International Short Courses on Allelopathy (ISCA) DETAILS
Based on our experience during 2007 of conducting the 5- ISCA in 3- Countries (Italy, China 3-Universities and Tunisia) and their feed back, we have designed following two ISCA Courses for
Allelopathy Researchers. We strongly advise that first organize the Preliminary International
Short Course on Allelopathy to train the beginners and Reseachers in the field of
Allelopathy. Next year, the Advanced Course should be organized to fully train the
Reseachers in the field of Allelopathy.
A. Preliminary Courses
Objectives: This comprehensive International Course on Allelopathy aims to provide
information about the (i). Background knowledge of Allelopathy, (ii). Recent Advances
in Allelopathy, (iii). Methods of Allelopathy Research, (iv). Knowledge of Statistical
Analysis of data and (v). How to write effective Research Papers.
S.No.
|
Course
|
Title
|
Duration
|
Remarks
|
A-I.
|
Basic Course 1. Fundamentals of Allelopathy
|
1 Week
|
-
|
|
A-II.
|
Methodology of Allelopathy Research
|
2 Weeks
|
-
|
|
A-III.
|
Basic Course 2. Statistics and Writing of Research Papers
|
1 Week
|
-
|
|
A-IV.
|
Special Topic (Select one Topic from following)
- Allelopathy in Crop Production
- Allelopathy in Multiple Cropping System - Crop Rotations
- Allelopathy in Multiple Cropping System - Intercropping/ Crop mixtures
- Allelopathy in Weed Management
- Invasive weeds
- Allelopathy in Forestry/Agroforestry
- Allelopathy in Organic Agriculture
|
1 Week per Topic
|
-
|
|
|
Total
|
4 Weeks
|
|
|
B. Advanced Courses
Objectives: This course aims to fully train the participants in Allelopathy Research.
It provides ‘In-Depth’ Training to participants in fields of (i). Organic Chemistry
(Natural Products), (ii). Biochemistry/Plant Physiology, (iii). Plant Bioassays
and (iv). Microbiology (Biomass decomposition, Rhizosphere) etc.
S.No.
|
Course
|
Title
|
Duration
|
Remarks
|
B-I.
|
Organic Chemistry (Natural Products)
|
1 Week
|
-
|
|
B-II.
|
Biochemistry/ Plant Physiology 1 Week - B-III. Plant Bioassays
|
1 Week
|
-
|
|
B-IV.
|
Microbiology (Biomass decomposition, Rhizosphere) etc
|
1 Week
|
-
|
|
|
Total
|
4 Weeks
|
|
|
Most of the Allelopathic studies done in underdeveloped and Third World Countries,
consists of only simple Petri Plate Bioassays to determine the effects of Donor
plants extracts on germination and seedling growth of Recipient plant spp. This
is not Allelopathy Research, but just one partial component. Such Manuscripts are
Rejected by SCI Journals. Many studies have given excellent evidence for allelopathy
but only few investigators have followed a specific protocol (similar to Koch's
postulates for proof of disease) to provide the convincing Proof (Fuerst and Putnam,
1983). The proof of allelopathy involves the following sequence of studies:
- Demonstrate the interference using the suitable controls, describe the symptoms
and quantify the growth reduction.
- Isolate, characterize and assay the chemical against species that were previously
affected. Identification of chemicals that are not artifacts is essential.
- Obtain toxicity with similar symptoms, when chemicals are added back to the system.
- Monitor the release of chemicals from the donor plant and detect them in the environment
(soil, air, etc.) around the recipient and ideally, in the recipient plant.
Complete Allelopathy Research: The complete Allelopathy research using these
Postulates requires detailed studies on various aspects viz.,
- Plant Physiological/Biochemical Processes,
- Pattern of Biomass decomposition in soil,
- Allelopathic interactions between the plant roots and microbes in Rhizosphere and
- Isolation, identification and Characterization of allelochemicals.
To determine these aspects, studies are conducted in : (i). Lab Bioassays, (ii).
Pot culture, (iii) Field studies and (iv). Isolation and identification of compounds
responsible for such effects is also done. To fully train the researchers in Allelopathy
Research, this advanced Course has been prepared.
Evaluation
Each participant is required to maintain the Date-wise record of work done by him/her
in Practical Classes during the Course, for monitoring his evaluation. That is,
all Studies/Investigations conducted by him in Laboratory, Glass Houses and Field
Studies during the course are recorded Step-wise, so that he/she can consult these
for future studies after the Course.
Presentation: On the last day of Course, every participant make 30- minutes
presentation from ‘Results of his Investigations’ done during the Course.
Certificate: All participants who complete the Curse successfully, are awrded
Certificates for completion of Course.
Sugesstions: At the end of course, suggestions are invited from the participants
to improve future ISCA Courses.
New Short Courses: New Tailor made courses based on your requirements could
also be prepared.
The details of these Courses are given on following pages:
A-I. Basic Foundation Course: Fundamentals of Allelopathy
Objectives: This course provides background and basic knowledge of Allelopathy
to Participants. Hence, it is compulsory part of all International Courses on Allelopathy.
Allelopathy is a new and potential field of research. The term ‘Allelopathy’ was
coined by Prof. Hans Molisch in 1937. It provides basis to sustainable Agriculture,
hence, currently allelopathy research is being done in most countries of world.
The indiscriminate use of herbicides for weed control has resulted in serious ecological
and environmental problems viz., (I) Increasing incidence of resistance in weeds
to important herbicides such as S-triazines and dinitroanilines. (II) Shifts in
weed population (A) to species that are more closely related to the crops that they
infest e.g. wild oat (Avena fatua L.) in oat, shattercane (Sorghum biocolor L. Moench)
in sorghum (S.vulgare Pers., wild okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in cotton
(Gossypium hirsutum L.) and red rice in rice both Oryza sativa L. and (B) minor
weeds have become dominant. In crop fields many major weeds suppress Cyperus rotundus
and keep its population under control, but after their chemical control, the competitors
of C. rotundus have minimized and thereby it has become a dominant weed. (III) Greater
environmental pollution and health hazards (A) particularly from surface and groundwater
contamination which is used for human and livestock consumption, for example in
USA, the ground water contains sizeable quantity of alachlor and atrazine widely
used herbicides and (B) from their inhalation during handling and application. (IV)
Toxic residues of herbicides pollute the environment and may prove hazardous to
even future generations. (V) Some agricultural commodities may contain minute quantities
of herbicide residues, with long term adverse effects on human and livestock health.
Because of these reasons, serious ecological questions about the reliance on herbicides
for weed control has been raised.
Since the allelopathy is a new field of science, hence, there is less awareness
among the Agricultural scientists about the scope of allelopathy in Agricultural
and Biosciences. Hence, this course aim to provide information about the (i) History
of Allelopathy, (ii) Role of Allelopathy in Agroecosystems and (iii) Future Prospects
of Allelopathy in Sustainable Organic Agriculture.
Course duration: One week Daily Course Hours : 4-6 (Lectures: 2.0 hours, Lab/Green
House/ Field Practicals: 2-4 hours)
Course Outlines
|
Day
|
Lecture
|
Title of Lecture
|
1
|
|
Introduction: Meeting the Course participants
|
|
Lecture 1
|
Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture.
|
|
Lecture 2
|
History of Allelopathy
|
2
|
Lecture 3
|
Allelopathy in Crop Production
|
|
Lecture 4
|
Allelopathy in Multiple Cropping System - Crop Rotations
|
3
|
Lecture 5
|
Allelopathy in Multiple Cropping System - Intercropping/ Crop mixtures
|
|
Lecture 6
|
Allelopathy in Weed Management
|
4
|
Lecture 7
|
Allelopathy in Forestry/Agroforestry
|
|
Lecture 8
|
Allelopathy in Soil Sickness
|
5
|
Lecture 9
|
Allelopathy in Organic Agriculture
|
|
Lecture 10
|
Future Prospects and Potentials of Allelopathy
|
A-II. Course: Methodology of Allelopathy Research
Objectives: This Course provides, Theoretical knowledge (through Lectures) and Practical
Experience (in Laboratory, Green Houses and Field Studies) to Participants about
the Methods used in Allelopathy Research. A greater emphasis is given on Practicals,
so that participants gains confidence by working themselves. Field Visits are major
components of this Course to observe 'Allelopathic Interactions' in natural and
managed Agroecosystems.
Allelopathy is a new field of science, as the term 'Allelopathy' was coined by Prof.
Hans Molisch, a German Plant Physiologist in 1937. However, no standard methods
are being used by various workers due to lack of compendium on the Techniques, hence,
the results obtained are not easily comparable with each others. Till now much allelopathy
research has been done in various fields of Agricultural and Plant Sciences. However,
there is no compilation of various Research Methods used. Every scientist is conducting
research in his own way. It is causing lot of problems to researchers working in
underdeveloped/Third World Countries in small towns without Library facilities.
Therefore, to make available the standard methods for conducting allelopathy research
independently, this multi-volume book has been planned. Since allelopathy is multi-disciplinary
area of research, hence, volumes have been planned for each discipline.
Prof. S.S. Narwal has planned a multi-volume Book Research Methods in Plant Sciences
: Allelopathy. Six Volumes of this Book have been released : Volume 1. Soil
Analysis (2004) , Volume 2. Plant Protection (2004), Volume 3. Plant Pathogens (2004),
Volumes 4. Plant Analysis (2007), Volume 5. Plant Physiology (2007), Volume 6. Cell
Diagnostics (2007). Three Volumes (Volume 7. Chemistry Methods, Volume 8. Plant
Bioassays and Volume 9. Biochemical Methods) are under Printing and will be released
in 2008. Besides, two Volumes (Volume 10. Statistical Methods and Volume 10. Weed
Studies) are under preparation.
Course duration: Two weeks
Daily Course Hours : 4-6 hours (Lectures: 1-2 hours, Lab/Green House/ Field Practicals:
2-4 hours)
Course Outlines
|
Days
|
Training Programme Contents
|
1-4
|
Observations of Allelopathic Interactions in Natural and Managed Agroecosystems
- (i) Crop fields: Fallow lands - Practical-I
Cultivated fields - Practical-II
- (ii) Forestry: Natural forests - Practical-III
Forest plantations - Practical-IV
- (iii) Aquatic Ecosystems: Ponds, Lakes, Rivers
|
5-7
|
Observations of Allelopathic Interactions in Natural and Managed Agroecosystems
- (i) Crop fields: Fallow lands - Practical-I
Cultivated fields - Practical-II
- (ii) Forestry: Natural forests - Practical-III
Forest plantations - Practical-IV
- (iii) Aquatic Ecosystems: Ponds, Lakes, Rivers
|
8-9
|
Sample collection, Processing, storage
- (i) Plant samples- Practical-I
- (ii) Soil Samples - Practical-II
|
10
|
Pot studies
|
11
|
Field studies
|
12
|
Field studies
|
A-III. Basic Course: Statistics and Writing of Research Papers
Objectives: This course provides basic knowledge of Statistics and information about
the Lab, Glass House and Field Experiments. Besides it also provides training for
'How to Write Research Papers'?
After the researcher has obtained the data from his Lab/ Pot/ Field studies after
spending too much valuable time, energy and resources. Next question arises, what
to do with the data? or how to use it effectively? so that your important findings
are published in good Journals. Agricultural scientists are taught Statistics and
Experimental Designs in UG/ PG studies, hence, they possess good knowledge of Experimental
Designs etc. While those from Botany/ Biosciences/ Life Sciences, have little or
no knowledge.
Statistics:
The statistics is very important both before starting the Research Experiments and
after their completion as under:
- A. Before starting Research Experiments:
- For planning of experiments,
- To select the number of treatments/experimental factors
- To select proper Experimental Designs and
- To reduce Experimental Error.
- B. After Completion of Research Experiments:
- Tabulation and Compilation of Data.
- Statistical Analysis of data to determine the significance of results obtained
- To determine, if the results of various treatments are significantly different from
other treatments.
- To explain the results based on the Statistical significance.
Writing of Research Paper: After the completion of research studies and statistical
analysis of data, the next most important step is to disseminate your important
research findings world wide, by publishing in good Journal. The writing of good
research paper is an Art, which one learns using certain Guidelines and through
practice. The net output of all research efforts of a scientist is Research Paper.
A nicely written research paper has more chances of Publication in good Journal
and that too within reasonable time than a poorly written Paper.
Course duration:One week
Daily Course Hours : 4-6 hours (Lectures: 1-2 hours, Lab/Green House/ Field Practicals:
2-4 hours)
Course Outlines
|
Days Training Programme
|
PART I. Statistics
|
1.
|
Introduction
|
2.
|
Selecting suitable Experimental Design, reducing Experimental Error
|
3.
|
Bioassays
|
4.
|
Pot Cultures
|
5.
|
Field Studies
|
6.
|
Statistical Analysis of data
|
PART II. How to Write Research Paper
|
7.
|
Inroduction ( Short communication, Research paper, Review Paper)
|
8-10.
|
How to write effective Research Papers
|
A-IV. Course: Biochemical Interactions Between Plant and Organisms- Special Topics
Objectives: This course is specially designed to provide the detailed knowledge
about the specific Allelopathic Studies required to be undertaken on the selected
Special Topics.
The allelopathy plays major role in various types of Agroecosystems. Hence, to understand
the allelopathic interactions in these systems, it is necessary to fully understand
these Agroecosystems. Therefore, each of these systems have been dealt as Special
Topic for In-Depth studies in the International Allelopathy Course as under:
S.No.
|
Course
|
Title
|
Duration
|
Remarks
|
I.
|
Allelopathy in Crop Production
|
1 Week
|
|
|
(i). Allelopathy in Multiple Cropping System - Crop Rotations
|
|
|
|
(ii). Allelopathy in Multiple Cropping System - Intercropping/Crop mixtures
|
|
|
|
II.
|
Allelopathy in Weed Management
|
1 Week
|
|
|
(i). Crop-Weed interactions
|
|
|
|
(ii). Weed Managemen
|
|
|
|
III.
|
Invasive weeds 1 Week
|
|
|
|
IV.
|
Allelopathy in Pest Management
|
1 Week
|
|
|
(i). Nematodes
|
|
|
|
(ii). Insect pests
|
|
|
|
V.
|
Allelopathy in Forestry/Agroforestry
|
1 Week
|
|
|
VI.
|
Allelopathy in Organic Agriculture
|
1 Week
|
|
|
Coordinator: Prof. S.S. Narwal, Chief Editor, Allelopathy Journal is Coordinatior
for these International Allelopathy Courses. The further information may be obtained
from following Address: