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Biotechnology Wing

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Biotechnology Wing

Plant Tissue Culture Technology Facility at the biotechnology wing of the ICCBS is dealing with the mass production of plants under aseptic environment by employing artificial growing conditions in glass i.e. in-vitro. This important technology is based on the principle that production of genetically modified plants is only possible if the target species have a successful and efficient regeneration system. The technique is playing an important role in in-vitro propagation of disease-free plants, and unmatched speedy multiplication of endangered species, as well as species which are difficult to regenerate.

Dedicated team efforts made this section as one of the largest producers of Orchids in Pakistan. Currently, the section is working on the propagation of more than 16 varieties of orchids (A beautiful ornamental plant), and other ornamental plants.

Profile

Plant Tissue Culture Technology is a basic and most important technology in newly emerging Plant Biotechnology Science, based on the idea that production of genetically modified plants are only possible if the target species has a successful and efficient regeneration system under In-vitro condition.

The whole success of modern Plant Biotechnology is attributed to this very important technology, which plays an important role in In-vitro propagation of disease free plants and multiplying with unmatched speed of endangered plant species as well as species difficult to regenerate.

Keeping in view its utmost importance, Biotechnology wing was established at H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry in 1998 with the special interest of Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman F.R.S. and Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary.

Facilities

PLANT TISSUE CULTURE:

The biotechnology division is well equipped with basic instruments such as Laminar flow cabinets, Culture rooms, Growth rooms with automated temperature and light controllers, Media preparation room, Sterilization and Washing area and Green & Glass houses fitted with automated temperature controller along with well-organized irrigation system in addition to experimental fields.

GENETIC ENGINEERING AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY:

Gradient Thermal Cycler for PCR reactions, Gel documentation system, Horizontal and Vertical Electrophoresis Units, Blotting Systems, Refrigerated and Normal Centrifuges, Electroporator, Sonicator, Spectrophotometer, Freeze Dryer, Water Bath, Analytical and Top Loading Balances, Magnetic Stirrers, pH Meter with TDS electrodes, Water Purification System and other essential facilities are present in this laboratory.

BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY:

It includes plant cell culture, bioreactor,roller and platform gyratory shakers, chromatographic techniques (TLC, CC) machines, Distillation unit, Rotary evaporators, and HPLC.

PLANT PATHOGENS DETECTION

ELISA and PCR-based virus detection test has been established in this section for indexing banana plants against the Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), a major threat for the banana-growing farmers.

Literature

In addition to the main Institution Library, the section has a small library containing important books and journals and related reading material for ready references of students, and first hand knowledge for scientific and technical personnel.

Working Disciplines

Plant tissue culture
Biosynthesis
Plant metabolomics
Genetic engineering and DNA fingerprinting
Hydroponics
Floriculture

Current Ph.D. Projects

Assessment of genetic diversity in several Aloe species and tissue culture (in vitro) some endangered aloe species.

Projects

Orchids propagation
Orchids floricultures
Micro-propagation and conservation of endangered plants
Sino hybrid rice project
Cultivation of cherry tomatoes, chili and cucumber in hydroponics system

HYBRID RICE SEED PRODUCTION PROJECT :

Collaboration with China National Rice Research Institute and International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences University of Karachi.

Objectives:

To evaluate the morphological characteristics of hybrid rice seeds provided by CNRRI.
To test adaptability of hybrid rice seeds.
To evaluate yield performance of Hybrid rice seeds.

Projects in Progress

Propagation of orchids for indigenous floriculture industry
Commercial scale cultivation of horticulture crops in hydroponics
Cultivation of medicinal plants for enhanced and consistent production of medicinal compounds
Molecular characterization and abiotic stress tolerance studies in different rice (Oryza Sativa L.) varieties
Tissue culture and in-vitro micro propagation of medicinally important plants

Consultancy and Training

Consultancy on various aspects of Agriculture and more specifically on Horticulture is available, This includes:

Establishment of hydroponics.
Establishment of floriculture industry.
Establishment of tissue culture labs.
Disease indexing of banana bunchy top virus through ELISA and PCR.
Physiological disorders and various insect pest controlling in ornamental plants.

We also provide trainings on following:

Plant Tissue Culture
Agro-business
Gardening

Contact

Person: Dr. Sammer Yousuf

Tel: +92-21-111-222-292 Ext-112
Email: dr.sammer.yousuf@gmail.com
Address: Biotechnology Wing, H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International
Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences,University of Karachi, Karachi-75270,

Pakistan