Happening at BAU Focus of the week Ø Selaginella bryopteris can grow under in vitro condition: Ravi Shankar Singh Ø Country planning meeting, Rabi 2014 at BAU, Sabour for SRFSI funded by ACIAR Ø Dr. Awadhesh Kr. Pal has been granted fund for his research project by DBT, Govt. of India Ø Eminent cucurbit breeder Dr. S.P. Singh interacts with faculty and students of BAU Ø Bio-safety measures for laboratory workers: Dr. D. Roy Ø BAU is turning as choice place for educational tour Dear friends, We are presenting before you the eight third issue of the newsletter. This newsletter consists of notes on research, academic, extension and training program organized by the University. Please do not forget to send us your crispy inputs and suggestions as well, to foster Happening at BAU. This newsletter is the mirror for reflecting your hard works in the field of research and other activities. Feel free to share any observation and the investigation carried by you for making Happening at BAU more popular among subscribers. Kindly send the inputs for the newsletter at least one day in advance to the date of issue. You may like to circulate it to other colleagues and provide their email ids so that they can get Happening at BAU in time. Wishing you all the best. - Team Happening
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016 Issue 83 rd Selaginella bryopteris can grow under in vitro condition: Ravi Shankar Singh Selaginella bryopteris, a xerophytic pteridophte commonly known as Sanjeevani booti and grow under hilly areas can now grow under in-vitro condition. The team of scientist comprising Dr. T. Chattopadhyay, Mr. Tribhuwan Kumar, Dr. A. K. Pal led by Dr. Ravi Sankar Singh and two Research fellows, Mr. Ajeet Kumar and Ms. Mona Kumari have optimized the protocol for growth of Sanjeevani under in vitro condition as a part of the research project funded by Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt. of India. This finding is supposed to be significant for improving the production of bioactive molecules particularly therapeutic molecules, which it is known for, under in vitro condition. On the other hand the team is also working on Arnebia euchroma (Ratanjot) to optimize the production of bioactive molecules through hairy root culture for up-scaling and easy reach among the common mankind, beside Sanjeevani. Arnebia grows at high altitude in Himalyan region, and is known for the source of red dye Shikonin a medicinally and commercially important molecule Country planning meeting, Rabi 2014 at BAU, Sabour for SRFSI funded by ACIAR Country planning meeting of Sustainable and Resilient Farming Systems Intensification (SRFSI) in the Eastern Gangetic Plains was organised during 10 th to 12 th September 2014 at BAU in the inaugural presence of Dr. M. L. Choudhary, Vice-Chancellor, BAU, Sabour and international co-partners Partick Wall, Agronomist (CIMMYT Consultant), Ms. Alison Laing, Climate Research Support Officer, CSIRO, Dr. Perry Poulton, Research Agronomist, CSIRO, Dr Donald S Gaydon, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO. Other participants from ICAR, BAU, Jeevika, Sakhi and farmers from Purnea and Madhubani were also present during the meet. Dr. Mahesh Kumar Gathala, Cropping Systems Agronomist, CIMMYT and Principal Investigator of the project presented overview of the SRFSI project. During technical session, planning for Rabi season at each node for Purnea and Madhubani of Bihar were critically made. The participants also viewed few of the on station research trials and they interacted with the farmers and scientists of KVK, Katihar and Aurangabad through videoconferencing via Media Centre of the University. They visited ongoing experiments and trials at Farmers field and BPSAC, Purnea. Visitors appreciated the work carried out by the team of scientist at BAU during the kharif season and suggested measures to better the experiments of Rabi. 2
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016 Dr. Awadhesh Kr. Pal has been granted fund for his research project by DBT, Govt. of India The research proposal of Dr. Awadhesh Kumar Pal, Asst. Professor cum Jr. Scientist, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, BAC, Sabour entitled Understanding heat and drought tolerance mechanism in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and its improvement by overexpression of antioxidant genes" has been approved by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi, a novel funding agency of the country. This is the first project being granted by DBT to any scientist of this newly developed University. Dr. Pal intends to improve lentil against terminal heat and drought stresses, the major constraints for its seed setting and grain filling. Apart from its high nutritive value, lentil is one of the most neglected crops of this region. The expression profiling of about twenty genes and transcription factors will be analyzed under heat and drought stresses and the pattern obtained would be aligned with the physiological and biochemical data. The most influencing gene or transcription factor will be cloned and will be used to transform lentil for its tolerance against terminal heat and drought stresses. Eminent cucurbit breeder Dr. S.P. Singh interacts with faculty and students of BAU Dr. S.P. Singh, eminent cucurbit breeder and Dean (Ag), Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, delivered a lecture on Challenges of climate change: mitigation and adaptation through strategic crop improvement of cucurbits. During his lecture he emphasized on the use of polyhouses as one of the important measures to mitigate the effects of climate change besides the significance of resistant varieties. Dr. Singh discussed about the bottle gourd varieties developed by him, viz., Narendra Shivani (6 4 long), Narendra Dharidar, Narendra Madhuri, Narendra Shishir and hybrid NDBGH- 4. He appreciated the production of seeds of hybrid bottle gourd NDBGH-4 and its distribution among farmers by BAU. Later on, he interacted with the students and faculty of Horticulture (Vegetable and Floriculture) and Horticulture (Fruit and Fruit Technology) on healthy lifestyle and emotional well-being. Dr. Singh also viewed the running experiments of Bio-Technogy at Molecular Biology Laboratory of the University. Yucca filamentosa (Adams Needle) flowers in the Botanical Garden. Yucca is a perennial shrub, member of family Asparagaceae has been established in the Botanical Garden, BAC, Sabour. Its highly specialized mutualistic pollination biology is ecologically more important than its attractive flowering, as its pollination is facilitated by moth, which lays their eggs inside flower and during this process pollination is completed. 3
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016 Issue 83 rd Scientific Advisory Committee Meet at KVK, Rohtas, Bikramganj The 5 th meeting of Scientific Advisory Committee of KVK, Rohtas, Bikramganj was conducted on 12 th September, in the presence of Dr. A. K. Singh, Zonal Project Director, Zone-II, ICAR, Kolkata- and Dr. U.S. Jaiswal, Chairman, SAC meet and Associate Director Extension, BAU, Sabour, Bhagalpur. Many issues related to the agricultural scenario of the district were discussed and suggestions of the members were compiled for all round development of the center. Suitable Integrated Farming System (IFS) model and cropping system module were discussed for the rain-fed blocks of the district, as the district had just received 50% of the normal rainfall in the current year and still kharif paddy has been transplanted upto 98% even in very late condition. The line department officials and farmers' member present in this occasion had emphasized over the capacity building programme for farm-women by mushroom production and value addition of seasonal fruits and vegetables beside others. Forty eight members participated the meeting including Dr. R. P. Sharma, Chairman, Agronomy, BAU, Sabour, Dr. D. P. S. Diwakar, Principal, V.K.S.C.o.A, Dumraon, District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Project Director (ATMA), District Horticulture Officer, District Animal Husbandry Officer, District Project Manager (Jeevika) and others. The Programme Coordinator of KVK, Rohtas and member Secretary of the meeting Dr.(Mrs.) Sailabala Dei highlighted the progress, achievements and mission-mode of KVK for farmers' of the district. 5 th SAC meet at KVK Arwal The 5 th SAC meeting of KVK Arwal was conducted on 10 th November under the chairmanship of Dr. A. K. Singh, Zonal Project Director, ICAR, Zone-II, Kolkata and in the august presence of Sri Kunwar Jangbahadur, District Magistrate, Arwal. Sri chitranjan Kumar, local M.L.A, Dr. R. K. Sohane, Director Extension Education, B.A.U, Sabour, Dr. R. N. Singh, Regional Director, A.R.I, Patna, Sri Satendra Kumar, civil S.D.O, Arwal, Sri Ashok Kumar Tripathi, District Supply officer, Dist. Agril. officer, Dist. Dairy Devt. Officer, Dist. Fishery Officer, NGO members and others participated the meet. All nominated farmer members and other six progressive farmers took active part in the deliberations. The ZPD appreciated the progress made at the KVK under limited resource and he promised to grant soil-testing facility at this KVK after the electrical connectivity to this KVK by the efforts of local M.L.A and D.M, Arwal. 4
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016 Issue 83 rd On Field Learning of Students Sudhir Kumar, Ph.D. Scholar, Dr. Birendra Singh and Mr. Sudhir Kumar, Asst. Professor, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetic, demonstrated Pigeonpea Seed Production Technology to Students of 8 th Semester, B.Sc. (Ag.) at BAC farm. Pathological training of B. Sc. (Ag.) students at PHC of MBAC, Agwanpur The students of B. Sc. (Ag.) 7 th semester gaining Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) at Saharsa were trained on different aspects of plant pathology at Plant Health Clinic (PHC), MBAC, Agwanpur under the supervision of Dr. Durga Prasad, Asstt. Professor, Plant Pathology. Training programme on honeybee keeping and production at KVK, Khagaria Six days training programme on honey bee keeping and honey production for rural mass was conducted by KVK, Khagaria during 6 th to 11 th, August. Dr. Ramashrit Singh, retired Principal Scientist and experts, honey bee, BAU, Sabour provided training on major aspects of honey bee keeping and maintenance such as types and behavior of honey bee, seasonality of honey production, different crops contributing to honey production, preparation of honey bee frame, handling and management of honey bee box and measures to combat honey bee diseases Training on Vegetable Seedling Raising in Protected Condition conducted at COH, Nalanda Three days farmers training sponsored by BAMETI, Patna on Vegetable Seedling Raising in Protected Condition was conducted at College of Horticulture, Noorsarai during September 9 th to 11 th September. Farmers were satisfied with content of the training and arrangements and also showed keen interest in further joining of trainings programme, if given opportunity. The training was conducted by organizing committee including Dr. P. K.Singh, Assoc. Dean-cum-Principal, COH- Chairman, Mr. Dineshwar Rajak, Asstt. Comptroller-member, Dr. Mahender Pal, Coordinator, Mr. Shashi Kant, Co-coordinator, Dr. Vinod Kumar PRO-member, Shri. Ashish Ranjan-member and Er. Mohan Kumar Sinha-member and supervised by the Principal, College of Horticulture, Project Director ATMA, Nalanda and Assistant Director Horticulture, Nalanda. 5
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016 BAU Scientist presented research highlight in TAC-MEET Dr. Anshuman Kohli and Dr. G. S. Panwar participated in TAC-MEET- of IRRAS Project held at Patna during September 10-12, and presented research highlight of experiments conducted during rabi 2013-14 under IRRAS project. They also discussed to devise technical program for forthcoming Rabi season. Bio-safety measures for laboratory workers: Dr. D. Roy Dr. D. Roy, University Professor, GBPUAT, Pantnagar and Former Dean (Ag.), Bihar Agricultural University Visited the Molecular Biology Laboratory, Bihar, Agricultural University, Sabour and viewed the different running projects associated with Molecular Breeding and Genetically Modified Crops. He appreciated the works and results of the ongoing experiments at the laboratory. He also delivered keynotes on Bio-safety measures for laboratory workers for the Scientists and Post Graduates students of the University. The crux of the lecture was; designing of experiments related to GM crops in meticulous manner, pre-emptive safety measures at the laboratory to cope with the untoward consequences and trials according to the biology of crops to be trialed and planted crops surrounding the site of trials. ZREAC, Rabi 2014, Meeting at B.P.S.A.C. Purnea The Zonal Research & Extension Advisory Committee Meet, Rabi 2014, for Zone-II was held at BPSAC, Purnea on 10 th Sept. 2014. Dr. R. C. Yadav, ADR, Agwanpur, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Principal BPSAC, Purnea, Dr. Umesh Singh, Principal MBAC, Agwanpur, P. C., SMS of KVK Araria, Madhepura, Purnea, Katihar, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Supaul, Khagaria and farmers participated the meet. P. D. ATMA Araria & Purnea and officers from Agriculture department were also present during the meeting. Researchable issues were discussed and on the basis of problems faced by farmers the programs were formulated. Mrs. Ranjita Kumari, Asstt. Commandant, CRPF visited KVK, Banka. Mrs. Ranjita Kumari, Asstt. Commandant, CRPF, visited KVK and viewed the activities of the center. She appreciated the work like Mushroom spawning, Vermicompost and Poultry unit. She also motivated the women farmers to adopt the training imparted by the center. She appreciated the team of KVK Banka and the P. C. Dr. Sunita Kushwah as well. 6
Weather forecast for Bihar during 14 th -20 th September, 2014: Sunil Kumar Zone I: There is possibility of rain during 14 th -16 th and on 19 th September in Siwan, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur districts while in the rest of districts on 14 th -15 th September. Maximum and minimum temperature may be observed in the range of 32-33 0 C and 23-24 0 C respectively. Zone II: There is possibility of rain during 14 th -16 th and on 18 th September in Araria, Supaul, Madhepura, Katihar and surrounding districts. Maximum and minimum temperature may be observed in the range of 33-34 0 C and 26-27 0 C respectively. Zone III A: Maximum and minimum temperature was near the normal during last week. In coming week, it is to rain during 14 th -15 th and 19-20 th September in Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui and surrounding districts. Maximum and minimum temperature may be recorded in the range of 33-34 0 C and 24-26 0 C respectively. Zone III B: Last week, maximum and minimum temperature was near the normal. In next week, it may rain in most of the districts during 14 th -16 th but in Patna, Nalnda and surrounding districts during 19-20 th September. Maximum and minimum temperature may be recorded in the range of 33-35 0 C and 25-27 0 C. BAU is turning as choice place for educational tour Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour is turning as the choice place for the educational tour for the students of different schools in Bihar. Students of class XIth and XIIth, Mount Carmel School, Bhagalpur visited BAC, Sabour to be exposed with the agricultural technology particularly Breeding and Biotechnological techniques. Dr. Chandan Roy, Assistant Prof.- cum-jr. Scientist discussed achievements in Agriculture made by Plant Breeding techniques. Mr. Tribhuwan Kumar, Assistant Professor-cum-Jr. Scientist, (Biotechnology) described GMOs and application of Biotechnology in Agriculture while Dr. A. K. Pal, In-Charge, TCL, BAC, Sabour made the students aware with the production of Banana by tissue culture and its techniques. Students also had a look on different instruments of the laboratory to be used in biotechnological application. Students were highly enthusiastic to understand the biotechnological tools and techniques. Training on High Density Orcharding & Rejuvenation of old orchards Training programme, sponsored by ATMA, Katihar was organized at BPSAC, Purnea under the supervision of Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Assoc. Dean-cum-Principal. The Team of scientists from Australia and officers, BAU also participated and interacted with the farmers. The vistors were made aware with Makhana cultivation at Purnea by Dr. Anil Kumar, P.I of Makhana Project. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Dr. Anil Kumar, Dr. Suraj Prakash, Dr. Paras Nath, Dr. Pankaj Kr. Yadav, Prof. S.P. Sinha & Prof. Mani Bhushan played pivotal role in this two day training programme.