 The
Department of Botany is one of the oldest Departments existing
from the day of the inception of the Institute. From the very
beginning the institute focussed on plant science. The founder
Director Acharya J.C. Bose himself was interested in Plant physiological
investigations. He highlighted the biophysical concept and did
extensive work on the process of stimulation in growth and movement
and its transmission through plant tissues. While Acharya Bose
studied these as a physico-chemical phenomenon, plant scientists
of the Institute in subsequent years endeavored to study the
bio-molecular mechanisms associated with plant response to external
stimuli. The department has produced a number of distinguished
scientists. Over the years the Department trained a good number
of personnel who are at present conducting commendable research
in different national and international universities and research
Institutes. At present the activities of the Department is around
both basic and applied areas of research.
Plant Scientists, all along, have focussed on problems related
with social needs.
Specific Objectives of the Department:
- Plant transformation with special reference to stress
tolerance in the field.
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Focussing on Important
Agronomic and Quality Traits in plants.
- QTL mapping of Quality Traits and Localization of Genes
on Chromosomes
- Bioprospecting for Useful Genes and biotechnological
approach towards utilization of Plant germplasm.
- Therapeutic use of Biotechnologically Improved Edible
Fruits and Pollen Allergens
- Biodiversity, Conservation, Evaluation and Utilization
- In vitro Repository for Rare and Endangered Plants
- Setting up Demonstration Gardens of Medicinal Plants in
different ecological regions of West Bengal.
- DNA fingerprinting for documentation and cataloging on
valuable indegenous plants.
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