VIRENDRA  K. SIKKA  (PhD IARI New Delhi)
Senior Scientist/ Professor

Office: Department of Biotechnology & Molecular Biology,
CCS HAU, Hisar 125 004, INDIA
Tele cum Fax+91 1662 284334, 231171-73 Ext 9407, FAX:    01662-234952            
Email:   vksikka@hau.ernet.in                                                                      

Home: 619 - HIG Sirsa Road Housing Board, Hisar 125 001,  INDIA
Phone: +91-01662- 275472     Cell: 09354322631
Email:   vksikka@sancharnet.in

RESEARCH SPECIALIZATION:  

Microbial Biotechnology & Molecular Biology

Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS:

Isolation and Molecular Manipulation of genes for starch biosynthesis enzyme

       ADP Glucose Pyrophosphorylase from developing grains of Rice involved in starch biosynthesis and cereal productivity.

·         Development cDNA gene library from developing grains of Indian wheat varieties for identification of genes for starch biosynthesis enzyme ADP Glucose Pyrophosphorylase with varying high temperature tolerance.

·         Determination of activity of starch biosynthesis enzyme ADP Glucose Pyrophosphorylase in developing grains of Important Indian wheat varieties.

DNA fingerprint analysis using ISSR for diversity evaluation in Cotton (Gossypium spp.}

Analyze the role of pectin hydrolyzing enzyme in symbiotic infection of legume by rhizobia

·                Improvement was achieved in symbolic infection, nitrogen fixation and competitive ability in R. leguminosasum bv trifolii by upward manipulating the pectin degradation ability. Pectin degradative enzymes’ variants (upward mutants) demonstrated 3.5 folds higher symbiotic infection ability, fixed 3.75 times higher nitrogen per plant and had 5-20 % higher occupancy in the nodules compared to their parent wild type rhizobia.

PROJECTS HANDLED /BEING HANDLED:

• Application of biotechnology & molecular biology for plant multiplication and improvement – Non Plan  Haryana State Govt).
• Application of molecular and genetic engineering techniques for crop improvement. Non Plan  Haryana State Govt).

• Identification of genes for starch synthesis with high temperature tolerance in wheat – NATP(ICAR)