GM maize and cancer study retracted – experts respond

GM maize and cancer study retracted – experts respond

101st Foundation day of SBI

“Serve as mentors to the young”, Sugarcane scientists urged

A benefactor is someone who gives money or assistance to a person or a cause. Whereas a mentor is someone who is a trusted adviser, who trains the young. Sugarcane scientists should serve as mentors -not as benefactors- to their young colleagues, Dr N.Krishnakumar IFS., Director of IFGTB (Institute of Forest Genetics & Tree Breeding), Govt. of India, Coimbatore said here on 30.10.2013.

            Delivering the Foundation day address at the 101^st Foundation day of Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, he lauded the Institute for its glorious accomplishments in the field of sugarcane breeding.

            The challenges of the future in sugarcane research are numerous and scientists should think together and work together, he urged. The recent advances like GIS (Geographic Information System), biotechnology, precision farming, nano technology and similar frontier areas must be explored. Our research work should always be focused towards nation building, he added. 

            Dr.N.V.Nair, Director of Sugarcane Breeding Institute, in his Presidential address, mentioned that ‘Co’ (Coimbatore canes of SBI) and allied varieties now occupy about 95 per cent of cane area in our country. Dr.Nair highlighted the shifting priorities of sugarcane breeding and research. So far, sugarcane was considered as a sugar-accumulating crop but now it is being perceived as a biomass- yielding crop. Sugarcane can yield above 100 tonnes of biomass per hectare per year and ratoonable. Emphasis is now to exploit the biomass for fuel, he said. While the juice can be utilized for sugar, the cellulosic biomass can be exploited for ethanol. With its unmatched genetic resource pool and trained manpower, SBI is marching ahead in achieving the targets set for the year 2050, Dr.Nair said.

            Dr.S.R.Sree Rangaswamy, Former Director, School of Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, in his Special address highlighted the importance of sugarcane and the specialty of the crop. Enlisting the various aspects of genetics and technologies available, he appealed to SBI scientists to use markers to screen the seedlings so that the breeding cycle can be shortened.

            Two retired scientists of the Institute were honoured during the occasion.