Department of BIOTECHNOLOGY, MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Block-2, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003

Call for pre-proposals on formulation of microbial consortia of agriculturally beneficial microorganisms

Research since the last few decades has clearly demonstrated that microorganisms possess a great potential to enhance plant growth and development through various mechanisms, such as nutrient transformation, nutrient mobilization and production of biologically active compounds, either by having symbiotic association with plants or by effective colonisation of rhizosphere. The need to harness this potential in a predictable manner is being increasingly realized since the turn of this century. When we succeed in this endeavor, our dependence on inorganic fertilizers to supply nutrients and xenobiotics to control pests and diseases would decrease and this in turn would result in a clean environment.

The Department of Biotechnology considers that the development of consortium of microorganisms with proven ability of plant growth promotion is an important step in this direction. This effort appears to be most ideal since microbial consortium consisting of microbes with different biochemical and physiological capabilities could be introduced into root zone soil simultaneously , which permits interactions among themselves and will lead to the establishment of a stable and effective rhizosphere community. Scientists/Researchers interested to pursue research work in areas such as, the development of microbial consortium, the development of suitable formulations for field application, standardization in filed application methodology, evaluation of formulation of microbial consortium under multi-location/ on-farm-trial and monitoring the persistence of members of microbial consortium in rhizosphere are encouraged.

Fifteen copies of your concept papers (not more than 10 pages) which should include title of the concept , its preliminary proof, major, objectives/ milestones, expected deliverables/ outcomes along with proof of having expertise in form of publications in high impact factor journals, lowest amount of the budget which you need, projects in hand and association with industry , name of the PI and Co-PI with address and affiliation may be submitted positively by 15th July, 2008 by post to : Dr.R.R.Sinha, Adviser, Department of Biotechnology, Block-2. 6th Floor, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road , New Delhi - 110003.