This course explores how advances in genomics and molecular biology are transforming the development and application of next-generation biofertilizers and biopesticides to enhance crop nutrition and sustainability. Traditional chemical inputs, while effective, often degrade soil health and environmental quality. In contrast, genomics-enabled bio-inputs harness beneficial microorganisms and their genetic potential to improve nutrient use efficiency, plant growth, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses.
What you'll learn
Module 1: Introduction to Biofertilizers and Biopesticides
Concepts, classification, history, limitations of conventional agrochemicals, and the role of biological inputs in sustainable agriculture.
Module 2: Basics of Microbial and Plant Genomics
Fundamentals of genomics, genome organization of beneficial microbes, plant genomes, gene expression, and regulatory pathways relevant to nutrient uptake.
Module 3: Omics Technologies in Bio-input Development
Genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics for identifying nutrient-cycling genes and functional microbial traits.
Module 4: Genomics of Nutrient Mobilization
Genetic basis of nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, potassium mobilization, micronutrient availability, and carbon sequestration in soils.
Module 5: Plant–Microbe Interactions and Rhizosphere Biology
Molecular signaling, root exudates, microbiome assembly, symbiosis, and host specificity influencing crop nutrition.
Module 6: Genomics-Assisted Development of Biofertilizers
Strain selection, genetic improvement, microbial consortia design, formulation technologies, and quality control.
Module 7: Genomics-Based Biopesticides and Biocontrol Agents
Molecular mechanisms of pest and disease suppression, insecticidal and antifungal genes, RNAi-based biopesticides, and resistance management.
Module 8: Bioinformatics and Data Analysis
Genome annotation, metagenomic data interpretation, functional gene prediction, and use of databases and analytical tools.
Module 9: Field Application, Regulation, and Biosafety
Mass production, delivery systems, shelf-life, regulatory frameworks, biosafety, and environmental risk assessment.
Module 10: Case Studies and Future Perspectives
Successful global and Indian case studies, integration with climate-smart agriculture, challenges, innovations, and future trends in genomics-driven bio-inputs.
After completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
CO1: Explain the use of technologies in agriculture through enhanced understanding of potential techniques influencing agriculture production system.
CO2: Apply techniques and tools to enhance agricultural and environmental sustainability.
CO3: Analyze the impact of technology on crop production and management.
CO4: Evaluate technical and professional skills involved in utilization of advance technologies.
CO5: Demonstrate the ability to implement innovative strategies and tools to enhance quantity and quality of crop production and agricultural methods and practices.
CO6: Promote technological awareness, inter-professional collaboration and digital competence by applying innovative technological platforms to improve work efficiency and communication.
CO7: Critically reflect on challenges, limitations, and future trends of advance technologies in agriculture and allied sectors.
