Activity Dates: 29.03.2025
Type of Activity: Students Workshop
Organizing Department: Department of Microbiology
Program Coordinators: Prof. Komal D. Nagpure, Prof. Poornima D. Tayade
Head of the Department: Dr. R. C. Maggirwar
External Collaborator (if any): No
Objectives:
No of Beneficieries: 36
Classes Involved: B.Sc-III Year
Venue of the Activity: Department of Microbiology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati
Activity Report:
Report on the Plant Tissue Culture Workshop for B.Sc. III Biotechnology and B.Sc. II Microbiology Students
Organized by: Department of Biotechnology, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati
Under: DBT STAR Project Scheme
Date & Time: 29th March 2025, 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Venue: Biotechnology Lab, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati
On the 29th of March, 2025, the Department of Biotechnology, in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology at Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, organized a highly anticipated workshop titled "Workshop on Plant Tissue Culture" for students of B.Sc. III Biotechnology and B.Sc. II Microbiology. The event aimed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of plant tissue culture, which is an essential tool in modern biotechnology and agricultural research.
Inaugural Session
The workshop began at 10:30 AM with a welcome address delivered by Prof. Utkarsha Pete, a faculty member of the Department of Biotechnology. Prof. Pete highlighted the significance of plant tissue culture in various fields, including agriculture, medicine, and environmental science. She introduced Prof. Neha Tawani, the distinguished guest speaker for the event. Prof. Tawani, an expert in plant tissue culture, is known for her extensive research in the field of biotechnology and cell biology.
Prof. Tawani commenced the lecture by providing a historical overview of the development of tissue culture techniques. She traced its roots to the early 20th century, when Ross G. Harrison first pioneered the concept of cultivating animal tissues in vitro. She emphasized how this breakthrough led to significant advancements in cell biology, enabling scientists to explore the growth and differentiation of cells in controlled laboratory environments. Prof. Tawani explained the various applications of tissue culture techniques, particularly in gene editing, monoclonal antibody production, regenerative medicine, and crop improvement.
The lecture served as an engaging foundation for the students, setting the stage for the practical session that would follow. Prof. Tawani's interactive and informative delivery kept the students engaged, and her real-world examples helped bring the concepts to life.
Workshop Objectives
The primary objectives of the "Workshop on Plant Tissue Culture" were to:
• Equip students with both theoretical and practical knowledge of plant tissue culture techniques.
• Provide hands-on experience in preparing stock solutions, culture media, and executing techniques such as shoot and root induction.
• Foster a deeper understanding of the applications of plant tissue culture in biotechnology, agricultural sciences, and environmental conservation.
• Enhance the participants' ability to apply plant tissue culture methods in laboratory and research settings.
Workshop Highlights
Following the introductory lecture, the workshop transitioned into the hands-on practical sessions, which were a crucial part of the day’s activities. The practical session, held in the college’s well-equipped Biotechnology Laboratory, included several key components:
1. Basics of Plant Tissue Culture:
Prof. Tawani began by explaining the core principles of plant tissue culture. She discussed the importance of sterile conditions and aseptic techniques, as these are critical to the success of tissue culture experiments. Students were introduced to the different types of cultures, such as callus culture, suspension culture, and organ culture, which serve as the foundation for propagating plants in vitro.
2. Preparation of Stock Solutions and Culture Media:
The preparation of culture media was one of the essential aspects covered during the practical session. Prof. Tawani demonstrated how to prepare stock solutions containing essential nutrients, vitamins, and hormones required for plant cell growth. Students learned the importance of the composition of the culture medium, including the proper balance of macronutrients (nitrogen, potassium, calcium, etc.) and micronutrients (iron, copper, etc.). The students were involved in the hands-on process of preparing media, including the autoclaving procedure to ensure sterility.
3. Root and Shoot Induction:
One of the key applications of plant tissue culture is the induction of roots and shoots for plant propagation. Students learned the techniques of explant selection and the role of plant growth regulators in the induction process. Prof. Tawani explained how different hormones, such as auxins and cytokinins, can be used to stimulate root or shoot development. Students had the opportunity to observe and practice the procedures used to cultivate plant tissue in culture dishes, and they were taught how to monitor the growth of shoots and roots over time.
4. Growth Regulation:
The regulation of plant growth is a crucial aspect of plant tissue culture, as it directly impacts the success of the propagation process. Prof. Tawani demonstrated how growth regulators such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins are added to the culture medium to influence the differentiation and development of plant tissues. The students learned how the application of these regulators affects cell division, elongation, and tissue differentiation, which are vital for successful plant regeneration.
5. Interactive Sessions:
Throughout the practical session, students were actively encouraged to ask questions, engage with their peers, and participate in discussions about the methods and techniques being demonstrated. Faculty members, including Prof. Komal Nagpure and Prof. Poornima Tayade, were present to assist students with the hands-on aspects of the session. The faculty ensured that every student had the opportunity to perform the techniques under supervision and provided guidance whenever necessary.
Outcomes and Learning
By the end of the workshop, participants had gained a deeper understanding of the intricate processes involved in plant tissue culture. They learned the step-by-step procedures for media preparation, stock solution preparation, and the importance of sterile techniques. The hands-on sessions allowed the students to gain practical experience in root and shoot induction, which are essential skills for anyone interested in plant biotechnology or agricultural research.
Additionally, the students learned about the role of growth regulators in plant development and how these compounds can be used to optimize plant growth. The workshop equipped students with the skills to conduct tissue culture experiments in laboratory settings, which could have real-world applications in plant research, crop improvement, and conservation efforts.
The workshop also emphasized the importance of plant tissue culture in modern biotechnology, particularly in areas such as genetic engineering, plant propagation, and the production of secondary metabolites for pharmaceutical applications. By understanding the practical aspects of tissue culture, students are better prepared for future research projects or careers in biotechnology and microbiology.
Conclusion
The Plant Tissue Culture workshop organized by the Department of Biotechnology at Shri Shivaji Science College was a highly successful event that achieved its objectives of providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The workshop not only introduced students to the fundamental techniques of plant tissue culture but also enhanced their understanding of its importance in modern biotechnology and agricultural sciences.
The active participation of the students, the insightful lecture by Prof. Neha Tawani, and the hands-on practical sessions ensured that the workshop was both informative and engaging. Students left the workshop with valuable skills that would benefit their future studies and careers in the field of biotechnology. This workshop will undoubtedly serve as a stepping stone for many students interested in pursuing advanced research or careers in plant biotechnology and related fields.
Outcomes:
Photos:
![]() Future Scientists at Work | ![]() Skill Development in Action |
![]() Participants practicing explant inoculation under sterile conditions | ![]() Hands-On Experience |
![]() Final year students concentrating on media preparation for plant tissue culture | ![]() Bridging Theory and Practice |
Attendance Sheet:
![]() |
![]() |