The Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology, along with Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur is organizing a 4 day Global Conference, beginning today, 10^th January, 2012 at the Mohanlal Sukhadia University Auditorium.

The conference is specially named after Dr. Norman Ernest Borlaug “Father of Green Revolution” who was an agronomist and noble laureate.

Dr.Bikram S Gill, Director, Wheat Generic Resource Center, USA was the Hon’ble Chief Guest of the Inaugural ceremony. The other guests included eminent personalities from India and abroad, viz. Dr. S.R.Niranjana, President ISMPP; Dr. B.B.L.Thakore, Secretary ISMPP; Dr. H.N.Gour, Convener; Professor Ilan Chet, Dy. Secretary General, Barcelona; and Professor H.C. Dube, who were invited for presenting their research work in this field.

The Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology has been working towards enhancing the recognition and the importance of Agricultural Growth and Development in assuming livelihood and security of related individuals and organizations globally.

The aim of this society is to provide a common platform for interaction among scientists and to acquaint them with the latest developments in Mycology and Plant Pathology.

It also encourages young scientists to undertake meaningful research for solving major diseases affecting crops.

The main issues that were discussed on the first day of the conference were Seed Health in Food Security; Transgenics and Biosafety issues; Biotechnological Approaches for Plant Health Management; Disease Forecasting and Decision Support Systems; etc.

The presentations and discussions were followed by a Prize Distribution ceremony. Professor C. Manoharachary was awarded the Y.L. Nene Outstanding Best Teacher award, while Dr. Pankaj Sharma was given the Prof. H.C. Dube Outstanding Young Scientist award.

The vote of thanks by Dr. Subhash Bhargava was preceded by the felicitation of Dr. K. Muralidharan, Editor in Chief, JMPP.