Guest lecture on Cotton Improvement and the Development of Transgenic Cotton

Guest lecture on Cotton Improvement and the Development of Transgenic Cotton

The Department of Biotechnology organized a guest lecture on Cotton Improvement and the Development of Transgenic Cotton on 8th March 2025, on the occasion of National Science Day 2K25. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Scientist, ICAR-Central Institute of Cotton Research.

During the session, Dr. Rakesh Kumar explained the history of Bt cotton, how Bt cotton was developed, and the role of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in gene transfer for creating genetically modified cotton plants. He also discussed the structure and function of Cry proteins, which provide insect resistance in cotton.

The lecture helped students understand genetic engineering 🧬, biotechnology applications, and transgenic crop development. This session was beneficial for students in understanding modern biotechnology tools and sustainable agriculture practices.

Program Outcomes Mapped: PO1, PO2, PO3, PO5, PO7, PO8, PO12.

Following the lecture, a Poster Presentation Competition was also organized. Dr. Kalpit Kausare served as the Internal Judge, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar was the External Judge. A total of 21 posters were presented by students, covering various biotechnology-related topics. The winners were:

1st Prize: Disha and Group

2nd Prize: Rutika and Group

3rd Prize: Swapnil and Group

The event provided a platform for students to showcase their knowledge, creativity, and understanding of biotechnology, encouraging them toward research and innovation.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Management, Chairman GPG Hon. Dr. Mohan Gaikwad-Patil, Vice-Chairman Hon. Akash Gaikwad-Patil, Treasurer GPGI Hon. Dr. Sandeep Gaikwad, Principal Hon. Dr. P. L. Naktode, and Vice-Principal Hon. Dr. Pragati Patil, for their unwavering support in making this workshop a success.

The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Rohit Kalnake, HOD Biotechnology Department and efficiently coordinated by Dr. Sapna Lonare, Prof. Soham Deshpande, and other faculty members of the Department of Biotechnology.