Higher Basidiomycetes Fungi from Nilgiri and Kodaikanal area from Southern Hills and their Significance in Crop Protection
Organizers |
Faculty of Agriculture, Allied Sciences and Technology |
Email Address |
jrp08@ganpatuniversity.ac.in |
Participants |
128 |
Contact No. |
(M): +91 - 9574390955 |
Start Date |
16/04/2024 11:32 AM |
End Date |
16/04/2024 04:32 PM |
Venue |
Kantaben Kashiram Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Research |
Social Media Share |
Description
Faculty of Agriculture, Allied Sciences and Technology at Ganpat University organized an expert talk session, featuring a prominent discussion on the topic "Higher Basidiomycetes Fungi from Nilgiri and Kodaikanal area from Southern Hills and their Significance in Crop Protection." This enlightening session was held on April 16, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, drawing the attention of scholars, researchers, and students interested in mycology and plant pathology.
The event was convened by Dr. Maurvi Vasavada, Associate Executive Dean of the Faculty, and coordinated by Dr. Jasmee Patel, Dr. Deepak Sharma, and Dr. Dhaval Dwivedi. Dr. Deepak Sharma opened the session by providing an overview of the initiatives of the institute and the vision of Ganpat University, setting a welcoming tone for the participants and introducing the esteemed guest, Dr. P. Nallathambi, Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology) at the ICAR - Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
Dr. Nallathambi elaborated on the diversity of mushrooms exhibiting antifungal traits, presenting a range from common edibles to less known species, each with unique bioactive properties. The discussion included information about Amanita muscaria (fly agaric), known for its iconic appearance and psychoactive properties, along with its cultural significance and biological roles in the ecosystem. Highlighting the traditional knowledge, Dr. Nallathambi shared his research on the use of mushrooms by the Hill tribes of the Nilgiris, demonstrating how indigenous practices can inform modern scientific approaches in sustainable agriculture. The talk also included an overview of 'Myco molecules'—bioactive compounds derived from fungi that show promise in controlling plant diseases. Dr. Nallathambi discussed the potential of these molecules in revolutionizing crop protection strategies, advocating for further research and application.
In addition to the topics already covered, Dr. Nallathambi discussed about the production of crude forms of biomolecules by selected species of mushroom fungi indigenous to the Nilgiri Hills. He highlighted the process by which these mushrooms are cultured and the subsequent extraction methods used to isolate biomolecules in their crude form. These biomolecules include a variety of enzymes, polysaccharides, and secondary metabolites which have potential applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology. The focus was on how the unique biodiversity of the Nilgiri ecosystem contributes to the distinct properties of these biomolecules, making them a valuable resource for research and application in various fields.
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