Ranchi, Oct 14 Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) Vice-Chancellor Dr SC Dubey on Wednesday inaugurated a molecular laboratory at the institute’s department of plant pathology to improve plant disease diagnosis and provide hands-on training to students and researchers.
The VC said, “The laboratory has been developed to promote hands-on training in molecular techniques related to plant pathology and facilitate precise detection and diagnosis of plant diseases. This state-of-the-art facility will strengthen molecular research, improve plant disease diagnosis and provide advanced practical training to postgraduate and PhD students, researchers and faculty members.”
The facility will provide researchers and students opportunities to undertake advanced investigations into plant pathogens and disease development, he said.
The laboratory is equipped with a spectrophotometer, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system, gel documentation system, electrophoresis apparatus, refrigerated centrifuge, deep freezer and NanoDrop instrument, the university said in a statement.
These facilities will support a range of molecular biology and plant pathology applications, including the analysis of biological samples, amplification and examination of genetic material, and the identification of disease-causing organisms, it added.
Dr HC Lal, head of the department of plant pathology, said the laboratory will focus on identifying and characterising plant pathogens using molecular techniques, particularly those responsible for diseases in important agricultural and horticultural crops.
“These studies will help improve disease diagnosis and support the development of effective and affordable disease management practices suited to local farming conditions,” he added.
(PTI News)
