National Conference in PU Botany Department

Chandigarh, October 28, 2014: Two-day National Conference on “Recent Trends in Plant Sciences with Special Reference to Physiology and Mycology” started today at the Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh.
The prestigious National Conference, being organised by the PU Botany Department, was inaugurated today by Director General, CSIR, New Delhi Dr. P.S. Ahuja along with NASI Senior Scientist, Emeritus Professor, Department of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad Prof. C. Manoharachary. Director, IMTECH Dr. Girish Sahni. The function was presided over by the PU Dean University Instruction (DUI), Prof. A.K. Bhandari.
Addressing the inaugural function, Dr. Ahuja highlighted the use of algae and fungi in different fields of biological sciences. The significance of microbes in day-to-day life and in advanced scientific studies was also focused. The role of endophytes in the treatment of cancer has also been explained. The use of micro-organisms in bio-control, bio-fertilizer and biopesticides was also discussed. Further, he stressed upon the field Botany along with the advanced botanical sciences.
Director, IMTECH Dr. Girish Sahni said that there are great opportunities to do research and uncover the truths of nature. PU DUI Prof. A.K. Bhandari in his presidential remarks praised the Botany Department, faculty, research scholars, students and staff for holding a regular subject related conferences at regular intervals. PU Dean Science Faculty, Prof. Rupinder Tewari encouraged the participants to be more research oriented.
In the post tea session, Prof. C. Manoharachari spoke about the biodiversity and its conservation with specific reference to endophytes and their exploitation. Then, Prof.T.N. Lakhanpal talked about Mushroom diversity and applications. In the afternoon session, Prof. R.C. Gupta delivered his talk on Cytological diversity and another prominent lecture was by Prof. J.I.S. Khattar on Diversity of Cyanobacteria in Cold Deserts.
In the next session, the participants presented their oral presentations and posters on different themes of the Conference. At the end of the day, former Chairperson of the department Prof. I.S. Dua delivered a popular lecture entitled “The Homage to the Two Genes waiting for others to revolutionise our Farms”. This lecture was followed by the presentation of “Birbal Sahni Centenary Medal-cum-Birbal Savitri Sahni Honour” to Prof.I.B. Prasher by Dr. S.C. Srivastava, Secretary-Convener of the Birbal Savitri Sahni Memorial Museum, Lucknow.
(SK Vyas/Jalandhar)
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