The division comprises of three disciplines namely Tree genetics, Biotechnology and Tissue culture. The thrust areas of research in the Division are marker assisted selection, DNA finger-printing, gene mapping and population genetics, environmental biotechnology and biodiversity, bacterial symbionts and their molecular characterization, assessment of genetic diversity of forest species, reproductive biology, selection of plus clones and genetic improvement of major timber species and studies on breeding system and gene flow. The tissue culture department conducts research on micropropagation of medicinal plants, enemic tree species, bamboos, canes and tree species of commercial importance. Some of the major areas of activities of the Division are:
Genetic variability in teak clones using DNA marker technology.
Genetic variability and improvement of teak through genetic evaluation.
Genetic diversity studies of teak using AFLP markers.
Micro-propagation of commercial bamboos, teak clones and medicinal plants.
Development of transgenic teak resistant to lepidopteran defoliators.
Forest Genetics & Tree Breeding
Dr. M. Balasundaran
Dr. EP Indira
Dr. .E.M. Muralidharan