Microbial Technology and Nematology Department is a close-knit and dynamic department that deals with plant associated microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, AMF and nematodes especially those which are beneficial for the plants. Microorganisms benefit agriculture by cycling organic and inorganic matter into useful molecules needed by the plants. The major objective of our department is to utilize strength of microbes (capable of producing siderophores, hormones, cellulase, chitinase, PSB, antibiotics etc.) and use these as bioinoculants to enhance the plant health and yield. The department also focuses on endophytes which have the capability to modulate biosynthetic pathways and can improve the content of the same in medicinal and aromatic plant. The other area of work is to look for microbes which can enhance tolerance of the plants to abiotic stresses like salt, flood, draught and soils contaminated with heavy metals. The department is also engaged in developing microbial technologies to manage plant diseases caused by variety of pests and pathogens. 

Apart from the contributions of Microbiology to plant health, another important area where our department is engaged to discovery of range of new plant based anti-ageing and age related disorders like parkinson and alzheimer compounds. Our studies have successfully demonstrated the versatility of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) soil nematode model system in compound screening, drug target identification and in deciphering mechanisms of drug action and many natural compounds having potential to delay ageing.