A two-day National Conference on “Plants and Microbial
Biodiversity, Present Scenario, Threats and Conservation Strategies” was inaugurated
by the eminent scientist Dr. K.K. Bhutani, Director, National Institute of
Pharmaceutical Education and Research at the Botany Department, P.U. Campus here
today.  During his inaugural key-note address, he highlighted the role of Microbes and
plants in day to day life and stressed upon their conservation. His talk was very
interactive and fruitful. The Dean University Instructions, Prof. B.S. Brar presided
over the inaugural session. He suggested that use of natural resources in a
sustainable manner for better future. Prof. C. Manoharachary Emeritus Professor,
Osmania University, Hyderabad dealt with the “Biodiversity a Bioprospecting of
microbes, fungi and plants”. He highlighted the contribution of wild biodiversity to
the existence of human society and its role in clean up of environment through
bioremediation. He cautioned the audience about the shrinking forest cover and
wetlands and advised the ex-situ and in-situ conservation of these for protecting the
biodiversity. Prof. S.K. Bhatnagar, Professor and Head Department of Cell Biology,
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut spoke about
Charophycean biodiversity. He elaborated the importance of kinetochore differentiation
through Geimsa C-banding as a tool for Charophycean Biodiversity. Prof. N.S. Atri,
Head Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala highlighted the importance of
medicinal mushrooms in the modern society and its benefit in general for the human
beings. Prof. S.P. Khullar enlightended the audience about the Himayalan fern flora
and the need to conserve it. In the afternoon session, the delegates also displayed
their posters on diverse topics of microbial and plant biodiversity for evaluation by
experts. Prof. A.S. Ahluwalia appreciated the gathering, brief about the department
and research activities. Prof. I.B. Prasher thanked the audience for attending the
seminar on the first day for making it an overwhelming success, Professor A.S.
Ahluwalia, Chairperson, Department of Botany and Convener of the Conference
informed.    
Press Note No.140