Department of Plant Molecular Biotechnology

Introduction

Given the current global challenges of population growth, food shortages, land degradation, and resource limitations, biotechnology, particularly in the plant sector, emerges as a vital solution to these issues.

Acknowledging the significance of this field, the Department of Plant Biotechnology was established in 1997 at the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB) and has been at the forefront of numerous advancements in plant biotechnology for over three decades. In conjunction with the organizational restructuring of NIGEB and the establishment of the “Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute” within NIGEB in 2013, the aforementioned department was renamed the "Department of Plant Molecular Biotechnology" and became one of the three research departments of this institute.

The department currently consists of 10 faculty members, including 3 Professors, 5 Associate Professors, 1 Assistant Professor, and 1 Professor Emeritus, as well as 3 Research Assistants. These individuals are actively engaged in a wide range of areas, encompassing both basic sciences and applied developmental projects.

Mission and Objectives

The mission and objectives of this department are primarily aligned with the national and macro-level needs and priorities of the country.

In recent years, the primary research and technological focus of the department has been established as "Utilizing Biotechnology for the Quantitative and Qualitative Improvement of Edible Oils in Support of Food Security," recognizing the strategic significance of oil in the national economy and food security. Consequently, several developmental projects have been undertaken on oilseed crops, including olive, rapeseed (canola), sunflower, and safflower.

Research Programs

The research programs and teams within this department have been developed over many years, beginning in 1997, alongside the establishment of other research departments at NIGEB, and in response to the country's existing needs. Currently, the following priorities and working teams, in addition to programs related to the priority of edible oils, are actively engaged:

1. Olive Biotechnology (as a research team):

Conservation and identification of olive genetic resources.
Genome analysis of Iranian olive germplasm.
Evaluation of drought and salinity resistance in different cultivars.
Correlation of molecular data and fatty acid profiles.
Optimization of in vitro culture for somatic embryogenesis

2. Investigation of genes encoding plant and microbial phosphatases to enhance phosphate uptake efficiency in agricultural products.

3. Development of transgenic sugar beet plants resistant to Rhizomania using antibody expression and gene silencing strategies.

4. Investigation of salinity and drought tolerance in pistachio.

5. Development of detection methods for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

6. Identification and application of genes conferring resistance to fungal diseases.

7. Bioeconomy and its role in sustainable development.

Laboratory Equipment and Facilities

1. Plant Biotechnology Laboratory 1: Equipped with benches, molecular biology laboratory equipment, and laboratory space for 8 scientific-research groups.

2. Culture Room: Including plant tissue culture laminar flow cabinets and lighted shelves for maintaining in vitro cultures

3. Particle Bombardment Systems (PDS-1000/He) and Helios Gene Gun

4. Phytotron Unit and Environmental Control Equipment: Including 4 plant growth chamber units and germinators

5. Microbial Culture Room

6. Gel Staining and Documentation Room

7. Washing Room and Autoclaves

M.R. Zamani, PhD

Emeritus Professor

M.H. Mazinani, PhD

Professor

Ms. K. Razavi, PhD

Associate Professor

S. Tahmasebi Enferadi, PhD

Associate Professor

Ms. Zahra Moghaddassi

Research Assistant

A. Mousavi, PhD

Director of the Department

V. Shariati, PhD

Associate Professor

M.A. Malboobi, PhD

Professor

M. Alavi, PhD

Associate Professor

NoorAli Ghiasi

Research Assistant

M. Motallebi, PhD

Professor

M. Seyedi, PhD

Associate Professor

Ms. Shahsanam Abbasi, PhD

Ms. Shahsanam abbasi, PhD

Research Assistant