About the Laboratory

Established in 2025 as a part of M.Sc. specialization the facilities of this laboratory are dedicated to the advanced studies of plant diseases and microbial diversity. We provide a vibrant scientific atmosphere where students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge with practical and research in this field. Our laboratory integrates mycological and bacteriological modern tools and techniques which help the students to understand and deal with contemporary challenges in Agriculture, Environmental Science and Biotechnology. We are committed to promoting the next generation of scientists, researchers and teachers of botany equipped with important skills required to understand and manage complex interactions between plants and microbes.

 

Vision

To become a centre of excellence in research and training at college level, which makes an important contribution towards understanding plant-microbe interaction and producing sustainable options for managing plant health.

 

Aims

The aims of the Plant Pathology and Microbiology Laboratory are:

  1. To offer advanced practical training: To provide M.Sc. students with thorough hands-on experience in the practices and principles of plant pathology and microbiology.
  2. To encourage a culture of research and inquiry: To promote critical thinking and scientific inquiry by offering the facilities and guidance for students to undertake original research for their dissertation work.
  3. To contribute towards scientific knowledge: To perform research that improves the in depth understanding of pathogen biology, host-pathogen interactions and microbial ecology.
    4. .
  4. To address Real-World Problems: To create and test sustainable approaches to plant disease management centered on biological control and the use of beneficial microorganisms.

 

Objectives

To accomplish our aims, we are working towards the following specific objectives:

Academic and Training Objectives
  1. To provide training to students in classical methods of isolation, purification, culture and identification of phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses.
  2. To achieve competence in microscopy for the morphological identification of microbes and disease symptoms
  3. To impart practical exposure to contemporary molecular biology methods, such as DNA/RNA isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel electrophoresis for the diagnosis of pathogens
    4. .
  4. To familiarize students with serological methods such as ELISA for speedy disease diagnosis.
  5. To cultivate the experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis and scientific report writing skills among students.
    6. .
  6. To implement and train in rigorous laboratory biosafety rules for working with microbial cultures

 

Research Objectives

  1. To support M.Sc. dissertation projects on the survey, identification and characterization of plant diseases of regional and local significance.
  2. To study the molecular mechanism of host-pathogen interactions.
  3. To screen and isolate for potential beneficial microorganisms as biocontrol agents or as biofertilizers.
  4. To study microbial diversity from a range of ecological niches.
  5. To investigate the etiology of newly emerging plant diseases and epidemiology of disease epidemics.
  6. To motivate students to present their research results in seminars, workshops and scientific conferences.

 

Community and Extension Objectives

  1. To act as a source of information to local farmers and horticulturists by providing simple disease diagnostic services.
  2. To work with agricultural extension services and other research institutions to promote dissemination of information on sustainable disease management practices.

 

People

Faculties
  • Dr. Prabhali Doley
  • Dr. Sudem Wary
  • Mr. Sadiqul Ahmed

 

Scholars/Students : PG Students

 

Instruments/ Infrastructure

Our laboratory is well-equipped to support advanced teaching and research activities. Key facilities include:

Sterilization: Autoclaves, Hot Air Ovens

Culture & Incubation: Laminar Air Flow Hoods, Biosafety Cabinets, BOD Incubators, Orbital Shakers

Microscopy: Compound Microscopes.

General Equipment: High-Speed Centrifuges, Spectrophotometer, pH Meters, Precision Weighing Balances and a comprehensive collection of stains and reagents.

 

Research Outcome

Sl No. Name of the Student Dissertation Topic
1 Jannat Ahmed Studies on Antimicrobial Activities of Corticolous Foliose Lichens Against Plant Pathogenic Bacteria
2 Priya Basumatary Studies on foliar fungal diseases of Gerbera spp. and their biocontrol

 

Research Collaboration and Consultancy

  • Dr. Bhaben Tanti, Professor, Department of Botany, Gauhati University.
  • Dr. Kumananda Tayung, Professor, Department of Botany, Gauhati University.
  • Mr. Subham Roy, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Rangapara College, Sonitpur – 784505, Assam.

 

Activities

We are planning to organize Workshop, Seminar, Industrial visit and Lab visit for the students to enhance their knowledge aligning the aims and objectives of this laboratory.