The Division of Biotechnology was established on 13.01.1993 to take up focused and state of the art research in the field of horticultural biotechnology to address various challenges and opportunities that are ahead. Fourteen scientist in the Division are engaged in specific research activities under the following thematic areas: Gene discovery, regeneration and transgenics, Molecular markers, Marker Assisted Selection, Functional Genomics,Bioinformatics &Endophytic molecular microbiology.
Significant achievements were made in the areas of Development of molecular markers for okra & markers for root-stock identification in citrus,Development of BT transgenic brinjal & tomato & RNAi mediated approach for insect pest resistance. Cloning of genes for fungal resistance and transgenic development, development of embryogenic suspension of banana & GM banana for Fusarium wilt resistance. Development of GM tomato, papaya & watermelon for virus resistance. Development of GM tomato, papaya & watermelon for virus resistance. Elucidation of ubiquitous association of endophytic microorganisms in vivo and in vitro and the discovery of periplasmic bacteria in banana.
Past head of the Division: Dr. Lalitha Anand, Dr.C.Aswath
Dr. K.S.Shivashankara
Principal Scientist & I/c Head
Division of Biotechnology
IIHR, Hessaraghatta Lake Post
Bangalore - 560 089.