HANDS-ON TRAINING ON "MODERN TECHNIQUES IN RESEARCH ON ABIOTIC STRESS TOLERANCE IN PLANTS"

February 21-24, 2012

INTRODUCTION

Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad is a research and development centre having well-equipped laboratories and facilities such as Cobalt-60 irradiation sources, radiation measuring instruments, N-15 Analyzer,  UV and IR Spectro-photometers, Atomic absorption spectro-photometers, ICP, Porometer, Pressure chamber, Osmometer, Gas chromatographs, HPLC, Amino acid analyzer, PCR, High speed electrophoresis, Photosynthesis measuring system (IRGA), Capillary electrophoresis, DNA sequencer, Controlled temperature ultra centrifuges, Freeze dryer, Cryobank, Stereo and light microscopes, Biological oxidizer, Elisa readers, etc. A well-stocked library is linked with the National Library of Biological Sciences through wide area network.

The research programs include: Development of new gene pool and varieties of crops; Crop protection through pest management and disease control, Fertilizer and water management for major crops; Abiotic stress management, Sustainable use of salt-affected wasteland and saline water for plant production, and Improving health, nutrition and reproduction of livestock. The objective of crop improvement program is evolution of commercial varieties of crops having high yield potential, disease resistance, stress tolerance, short duration, good plant architecture and improved quality.

BACKGROUND

Abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, extremes in temperatures, heavy metals and radiation, etc. are the most important limiting factors for plant productivity. Due to which food, feed and raw material requirements of ever growing world population cannot be met. To overcome these limitations and improvement in crop productivity, stress tolerant crop varieties have to be developed. NIAB scientists have developed technology by using which stress tolerance crop germplasm can be identified at early seeding and at mature stages. Using physiological, biochemical, carbon isotope discrimination (CID) and biotechnological techniques high yielding stress tolerant crop cultivars can be developed. In addition, certain shotgun approaches can be developed through which stress tolerance potential of crops can be increased.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the course is to disseminate the knowledge and to provide training to utilize different techniques and equipments to estimate the stress tolerance in crop plants. The purpose of proposed training is to improve the scientific vision of young scientists and enhancing interaction and sharing of experiences between relevant research institutes in the country and overseas.

OUTLINE OF TRAINING PROGRAMME

A.   Screening

• Drought tolerance: Cell membrane stability, and other physiological indices

• Salt tolerance: Germination, plant height, root and biomass stress tolerance indices and K/Na ratio criteria

• High temperature or heat stress tolerance: Cell membrane thermo stability and physiological attributes

• Screening for high water use efficiency (WUE) using ¹³C isotope discrimination technique

B.   Stress Physiology and Biology

• Determination of water relations through relative water contents (RWC), excised water loss, water potential by Pressure Chamber, Osmotic potential using osmometer and turgor potential, etc.

• Photosynthetic efficiency, by IRGA and Porometer

• Temperature changes through infra red thermometer and its relation with plant canopy processes

C.  Molecular Techniques

• PAGE

• RAPID

• Molecular basis of stress tolerance

• Marker assisted breeding for stress tolerance

D.  Field Training

• Demonstration/Practical for screening in pots, lysimeter tanks, field conditions

• Seed testing (viability and germinability, dormancy, and seed treatments for breaking dormancy and improved germination percentage and rate)

• Nursery raising: Methodology from seed to seedlings ready for field planting

• Planting Techniques: Land preparation and sowing methods (for crops), and Ditches/Furrows or Ridges/mounds (for trees and shrubs)

E.  Water Use Efficiency (WUE)

• Techniques for soil moisture determination (Neutron moisture probe)

• Irrigation Methods (flood, drip, sprinkler, etc.)

• Transpiration measurements: single leaf (porometry) and whole plant (Heat Pulse Technique)

F.  Field Visit

Visits to Biosaline Research Station Pakka Anna

ELIGIBILITY 

Young teachers/researchers having a university degree, who are actively involved or opt for a career in plant breeding for stress tolerance and in plant stress management.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please send the application form along with demand draft of course fee  in the name of Head, LAO, NIAB, Faisalabad, Pakistan through your Institution/Government to reach the Organizing Committee by due dates as bellow:

Local participants:       10 February, 2012

Foreign participants:    31 January, 2012

COURSE FEE 

Professionals:              Rs. 3000/-

Students:                      Rs. 2000/-

Foreign participants:    US$ 100/-

RESOURCE PERSONS

Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik, FCCU, Lahore

Prof. Dr. M. Ashraf, Dept. Botany, UAF

Dr. Yusuf Zafar, DG (A&B), PAEC, Isalamabad

Dr. Javed Akhter, Director NIAB, Faisalabad

Dr. Khalid Mahmood, NIAB, Faisalabad

Dr. M. Yasin Ashraf, NIAB, Faisalabad

Dr. Nayyar Iqbal, NIAB, Faisalabad

Dr. Amjid Hameed, NIAB, Faisalabad

Dr. M. Rafiq Asi, NIAB, Faisalabad

Dr. Muhammad Saleem, NIAB, Faisalabad

Mr. Wajid Ishaq, NIAB, Faisalabad

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Dr. Javed Akhter (Director NIAB)

Dr. Yusuf Zafar, DG (A&B), PAEC, Isalamabad

Dr. Khalid Mahmood (Head, SS Division)

Dr. M. Yasin Ashraf (Course Coordinator)

Dr. Muhammad Saleem (SS, SS Division)

Mr. Jafar Hussain (SS, TS Division)

Mr. M. Rizwan (SS, SS Division)

Mr. Sajjad Mahmud (Pr. Administrator)

Mr. Bakhshish Jilani (Head Local Accounts)

ENQUIRIES/INFORMATION

For further information, please contact;

Dr. M. Yasin Ashraf, Course coordinator

NIAB, P.O. Box 128, Jhang Road

Faisalabad, Pakistan

Ph: +92-41-9201789

PABX: +92-41-9201751 to 69 (Ext 3056)

Cell: +92-300-7623885

Fax: +92-41-9201776

Email: niabmyashraf@gmail.com

Download application form

Local Participants

Foreign Participants