A certificate course in Mushroom cultivation was organised by the Department of Plant Pathology, TamilNadu Agricultural University, and Coimbatore- 641003 on the following dates 25.10.2009, 8.11.09, 6.12.09 and 20.12.09. The students of III BSc Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology (14 students) along with one staff member (Mrs S. Rajeswari, Associate Professor in Botany) attended the certificate course.
An industrial visit to Acme Marine products, Veeracholapuram, Kangayam, Erode District was organized by the Department of Plant biology and Plant Biotechnology Coimbatore- 641014 on 16.02.10. The students of III, II, and I B.Sc Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology students along with three staff members (Mrs S. Rajeswari, Associate Professor in Botany, Dr N Rajaram, Associate Professor in Botany, Dr KK Vijaya Kumar) attended the programme. The Director of the company Mr.Pragalanathan M.Sc., who is an alumnus of our college explained the various stages in the production of Agar-Agar. First we visited the Godown of the industry were the see weeds were stored. The sea weeds such as Gracilaria, Gelidiellia etc., which were collected from the sea shores of Kilakarai and Rameswaram were dried and stored. The sea weeds imported from Srilanka and Indonesia were also utilized in the production of Agar agar. The students were very much involved in the practical sessions in the industry. On the whole the program was very useful for the students.
A guest lecture on "CAREER IN BOTANICAL ENTERPRISES" was organized by the Department of Plant biology and Plant Biotechnology Coimbatore- 641014 on 19.02.10. The students of III, II, and I B.Sc Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology along with staff members attended the programme. Dr.M.Maruthamalai Murugan, Director, 18 Herbs Organic Lab Private Limited was the chief guest of the day. He explained the various botanical enterprise opportunities to the students. The main attraction was about the jungle jewels. The collection of different seeds and preservation mechanism and making of jewels was explained with the help of a Power point presentation. He also demonstrated the use of Luffa fruits in making attractive pot paintings for decorations. Further, he explained the various plant based products such as soaps, oils, guar gum, gum acacia etc. The Guest lecture encouraged the students to become future entrepreneurs. The students were very much involved in the lecture cum demonstration sessions. On the whole the program was very useful for the students.
A work shop cum training Programme on “PHYCOCOLLOIDS” entitled “Utilization of Marine Algae for the Commercial Production of Agar Agar and Carrageenan” was organised by the Department of Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology along with Pinnacle Biosciences, Kanyakumari on the following dates 27.01.2010 to 30.01.2010. The students of I B.Sc, II B.Sc and III B.Sc Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology along with the staff members attended the training programme. A manual on PHYCOCOLLOIDS was released. Then the session was taken by Mr. Aadhi Visvanathan, General Manager, Pinnacle Biosciences, Kanyakumari and Jeffy Austin, Technical officer, Pinnacle Biosciences, Kanyakumari. The collection of marine algae was done at Oolakuda area in Rameswaram. The algal species such as Gracilaria grassis, Sargassam, Ulva, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Hypnea, Acanthophora, Caulerpa recemosa, Dictyota, Turbinaria, Padina, Polysiponia, Ketophora, etc were collected in bottles.
A five day field visit programme was organized for the III B.Sc. Botany students (18 Nos.) from 21st to 25th September 2010 to Trivandramm, Ariyankavu, KMTR- Mundanthurai and Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Gardens and Research institute (TBGRI). Two staff members Dr. N. Rajaram and Dr. K.K. Vijayakumar accompanied the students and guided them. The students learned the medicinal uses of rare plants in the herbal therapy and saw a variety of plants from medicinal plants nursery and gardens. The garden is a consortium of variety of Horticultural plants, Orchidarium, Bambusitum, Arboritum, Palmateum. Here tenths and thousands of rare germplasm materials collected from different parts of the globe are conserved. They also had hands on training in nursery techniques In this programme students have been trained in budding, grafting, cuttings, layering and air layering. Apart from these raring of plantation crop, seedling in the greenhouse and partial shade net houses were also explained. In this training programme they acquired knowledge on more than 35 Horticultural (ornamental) and plantation crops.
The programme was inaugurated by the Vice chancellor of Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. He spoke on the importance of medicinal crops in Indian scenario. He also emphasized on the importance of export potential of Senna, Gloriosa superba, Vinca rosea etc. Then, various scientists addressed the gathering. Dr Indira Balachandran,Dr Pani from Ayurvedic Park spoke on Biodiversity Hot Spots. Later Dr Rathinam emphasized the importance of NONI which is rich in more than 150 neutraceuticals. Industrial persons from NGP Marketing Survey Salem, India Herbs, Sivakasi, Sanjeevini Herbals, Salem participated in the discussions. Later NABARD Bank, Mumbai Assistant General Manager (AGM) explained various schemes and the subsidies given to the farmers. On the second day, participants were taken to the nursery of medicinal plants maintained by The Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Tamilnadu Agricultural University. Some of the plants maintained were Phyllanthus amarus, Coleus forskoli, Glorisa superba, Ocimum sanctum etc.
The programme was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of Bharathiar University. He spoke on the importance of Bioinformatics in day today life. He also emphasized on the importance of drug designing and the job opportunities for the students in India and abroad. The inauguration was followed by guest lecture by Dr. Debnath Pal, Scientist, Super-Computer Education and Research Center, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore who emphasized the relevance of protein modeling in current scenario. He also delivered in his speech about the protein-protein interactions. This lecture was followed by Dr.D.Velmurugan, Director, Center for Advanced Study in Crystallography and Biophysics, University of Madras, Chennai. He spoke on the drug designing for different viral infections such as AIDS, SARS etc., using the drug molecules from Cambridge University drug bank. It was very informative talk for the students. In the afternoon session, Dr.P.Gautam, Professor, Center for Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, gave a lecture on Docking studies and its relevance in designing the drug. This was followed by oral paper presentations from various institutions.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof.V.Pandiarajan, Head, Department of Botany. He spoke on the importance of algal Biomass and their importance in industrial utilization. The inauguration was followed by guest lecture given by Dr. V.Sivasubramanian, Director,Vivekananda Institute of Algal Technology (VIAT) Chennai. He focused on the uses of algae as manure, industrial importance, human food, drugs from algae, sources of industrial chemicals and algae in bio-remediation and energy production. The guest lecture focused on the phycoremediation using micro algae in the industry. The programme was very useful for the students as they acquired industrial knowledge in the field of phycoremediation.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr.K.M.Chinnadorai, Principal in-charge, a manual entitled "KELP" was also released. Then the session was taken by Mr.Aadhi Visvanathan, General Manager, Pinnacle Biosciences, Kanyakumari and Mr.N.Raju, Technical Associate, Pinnacle Biosciences, Kanyakumari. Theory classes on Alginate production and Practical sessions were conducted. A lecture on applications of sodium and potassium alginate productions was given by Mr.N.Raju, Technical Associate, Pinnacle Biosciences, Kanyakumari. The students were very much involved in the theory and practical sessions.
An industrial visit to Galuku India Hydroponics, Kurencherri village, Pollachi was organized by the Department of Plant biology and Plant Biotechnology Coimbatore- 641014 on 03.01.2010. The students of I,II,and III B.Sc Botany, along with three staff members (Dr. S. Rajeswari, Associate Professor in Botany, Dr. N. Rajaram, Associate Professor in Botany, Dr. K.K. Vijaya Kumar, Lecturer in Botany) visited the Industry. The industry is known by the name of Galuku Exports India Private Limited, and are one of the leading manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters of best grade agricultural growing mediums. They offer Agricultural Growing Mediums like erosion control nets, blocks, bales, galuku cocopeat blocks, rubberized pots, coco discs & pellets, husk chips, coco & coir products, easyfil hydroponic container system, hydroponic hydrocs grow bags and briquettes.
Two days hands on training programme on Aloe vera products has been organized for 18 students of III B.Sc. Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology on 14th and 15th February 2011 at Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology (IICPT), Pudukkottai Road, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu India. One of the Staff members (Dr. K.K. Vijayakumar) accompanied and also attended the training programme.
A workshop on Mapping of Biodiversity using GIS Technology under the expertise of Indian Geoinformatics Centre, Chennai was organized by the Department of Botany, in the Department of Environmental Sciences PSGCAS Coimbatore- 641014 on 17.02.2011 and 18.02.2011. The students of III B.Sc Botany along with staff members (Dr. S. Rajeswari, Associate Professor in Botany, Dr. N. Rajaram, Associate Professor in Botany, Dr. K.K. Vijaya Kumar Lecturer in Botany and Dr. N.Shanmugapriya, Lecturer in Botany) attended the programme. Indian Geoinformatics Centre, offers professional services in Geoinformatics. IGC also offers software skills in GIS, Remote Sensing & Satellite Image Processing and GPS. IGC imparts "Instructor Led" training on the most powerful and flexible software family suite - "ArcGIS 10" from ESRI. They experienced a new and current technology.
A Certificate course on Horticultural Practices was organized by Directorate of Open and Distance Learning, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore for III B.Sc. Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology students (18 Nos.) on the following dates 19.02.2011, 26.02.2011, 05.03.2011 and 12.03.2011. One of the staff members Dr. K.K. Vijayakumar accompanied and also attended the certificate course with students. Dr. Ganga, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore delivered elaborate lecturer on floriculture, cut flower production, and usage of mist chamber, shade net house and polyhouse. Hands on training on preparations of nursery beds, method of sowing of vegetable seeds in both nursery beds and portrays were given by Dr. Venkatesh Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Dr. Nalina Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. This training was very much useful for students and they have been trained and acquired knowledge on different horticultural practices in commercial flowering plants, vegetable crops and fruit crops.
One day shola forests (Honnathalai and Wenlock down sholas) visit to Nilgiris has been organized for III B.Sc., Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology students (18 Nos.) on 11th March 2011 under DBT sponsored Star College Scheme. Two staff members, Dr. N. Rajaram and Dr. K.K. Vijayakumar accompanied and explained the distribution, important elements, micro climatic conditions and salient features of shola forests in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, The Western Ghats, and Tamil Nadu. Various endangered, endemic and economically important tree species were observed. By undertaking this field visit students acquired knowledge on distribution, important elements, micro climatic conditions, inhabiting wild animals and the importance of shola forests for the maintenance of terrestrial ecosystem in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. .
Dr. N. Rajaram and Dr. K.K. Vijayakumar along with 50 students of I & III B.Sc., Botany explored the Mangrove vegetation. The mangrove vegetation is predominated by three different species of Rhizophora viz., Rhizophora mucronatam R. apiculata and R. lamarckii, two species of Avicennia viz., A. officinalis and A. marina. Apart from these the flora is comprising important halophytic plants such as Aegiceras corniculatum, Lumnitcera corniculata, Acanthus ilicifolius, Suaeda monoica, S. maritima, Exoecaria agallocha, Sesuvium portulacastrum, Androcastrum spp.,, Breuguira cylindrical, Ceriops dacal and Anthrocnemum spp. They also visited National fossil wood park in Thiruvakkarai. The park is located about 35km from Pondicherry to Tindivanam in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. The park is maintained by Geological Survey of India (GSI). The visit to this fossil wood park and studying the materials here kindled the interest of our students and increased their quest on further explorative studies on fossilized plants. Field visit to Munnar, Kerala was organized by the Department of Botany Coimbatore- 641014 on 25.03.2011. The students of II B.Sc Botany students along with one staff members (Dr. S. Rajeswari, Associate Professor in Botany) guided the students to the natural sandal wood forest Marayoor, a small town positioned near Munnar and flows across the frontiers of Kerala. The original and natural sandalwood of India, the town has a forest cover of 93 sq km, which nourishes the Sandalwood forests near Munnar in the aromatic surroundings. On the whole the visit was very useful for the students and enjoyed the beauty of the nature. A Field visit to Attakatty, was organized by the Department of Botany, Coimbatore- 641014 on 31.03.2011. All the students of Botany Department along with four staff members (Dr K Mani, Dr. S. Rajeswari, Dr N RajaRam Associate Professors in Botany and Dr KK Vijaya Kumar, Lecturer in Botany and Lab Assistant Shanmugasundaram) attended the field Visit. The Attakatti post is the central point from where you can traverse the Western Ghats. Forest types in this place are: Tropical wet evergreen forest, Southern tropical moist deciduous forest, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forest, Southern tropical thorn Forest, Dry Savannah Forest, Southern Bamboo Forest and Reeds. .
Two day faculty development program/workshop on Recent techniques on rDNA Technology organized by Department of Bioscience and Research Centre, Shri Nehru Maha Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science and Institute of Biological Science (IBS) Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh on 1st and 2nd February, 2013 attended by Dr.K.K.Vijayakumar. Mr. Sankar Rao, Director of Institute of Biological Science gave elaborate lecture on commercially available known marker gene - Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), properties of plasmid such as antibiotic resistance, multiple cloning and origin of replication.
Two faculty members (Dr. N.Rajaram, Dr.J.Anuja) and 29 students of III B.Sc., Botany visited Sunglow Biotech Laboratory, Vedapatti road, Perur on 09.02.2013. The session started at 9.30 a.m. one of the proprietors of the Lab, Mrs. Poonkodi explained the detailed protocol for tissue culture production of plants & entrepreneurship development. The company started in the year 2002, now produces 3.5 million plants per annum. The different crops like sugarcane variety CO-86032, large cardamom, vanilla, different varieties of banana ( Red banana, Grand-9, Nendran, Robusta, Rasthali, Monthan and Karpuravalli), Bamboo varieties like Bambusa balcooa, B.vulgaris, B.nutans, B. arundinacea and ornamental varieties like Philodendron, Cordyline, Dieffenbachia etc., By undertaking this field visit students got an overall picturesque view of the activities of the commercial tissue culture laboratories.
A lecture on Cheminformatics was given by Dr.D.Abirami to the students of the Star Departments (Physics, Chemistry, Zoology and Botany) and were given hands on training in
The students were asked to download the chemical such as thiamol and camphoral, citrol from pubchem, Drug bank and chemspider. The downloaded chemical structure was converted using open babel (Mol file into PDB file). The converted file was used in chem. Sketch to convert 2 D structure into 3 D structure. By using PDB software the structure of globulin was retrieved. Drug designing was done by using Thymol, Camphoral and Globulin protein. The results were analysed by using PHYMOL Software. (Molecular Visualization Software). A Manual on cheminformatics was given to students who participated in the programme and also softwares were copied in CD and given.
Three faculty members (Dr.K.K.Vijayakumar, Dr.N.Shanmugapriya, Dr.J.Anuja) and 21students of II B.Sc., Botany attended One day Training Programme on Biomethanation – Shakthi Surabhi organized by Vivekananda Kendra – Natural Resource Development Programme (NARDEP), Kanyakumari. Er.V.Ramakrishnan, Project Coordinator, elaborately explained about the protocol of biomethanation process and digestion of organic wastes by the activity of different types of anaerobic bacteria and also construction method of biogas plant which is commonly described as underground masonry: well-shaped fermented tank (digester) connected with inlet and outlet tanks and covered by an floating or fixed gas storage tank. Biogas plants are of three types namely KVIC, Deenabhandu and Janata. Collection were made on the sea shores of kanyakumari and Dictyota, Sargassam, Turbenaria, Padina,ulva, Polysiphonia etc.
The Director of AWE Care Analytical and Research Laboratories, Erode, Dr.E.S.Karthy delivered a lecture on Bacterial Bio- fertilizers in the audio Visual lab. He emphasized on the role of Rhizobia, Acetobacter, Azospirillium and their function in nitrogen fixation. He also gave the protocol for Bio- fertilizer mass production. The students were divided into five batches and were given hands on training in
A Manual on Bio-fertilizer production was given to students who participated in the programme.
Dr.N.Shanmugapriya attended a three day Training in Commercial Tissue culture and Horticulture , organized by Sunglow Biotech, Perur, Coimbatore, from 28.02.2013 to 02.03.2013. Mrs. Poonkodi, the proprietor of the Lab, explained the detailed protocol for plant tissue culture production. Then the session was followed by hands on training in glass wares Sterilization using Autoclave and pressure cooker and in the afternoon session different media preparations like Black medium, MS Medium, LS medium, Agar preparation and Medium sterilization were done. Hands on training was carried out using different explants such as Melia, Bougainvilea and synconium sps. The different parts (nodal, internodal and rhizome) of the explants were inoculated from Melia, Bougainvilea and Synconium.
Students of Science Departments and Faculty Members of Bharathiar University Colleges (Physics,Chemistry,Botany and Zoology) – 175 Numbers participated in the eco-conservation study. The park highlights the rich wealth of NILGIRI BIOSPHERE RESERVE and is a huge project targeting on conserving certain endangered plants and animals. The park has been set up on about 70 acres of over-used land that was transformed into a forest over the course of 23 years. The Coimbatore Zoological Park and Conservation Centre (CZPCC), a non-profit society floated by PSG Education group Managing Trustee G.Rangaswamy, bought land close to Silent Valley, bordering Kerala. CZPCC began conservation activity only in 1992. In the nature park, they maintained the different ecosystems such as marine, coral, evergreen, desert and pond. Evergreen ecosystem characterized by giant trees, multilayered species variation and luxuriant vegetation. The nature park contains amphibian pond, biodiversity hut, thorn forest zone, mist chamber etc. NBNP has successfully restored and helped growth of many different vegetation types - over 430 species of 25,000 plants of which 85 species are found only in NBR. It is interesting that nearly 30% of these 85 species are endangered in the wild.
The programme was handled by Dr.S.R.Madhan Shanker, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, PSG College of Arts and Science, and delivered a lecture on General laboratory safety procedures such as handling chemicals, equipment and also electricity. He also explained the steps in solution preparations and disposal of buffers and chemicals. The following practicals were taught
A Manual on Molecular Techniques was given to students who participated in the programme.
The programme was organised by Dr.S.Rajeswari, Head, Botany, PSG CAS. The theory on the cultivation of mushrooms was given as guest lecture by Dr.N.Shanmugapriya, Assistant Professor of Botany, PSG CAS in Tamil to the students in the morning session. She explained about the nutritional value, importance in diet and variety of mushroom cultivation techniques. In the afternoon session the practicals were conducted by Dr.N.Rajaram & Dr.K.K.Vijayakumar in two batches. They gave training in bed preparation for the cultivation of oyster mushroom using paddy straw as the substratum. They also explained harvesting and marketing potential of mushrooms. The students prepared the bed using paddy straw and inoculated the spawn. The students were very much involved in the entrepreneurship development programme and promised to continue the programme in their school with the help of the biology teacher.
A Two day visit to Bangalore had been arranged under the DBT sponsored Star College Scheme for III B.Sc. Botany students (31 Nos.). Two staff members Dr. N. Rajaram and Dr. K.K. Vijayakumar accompanied the students. Various physical and mechanical appliances were displayed at Vishweshwaraiah Industrial and technological museum. Here the pilot models of internal combustion engines, train, air craft’s, Rockets and satellites have been exhibited. The concept and applications of molecular biology and biotechnology were also enlisted in a separate stall. A 3D movie on the impact of global warming on the aquatic fauna and terrestrial flora has also been screened. The visit to this Vishweshwaraiah museum enriches our knowledge on science and technology. In Sami Labs (P) Ltd. at Pennya Industrial area. Dr. Nagajothi Senior Scientist received us and explained and showed us almost the infrastructure facilities available in the tissue culture lab, where they are mainly concentrating the cultivating of Colus forskholii.
Programme : Guest Lecture on “Remote Sensing and Biodiversity Mapping” was jointly
organized by the Department of Botany and Department of
Environmental Sciences, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore.
Date : 24th June 2014.
Participants : Students of II and III B.Sc Botany and Environmental Sciences.
Venue : Sangamam Hall, PSGCAS.
Programme details : The programme was inaugurated by Dr.S.Rajeswari,Head, Department of Botany,PSGCAS
She spoke on the “Research Possibilities and their importance”. The inauguration was followed by guest lecture Dr.Ramesh Sivanpillai, Senior Research Scientist, Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, USA.
He Focused on the fundamental Research and teaching on plants, as well as the study of populations, Communities and Ecosystems. He also explained about the Research topics like Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, Floristics, Ecohydrology, and Symbiosis.
The Guest Lecture mainly focused on “Remote Sensing”, Spatial Data Analysis, Biogeochemical and Physiological Approaches, Stable Isotopes, Genomics, Computational Science, Field and Laboratory Experiments.
He gave a detailed explanation on Interdisciplinary Degree Programs including the Program in Ecology, Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences, the Hydrology Program, Earth System Science, and the Life Sciences Programs.
He also explained how wildlife managers use satellite images to map and characterize animal habitat over vast areas anywhere on the globe. Geologists use hyperspectral imagery to understand geologic structures or to locate important mineral deposits. Remote sensing is an interdisciplinary tool with increasing value in research and the workplace.
On the whole the programme was very useful for the students as they acquired knowledge in the field of Remote Sensing, Google Earth, online tools, Research Possibilities and honours program awards and different types of Scholarships.
GUEST LECTURE - REPORT
Programme : Guest Lecture on “Intellectual Property Rights” was organized by the
Department of Botany, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore.
Date : 11th August 2014.
Participants : Faculty members and Students of III B.Sc Botany,Zoology,Physics and Chemistry ( 210 Nos) attended the Programme.
Venue : Library Conference Hall, PSGCAS.
Programme details :
The Programme was inaugurated by Dr.S.Rajeswari, Head, Department of Botany, PSGCAS.
The inauguration was followed by guest lecture Dr. Arunkumar Arumugam, Director of BioAgeS Innovations (P) Ltd, Coimbatore.
He Focused on the topic “Intellectual Property Rights”. He also explained about the types of IPR and the process of Patenting.
The Guest Lecture mainly focused on Copyright, Trademark, Protected Geographical Indication, TREATY, TRIPS, Patent Grant, how to file the first file, Provisional file, Complete file, Specification file patenting etc.,
The Programme was very useful for the students as they acquired knowledge in the field of Patenting. The students were highly motivated to patent their intellectual novelty.
GUEST LECTURE - REPORT
Programme : Guest Lecture on "Phytochemicals and its prospects as sources of natural
food supplement” was organized by the Department of Botany, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore.
Date : 31th July 2014.
Participants : Students of I, II and III B.Sc Botany ( 130 Nos) and Faculty members
attended the Programme.
Venue : Sathyam Hall, PSGCAS.
Programme details :
The Programme was inaugurated by Dr.S.Rajeswari, Head, Department of Botany, PSGCAS. She spoke on the “Organic Farming and their Importance”.The inauguration was followed by guest lecture Dr. T. Parimelazhagan, Associate Professor,Department of Botany, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore
He Focused on the fundamental Research and teaching on plant diversity, as well as the study of “Phytochemicals and its sources of natural food supplement”. He also explained about the Research topics like Secondary Metabolites as antioxidants potentials and antidiabetic activity of phytochemicals.
The Guest Lecture wmainly focused on “Medicinally important plants such as Borassus flabellifer, Pothos scandens, Psychotria nilgriensis, Osbeckia parviflora, Podophyllum and Commiphora mukul species etc.,
The Programme was very useful for the students as they acquired knowledge in the field of Phytochemicals as Nutraceuticals.
The Guest lecture was followed by inauguration of “Organic farming and Vegetable seeds sowing were done.” This is continuous project to be undertaken by I B.Sc., students under the guidance of Dr.M.Murugesan, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, PSG CAS.
The Model Plot measures 4000 sq.feet with a green house. The seeds sown are as follows.
Plot 1 : Spinach
Plot 2 : Carrot
Plot 3 : Beet root
Plot 4 : Cauliflower
Regularly the students monitor the growth of the plants and record in the field note books.
GUEST LECTURE - REPORT
Programme : Guest Lecture on “Viswamayene,Organic Electronics & Cataratogenesis”
was organized by the Department of Botany, PSG College of Arts and
Science, Coimbatore.
Date : 12.01.2015
Participants : Students of III B.Sc Botany, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Biochemistry and Faculty members
attended the Programme.
Venue : Library Conference Hall, PSGCAS.
Programme details :
The Programme was inaugurated by Dr.R.Rajendran, Principal, PSGCAS. The inauguration was followed by guest lecture Dr.S.V.Eswaran, Emeritus Scientist CSIR, Emeritus Professor ACSIR, UNESCO – DBT Regional Center for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana.
He Focused on the topic “Viswamayene, Organic Electronics & Cataratogenesis”. He explained about the formation of Viswamayene [Methyl-2-(5, 6-dimethoxycarbonyl-2, 3-dimethoxy-azep-7-inylidine)-2- (5-methoxycarbonyl-2, 3-dimethoxy-pyrid-6-yl) acetate] has been reported from his laboratory. Using two such aryl azides, ‘soluble functionalized fullerene C60 adducts for photovoltaics’ have also been documented from his laboratory. It has been shown recently in a case that the presence of ortho flanking fluorine substituents is not essential, where the fluorine substituents have been replaced by an electron donating (methoxy) and an electron withdrawing (methoxycarbonyl) group. The involvement of a ‘long lived’ species has been confirmed in his laboratory. The structure of this new compound was determined using especially 2D- NMR studies. X- Ray diffraction studies on this compound are currently in progress. He also explained about the Cataractogenesis. The presence of new chemical compound such as 3- hydroxyanthranilic acid and 3- hydroxykynurenine in the human eye lens and it’s binding with α - Crystallin could be a reason for the opaqueness of the lens and hence blurred vision occurs. The Programme was very useful for the students as they acquired knowledge in the field of identifying new chemical compound.
HANDS ON TRAINING PROGRAMME ON MUSHROOM CULTIVATION FOR TRIBAL WOMEN OF ANNAIKATTI
Programme : Hands on training programme on Mushroom cultivation for Tribal Women of
Annaikatti
Date : 16.02.2015
Participants : The students of B.Sc, Botany along with the 2 staff members gave Training programme to tribal women of Annaikatti.
Programme details :
The programme was introduced by Dr.S.Rajeswari, Head, Botany, PSG CAS. The theory on the cultivation of mushrooms was given by Students of B.Sc., Botany, PSG CAS in Tamil to the tribal women of Annaikatty. They explained about the nutritional value, importance of diet and variety of mushroom cultivation techniques.
The students helped the tribal women in making the substratum, spawning, tying, spraying water and maintenance of the beds. Apart from this they enlightened about the harvesting methods, marketing strategies and nutritional value using clipboards. They gave details about the bank loans and government funding agencies which help tribal women for making mushroom cultivation as cottage industries. One of our students made a recipe using oyster mushroom and it was appreciated by all of them. The programmed ended with the feedback of the tribal women and along with certificate distribution. The entire programme was very useful to the tribal women as they learned enterpruneur skills and students had a chance to train their expertise with full enthusiasm.
A NATIONAL LABORATORY VISIT TO MARINE ALGAL RESEARCH STATION, CSIR, RAMESHWARAM
Programme : A National Laboratory visit to Marine Algal Research Station, CSIR-
Rameshwaram.
Date : 24.01.2015 to 26.01.2015.
Participants : The students of I B.Sc, Botany (49 Nos) along with the staff members
(7 Nos) visited the National Laboratory.
Programme details :
On day one, we visited Marine Algal Research Station, CSIR – Central Salts and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Mandapam Camp, Tamilnadu. The Director explained about the Institute and the various Departments. Then we visited Plant and Algae Based Products/Biotechnology unit. In that we saw the large scale cultivation technology for Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed, Preparation of non-animal gelatinous films and capsules from semi-refined Kappa carrageenan, Process for liquid seaweed fertilizer from brown algae-Sargassum, Agarose from indigenous seaweed backward integrated to cultivation and Extraction and purification of c-phycocyanin derived from Spirulina.
On the second day, the collection of marine algae was done at Olaikuda area in Rameswaram. The algal species such as Boergesenia forbesii, Ulva, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Sargassam, Dictyota, Turbinaria, Codium, Tholemenia Padina, Polysiponia, Ketophora & Caulerpa recemosa, etc were collected in bottles.
Next day we all reached Coimbatore. On the whole the program was very useful for the students. They can become entrepreneurs as they had hands on experience.
FIELD TRAINING REPORT
Programme : Field training to Govindaswamy malai, Angalakuruchi, Pollachi.
Date : 14th August 2014.
Participants : Faculty members and Students of I and II B.Sc Botany (90 Nos).
Programme details :
A Field training to Govindaswamy Malai, Angalakuruchi, Pollachi, was organized by the Department of Botany,PSGCAS on 14.08.2014 for the students of I and II B.Sc Botany Department along with Six Staff members. (Dr. S. Rajeswari, Dr N RajaRam, Dr.N.Shanmugapriya, Dr.J.Anuja, Dr.M.Murugesan & Dr. R.Satishkumar).
It's just about 2 hours from Coimbatore we reached the foot hills of Govindaswamy Malai, Angalakuruchi, Pollachi. The landscape is changing minute by minute. We saw the groundnuts and pumpkin creepers on either side of the road with taller trees of palms and coconuts. The air is heavy with the smell of crushed leaves. This is Govindaswamy malai, on the scenic Pollachi-Valparai Road at Angalakuruchi. The hills is home to waterfalls and panoramic landscapes.
The mountain is steep and rocky. The vegetation of this mountain is very unique which harbours Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, Bryophytes Pteridophytes and even Algae.The forest type in this place is Deciduous forest – 900 msl. It is situated on the south of Coimbatore. We collected endemic, Rare and Medicinal species such as Gymeneva sylvestris, Caracia pedata, Pedalium murex, Indigofera viscose, Justicia tranqubarences, Cassia viscose, Asparagus racemosa, Acacia torta, Phyllanthus amarus, Martinia annua (pedaliaceae), Cleome viscosa, Trichodesma indica, Oldenlandia umbellate, Dichrostachys cineria, Crotons passiflora, Sida acuta, Amaranthus sps, Erythroxylon monogyna and Acer saccharam. Bryophytes such as Riccia, Funaria, Lichens and Mushroom (Morchella) were very rich in distribution. Algal species collected were Chara, Oedogonium, Ceratophyllum etc.
The students had a rich experience on the diversity of organisms in this Govindaswamy Malai located on the Western ghats. On the whole the training was very useful for the students and enjoyed the beauty of the nature.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PSG SCITECH – 2014 REPORT
Programme : A National Conference on Advances in Science and Technology,
PSG SCITECH 2014
Date : 12th & 13th September 2014.
Participants : 900 Number from PSGCAS & Other Institutions from various parts of India.
Programme details :
The Star Departments including Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology of PSG College of Arts & Science organized a two day National Conference on Advances in Science and Technology, PSG SCITECH – 2014 sponsored by the DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India on 12th and 13th September 2014. The day 12th September brought eminent academicians and researchers, reputed faculty members and enthusiastic students comprising of almost 900 people from 15 different institutions across the country to our PSG CAS.
The conference was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr. Sheela Ramachandran, Vice Chancellor, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore. Our Principal Dr. R. Rajendran delivered the Presidential address. He greeted that this National Conferences will stand as a landmark in the milestone of PSG CAS after the Star College Status has been upgraded. He also pointed that this conference will indeed serve as a platform for a technical exchange between students, to name a few Virani College, Gujarat who positively responded right from the beginning and were of great support to the success of this conference.
The Souvenir of the conference was released by Dr. Sheela Ramachandran. The Secretary Shri. N.C. Nandagopalan felicitated the gathering and wished success. Chief Guest Dr. Sheela Ramachandran in her inaugural address mentioned that this is a home coming for her to PSG CAS. She pointed out that advances in science and technology resides in the education which should be a fire to kindle and a spark of inspiration to be ignited in the minds of students. The inauguration was soon followed by a lead lecture by Dr. M.G. Sethuraman, Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry, Gandhigram Rural Institute on the topic, “What is so big about being ultrasmall?”. He briefed on nanotechnology, nanoparticles and gave an informative talk on silver nanoparticles and its applications for the benefit of society.
In the afternoon the technical sessions on Biological and Physical Sciences were conducted in Sathyam and Sangaman halls in parallel. For Biological Sciences, Dr. P.V. Karunakaran from SACON Chaired the session. Dr. S.N. Suresh from Shree Narayana Guru College served as Rapporteur. Several topics of interest and importance were presented by the participant. The concept of artificial leaf, low-cost alternatives for plant tissue culture was the highlighting presentations. Similarly, the session on Physical Sciences was chaired by
Dr. R.T. Rajendrakumar in association with Dr. C. Theivarasu as a Rapporteur. The highlighting topics of presentation were bioneutrinos, synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, applications of carbon nanotubes, etc.
On the second day, 13th of September still added more feathers to the cap of PSG SCITECH – 2014. Bearing in mind the dual necessity of inculcating interests among the students several competitions were organized. We were astonished by the enthusiastic, overwhelming participation by the students in all the events such as Scientific Rangoli, Scientific Collage, Model making, Nutritious Food without fuel, Scientific Painting and the outstanding scientific quiz. The marvelous job done by the students could be quoted in a nut shell from the words of our former President Dr. A. B. J. Abdul Kalam that Creativity is the key to success in the future. With the showers of Almighty the Conference was brought to close with the Valedictory function in the dusk of 13th of September, 2014.
Dr. P.V.L. Rao, Director, DRDO – Center for Life Science, Bharathiar University presented a valedictory address. He brought out the advances in defense organization and pointed out that this conference will indeed serve as an inspiration on advances in sciences and technologies to the students. Dr. K. Kadirvelu, Joint Director, DRDO – Center for Life Science, Bharathiar University distributed prizes to all the winners. The day came to an end with the National Anthem.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PSG SCITECH – 2014 REPORT
Place: The Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM University, Chennai
Date : 4th to 6th March 2015
Participants : Participant: Dr S Rajeswari & II B.Sc., Botany Students (3 Nos)
Programme details :
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, President of SRM University, Registrar Dr. N Sethuraman, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Founder of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and Nobel laureate Prof. Herald Zur Hausen. Dr. M Parani, HOD, Department of Genetic Engineering, threw light on the agenda of the Indian Genetic Congress. Dr. Sundeep Sarin, Director of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, highlighted upon the concept of genetic revolution and modern genomics. The President felicitated Prof. M.S Swaminathan, Prof. Herald Zur Hausen and his wife Prof. Mitchele-De-Villiers, followed by the felicitation of Dr. Sundeep Sarin by Dr. D. Narayana Rao, Director, Research, SRM University.. He noted that the year 2013 marked the transition from ‘ship to mouth’ to ‘right to food’ with home grown food and briefed about Zero Hunger Challenge, Evergreen Revolution, CRISPR, GBS (Genotyping By Sequencing) and Pulses Revolution. He added the major approaches towards Biofortification and the Zero Hunger Challenge.
Professor Harald Zur Hausen, Nobel Laureate in Physiology and Medicine 2008, a German virologist credited with the discovery of Papilloma viruses that cause cancer of the cervix, delivered the inaugural Nobel Laureate Lecture, 'Prevention of Cancers Linked to Infections. He said that 21 percent of global cancer is caused by infections and human papillomavirus play an important role in the cause of cervical cancer. He later briefed about HPV16 and HPV 18 in cervical cancers, which helped in developing vaccine against the third most frequent kind of cancer affecting women. Parallel session on human and Plant genetics were conducted for the two days. Poster session was on 5th March & our poster entitled “Anticancer Property of Bioactive substances from Curcuma amada (Mango Ginger) To target Mutant BRCA1 and COX-1” was highly appreciated by the Scientists.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, PSG SCITECH – 2014 REPORT
Programme : A “Faculty development programme – Workshop in multimedia (Adobe
Photoshop)
Date : 20th & 21st August 2014.
Participants : Faculty members of Botany,Zoology,Physics,Chemistry & Biochemistry
(20 Nos) attended the Programme.
Venue : IT Lab, Department of Computer Science, PSGCAS.
Programme details :
Two days faculty development programme – workshop in multimedia was organized by the Department of Botany in association with Department of Computer Science, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Mr.Saravanakumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Dr.R.Sathishkumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, explained the detailed protocol for Adobe Photoshop.
Then the session was followed by hands on training in multimedia. They explained the basic tools in multimedia such as layer selection, resolution, color picker, changing foreground color, background color and gradient tools.
In the 2nd day, Mr.Saravanakumar, explained the advanced tools in photoshop such as pattern, styles, swatches, channels, paths, brushes, grid, rulers, liquefy, designing invitations and book cover page.
On the whole the program was knowledge oriented towards practicals.
FACULTY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WORKSHOP ON RET SPECIES
Programme : Faculty Development Programme -Workshop on RET species
Date : 27.09.2014 & 28.09.2014.
Participants : Faculty members of Science Departments of PSG College of Arts and
Science & Neighbouring Colleges.
Programme details :
The Programme was inaugurated by Dr.S.Rajeswari Head, Department of Botany,PSGCAS, The inauguration was followed by guest lecture given by Dr S.Karuppasamy, Assistant Professor Department of Botany, Madura College, Madurai.
He Focused on the topic “RED Listed Plants of Southern India – Status and Conservation Implications ” He also explained about the types of endangered Species and on the identification of flora, which is essential for all the studies. He also emphasized on the importance of Conservation of Biodiversity.
The Second Guest Lecture was delivered by Dr.P.V.Karunakaran, Principal Scientist, Division of Landscape Ecology, Salim Ali Center for Orinithology and Natural History (SACON) Anaikatty, Coimbatore.
He Focused on the topic “Methods of mapping the distribution of critical plant species”. He explained the Geographical Positioning system and the method of identification of Rare, Endangered and Threatened Species.
Hands on training was given to the participants on the usage of GPS Training in Pachamalai, Pavazhamalai of Gobichettypalayam and Kodeveri Forest in Sathyamangalam (Erode District) on 28.09.2014. Garmin E trex 30 Model was used for the study and a total of 3 sites having Mitragyna parvifolia of Rubiaceae was identified and its geographical coordinates was recorded using a Garmin etrex vista GPS handset.
The following studies were undertaken
HANDS ON TRAINING – PRODUCTION OF AGAR AGAR & CARRAGEENAN FROM SEAWEEDS
Programme : A Hands on training – Production of Agar Agar and Carrageenan from
Sea weeds
Date : 07.01.2015 & 08.01.2015.
Participants : The students of I B.Sc, Botany along with the staff members attended
the training programme.
Programme details :
The Programme was inaugurated by Dr.S.Rajeswari Head, Department of Botany,PSGCAS. The inauguration was followed by Guest lecture given by Mr. M.Aadhi Viswanathan, Director Pinnacle Biosciences, Kanyakumari.
He Focused on the topic “The importance of marine algae in the ecosystem”. He explained about the classification of algae, Identification and its application to industry. Then the Practical session was taken by Mr.Aadhi Visvanathan, and Mr.N.Raju, Technical Associate, Pinnacle Biosciences, Kanyakumari. Hands on training was given to the participants on the usage of Agar agar and Carrageenan Production. The algae used for agar agar was Gracillaria and for Carrageenan production Kappaphycus were used. The students were divided into 10 groups and different alkali treatment was given to the algal samples. The recovered product was refrigerated to obtain the shreds. The Waste Product is also used as liquid fertilizer. He also explained about the marketing potential of agar agar and carrageenan production.
The students were very much involved in the theory and practical sessions.
A WORKSHOP ON SPIRULINA PRODUCTION AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT - REPORT
Programme : A Workshop on Spirulina Production and Quality Management
Date : 19th & 20th January 2015.
Participants : Faculty members of Botany & II YEAR B.Sc., students (35 Nos)
Programme details :
On day one, the programme was initiated by Dr.S.Vijikumar, Director, TNSRO, Pudukkottai who explained about general characteristics features of Spirulina.Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) as a naturally occurring blue-green micro-algae which grows and thrives in warm water alkaline condition . It has amazing properties and in many ways can be considered a Super Food. Then, he gave a most remarkable account on concentration of nutrients found in it. It’s composed of 60% highly digestible vegetable protein, has extremely high concentrations of beta carotene, vitamin B-12, iron and trace minerals, the rare essential fatty acid GLA – Gamma-Linolenic Acid, amino acids, cleansing chlorophyll, and the blue pigment, phycocyanin. Construction of the spirulina tank was demonstrated by the chief guest. This type of Spirulina tank can be produced as a small scale industry which requires spirulina mother culture, polythene sheet, stick, nutrients and harvesting equipment. After the construction of the tank it should be properly maintained by stirring the tank with stick. Proper temperature, addition of nutrients after consumption and the concentration of the culture is gauged by its colour. After the secchi scale marks up to 2-3 cm it time to harvest.
Day two started with the explanation of harvesting methods, filtering, pressing, drying process, storage and also maintenance of spirulina culture by Dr.E.S.Karthy, Director, AWE CARE, Erode. The session was followed by financial estimation, manpower and quality aspects. The harvested material is then followed by quality control measurements such as visual quality, mini test, lab test and also calculating its weight. Hand-outs were distributed to the participants. This hands -on training programme was very useful to the students and also motivated them to move further in their life.
PRODUCTION OF “NUTRI SEED PACKS”
Programme : “Production of “Nutri Seed Packs”
Date : 20.01.2015 and 22.01.2015
Participants : III B.Sc., Students (35 Nos) and II B.Sc., Students (35 Nos), I B.sc., Botany (4 Nos) and 1 Faculty attended a training programme.
Programme details :
The Programme was inaugurated by Dr. K. Arulmozhiselvan, Professor Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
He Focused onHe also explained about the marketing potential of Nutriseed pack technique has an tremendous potential for the students to become an entrepreneur. The students were very much involved in the theory and practical sessions.