Laboratory protocols for evaluating plant growth-promoting bacteria including phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) screening using Pikovskaya’s medium, colony characteristic observation, phosphorus-dissolving capacity determination via molybdenum-antimony-scandium colorimetry, nitrogenase activity measurement using acetylene reduction method, and multifunctional bacterial screening (ACC deaminase, siderophore, IAA secretion).
Research methodology for VAM characterization including soil sampling protocols, physical/chemical analysis (pH, EC, nutrients), spore extraction via wet-sieving and sucrose density gradient centrifugation, microscopic spore counting, root infection assessment using KOH treatment and lacto-phenol staining, grid-line colonization percentage calculation, and spore size classification (30-400 μm).
Comprehensive introductory microbiology covering field definition, scope (pure/applied branches), historical timeline (Leeuwenhoek to genomics era), prokaryote vs eukaryote comparison, bacterial structure (external/internal), morphology (cocci/bacilli/spiral), reproduction (binary fission), algae/fungi structure and classification, virus structure (capsid, envelope, genome types), Baltimore classification, and viral replication cycles (lytic/lysogenic).
Foundational immunology lecture covering innate (non-specific, physical barriers, phagocytes, NK cells) versus acquired/adaptive immunity (specific, memory-based, B/T cells), types of immunity (naturally/artificially acquired active/passive), species/racial/individual immunity variations, antigen characteristics (immunogenicity, epitopes), haptens, adjuvants, and factors influencing immune response.
Detailed comparison of innate and adaptive immune responses to bacterial versus viral infections, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs/PAMPs/TLRs), phagocytosis, interferons, cell-mediated immunity, host-pathogen interaction mechanisms including bacterial/viral recognition and entry processes (zipper/trigger mechanisms, endocytosis, fusion), and plant pathogen interactions including ETI/PTI pathways.