News
Leveraging Somatic Hybridization for Plant Tissue Culture Advancements
04 Sep 2023
Introduction:
An insightful expert lecture on "Somatic Hybridization" was recently held at Rama University, Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur, organized by the Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Dr. Vibha Pandey, a distinguished women scientist from CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, graced the event as the guest speaker. In this report, we delve into the key takeaways from this enlightening session, shedding light on the significance, applications, and limitations of somatic hybridization in the realm of plant tissue culture.
Understanding Somatic Hybridization:
Dr. Pandey commenced her lecture by elucidating the fundamental concepts of somatic hybridization. She outlined the various methods used for protoplast isolation, protoplast fusion, and the critical process of selecting hybrid cells. Emphasis was placed on the selection process, utilizing complementation, visualization, and auxotrophic nutrition methods, as well as the vital viability analysis of somatic hybrid cells.
Applications of Somatic Hybridization:
The lecture further delved into the myriad applications of somatic hybridization, including the development of disease-resistant and environmentally tolerant plant varieties, as well as cytoplasmic male sterility. Dr. Pandey highlighted the advantages of somatic hybridization, making gene study and function analysis more accessible, thanks to the unique nuclear-cytoplasmic combinations achieved through protoplast fusion. The discussion also touched upon the importance of cybrid production in crop improvement.
Commercialization and Plant Tissue Culture in India:
Dr. Pandey shared her insights on the commercialization of plant tissue culture in India, emphasizing the impact of somatic hybridization. She briefly explained the commercialized crops that have been successfully developed using this technique, showcasing its real-world applications and economic potential.
Beneficiaries and Knowledge Enrichment:
Approximately 53 students and all faculty members of the Department of Biotechnology were in attendance, benefiting significantly from the lecture. The event provided a platform for students to engage in discussions with the esteemed speaker, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Acknowledgments:
The success of this event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, Engineering & Technology, who meticulously planned and guided the students. Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, expertly convened the event.
Conclusion:
The expert lecture on somatic hybridization opened new horizons in the field of plant tissue culture, offering students and faculty members a valuable opportunity to expand their knowledge beyond textbooks. Dr. Vibha Pandey's insights into the applications and advancements in micropropagation techniques left a lasting impact on all attendees, paving the way for further exploration in this dynamic field.
