BRIEF HISTORY

The Department of Botany was established in 1964. It offers B.Sc and M.Sc courses in Botany. Considering the academic performances and the facilities available in the Department, post graduate course in Botany was sanctioned in 1982. The Department is provided with well equipped laboratories to train post graduate students and to pursue research studies. The Botanical garden of the Department has valuable collection of rare and medicinally important plants. Botany department was approved as a Research Centre under the M.G.University.Dr.Abi N Eldho, Dr.Benoj Mathew, Dr.Manju M.R. have been approved as Research Guides.

TEACHING FACULTY

Former Faculty of the Department.

1. Prof. T.K. Joshna (1964 - 95); Founder HOD(1965-1990) & Principal of the college. (1990 - 95)
2. Prof. K.P. Jopseph (1967 - 98) HOD (1990 - 98)
3. Prof. Ramani P. Joseph (1968 - 2001) HOD (1998 - 2001)
4. Prof. T.V. Paulose (1969 - 97)
5. Prof K. Pappachan (1969 - 2002) HOD (2001 - 02)
6. Prof. K.P. Vimala (1971 - 2002)
7. Prof. Leelama George (1971 - 2002)

Present members of the faculty

1. Dr.Abi N. Eldo, M.Sc., Mphil, Ph.D.(HOD & Lecturer, Selection Grade)
2. Smt. Annie Varkey. Msc., M.Phil. (Lecturer, Selection Grade)
3. Smt. Molly A.G, M.Sc., M.Phil (Lecturer, Selection Grade)
4. Dr. K.P. Lissy, M.Sc., M.Ed, Ph.D (Lecturer, Selection Grade)
5. Dr. Malathy M.R, M.Sc,M.Phil,Ph.D (Lecturer, Selection Grade)
6. Sri. Abraham Mathew, M.Sc, (Lecturer, Senior Scale)
7. Dr. Manju M.R, M.Sc, Ph.D (Lecturer, Senior Scale)
8. Dr. Binoj Mathew M.Sc, Ph.D (Lecturer, Senior Scale)

PROGRAMMES OFFERED

Courses:

B.Sc Botany main with Zoology and Chemistry as subsidiaries

M.Sc Botany
( Elective A - Applied Micro biology, Elective B - Medicinal and aromatic plants)

Eligibility :

B.Sc: +2 or equivalent with biology as a subject recognized by M.G.University

M.Sc: B.Sc Botany.

Student Strength :

B.Sc Botany - 40 Seats

M.Sc Botany - 10 Seats

Learning Resources :

• Department library with 210 reference books, 10 journals, 140 P.G. Dissertations and 195 U.G. Dissertations.
• Computer with internet connection.
• Separate laboratory for P.G. students.
• Laboratory for Micro biology, Physiology, Bio Chemistry and Tissue culture.
• Sophisticated equipments like research microscope, cold centrifuge, spectrophotometer, Laminar flow chamber, electrophoresis unit, Shaker, Incubator etc. available in the laboratories.
• Botanical garden with 250 trees, shrubs, herbs including medicinal plants.
• Museum for Botanical specimens and a good collection of herbarium.
• Field study for both P.G. and U.G. students.
• Interactive sessions on current problems related to plant sciences and environment.

Academic facilities :

Botanical Research Centre

The Department has applied for starting the Botany Research Centre of the Mahatma Gandhi University. The thrust areas of the research include

1. Thermo stable Pectinase enzyme production by micro organisms.
2. Cytotoxic effect of food additives.
3. Antibacterial effect of plant extracts.
4. Tissue culture of spice crops.
5. Microbial degradation of pesticides.
6. Bioaccumulation of Industrial effluents.

Details of ongoing projects

U.G.C. funded Minor Research Project to Dr. Benoj Mathew on "Root module development in Vigna sinensis in relation to Carbofuran biodegradation and a comparative study on the efficiency of Rhizobium and Pseudomonas on Carbofuran biodegradation". (UGC grant Rs. 48500).

U.G.C. funded Minor Research Project to Abraham Mathew on “In-vitro propagation of Rauwolfia serpentine Beth through somatic embryogenesis and bud proliferation in explants sourced from mature plants”. (UGC grant  – 60000/-)

 U.G.C. funded Minor Research Project to Dr.Malathy M.R. on “Studies on Mycorrhizal technology in Zingiber officinale Rosc to enhance essential oil and oleoresin content”. (UGC Grant  – 45000/-)

U.G.C. funded Minor Research Project to Dr.Manju M.R. on “Biodegradation of industrial effluents using Micro allgae spirulina platensis and its sense as biofertilizers'.

Special Achievements :

The University Rank holders of Botany Department.

Published Papers :

• Malathy M.R.,Ravikumar K and Sivaprasad,P.(1996). Occurrence of Vesicular - Arbuscular Mycorrhiza in Kaemferia galangal Linn.Ancient Science of Life. Vol.XVI(1) P 82-85.
• Abi N.Eldho and M.Chandrasekharan ( 1998). Thermostable a amylase production by immobilized Bacillus licheniformis in a packed Bed Reactor. Abstracts and Proceedings of Diamond Jubilee symposia and 39th Annual Conference of Association of Microbiologist of India.8.p 59-60.
• Malathy,M.R., Ravikumar,K and Siva Prasad, P.(1999). Root knot nematode infestation and growth of Kaemferia galangal as influence by inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhiza. Proceedings on Natinal Conference on Mycorrhiza.p 5-7.
• Manju, M.R. and K. P. Balakrishnan (2000). Comparative toxicity of trivalent and hexavalent chromium on marine Diatom. J of the Marine Biological Association of India 42: 1&2.pp 139-145.
• Manju M.R and K. P. Balakrishnan (2001). Physiological response to sub lethal concentration of Nickel on marine and fresh water algae. Indian J. fish. 48:2.pp 159-164.
• Lissy K. P. and Thara. K. Simon (2001) Ecological and Ethnobotanical Studies in Acanthus ilicifolius. Linn. J. Mar Boil. Assn. India 43:1&2. pp222-227.
• Benoj Mathew (2001) Effect of Rhizobium inoculation on growth and nodulation of Phaseolus aureus Roxb. Asian J. of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Science. Vol. 3: 4. pp331-332.
• Manju, M. R. and K. P. Balakrishnan (2005). Effect of different valencies of Chromium on the photosynthetic activity in Scenedesmus abundans (Kirchner) Chodat. Pollution Research .24: 1.pp 191-195.
• Vimal Mohan, Shiji M. S. Molly A. G. and Abi N. Eldo (2005). Phytoextract of Hyptis Scavelolens as a potent Bactericide. J. of Microbial World.7:(2) pp205-210.
• Vimal Mohan, Shiji M..S. Molly A.G. and Abi N Eldo (2005). Aegle marmalose extract as potent Bactericide. Asian J. of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Science.5: (4). Accepted.
• Sibi. C. Varghese, Molly A.G. and Abi N. Eldo (2005). Potentiality of aqueous extracts and leachates of different plants of Mimosa pudica and Borreria stricta as growth promotes on germination and seedling vigour of Cucumis sativus. Quarterly International J. of Ecology, Environment Conservation. 12:(4) Accepted.
• Benoj Mathew (2006). Comparative study on the effect of Rhizobium inoculation on imbibed seeds and germinated seeds of Phaseolus mungo. Asian J. of microbiology, biotechnology and environmental science. 6: (1) (accepted).
• Gigi George and Malathy M.R. Occurrence of Vesicular Arbuscular mycorrhizae in Medicinal plants. Asian J. of Microbiology Biotechnology and environmental Sciences. 7:(1) Accepted.
• Ambil,V.S., Vimal Mohan.,Annie Varkey and Abi N.Eldho.2005. Cytotoxic effect of Sodium Glutamate ( Aginomoto) on Allilium cepa L. Quarterly International J. of Ecology, Environment and Conservation.(Communicated).
• Shereena S.S., Vimal Mohan.,Annie Varkey and Abi N.Eldho.2005. Cytotoxic effect of Brilliant Blue - FCF on Hippastrum sps. Indian J.Botanical Research.(Communicated).
• Binoy Mathew. (2006). Comparative study on the effect of Rhizobium inoculation on imbibed seeds and germinated seeds of Phaseolus mungo, Asian J. of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Science.6:(1) (Accepted).
• Lissy K.P., Julie J.Paramundayil., Thara K. Simon and Latha M.S. Antioxidant Potential of thee medicinal plant., Sida retusa, Urena lobata and Triumfetta rhomboidea. Ancient Science of Life.Vol.XXV. (3&4).pp.10-15. 
• Lissy K.P. and Thara K. Simon. Viability, Germination and Reproductive Capacity of the Sida Linn. And its substitutes. Quarterly International J. of Ecology, Environment and Consevation ( Communicated).
• Gigi George and Malathy M.R.(2007). Occurrence of  Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae in Medicinal Plants. Asian J. of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences. 7(1):Accepted.

• Molly A.G., Abi N.Eldo and Sibi C.Varghese.2006. Potentiality of aqueous extracts and leachates of different parts of Mimosa pudica, Borreria  stucta as green growth promoters in germination and seedling vigour of Cucumis Salivus L. Ecology, Environment and conservation.Vol 13.No(1).pp71-75.

• Aby N.Eldho., Molly A.G., and Abraham Mathew.2007. Screening of Thermastable  polygalacturonase producing Bactiria and Fungia from Decaying fruits and vegetables. Journal of Microbial World. Vol.9.No.1. pp 169-171,

• Abraham Mathew and Malathy M.R.2006.Occurrence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in s0me medicinal plants of Kerala. Ancient Science of Life. Vol.XXVI(1&2).pp.46-49.

• Benoj Mathew 2006. Carbofuran induced changes in Vigna sinensis seedlings. Indian Journal of Botanical Research Vol.2.pp.187-190.

• Abi N.Eldo.2008.Optimization of culture conditions for the production of polygalacturonase by Penicillium SPC.F.20. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. Online-D01-10-1007/S 10295.008-0375-0.

• Annie Varkey.2008.Cytotoxic and gene toxic effect of Ajinomoto (monosodiumglutamate) or Allium Cepha L. Rootmeristems. Journal of Ecology, Environment and conservation.14(1) 43-46.

• Lissy K.P. 2007. Effect of Plant Growth Regulators of germination and seeding growth of Desmodium gangetian.D.C. Journal of Ecology, Environment and conservation 13(3) 521-524.

• Lissy K.P. 2007. Viability, Germination and Reproduction capacity of different species of Sida Linn and its substitutes. Journal of Ecology, Environment and conservation 13(4) 843-846.

• Malathi M.R.2008.The evidence of mycorrhizal fungi and dark sepate endophyte in roots of Chrophytum borivil lianum. Acta Bot.Croat 67(1) 91-96.

• Manju M.R.2007. A comparative study of Physiology and Protein content in Chlorella pyreniods and Sphirulina Plantensis. Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.9(4) 1042-48.

• Abi N.Eldho.2008.Occurrennce and germination of folius viviparous bud in Bolbitis semicose data (Baker) cling; its ontogeny and vasculature. Nordic journal Botany 5(2), 2008.

• Molly A.G. 2009. Biodegradative petential of pseudomonas against fungal pathogens isolated from infected leaves. Journal of Microbial world 11(1), 2009.

• Lissy K.P. 2008. Effect of Indole.3.acetic acid and Giobberllic acid on seed germination and seedling growth of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn.Sci & Soc.6(2) 167-172.2008.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Membership in academic and other bodies :

Dr. Abi N. Eldho

• The chairman U.G. Board of examinations - 2005, M.G. University.
• Member, U.G. Board of studies, M.G. University.
• Life member, Association of Micro Biologist of India.
• Life Member of Indian Physiology Association.

Smt.Annie Varkey

• Smt. Annie Varkey is the member of the P.G. Board of studies of the M.G. University.

Smt.A.G.Molly

• Smt. A.G. Molly is the life member of the Association of Micro biologists.

Mr.Abraham Mathew

• Mr. Abraham Mathew is the life member of the Indian Society of Plant Physiology and International Society for Plant Morphologists.

ACTIVITIES

2006-2007

The department is actively involved in various extension programmes such as Basic plant tissue culture, mushroom cultivation, flower arrangement and plant propagation. These courses are designed to help students acquire basic knowledge in these branches and to equip them for self employment. It will also help them find opportunities in commercial enterprises.  

Botany Association for theacademic year 2006-2007 started functioning on 29 August 2006. The activities of the association was inaugurated by Principal Prof.Jy C.George. A demonstration class on different styles of flower arrangement  was conducted on the same day by Mrs. Anna Dileep and Vimala, Blue Moon Frorist EKM.

 Onam Festival was celebrated on 31-08-2006. A quiz competition was conducted for the students on 8-12-2006. Prizes were distributed to the winners.

Association arranged a farewell meeting to our Herbarium keeper mr.Paily P.P. on 8-02-2007. Rank holders Mr.Abrham Mathew (Ist Rank M.Sc. 2006) and Miss Devi.K.balan (IVth Rank M.Sc 2005) were admired with mementos on that occasion.

2007-2008

Botany Association for the academic year 2007-2008 started functioning on 17th August 2007. The activities of the association were inaugurated by Principal Prof.Joy C.George. The department is actively involved in various extension programmes. These programmes offer a forum for students to obtain vocational training in applied branches of Botany as a 'part of updating their knowledge and imparting comprehensive training. The department conducted training programmes on following topics under the guidance of the following teachers.

1. Techniques of flower arrangements.Smt.Molly A.G. and Smt.Annie Varkey

2. Mushroom cultivation. Smt. Annie Varkey and Smt. .Molly A.G.

3. Plant Tissue Culture. Sri. Abraham Mathew and Dr.Benoj Mathew

4.Modern Methods of Plant Propagation. Dr.Lissy K.P. and Dr.Malathy M.R.

2008-2009

The activities of the Association for the academic year 2008-2009 were inaugurated on 29th August 2008 by Principal Prof.Joy C.George.Dr.A.U.Arun, Dept of Zoology delivered a talk on 'Global Warming' on November 7th 2008. Association actively participated in the Science exhibition sompetition (Science Spectrum 2008) and got first prize. Training programmes that began last academic year is still continuing. A learning programme on tissue culture and microbial deversity was conducted for the +2 students of Govt. Higher Secondary School Muvattupuzha. Silver Jubilee celebration of this P.G.course was conducted on 10th January 2009.