National Conference on “Genomics and Genetic Engineering Strategies for Crop Improvement” organized by Periyar University

National Conference on
“Genomics and Genetic Engineering Strategies for Crop Improvement”
27 & 28 February 2012
Organized by
Periyar University, Salem

Background :
Genomics and genetic engineering research promises to promote continued and enhanced genetic improvement of biological organisms rapidly in the past few years. The recent advances in genomics and genetic engineering research with conventional practices have created the foundation for development of genetically engineered organisms, DNA/molecular markers, and biological synthesis of nanodrugs an interdisciplinary science that is revolutionizing 21st century crop improvement programmes.

Tissue culture techniques are part of a large group of strategies and technologies, ranging through molecular genetics, recombinant DNA studies, genome characterization, gene-transfer techniques, RNAi techniques and aseptic growth of cells, tissues, organs, and in vitro regeneration of plants that are considered to be biotechnologies for crop improvement. The introduction of combinations of different beneficial genes into an elite variety through the transgenic approach is also likely to provide an important direction in crop improvement.

Because stress conditions, such as salinity and drought, vary depending on local climates and geographical features, the fine tuning of gene activities will be required for practical application in each area. Transgenes or marker-assisted selection may assist in the development of high yielding crops, which will be needed to feed the world population of the next millennium. Genome sequencing projects are providing novel approaches for identifying plant/marine organism biosynthetic genes of nutritional importance. Plant and marine foods provide almost all essential vitamins and minerals and a number of other health-promoting phytochemicals. Because micronutrient concentrations are often low in staple crops, research is under way to understand and manipulate synthesis of micronutrients in order to improve crops and marine organism’s nutritional quality. The term nutritional genomics is used to describe work at the interface of Biochemistry, genomics, and human nutrition. Nanobiotechnology is having an impact on several aspects of the food industry, from how food is grown to how it is packaged. Companies are developing nanomaterials that will make a difference not only in the taste of food, but also in food safety, and the health benefits food delivers. Genetic engineering offers significant potential for improved seed and food quality, pharmaceutical products and nanodrugs. Transgenomics is a program that focuses on developing novel traits and agriculturally relevant characteristics where novel phenotypes are generated through changes in gene regulation. This conference provides a recent genomic tools and novel genetic engineering strategies in different views and ideas from different aspects for crop improvement.

Purpose of the Conference :
An innovative step taken by the Department of Biotechnology is to make the learners to understand the modern genomics and genetic engineering strategies for crop improvement. In recent years, advances in genomics and genetic engineering technology have greatly enhanced our understanding of structural and functional aspects of genomes but at the same time have challenged us with many compelling avenues of investigation. The main goal of this conference is to create awareness on the recent trends and developments in this particular field. Both the researchers and students will get feedback from different scientific community about their research work. By attending other sessions they will come to know about what scientists are doing in this domain and current state of the art technology. Hopefully, academicians and scientists from various universities as well as research institutions across the country will participate and exchange their meaningful research outcomes and share their views on aforesaid theme.

Themes/Topics :
1. Plant Tissue culture & Genetic manipulation
2. DNA & Molecular marker assisted selection
3. Genetic Engineering & molecular biology
4. Agricultural, Food & Marine Biotechnology
5. Nanobiotechnology

Registration Fees :
The registration fee can be paid in the form of bank draft drawn in favour of “The Organizing Secretary” and can be sent to Dr.P.Venkatachalam, Organizing Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Salem-636 011, Tamil Nadu, along with filled-in registration form and abstract before the deadline. Registration fee covers attendance for all the technical sessions, conference kit, working lunch and high tea.

  • For Students/Scholars : Rs.500/-
  • For Faculty/Scientists : Rs.1000/-
  • For the Spot Registration : Rs. 1250/-

Important Dates :

  • Submission of Abstracts/Papers : 27th January 2012
  • Last Date for Registration Fee : 27th January 2012
  • Notification of Acceptance of papers : 30th January 2012

Deadline : 27.01.12

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