC, Palayamkottai
10
Dr. P.GuruManikandan, M.D
Dr. P. Benjamine Jeya Ratina
kumar
Mr. M.Vellaiappan
Doctor Medisiddh Pharma Private Ltd
Kovilpatti
11 Dr. C. Sathya Lakshmi
Mrs. D. Mathuravalli Asst Prof. Holy Cross Home Science College
Tuticorin
12 M/S Abbes Biotec L.T Chennai
TABLE 2 LIST OF NEW PRACTICAL / DEMONSTRATIONS INTRODUCED IN
THE DEPARTMENT IN LAST ONE YEAR
1. Bioinforamtics-multiple sequence Alignment
2. Molecular Docking
3. Bioinformatics
4. Study of fermentation of glucose
5. Determination of RSA of glucose
6. Determination of fermentation condition
7. Ambiant activity
8. Decomposition of organic substrate
9. Growth of microorganism
10. Determination of bacterial growth
11. Determination of homeostasis
12. Estimation of carbohydrate, starch, amino acids, protein
13. Protein/DNA electrophoresis
14. Isozyme electrophoresis
15. Determination of molecular weight of protein using SDS-PAGE
16. Determination of molecular weight of DNA/RFLP, RAPD
LIST OF PROGRAMMES ORGANIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT
UNDER DBT STAR SCHEME
1. Student‟s training in Biological Techniques (theory cum practical)
I. B.Sc., Botany Students
2. Training in Agricultural Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology
I. B.Sc., Botany Students
3. Special lecture on bioinformatics to Physics students
4. Special lecture on Nano-biotechnology to Chemistry students
Table. 3 DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
DBT - STAR COLLEGE SCHEME
S.No Item Nos. Amount
1. 21.09.2015
Electrophoresis
a. Power Pack (Versatile)
b. Vertical slab Gel system &
Submarine Gel system
2
76,013.00
1+1
2. 31.03.2016 Micro pipettes 9 30,500.00
3. 07.09.2015 Visible Spectrophotometer 1 61,740.00
4. 28.09.2015 BOD Incubator 1 60,000.00
5. 25.03.2016 Spectro Flame Photometer 1 74,500.00
6. 02.09.2015 Computers 4 1,53,400.00
7. 07.09.2015
Multi parameter Instrument
(pH, ORP, Conductivity, Salinity,
TDS, Resistivity)
1 43,890.00
Total 5,00,043.00
8. 12.02.2015 Chemical 28,051.00
9. 21.09.2015 Chemical 1,950.00
10 13.02.2015 Glassware 40,070.00
Total 570,114.00
DBT - STAR COLLEGE SCHEME 2014-2015 & 2015-2016
S.NO PROGRAMME DATE REPORT
Students programme
1. Organic farming-Vivasaya Seva Sangam C.B.
Complex, Gandhi Bazar, Puliankudi- 627855
Annexed
2.
Value addition to Bio-waste
(Charcoal from coconut shell)
Nova Carbon SIPCOT,Gangaikondan, Tirunelveli
01.09.2015
Annexed
3. Training in Herbal Biotechnology
( Preparation of Herbal Drugs) 14.09.2015
Annexed
4. Training in Molecular Biology Techniques
16.09.2015 Annexed
5 Special lecture cum Training on
Cut flower production and Flower Arrangement
29.09.2015
Annexed
6. Post Harvest Biotechnological Techniques in
Preservation of Horticultural produce
23.09.2015
Annexed
7 Field Visit to Biodiversity Center AGASTHIARMALAI BIOSPHERE RESERVE KMTR,
PAPANASAM, Tirunelveli 06.09.2015
Annexed
Staff programme
1 Training in Advanced Molecular Biology Techniques 8&10.8.2015 Annexed
2 Training in Phase Contrast and Flourescent Microscopy 14.03.2015 Annexed
3 Training in preparation of visual and animated content
for teaching Biotechnology concepts 07.10.2015
Annexed
4 TBGRI AND THE WESTWERN GHATS 03.10.2015 Annexed
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY-STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT ON THE VISIT TO
NOVA CARBON FACTORY, GANGAIKONDAN
DATE: 01.09.2015
As part of the STAR College programme, the I B.Sc. students of our Department
visited Nova Carbon Factory located in SIPCOT, Gangaikondan. The objective of the visit is
to make the students understand the concept of value addition and also to learn how to use
waste materials and to convert it into something useful.
A team of 38 students and two staff members Dr. G. Sahaya Anthony Xavier and Dr.
C. Christopher Patrick visited the factory. The team was well received by the staff of Nova.
The staff and students were given a tour around the factory. Then the entire process of
receiving the coconut shell charcoal, it‟s cleaning, crushing, sorting and the process by which
the charcoal is converted into Activated Carbon was explained and demonstrated on site. The
use also of Activated Carbon in different industries like paints, water filters, explosives and
gold extraction was explained to the students.
After the tour of the factory was over, the students visited the lab where the different
steps of quality control were explained to them. The staff also demonstrated the experiments
by which they do the quality control. They were also told about industrial safety procedures
and the importance of keeping everything in its place and the need for cleanliness.
Once the visit to the laboratory was over, the HR manager spoke to the students about
the importance of goals and target setting and how the students should work hard to achieve
their dreams. They were also served a hot cup of tea with snacks. The group thanked the staff
of NOVA and thus the visit came to an end.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY- STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT ON THE WORKSHOP ON
HERBAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
DATE: 14.09.2015
The use of herbals for medicine is finding an ever increasing application in society
due to the awareness among the population. This is due to the realization that the
consumption of herbals does not have any side-effects when compared to the allopathic
medicines. The use of herbals, ayurvedic and siddha medicines also give ample opportunities
for botanists. From the identification of the herbals, to proper preparation of medicines and
development of new formulations, botanists can play an important part. Further, the
awareness that plants are such important medicines which cover the wide pharmacopoeia
required for humans will make the students of botany take to their studies with renewed
vigour.
A team from MedisiddhPharma Private Limited comprising of Dr. Benjamain Retna
Kumar, Botanist, Dr. Guru Manikandan, BSMS, Siddha Doctor and Mr. Vellaiappan,
Pharmacist visited our department on 14th
September, 2015. They brought with them a lot of
literature about the various medicines available in Siddha. All the medicines were herbals.
They also spoke to the students about the importance of practicing Siddha medicine and using
it. They demonstrated to the students how to prepare tablets, ointments and powders for
internal and external use. They also demonstrated all the products they had (over 100) to the
students and also distributed samples.
The workshop was as interesting and learning experience for most of the students.
Many of them had firsthand experience in preparing medicines in their lives. It also taught
them the value of Botany in preserving human health.
STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT ON THE WORKSHOP ON
POST HARVEST PRESERVATION OF HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
DATE: 29.09.2015
Horticulture is an important field of botany that is concerned with the cultivation of
fruits and vegetables. India is a country where the majority of its citizens are farmers. Indian
farmers produce a multitude of fruits and vegetables, both native and introduced. One of the
problems facing Indian farmers is the huge production of fruits and vegetables during the
“fruiting season” leading to rapid price drop and consequently a very poor price for the
farmers. On the other hand once the fruiting season is over, there is a non-availability of the
fruits in the markets.
Post-harvest preservation of fruits is an important area whereby fruits and vegetables
can be preserved for long term storage for processing as jams, jellies, pickles, marmalades,
squashes etc. It is one of the means of adding value to horticultural products and also
extending the availability and shelf life of the product.
To familiarize the students with post-harvest techniques, two teachers from Holy
Cross Home Science College, Tuticorin Ms. Karolin, J and Ms. K.P.KrishnaPriya were
invited as guest lecturers to demonstrate the different techniques.
The two teachers demonstrated a number of methods to prepare different items. The
items prepared include mixed fruit jam, green chilies pickle, tomato sauce, tomato ketchup,
grape squash, orange squash, garlic pickle etc. They also explained the proper method of
packaging the products to the students.
The entire one day programme was very much useful to the forty undergraduate
students of our department and other departments who took part in the training programme.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY DBT-STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT FOR THE STUDENTS TRAINING IN
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES
DATE: 16.09.2015
Biotechnology has rapidly emerged as an area of activity having a marked realized as
well as potential impact on virtually all domains of human welfare, ranging from food
processing, protecting the environment, to human health. As a result, it now plays a very
important role in employment, production and productivity, trade, economics and economy,
human health, and the quality of human life throughout the world. This is clearly reflected in
the emergence of numerous biotechnology companies throughout the world, including India.
The importance of biotechnology to human welfare would become obvious. For the
protection of human health, production of monoclonal antibodies, DNA and RNA probes (for
disease diagnosis), artificial vaccines (for inoculation), rare and highly valuable drugs, such
as, human interferon, insulin, etc. (for disease treatment), and the technology for gene therapy
(for treatment of genetic diseases) are some of the notable achievements (Medical
Biotechnology).
No other country in the world today has the unique set of advantages that India offers
for large-scale practice of biotechnology. We have one of the largest bio in the world. We
also have one of the largest coastlines anywhere. We have at least seven distinct climatic
zones and one of the largest and most varied sets of marine organisms anywhere. The
ambient temperature in most parts of the country is just what living organisms need for their
activities that result in a biotechnological product.
In this context the training workshop was organized on 16th
September, 2015,
„TRAINING IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES’. The principle of the
workshop was to know the knowledge of fundamental principles of molecular biology. The
participants were given demonstration and hands on experience in isolation of DNA, Gel
electrophoresis (separation of DNA), and DNA amplification by PCR using Thermo cycler.
The training workshop was attended by Ist and 2
nd year B.Sc. Botany students.
The general public should see biotechnology as a safe tool for scientific improvement,
because it helps in the fight against hunger and poverty. Therefore, research funding should
be allocated accordingly to long-term plant breeding programmes, which include
biotechnology as one of its tools. In this way, we may effectively face the serious challenge
of feeding the rapidly growing world population in the next millennium.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANYDBT-STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT FOR THE STUDENTS PROGRAMME-FIELD STUDY
AGASTHIARMALAI BIOSPHERE RESERVEKMTR, PAPANASAM, Tirunelveli
DATE: 06.09.2015
A field trip was arranged to Agasthiarmalai Biosphere Reserve KMTR,
Papanasam, Tirunelveli for the first and second year B.Sc., Botany students on 18.08.2015.
Sixty five students along with two teaching and one non teaching staff left the college
premises at about 8.30am in two vehicles. Our visit was mainly to visit KMTR Biosphere.
We reached the destination at 10.20am. We briefed the students to make use of this
opportunity to get to know as much as possible on the positive effects that Ecology plays in
our lives. We had also asked our students not to cause any damage to Environment by way of
throwing wastes particularly plastic wastes that is havoc to the nature.
Biological diversity is dynamic and undergoes rapid changes in response to biotic and
abiotic factors and continually evolves to survive in a fitting manner. Hence it is necessary to
record or bench mark the status and subsequently monitor the status in order to record, assess
and understand changes to biological diversity for purposes of its future management.
After the briefing we started off our field trip. Then we had a walk through the main
path enjoying the beauty of the forest ecosystem, the stream that was flowing by. As we were
going, the students were given input on the ill effects of soil erosion. The humus that is there
on the top is getting eroded due to various reasons. Students were told not to allow such a
thing to happen because that will lead to very rich soil along with the nutrients being depleted
and finally only barren rocks will be there. We also had to lose so much money that is spent
on enriching the soil. As we were going further, the students were shown the artificially
constructed water garden that had some flowers.
Then as we went we witnessed a temple amidst the forest. The elderly man who was
guiding us told that this God is a protector of the forest as well as all who enter here. Taking
note of that, the students were explained about Sacred Grooves. Our forefathers had the idea
of protecting the nature in the name of God. Nobody would dare to cause any damage to the
forest if they become aware of the presence of a temple amidst the forest. On the whole the
students were happy to learn something useful to their life.
Nature provides us the basic needs like food, shelter, clothes, etc. for our survival.We
use air, water, soil, minerals, coal, petroleum, animals, plants etc. in our daily life. But do we
ever think how long these precious materials of the nature will be available for our use. The
growing population, rapid industrialization and urbanization have created heavy demand on
all these materials. It is feared thatunless proper steps are taken to conserve them in time, we
will face tremendoushardship in future.
India is the 7th
largest country in the world and Asia's 2nd
largest nation with an area
of 3,287,263 sq. km. (329 million hectare) encompassing a varied landscapes rich in natural
resources. It has Himalayan ranges (28, 000 ft. from seal level) to the sea coasts (7, 500 Km),
Indian subcontinent has immense biological diversity in the world, owing to its vast
geographic area, varied topography and climate, and diverse bio-geographical
regions.Because of its richness in overall species diversity, India is recognized as one of
the19 mega diversity regions of the world and shares4 of the 34 global hotspots of
biodiversity. About 1.7 million species globally described and recorded in scientific
literature, India has about 1, 40,000 species.It ranks tenth in the world both in respect of
richness of flowering plants (17,926 spp.) and mammals (410 spp.). As on date 17,732
species of flowering plants have been recorded with very high intra-specific variability.
Forest ecosystem (23.57% of India‟s geographical area) is the dominant component of
vegetation in India. Besides important ecological functions, provides food, fodder, fuelwood,
timber, raw materials for industry, non - timber products, invaluable reserve of economically
important species and genetic resources.Forests are vital for hospitable planetary living
conditions for humans. The World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development
emphasizes crisply that “forests are fundamental to the maintenance of a habitable
biosphere, they conserve biological diversity, shield the earth’s landscapes from abrupt
changes, bring order to the flow and quality of water and help stabilize climate regionally
and globally.”
Tamil Nadu is endowed with unique bio diversity in the Western Ghats and Eastern
Ghats and pockets of Tropical Evergreens and Mangrove Wet lands. The total forest area of
the State is 22,865 sq. km, or 17.4 % of the total geographical area. But due to severe biotic
pressure more than 7000 sq. km of forests are in various stages of degradation.
While the recorded forest area has shrunk at one end, rapid degradations of the existing
forests have been witnessed at the other end. The sustained onslaught on virgin forest lands
has degraded the forest soils and destroyed natural regeneration of biodiversity.
Compounding these problems is relentless grazing, especially during monsoon seasons,
destroying the newly emerging regenerated seedlings. During the summer month forest fires,
both manmade and natural, wipe out the parched vegetation giving no chance for the forest
lands to survive. They are also threatened by climate change, the environmental factors and
human interaction.
Many plant species are threatened and endangered largely due to habitat loss and
population pressure apart from hunting and extraction. India stands out as one of the few
countries with high human populations as well as a high number of threatened species. It is
mainly due to environmental changes and deforestation there may be a lack of food and
water. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has calculated the
percentage of endangered species. Many nations have laws offering protection to
conservation of reliant species. Only a few of the many species at risk of extinction actually
make it to the lists and obtain legal protection. Many more species become extinct, or
potentially will become extinct, without gaining public notice.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY DBT-STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORTFOR THE STUDENTS PROGRAMME
SPECIAL LECTURE CUM TRAINING ON
CUT FLOWER PRODUCTION AND FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
DATE: 23.09.2015
India has a long tradition of floriculture. References to flowers and gardens are found
in ancient Sanskrit classics. The social and economic aspects of flower growing were,
however, recognized much later. The offering and exchange of flowers on all social
occasions, in places of worship and their use for adornment of hair by women and for home
decoration have become an integral part of human living. With changing life styles and
increased urban affluence, floriculture has assumed a definite commercial status in recent
times and during the past 2-3 decades particularly. Appreciation of the potential of
commercial floriculture has resulted in the blossoming of this field into a viable agri-business
option. Availability of natural resources like diverse agro-climatic conditions permit
production of a wide range of temperate and tropical flowers, almost all through the year in
some part of the country or other. Improved communication facilities have increased their
availability in every part of the country. The commercial activity of production and marketing
of floriculture products is also a source of gainful and quality employment to scores of
people.
Floriculture is expanding very fast as an industry world over and same is the case for
it in India. Floriculture has become a very popular commercial activity during last decade of
the outgoing millennium. The world trade data shows that the share of developing countries
amounts to more than 20% but Indian contribution in floriculture had not been more than
0.5% of the world transaction. Realizing the scope of earning more foreign exchange through
the sector, Govt. of India has declared floriculture as a high thrust area and announced several
policies in favour of the production of high quality flowers. This led to large investment in
this area and a large number of floriculture units based on green house technologies for the
export of their produce have been set up in the country. These developments had an effect on
the flower cultivation in the open field condition and thus significant growth in the
floriculture sector took place. Indian floriculture sector is now experiencing a change in terms
of technology of production, packaging and storage, varieties and qualities of product,
quantum of production and the marketing mechanism. The entrepreneur (the farmer) has been
found to play the crucial role in the innovative process so as to harness the benefits of the
quantum jump created in the market by the consumers. Entrepreneurs with farming expertise
have been striving to exploit this opportunity by setting up floriculture projects.
The growth in floriculture sector under open field condition was picked up in India by
the replacement of traditional food crops such as wheat and sugarcane by flower crops
marketed as cut flowers. The adoption of crop substitution and other changes brought in by
the new entrants has been acclaimed as the innovativeness of the entrepreneurs.
Indian flowers such as Roses, Orchids, Lilium, Carnations, and Anthurium have
received global recognition. Globalisation has offered great opportunities to Indian
floriculture. In this context a lecture cum training for the students to give awareness and
interest in cut flower production and flower arrangement.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY- STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT ON THE FACULTY TRAINING IN
ADVANCED MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES
DATE: 8th
&10th
.09.2015
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a common gram-negative soil borne bacteria causing
induction of „crown gall' and „hairy root' diseases. The bacteria naturally insert their genes
into the genome of higher plants. The studies on crown gall formation revealed that the
virulent strains of bacteria introduce a part of their genetic material into the infected cells
where it gets integrated randomly with the genetic material of the host cell. The bacterial
genes are able to replicate along with the plant genome and uses the machinery of plants to
express their genes in terms of the synthesis of a special class of compounds, called opines,
which the bacterium uses as nutrients for its growth but are useless to the host cells. In the
process, Agrobacterium causes plant tumors (gall formation) commonly seen near the
junction of the root and the stem and is called „crown gall disease'. A. tumefaciens attracted to
the wound site via chemotaxis, in response to chemicals (sugars and phenolic molecules)
released from the damaged plant cells. The disease afflicts a great range of dicotyledonous
plants, which constitute one of the major groups of flowering plants. Tumorous plant cells
were found to contain DNA of bacterial origin integrated in their genome. Furthermore, the
transferred DNA (named T-DNA) was originally part of a small molecule of DNA located
outside the chromosome of the bacterium. This DNA molecule was called Ti (tumor-
inducing) plasmid.
Bacterial plant pathogen found in the soil that results in tumorous growths and/or
roots to develop in infected plants. This infection is known as Crown Gall Disease. The
bacteria transfers a tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid located in a section of its DNA (known as T-
DNA) into the nucleus of an infected plant cell. The newly introduced Ti-plasmid is
incorporated into the plant genome and is consequently transcribed. The T-DNA that is
integrated into the plant genome contains cancer-causing oncogenic genes and genes that
synthesize opines which are excreted by infected Crown Gall cells and are a food source for
Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
While the genomics revolution has considerably expanded our understanding of plant
biology, and will continue at an ever increasing pace, we are only now starting to fully
appreciate the complexity of the challenges ahead, namely translating this knowledge into
added value in agriculture. The apparent paradox of plant biotechnology is that the resources
currently available for research – both public and private. Despite the apparent diversity of
applications of plant biotechnology around the world, the “grand” objectives of global
agriculture – improved yield and quality, sustainability and diversification of products – are
strikingly universal. The resources required for genomics and large scale biology
programmes often exceed the budgets of national funding agencies, including those of the
wealthier developed countries. Consequently, there is a rational and economic basis to start
reflecting on coordinating plant biotechnology research on a global scale, and for setting the
stage for a global long term strategy. The potential benefits of coordinating research
internationally are clearly illustrated by recent successful examples. For instance, the
International Solanaceous Genome Initiative – a grass roots academic initiative –secured the
funding for sequencing the tomato genome and for jump starting a global solanaceous
genome programme.
Another example is the European Technology Plat form “Plants for the Future” – a
joint academia-industry initiative. This initiative recently articulated a 20-year vision and a
strategic research agenda for plant biotechnology. First and foremost, a constructive dialogue
between scientists across all fields – model and crop species, disciplines, areas of biology and
fundamental and applied science – should result in a consensus on global research priorities
and goals. Second and equally important, a global strategy will undoubtedly contribute to
improve the perception of the importance and the impact of plant biotechnology.
Finally, a global strategy developed in truly participative manner offers the best
guarantee for the effective translation of their immense scientific knowledge that will be
accumulated in the coming decades across different plant species, between the developed and
the developing countries as well as into the agricultural practice. In conclusion, the present
workshop presents a unique opportunity to start articulating a global long term strategy in
Plant Biotechnology.
The training workshop was organized on 8th
and 10th
September, 2015. The training
workshop was attended by 20 Professors and Research Scholars.
The principle of the workshop was to know the knowledge of fundamental biological
principles of Agrobacterium mediated genes for genetic engineering purposes. The table
below summarizes the over view of the working schedule of the training programme.
Cleaning and sterilization of glasswares
Preparation of half strength MS medium
Sterilization of Medium LB broth nutrient medium
Preparation Sterilization of Medium
Inoculation of Agrobacterium strain to nutrient broth medium
Cleaning and sterilization of inoculation chamber
Isolation of Agrobacterium strain
Explants preparation
Transferring Agrobacterium strain to explant
Co- cultivation of explants
Staining of Agrobacterium mediated- explants.
After 3 days of dark incubation the Agrobacterium mediated tissues are washed and Co-
cultivated in to fresh half MS Medium.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT ON THE FACULTY VISIT TO TBGRI AND THE WESTWERN GHATS
DATE: 03.10.2015
As part of the STAR College programme, the Faculty (11 Staff) of our Department
visited Tropical Botanical garden located in Palode, Trivandrum and the environs of the
Thenmalai and adjacent areas of the western Ghats.
The objective of the visit is to make the students understand the concepts conservation
of the nature.
To be knowledgeable of the wonderful resources available to us
To make every effort to protect and conserve these resources in our own way
To inform and make other people aware of the importance of natural resources
To learn about other issues affecting our country and the world at large and learn to be
a responsible citizen
The staff were able understand the composition of the Western Ghats and the different
Vegetation types such as Dry scrub vegetation, Dry deciduous forests, Moist deciduous
forests, Semi evergreen forests, Evergreen forests, „Sholas‟ & Grasslands. We were able find
the following Genetic resources and germplasms of Pterocarpus marsupium, Terminalia
spp., Dalbergia latifolia, Garcinia spp., Cullenia spp., Poeciloneuron indicum, Olea dioica,
Hydnocarpus pendrandra, Knema attenuata, Artocarpus spp., Diospyrus spp., Calamus spp.,
Syzygium spp., Ternstromia, Meliosma, schefflera. Cereals & millets, legumes, tropical fruits,
spices & condiments; Panicum spp., Oryza coaractata, Atylosia spp., Vigna spp. Mangifera
indica, Piper spp. Cinnamomum spp., Curcuma spp., Elettaria cardamomum Myristica spp.,
Zingiber spp.
Some monotypic and endemic taxa we found during our visit of the Western Ghats
Species Family
Acrotrema arnotttianum Wight Dilleniaceae
Adenoon indicum Dalz. Asteraceae
Chandrasekharania keralensis Nair,Ramachandran & Sree
Kumar
Poaceae
Hubbardia hepaneuron Bor Poaceae
Indobanalia thyrsiflora (Moq.) Henry & B. Roy Amaranthaceae
Indopoa paupercula (Stapf) Bor Poaceae
Janakia arayalpathra Joseph & Chandrasekaran Asclepiadaceae
Kanjarum palghatense Ramamurthy Acanthaceae
Kingiodendron pinnatum (Roxb. ex Dc.) Leguminosae
Kunstleria keralensis Mohanan & Nair “do”
Lamprachaenium microcephalum (Dalz.)Benth. Asteraceae
Limnopoa meeboldii (Fischer) Hubb. Poaceae
Moullava spicata (Dalz.)Nicolson Leguminosae
Nanothamnus sericeus Thoms. Asteraceae
Otonephelium stipulaceum (Bedd.) Radlk. Sapindaceae
Paracautleya bhatii R.M.Smith Zingiberaceae
Polyzygus tuberosus Dalz. Apiaceae
Proteroceras holtumii Joseph & Vajravelu Orchidaceae
Pseudodichanthium serrafalcoides (Coke & Stapf) Bor Poaceae
Santapaua madurensis Balak. ex Subramanyan Acanthaceae
Seshagiria sahyadrica Ansari & Hemadri Asclepiadaceae
Silentvaleya nairii Nair & Bhargavan Poaceae
Solenocarpus indica Wight & Arn. Anacardiaceae
Trilobanche cookie (Stapf) Sch. ex Henr. Poaceae
Triplopogon romasissimus (Hack.) Bor Poaceae
Tropical Botanical garden is dedicated to preserve the various species of tropical
origin. We have visited the Herbarium, tissue culture laboratory, orchidarium and all
germplasm collections of economically valuable plants. The garden is very well maintained
and has very good collections of tropical species.
Through this visit, we learnt that we need to make the right choices to make a
difference. We learnt that if we choose to be ignorant, we will face consequences which will
impact our lives. India as country is blessed with rich natural resources. But from our
research on the usage of natural resources in our country, we found that the resources are
depleting every day. For example: Forest and arable land is being depleted due to
urbanization, overpopulation and overconsumption. Wild life resources are being lost due to
illegal poaching, hunting and industrialization.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY- STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT ON THE FACULTY TRAINING IN PREPARATION OF VISUVAL AND
ANIMATED CONTENT FOR TEACHING BIOTECHNOLOGYCONCEPTS
Today we need ICT for Enhancing learning and teaching. It is not only essential but
also the key skill for future work and life-long learning. ICT Bridges the gap between
ignorance and intelligence, building self-confidence (both teachers and students), reduce
stress.
Gadgets such as Computers, lap-tops Internet, mobile phones have become the part
and parcel of every individual. e – Learning – searching (search engines) through Wi-Fi
connections are the order of the day. Online libraries (e.g. Science direct.com,
wikepedia.com, scifinder.com, scopus.com and many) are at reach of the students. E-mail,
multimedia communications Articles submission through online (project proposals, even
copy right) Video and teleconferencing are common nowadays. ICT can help learning by
developing understanding. Speed and automatic functions of ICT can enable teachers to
demonstrate, explore or explain aspects of their teaching, and pupils' learning, more
effectively. Enhancing the development of ideas the information stored, processed and
presented using ICT allows work to be changed easily. eg. in using a word processor to edit
and refine writing. Enhancing the communication of ideas communicate with other people,
locally and over distances, easily and effectively present information in ways which are
accessible in different forms for different audiences. Extending access to sources can enable
teachers and students to gain access to historical, recent or immediate information,
thoroughly. Enhancing enquiry skills search for and compare information from different
sources. A document links books. Applications (GIS, Library, School Management, etc.)
Animation / Presentations Video, Audio streaming E-learning modules Forums, chat. Smart
Classrooms, Electronic Classroom and Multimedia Classrooms are very common in the 21st
Century.
The training enabled us to prepare e content using Power point animation,
Macromedia-Flash and windows movie maker and dream viewer software. The trainer was
able demonstrate all the software in a simple and lucid way for easy understanding. The
faculties are very confident in using these facilities for their regular teaching. The application
of the ICT Could be used for the Clarity of knowledge on their external and internal
structures using microscope, Biochemical composition of Cell, Tissue and Organism,
Physiology of cell, tissue and organism, Understanding the metabolic process, Keenness in
knowing the importance of water and minerals for the growth, Absorption and translocation
of water and minerals, Other important physiological processes, Understanding the intricacies
of heredity, inheritance and variation, Theories of evolution, Natural selection and survival of
the species, Concepts on the origin of new species, Variations out breeding, isolation, and the
role of environment Hybridization and Crop improvement for our needs / requirements,
Breeding and rearing of animals for milk meat and egg and their products, Antigens and
Immunization, Discovery of Antibiotics and their isolation, from microbes, Medicines from
plants and animals, COMPONENTS of ECOSYSTEM -Biotic and Abiotic – Interlinked - food
chain and food web environment and plant, environment and animals environment and
microbes, climatic changes, impact of climatic change, manmade pollution.
DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY- STAR COLLEGE PROGRAMME
REPORT ON THE FACULTY TRAINING IN PHASE CONTRAST MICROSCOPY
A special training in Phase Contrast Microscopy for faculty was held on 14th
March, 2015 in Botany department. Mr. Gowrishanker and Mr.Maruthu Pandian Department
of Biotechnology, Alagappa University, Karaikudi were the resource persons for programme.
They gave wonderful training on Phase Contrast Microscopy. Twenty participants from the
Botany and Zoology departments were the participants.
The term 'fluorescence' was coined Gabriel Stokes in his 1852 paper; the name was
suggested "to denote the general appearance of a solution of sulphate of quinine and similar
media". The name itself was derived from the mineral fluorite (calcium difluoride), some
examples of which contain traces of divalent europium, which serves as the fluorescent
activator to provide a blue fluorescent emission. The fluorite which provoked the observation
originally, and which remains one of the most outstanding examples of the phenomenon,
originated from the Weardale region, of northern England.
It is an optical-microscopy technique that converts phase shifts in light passing
through a transparent specimen to brightness changes in the image. It is a type of
light microscopy that enhances contrasts of transparent and colorless objects by influencing
the optical path of light. It was used for examining specimens as biological tissues such as
micro-organisms, thin tissue slices, living cells in culture, latex dispersions, lithographic
patterns, glass fragments, and sub-cellular particles, like nuclei and organelles, can be viewed
in detail. In cases where high magnifications are needed, and the specimen is colorless or the
color of the fine details of the specimen does not show up well, the phase-contrast
microscope is the ideal choice. A clear detail of the amoebae was seen via a phase-contrast
microscope.
The participants were able to learn the following about fluorescence microscopy
Basics about fluorescence
Fluorescent dyes and staining procedures
Fluorescent microscopy
Advanced applications
