BGSB University’s Biotech deptt holds national webinar on molecular approaches

Rajouri:A one-day National Webinar on “Molecular Approaches for Crop Improvement” was organized on 23rd August 2021 by the Department of Biotechnology, BGSB University, Rajouri. The target participants included faculty members, research scholars, and PG students from various institutes across the country.
Prof. Akbar Masood, Vice-Chancellor BGSB University in his message highlighted the significant developments in crop improvement, which will be helpful to researchers and students in getting familiar with the latest molecular technologies being used in this field and, in turn, will help to envisage bioprospecting strategies for long-term agro-economic welfare of this geographically important region. Genomics has become a game-changer in healthcare and agriculture. Using traditional methods in tandem with modern genomic tools could contribute greatly to improving food security while keeping the environment safe, he said.
Prof Shailendra Goel, Department of Botany, University of Delhi presented an extensive talk on “Genetics in the era of Genomics: Applications in safflower”. During his talk, he elaborated on the role of genetics and genomics for the improvement of safflower germplasm collected across the world. He also emphasized the role of molecular markers for crop improvement. This was followed by the presentation of Dr. Jitendra Kumar Thakur, ICGEB, New Delhi. He enlightened the participants about “Structure and function of plant mediator complex”. During his presentation, he emphatically explained the role of the mediator complex as a converging point for multigenic traits in plants, especially in rice. He also highlighted the role of genomics and proteomics for crop improvement. Both the lectures were followed by question answer session.
Prof. Iqbal Parwez, Dean, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology in his message, stressed the relevance of the topic for discussion as the Rajouri region of the Pir Panjal Himalaya has a rich diversity of important crop plants. The program started with an inaugural lecture by Dr. Tanvir Ul Hassan Dar, Coordinator, Department of Biotechnology, BGSB Uni