TNAU conducts hands-on training on 'Plant Tissue Culture Techniques' in its Coimbatore campus

Coimbatore: The hands-on training on 'Plant Tissue Culture Techniques' was organized from June 5-9 at the Department of Plant Biotechnology, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. 

A total of 32 participants had registered for the training and 30 participants took part in the five-day training program. 

The training program included a series of lectures and hands-on sessions. 

20 percent and 80 percent of the time was allotted to lectures and hands-on sessions, respectively.

The training program was inaugurated by Dr. R Ravikesvan, Director (CPBG), TNAU, Coimbatore who also delivered the inaugural address. Dr. N Senthil, Director and Dean (SPGS) and Dr. D Sudhakar, Professor and Head (Plant Biotechnology) were also present during the inaugural session. The first day of the training started off with a lecture on 'Plant Tissue Culture' by Dr. R Gnanam, Professor and Head (Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics).

Tissue culture experts namely Dr. A Suganya, Principal Scientist and Dr. Rekha R Warrier, Scientist – F from the ICAR-SBI and IFGTB, respectively, spoke on tissue culture in sugarcane and timer trees. The hands-on sessions included Basic Calculations, Preparation of Stock Solutions and media for different tissue culture methods, shoot tip culture in banana, Nodal culture in rose, Callus culture in Periwinkle, Embryo culture in coconut and few pulse crops. The participants were entrusted with preparation of stock solutions and media preparation for different tissue culture techniques. They carried out inoculation of different explants with their own media prepared during the first two days of the training.

The valedictory session was held on June 9 with Dr. E Somasundaram, Director (ABD), TNAU, Coimbatore gracing the event as Chief Guest. Participants were requested to provide candid feedback on the training program, followed by the distribution of participation certificates.