ICAR – Sponsored Short Course On Techniques in Insect Molecular Biology & Toxicology
ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI) is a 104 yearsold research institute. It is one of the premier research institutes of the ICAR shouldering the responsibility of enhancing the yield and quality of sugarcane through cutting-edge technologies.
The background
Insect Molecular Biology is gaining momentum and Insecticide Toxicology is gradually losing its fame. Insecticide Toxicology, which was once considered as an outstanding branch in the discipline of Agricultural Entomology, has been significantly ignored over the past 10-15 years and the specialization in Insecticide Toxicology at Ph.D. level has been phased out even in some of the reputed SAUs. As a consequence, Entomologists with adequate knowledge and skill in Insecticide Toxicology are at present very few in numbers in the country. Further, an Entomologist cannot be a master of all branches of Agricultural Entomology viz., Insecticide Toxicology, Insect Molecular Biology, Taxonomy, Insect Physiology, Biological Control, Chemical Ecology, Host Plant Resistance etc. Besides, world-class laboratories with high-end instruments, which are often beyond the reach of many Entomologists, are in
evitable to develop expertise in both Insecticide Toxicology and Insect Molecular Biology. Despite the hurdles, it is imperative to develop human resources in Insecticide Toxicology, the science, which is in real crisis, to address the issues of insecticide resistance and residues in agricultural, environmental and food matrices. Although Insect Molecular Biology is at its rapid pace in the developed countries, it is still in infancy in India. It is necessary to impart hands-on training on Insect Molecular Biology as it has wide range of practical utility in Agricultural Entomology starting from Taxonomy to IPM. Molecular Taxonomy, based on DNA barcoding approach, is gradually emerging as a separate branch in Agricultural Entomology for unambiguous identification of species. The approaches like RNAi-mediated silencing of novel genes in insects are paving the way for cost-effective and environmentally benign methods of managing the key and cryptic pests in economically important crops. Considering the growing and dying phases of the two major branches of Agricultural Entomology as detailed above, the need for capacity building in Insect Molecular Biology and Toxicology has been felt.Objective : To impart hands-on training on instrumentation and novel methods involved in Insect Molecular Biology and Insecticide Toxicology.
Course content
The topics listed hereunder will be discussed in detail by the highly competent scientists of the NARS (National Agricultural Research System) with greater emphasis on practicals than their respective theoretical aspects:
- Theory and practice of generating DNA barcodes for insects
- Cloning and characterizing the ‘Folmer Region’ of COI gene from insects
- Detection of insecticide resistance by different methods
- Simple and reliable techniques for identifying the mechanisms of insecticide resistance
- Development of simple, effective and cost-effective IRM packages
- Sample preparation methods in pesticide residue analysis
- Determination of pesticide residues in agricultural, environmental and food matrices using HPLC
- Quantification of insecticide residues in GC with appropriate detectors viz., MS, ECD and FPD
- Isolation and characterization of novel Bacillus thuringiensis strains from environmental samples
- Cry protein purification and characterization
- Molecular characterization of entomopathogenic nematodes
Who can participate?
The applicant should possess a Master Degree in Agricultural Entomology/Zoology/related disciplines and he/she should be in service (not below the rank of Scientist/Assistant Professor) in the ICAR/SAU/CU/ Colleges recognized by the ICAR for the award of fellowships. The number of participants will be restricted to the maximum of 25.
Location and the weather
ICAR-SBI is located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The city is well-connected by rail and road. The Institute is located just 7 km away from the railway station. Coimbatore is known for its pleasant climate throughout the year across the seasons and during September, in particular.
How to apply?
Interested candidates are requested to apply through the online portal of the Council available at cbp.icar.gov.in and the guidelines for online submission of the application form may be found at http://cbp.icar.gov.in/applyDetails.aspx of the CBP (Capacity Building Program) vortal of the Council. The candidates are instructed to strictly adhere to the guidelines of CBP of the ICAR. No application will be entertained when submitted directly to the Director of the Institute/Course Director. The application form duly approved by the competent authority of the Institute/University may be uploaded in the CBP vortal on or before August 16, 2016. A copy of the same may also be emailed to [email protected]. The list of selected candidates will be uploaded in the home page of CBP vortal (http://cbp.icar.gov.in/SelectedPar_SC.aspx) and ICAR-SBI (www.sugarcane.res.in) latest by August 19, 2016. The selected candidates are advised to reply immediately through e-mail/fax and confirm their participation on or before August 23, 2016.
Duration
The duration of the short course is 10 days. It commences on September 07, 2016 and ends on September 16, 2016. The participants are expected to reach ICAR-SBI latest by September 06, 2016 and may leave the Institute on September 16, 2016 (after 18 h).
Travel and accommodation
TA will be paid for the shortest possible route restricted to the maximum of AC-III tier train fare upon submission of a copy of the tickets. Air fare will not be reimbursed. Free boarding and lodging will be provided at the Scientists’ Home of ICAR-SBI as per the norms and operational guidelines of the ICAR.
Important dates
- Last date for receipt of applications : 16.08.2016
- Intimation of selection : 19.08.2016
- Confirmation by participants : 23.08.2016
CONTACT DETAILS
All correspondence should be addressed to Dr. BAKSHI RAM DIRECTOR ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Coimbatore – 641 007 Phone: 0422-2472621; Fax: 0422-2472923 E-mail: [email protected]
OR Dr. T. Ramasubramanian Senior Scientist & Course Director ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Coimbatore – 641 007 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Mobile No.: 09442912010
