Dept.Of Applied Life Sciences (Biochemistry & Biotechnology): February 2016

Report on Biotechnology Field Trip

The Department of Biotechnology & Biochemistry of MVN JS & RVR College of Arts and Science, Malikipuram, collaboration with Zoology department conducted a field trip to state Institute of Fisheries Technology (SIFT), Kakinada on 10.02.2016 to study and observe the practical methods and techniques which they follow on shrimp and fish diseases identification and pathogen investigation. At 11 AM the teaching staff Sri. S Venkata Ratnam, (HOD of Zoology) Smt. BKRM Nischaladevi (Lecturer in Zoology), myself A.S.N.D.Prasad (lecturer in Biotechnology) nonteaching member Smt Aruna along with 12 students of II.B.Sc. (CBCBT) and 20 students of III B.Sc (CBZ) reached the institute and met Sri Venkateswara rao, Fisheries officer. He introduced the staff of SIFT and instructed them to guide us in the institute. Sk. Dilshad gave a lecture on shrimp Culture. She explained that the boom in Tiger shrimp ( penaeus monodon) culture that marked phenomenal growth in early 1990s was halted from 1994 due to unplanned development and outbreak of white spot disease problems .With the permission of Government of India to allow import of SPF( Specific pathogen free) brood stock of Litopenaeus vannamei in 2009, the shrimp farming again reached new heights in Andhra Pradesh.

Smt Sk Dilshad told that Andhra Pradesh is first in aquaculture production from brackish water and fresh water resources and fourth in Marine fish production in India.

The students visited various laboratories present in SIFT. Our students acquired knowledge in the following labs in SIFT.

1. Microbiology and Histopathology Lab.

2. PCR (Polymer chain Reaction) Lab.

3. Soil and water analysis Lab.

4. Feed Analysis Lab.

5. Engine Lab.

6. Navigation Lab.

Microbiology Lab consists latest equipment to detect white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Dilshad said it causes severe damage to shrimps in the culture. Resource person Smt. Sk. Dilshad explained the pathogens cause white spot disease.

At PCR Lab Smt. Bharathi explained that in disease prawns how to extract, Amplify and Detection of DNA. Sophisticated equipment being used to detect DNA.

Sri Nagababu, Fisheries Inspector gave demonstration on detection of P^H, presence of nitrate, nitrites and ingredients of soil and water UV spectrophotometer, soil ph pen are using in soil and water analysis lab.

Smt. Azizunnisa Fisheries Development officer in Feed Analysis lab demonstrated estimation of protein and other materials in the feed of shrimps and fishes. Various Engines were displayed in the engine lab, training classes conducting to operate and repairs of engines. The engines vary from small to large size depending upon the type of mechanized boats.Gears were arranged in a special room. There are number of gears. Gill net, Bag net, stake net, purseet net etc. were displayed.

In Navigation Lab students given training on Navigation. Life saving apparatus, Fire extinguishers, communication signals are displayed in systematic manner. Different types of crafts like catamarans, shoeboat, Mechanised boat, Teppa, Royya boat etc are displayed.

A very good museum and aquariums are maintained in SIFT. Abundant number of Fishes and prawns arranged as specimens. Aquariums are categorized with different sizes of fishes.

Finally with this trip our students felt wonderful experience and gained knowledge on PCR technique, water & soil analysis, feed analysis and pathological techniques . They studied latest techniques to detect the pathogenic diseases generally occur in shrimps and fishes. We sincerely thanked the staff of SIFT Kakinada for the valuable information on aquaculture and disease investigation methods, shared with our students.

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