Saima Khan Declared Qualified for the Award of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) by SMVDU
Jammu, 15-03-2025: Ms. Saima Khan has been declared qualified for the award of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biotechnology by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU). She worked on the topic, entitled “Exploration of in vitro raised cultures of Atropa accuminata for the production of acid phosphohydrolase”, under the Supervision of Dr. Ashok Ahuja, Principal Scientist (Retd.), CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu and Co-supervision of Prof. Sharada M. Potukuchi, School of Biotechnology, SMVD University.
During the final oral defence, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr. Sunil Wanchoo, Dean Faculty of Science and the External Examiner Dr Ram Kumar Sharma, Chief Scientist, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur and Head, Biotechnology; appreciated the work done and congratulated the student for her successful Ph.D. Viva-Voce. Ms. Saima has published her research findings in the International Journals of repute and presented her results at International and National conferences. Ms. Saima expressed her gratitude to CSIR-IIIM and the School of Biotechnology, SMVD University for providing all the facilities for carrying out the research work and the financial assistance in terms of scholarship and contingency during her tenure at the CSIR-IIIM. Her study implements the existence of plant cell culture system as a viable and alternative approach for the production of acid phosphatase at commercial levels using cell and tissue cultures of Atropa. The findings have significant implications for addressing global food security and environmental sustainability. By leveraging the power of plant cell cultures, researchers can develop innovative strategies to enhance crop productivity and minimize the environmental impact of agriculture.
This research offers rational strategies to develop phosphate efficient plants in order to reduce our over reliance on non renewable Pi fertilizers which can further encourage continual agriculture and help to convene future needs.
