Research Highlights
Biotechnology
The institute is working extensively in biotechnological aspects of commercially important plants like bamboo, tea and scented rose.Protocols have been standardized for micropropagation of bambooas well as establishing demonstration plots in H.P. In tea apart from its management and mechanization, Institute has done commendable work in tea biotechnology. Cost effective protocol for tea micropropagation has been developed and efforts are underway to standardize protocols for raising transgenic tea using genes of interest. To understand the modulation of winter dormancy several dormancy related genes have been isolated and cloned. To understand the functional genomics and to engineer the niche pathway the catechin biosynthesis pathway, the Institute has isolated and cloned 10 full length genes associated with catechin biosynthesis. The expression analysis of selected genes are underway.
Institute's work with respect to high altitude, biology are being recognized at National level. The problem of seed germination in Podophyllum hexandrum was overcome by hot water treatment. Also micropropagation protocols have been developed for Picrorrhiza kurroa, Rehum emodii. Fundamental work are being carried out to understand the plant adaptations at high altitude.
Taking the locational advantage, Institute is involved in bioprospection in Himalayas, the work has resulted in identification of an unique autoclavable enzyme Superoxide Dismutase and its expression analysis is underway. Also several cold tolerance genes have been identified and cloned.
Studies are underway on characterization and micropropagation of medicinal plants and in vitro production of secondary metabolites.
Extensive work is being carried out in the area of genomics and metabolomics of Himalayan plants and metabolomics of economically important plants. Genes involved in shikonin biosynthesis from Arnebia euchroma was cloned. Also, kaurene synthase genes involved in steviosides biosynthesis was cloned from Stevia rebudiana.
Institute of
Himalayan Bioresource Technology,Post Box No. 6 Palampur (H.P.) 176061 INDIA Tel:
+91-1894-230742-43 Fax: +91-1894-230433
E-mail:director@ihbt.res.in