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Biotechnology Center
Email: maia.kukh@gmail.com, Phone: (+995)577796542 Address: Abai st. 78, 0197, Tbilisi, Georgia
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The purpose of the Biotechnology Center as a scientific-research institution is to investigating modern, innovative technologies in the world as a fundamental research, as well as to modify these technologies according to the geographical-climatic conditions of Georgia. In particular, receiving and distributing elite seeds and planting materials of various agricultural crops, monitoring-conservation, cultivation and sustainable use of Georgia's biodiversity, testing of bio-preparations for reducing microbial diseases on agricultural crops, development and introduction of new technology for storage grapes and fruit crops. The purpose of the Biotechnology Center is to obtain clean products, for example, virus-free potato tube plants are ecologically clean plants, and they can be supplied to farmers who are interested in producing biologically clean products, which will promote the development of organic farms in Georgia. The rational use of phytogenetic resources (Medicinal, Aromatic, Melliferous, Dye, Spicy and Poisonous Plants) and innovative technologies in the context of global climate change is urgent, resulting in an ecologically clean product. At the same time natural resources will be preserved, safe, clean, healthy products will be produced. This issue is a priority for Georgia with a small, unique ecosystem and biodiversity. Practical implementation of the results of the new technology of storage of fresh fruits and grapes, will allow farmers to store these agricultural products for a long time with minimal losses and realization in the winter, both locally and internationally, Which will not only significantly improve their socio-economic situation, but also have a significant positive impact on the economic situation of the country. The implementation of this work includes several goals, in particular: 1. “Conservation-reproduction of potato in vitro collection” 2. “Tuberization of potato in vitro plants, transfer of received micro tubers in the open filed for production elite seeds and establish in vitro walnuts culture” 3. „Comparative study of the action of bio preparations and fungicides against fungal diseases of the root system of soil and vegetable crops for safe conditions for plants and soil. 4. Monitoring-Conservation and Cultivation - Sustainable Use of Innovative Technologies of Biodiversity of Medicinal, Aromatic, Melliferous, Dye, Spicy and Poisonous Plants in Georgia" 5. Development of a new technology for the storage of introduced varieties of stone fruit, berries, table grapes, biochemical research.
Structural Units
In vitro Laboratory of Agriculture Culture Biodiversity Laboratory Laboratory of Plant Microbiology Storage- processing laboratory of grapevine and fruit
Scientific Equipment
| Title of the equipment/device | Technical characteristics | Date of issue | Exploitation staring year | Usage/application | Purpose of usage/application | Technical condition |
| pH meter, HI-2002 Edge® pH Meter by Hanna Instruments (USA) | pH Range basic mode: -2.00 to 16.00 pH; standard mode: -2.000 to16.000 pH Resolution: basic mode: 0.01 pH; standard mode: 0.001 pH Accuracy (@25°C): basic mode: ±0.01 pH; standard mode: ±0.002 pH Calibration: basic mode: automatic, up to three points calibration, 5 standard buffers available; standard mode: automatic, up to five point calibration, 7 standard buffers available and two custom buffers | 2002 | 2016 | Instrument measures acidity/alkalinity of a solution | Scientific | Working condition |
| Spectrophotometry- Elisa Rider- Start Fax-2100, Awareness Technolog INC,GMI(USA) | Linear Measurement Range-000 to 30 Absorbance Units (A) Photometric Accuracy-± (1% of the reading + 001 A) from 0 to 15A ± (2% of the reading + 001 A) from 15 to 30A Light Source-Tungsten Lamp Standard Wavelengths-Standard: 405, 450, 492, 630nm Six Filter UV: 405, 450, 492, 630, 545, and 340 nm Six Filter VIS: 405, 450, 492, 630, 600, and 545 nm pass typical Vessel-96 well plate Internal Printer-yes Calculation Modes-Single point calibration, Multi-point calibration with regression or point-to-point curve fit, cutoff, cutoff control, % Absorbance Multi-Point, Uptake | 2006 | 2008 | Spectrophotometry is a scientific optical technique used to measure the intensity of light either transmitted through or reflected from gas, liquid or solid samples. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Spectrophotometer,UV-5100B UV/VIS Spectrophotometer, M&A INSTRUMENTS INC | Optical System:Single beam Wavelength Range:190-1000nm Bandwidth:2nm Wavelength Accuracy:±1nm Wavelength Repeatability:0.5nm Wavelength Setting:Auto Photometric Accuracy:±0.5%T Photometric Repeatability:0.3%T Photometric Range:-0.3-3A,0-200%T Stray Light:≤0.3%T Stability:± 0.002A/h @ 500nm Display:128*64 Dots LCD Detector:Silicon Photodiode Light Source:Tungsten & Deuterium lamp Output:USB Port & Parallel Port(Printer) Power Requirements:AC 85~250V Dimension:490*370*220mm Weight:15kg | 2013 | 2017 | Spectrophotometry is a scientific optical technique used to measure the intensity of light either transmitted through or reflected from gas, liquid or solid samples. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Spectrophotometry- METASH, UV-5100B(Instruments CO., LtD) | Optical System Singlebeam,grating1200lines/mm; Wavelength Range 190-1000nm; Bandwidth 2nm; Wavelength Accuracy ±1nm; Wavelength Repeatability 0.2nm; Wavelength Setting Auto; Photometric Accuracy ±0.5%T; Photometric Repeatability ≤0.2%T; Photometric Range -0.3-3A,0-200%T,0-9999C; Stray Light ≤0.05%T@220,360nm; Stability ±0.001A/h@500nm; Display 128*64LCD; Detector Silicon Photodiode; Light Source Tungsten Lamp&Deuterium Lamp; Output USB&Parallel Port(Printer); | 1983 | 1985 | OpticalSystem Singlebeam,grating1200lines/mm; Wavelength Range 190-1000nm; Bandwidth 2nm; Wavelength Accuracy ±1nm; Wavelength Repeatability 0.2nm; Wavelength Setting Auto; Photometric Accuracy ±0.5%T; Photometric Repeatability ≤0.2%T; Photometric Range -0.3-3A,0-200%T,0-9999C; Stray Light ≤0.05%T@220,360nm; Stability ±0.001A/h@500nm; Display 128*64LCD; Detector Silicon Photodiode; Light Source Tungsten Lamp&Deuterium Lamp; Output USB&ParallelPort(Printer); | Scientific | Working condition |
| Autoclave BK-30, ТЗМОИ(Russia) | Working pressure in water steam and sterilizing cameras, kgf / kv.sm: 2,2 Dimensions of DhShhV, mm: 700х750х920; Current sort: variable, three-phase; Volume of the sterilizing camera, dm3-30; Productivity of the built-in steam generator, steam kg/h-5.1; Management-semi-automatic | 1988 | 2009 | An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on items that are placed inside a pressure vessel | Scientific | Working condition |
| Laminar Air Flow, BL-1200F, Radel&hahn zrt, DEFI | Working area : The laminar airflow of the working area is classified into the ISO 5th class according to the Standard EN ISO 14644; Pre-filter: Flat filter G4; Main filter: HEPA H14 fine filter is of 99,997% filtration efficiency at particle which size is greater than 0,3 μm; Airflow rate: 0,45 m/s ± 20%; Operating voltage: 230V; 50Hz Size of the device: Length: 1260 mm Height: 1385 mm Width: 870 mm Size of work stationery : Length: 1130 mm Height: 570 mm Width: 520 mm; Lighting: 2x36 W fluorescent lamp; Power consumption: 600 W Weight: 200 kg | 1984 | 1992 | Laminar Air Flow function is filtering the polluted air and maintaining the sterile environment | Scientific | Working condition |
| Laminar Air Flow, BL-1200F, Radel&hahn zrt, DEFI | Working area : The laminar airflow of the working area is classified into the ISO 5th class according to the Standard EN ISO 14644; Pre-filter: Flat filter G4; Main filter: HEPA H14 fine filter is of 99,997% filtration efficiency at particle which size is greater than 0,3 μm; Airflow rate: 0,45 m/s ± 20%; Operating voltage: 230V; 50Hz Size of the device: Length: 1260 mm Height: 1385 mm Width: 870 mm Size of work stationery : Length: 1130 mm Height: 570 mm Width: 520 mm; Lighting: 2x36 W fluorescent lamp; Power consumption: 600 W Weight: 200 kg | 1984 | 1992 | Laminar Air Flow function is filtering the polluted air and maintaining the sterile environment | Scientific | Working condition |
| Refrigerator Polaris RL3, POLARIS ALI Group Srl(Poland) | Insulated panels with polyurethane foam (PUR) with a density of 43 kg/m3,Built with internal and external white pre-painted scratchproof galvanised sheet metal. 80mm hinged door, in line with the finishes of the panels, with a frame featuring a standard clear passage measuring 80*190H or 90*190H, a leaf with an aluminium perimeter profile, hinges in composite corrosion-resistant material with ramp and height adjustment, external handle with safety key. internal finish with a grey plastic-coated non-slip steel sheet, with polyurethane (PUR) insulation featuring a density of 43 kg/m3 and a lower external finish in galvanised pre-painted sheet metal. | 2002 | 2019 | Functions are: short, medium or long term storage, blast chilling at positive (cooling) or negative deep freezing) temperatures or accurate humidity control | Scientific | Working condition |
| Ultra-Pure Water system,HRZ-100, JVG,(Korea) | Power : 220V / 60Hz – Size : 450W * 400L * 930H – G.Weight : 37kg – Storage tank : PE 50 LITERS with cock. | 2011 | 2020 | An ultra pure water system eliminates bacteria with UV radiation. These laboratory water purification systems can achieve up to 18.2 MOhm-cm in resistivity (high resistivity indicating low levels of anionic contamination) and can reduce organic carbon to less than 50 ppb. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Thermostate Pol-EKO Aparatura, model- RS232 | solid door internal glass door for CL and IL temperature range: SL (+5 C above ambient temp. ... 300 C), CL (+5 C above ambient temp. ... +100 C), IL (0 C up to 70 C / optionally o o -10 C up to 70 C); wire stainless steel shelves; quality control protocol temperature protection class 2.0 to DIN 12880 door lock open door alarm access port: Ø30 mm | 2007 | 2017 | A thermostat exerts control by switching heating or cooling devices on or off, or by regulating the flow of a heat transfer fluid as needed, to maintain the correct temperature. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Thermostat TC-1/80,Shymkent (Kazakhstan) company Reaktivsnab, TOO. | Volume of the working camera, l. 80 Range of adjustable temperatures, ºС Accuracy of maintenance of temperature in reference point of the camera of the thermostat in operating duty, ºС ±0,4 Maximum deviation of temperature on camera volume, ºС, no more: from + 25º to + 45º inclusive: ±1 from + 45º to + 60º: from - 2 to + 1 Overall dimensions, mm. : width 521/height 721/depth 525 Ambient temperature at operation, ºС + 10 … + 35 | 1984 | 1985 | A thermostat exerts control by switching heating or cooling devices on or off, or by regulating the flow of a heat transfer fluid as needed, to maintain the correct temperature. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Refractometer-_RL 3, Poland,Nr 8508/85 | Type: Optical Refractermeter Measurement Accuracy:±0.0002 Min. Div.:0.0005 Brix Range:(0~95)% Brix Min. Div.:0.25% Measurement Range:1.300~1.700 Refractive Index(nD) Range:1.300~1.700 Refractive Index (nD) Accuracy:±0.0002 Refractive Index (nD) Min.Div.:0.0005 | 1982 | 1986 | The refractometer is a well-established instrument used for measuring the water content of liquids. It measures the refractive index of the liquid, which changes according to the moisture content. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Analitical Balance-GJ 2003,METTLER TOLEDO Int-Calibration | Zero-tracking adjustable, Filtering adjustable, Weighing unit lock, Percentage mode Counting measurement mode, 10 Weighing unites; Horizontal level adjustable, Large LCD screen, weigh range-200g, Repeatability(mg): ±2; Operate temperature°C :10-35 | 2003 | 2017 | Analytical balances are highly sensitive lab instruments designed to accurately measure mass. Their readability has a range between 0.1mg - 0.01mg | Scientific | Working condition |
| Phytotron (small) | Phytotron are chamber that provide controlled environmental conditions for growing plants. the CETS phytotrons are designed specifically for the commercial production of culture. The environmental conditions monitored, controlled, and recorded in the CETS phytotron include: 1. light period schedule 2. light and dark period duration 3. temperature during the light period 4. temperature during the dark (no light) period. 5. Humidity is maintained above a specified level. | 1990 | 1992 | A plant growth chamber provides a controlled environment in which plants can exist. These chambers make it possible to measure the effects of various environmental characteristics, such as light, temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions, on plant growth and function. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Phytotron (Large) | Phytotron are chamber that provide controlled environmental conditions for growing plants. the CETS phytotrons are designed specifically for the commercial production of culture. The environmental conditions monitored, controlled, and recorded in the CETS phytotron include: 1. light period schedule 2. light and dark period duration 3. temperature during the light period 4. temperature during the dark (no light) period. 5. Humidity is maintained above a specified level. | 2007 | 2007 | A plant growth chamber provides a controlled environment in which plants can exist. These chambers make it possible to measure the effects of various environmental characteristics, such as light, temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric conditions, on plant growth and function. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Sterilizing AS2, N12-01-065 | A laboratory oven is a heating device that meets the precise temperature control and temperature uniformity requirements of laboratory work. It is a standard piece of equipment in many labs, used for a wide range of applications such as drying, evaporating and sterilizing. Operating temperature of a laboratory oven ranging up to 300°C. Ovens size is 800 litres. Ovens are big size and typically floor standing. Chamber is ventilated | 1984 | 1985 | The function of the sterilizer is to kill unwanted microorganisms on instruments, in cultures, and even in liquids, because the presence of foreign microbes might negatively effect the outcome of a test, or the purity of a sample. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Fume hood | Fume hoods are basically designed for safety of the personnel working within the lab by maintaining negative pressure inside the hood compared to that within the lab. It have double skinned construction to make it safer. It have a phenolic resin laminates, Airfoil -Stainless steel; Vertical-rising tempered safety glass sash is anti-racking for smooth operation. | 1984 | 1985 | The purpose of a chemical fume hood is to prevent the release of hazardous substances into the general laboratory space by controlling and then exhausting hazardous and/or odorous chemicals. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Fume hood | Hoods are basically designed for safety of the personnel working within the lab by maintaining negative pressure inside the hood compared to that within the lab. It have double skinned construction to make it safer. It have a phenolic resin laminates, Airfoil -Stainless steel; Vertical-rising tempered safety glass sash is anti-racking for smooth operation. | 1984 | 1985 | The purpose of a chemical fume hood is to prevent the release of hazardous substances into the general laboratory space by controlling and then exhausting hazardous and/or odorous chemicals. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Sheiker, MM-5 Meshalka,TY25-11.834-80 | Shaker with Magnetic Stirrers, The magnetic coil technology works on the inductive principle with alternative current (AC) as its driving force. The generated moving magnetic field drives the spinning of the stir bar in the vessel. The magnetic induction stirrer is ideal for use in general research, life science, industrial, quality analysis, and clinical laboratory settings. Capacity-3 L +;Operating Temp-Range 2°C to 100°C; Speed Range; 10 to 3,000 rpm variable | 1984 | 1985 | A shaker is a piece of laboratory equipment used to mix, blend, or agitate substances in a tube or flask by shaking them. It is mainly used in the fields of chemistry and biology. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Shaker, MM-5 Meshalka,TY25-11.834-80 | Shaker with Magnetic Stirrers, The magnetic coil technology works on the inductive principle with alternative current (AC) as its driving force. The generated moving magnetic field drives the spinning of the stir bar in the vessel. The magnetic induction stirrer is ideal for use in general research, life science, industrial, quality analysis, and clinical laboratory settings. Capacity-3 L +;Operating Temp-Range 2°C to 100°C; Speed Range; 10 to 3,000 rpm variable | 1984 | 1985 | A shaker is a piece of laboratory equipment used to mix, blend, or agitate substances in a tube or flask by shaking them. It is mainly used in the fields of chemistry and biology. | Scientific | Working condition |
| Centrifuge,MPW-310(Poland),MPW Med. Instruments | Configuration:Benchtop, speed- up to 3000rpm, Tube volume: 15ml, number of tube; 12, Timer: yes | 1984 | 1985 | A laboratory centrifuge is used to separate fluids based on density. Samples in a containing vessel are subjected to high-speed rotation to achieve separation. | Scientific | Working condition |
Scientific buildings
International Scientific Works
| Project number/ID | Project title | Name of the grant call | Funding organization | Grant budget (total) | Start/end dates | Principal investigator | Key personnel | Project Summary | Detailed description | Achieved results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGS 03-61 | Distribution and Demonstration of Production of Highly Effective Colchika Valerina | - | Joint Project of the Georgian Government and the World Bank | 21 000 აშშ დოლარი | 2002-2004 | Tamar Kacharava | - | The goal of the project is to obtain ecologically pure, standard seeds, raw materials and products of the endemic Valeriana officinalis L in the farm. | Popularization of the obtained results - farmers and other interested persons were introduced to the technologies proposed in the research, 3 demonstration days, 3 lectures-seminars were held, 200-200 copies of methodological instructions on the use of each technology, booklets and reference-advertising posters were published. | The technology of obtaining air-dried roots and rhizomes of the endemic Valeriana officinalis L was introduced, possibility of obtaining up to 50 kg of Valeriana officinalis L seeds per hectare was practically tested, a standard seed bank was created, and a potentially profitable market for Valeriana officinalis L seeds, which currently did not exist, appeared; Medicinal preparations were made using environmentally friendly products. |
| 014-13 | Differentiation of plants producing heavy metals and radionuclides from phytogenetic resource stocks to obtain ecologically pure raw materials | Georgia Technical University July-August competition | Georgia Technical University | 15 000 ლარი | 2013-2014 | Tamar Kacharava | Liana Koiava, Nino Tsiklauri | The aim of the project was to determine genetic resources stocks of medicinal, aromatic and spicy plants in different ecosystem conditions, including rare and endangered, heavy metal and radionuclide emitters from living organisms, monitoring, description - cataloging, database creation of local species geneplasm stocks - created and expanded Database with monitoring results. | Monitoring of genetic resources stocks of medicinal, aromatic and spicy plants in different ecosystem conditions, including rare and endangered species, heavy metal and radionuclide emitters from living organisms, genome stocks of local species, description - cataloging, database creation - database created and expanding with monitoring results. | Samples of medicinal, aromatic and spicy plants taken in the regions of Adjara (Kobuleti), Guria (Ozurgeti), Samegrelo (Zugdidi) and Khevi (Stephantsminda), the content of heavy metals, pectin substances and anthocyanins in selected samples were determined, three articles included in the plan were published in the scientific refereed journals. The monograph "Biodiversity of Ghebi" was published. |
| N12/73 | Production of in vitro walnuts planting material using modern biotechnology method in Georgia. | Research grants to young scientists | LEPL Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia | 14300ლარი | 19/11/2012-19/11/2013 | Iveta Megrelishvili | Nino Murvanidze, Ekaterine Bulauri, Tamar Chipashvili | The aim of the research was to establish in vitro walnut culture, to determine the optimal sterilization conditions for walnut initial material, which will be collected from a young walnut garden in open filed where the risk of infection is high, selection of optimal MS medium(MS medium, DKW medium) for in vitro growth and development of walnuts and for their rooting. The work has a great importance for the production of planting material of hard propagate varieties of walnut. | The modern tissue culture method which involves propagation of in vitro plants for the production of planting and nursery material, is widespread throughout the world. The use of tissue cultures is becoming more and more important, because this technology allows to continuously ensure the production of seed and planting material free of pathological microbes and viruses. Nowdays there is not any industrial production of waluts planting materials using in vitro biotechnological method in Georgia. The goal of the project is to establish of walnut in vitro collection using a modern biotechnological method, for further production of planting material. The initial materilas were collected from open filed of walnuts 2-3 years old orchards in Saguramo region of Jigaura, young trees are the best for establish in vitro tissue culture. Three tipes of medium ( MS medium, half MS medium and DKW medium) were used for walnuts in vitro propagation and rooting. Tubes with cups were sterilized in dry sterilizator at 1200C. Each tube was filled 10-10 ml of boiled medium which is sterilized in a steam autoclave at a temperature of 105-1200C, during 40-45 minutes. Cutting procedures is done in sterile boxes, using laminar flow. At the first stage walnuts in vitro culture were cultivated in DKW medium in phytotrone condition: 260C temterature, 18h photoperiod. At the secend stage in vitro plant were placed in MS medium with hormone Indole-3 bitiric acid for rooting, phytotron condition 23-240C during 7,12, 24 days. Plants with inicial roots were transfered half MS medium contaned auxin at 23-240C, 16h photoperiod for strengthen root formation process during 3-4 weeks. Rooted plants were placed for acclimatization in steril vessel (13X10.5X4 cm)wich contained special soil and covered by polyethylene in order to keep humidity, plant were irigated one times a week under the same conditions. For the first time in Georgia, under laboratory conditions, it was possible to establish in vitro plants of walnut, which are characterized by a strong root system, a straight stem and leaves. Thus, the scientific group of the Biotechnology Center received walnuts in vitro plants for the first time in Georgia within the framework of the project. The new biotechnological in vitro tissue culture propagation method developed by us allows to obtain walnut seedlings in a short period of time, and the results obtained by us are the first steps for the production of healthy, clean seedlings of this highly valuable culture in Georgia. | Within the framework of the research, for the first time in Georgia, walnuts in vitro culture were established. For this purpose, optimal sterilization conditions were determined for the initial material of walnuts, which was taken from a young orchard of walnuts in open field where the risk of infection is high. Optimal MM medium for in vitro growth and development of walnuts (MS medium, DKW medium) and for effective in vitro rooting were selected. The work has a great importance for the production of planting material of hard propagate varieties of walnut. |
| 02.03.63 | Production of potato elite seed from virus free in vitro potato in Akhalkalaki region | New Innovation in Agriculture | American humanitarian organization ”CARE” | 20 000 ლარი | 2009-2011 | Maia Kukhaleishvili | Goderdzi Goderdzishvili | The main goal of the work is the production of elite potato seeds in Georgia, in particular in the villages of Akhaltsikhe municipality. Potato varieties were selected directly by required of farmers, both early and mid-early potato varieties were used from the in vitro potato collection of the STU, Biotechnology Center. Potato elite seeds were produced using the technology developed by us which provided for the reproduction of collection plants, strengthening of plants in laboratory conditions, their removal in the first stage to semi-open filed (using nets in the first stage), production elite (E-class) potato seed from the microtubers by annual multiplication, without the greenhouse. Based on the mentioned technology, Georgian farmers produced the highest quality elite potato seeds in their plots, the yield of which, depending on the varieties and villages, was 36-42 t/ha. The yield of the elite potato seed was the same or more productivity and depend to potato varieties compared to the the seed imported from Holland. For the first time in Georgia, farmers in 6 villages of Akhaltsikhe (Pamaji, Arali, Tskaltbila, Tadziris, Molita, Tabatzkuri) received locally produced elite potato seed from the in vitro potato collection of s of the Biotechnology Center. Based on the results, a thesis was defended for awarding the degree of academic doctor on the topic - "Development of elite seeds production technology from potato tubers adapted in Georgia - in vitro virus-free plants and its ecological-economic evaluation." (M. Kukhaleishvili). | Studies, practice and experience show that the diverse natural and climatic conditions of Georgia provide an opportunity to produce both food (early and late) and high-quality potato seed material in the mountainous regions of Georgia. Production of strategic crops seed is of crucial importance for sustainable development of the country. The primary propagating material is the beginning of production, and the quantity and quality of seeds for industrial purposes depends on its quality. In itself, healthy seeds, which are a complete shortage in Georgia today, are a guarantee of the quality and number of food products. Therefore, it becomes clear the need to make fundamental changes in the structure of traditional agricultural production activity, which is manifested in the creation of relatively closed systems and the development of biotechnological methods based on the use of more adequate processes with natural systems compared to traditional ones. In Georgia, food and seed potatoes are mainly produced in mountainous regions. In particular, Kvemo Kartli (Dmanisi, Tsalka), Samtskhe-Javakheti (Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Aspindza, Akhalkalaki, Ninotsminda) and Adjara (Keda, Khulo). These are the main regions that supply the internal market with food potatoes. However, they do not produce of virus-free, high-yielding potato planting material on site, and import low-quality (A; B; C, etc.) seed from abroad, which is characterized by low productivity, or use local, already reproduced many times, potato seed material, which is infected with viruses and in this case the yield is very low. Over the years, many international humanitarian organizations working in the field of agriculture and have tried to start the production of elite potato seeds in Georgia, and for this purpose they imported and still import high-reproduction elite, as well as A and B class potato seeds, the multiplication of which takes place in Georgia, in the production unions and cooperatives established by them. However, this resource does not have a great impact on the production of quality potato seeds in the country, because the multiplication of such seeds is one or two generations, because it becomes virulent and its subsequent use as seed is not allowed, and the imported seed material is genetically adapted to the country where it was produced. In many cases, such seed material is characterized by low yield, which is related to their low adaptability to the climatic conditions of Georgia. Although the introduced seed is better than the local one, it does not give the yield characteristic of a particular variety. Therefore, it is necessary to develope such a technology that will allow local potato growers to get the initial elite potato seed in their plots. Various methods of production virus-free seeds of plants are presented in biotechnology. In particular, tissue cultures are based on in vitro cultivation of organs, tissues, cells and isolated protoplasts. It offers fundamentally new ways, namely mutagenesis - at the cellular level, cellular selection and somatic hybridization. In addition, tissue technology is effective for obtaining such virus-free agricultural crops that are characterized by vegetative reproduction. For research, the following villages of Akhaltsikhe were selected to receive elite (E class) potato seed: Pamaji, Arali, Tskaltbila, Tadzrisi, Molita, Tabatskuri. Selection of potato varieties for propagation was made directly on the recommendation of farmers from local villages. Three varieties were selected - ""Nevsky"", ""Amorosa"" and ""Sante"". All three cultivars were obtained from virus-free in vitro collection of potato at the STU Biotechnology Center. Bacause we already had the initial material, the work was underway on the reproduction of plants in the laboratory. Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) was used to cultivate these explants (Murashige and Skoog, 1962).Medium with 30 g/L-1 sucrose, 7 g/L-1 agar autoclaved to 121°C during 20 min at 15 psi, pH was adjusted to 6.1. 2-3 cm long single nodes were separated from 4-5 weeks old explants with 5-6 nodal segments under laminar flow chamber and placed in MS medium, Potato reproduction was conducted in phytotron under controlled condition: temperature: 270C; humidity- 85%; Lux-5.5000;16h photoperiod, from the second week, we changed the environment in phytotron: In particular, the temperature is +23, +25C0, Humidity - 75-80%, illumination 4.5-5.0 lux, photoperiod remained unchanged, i.e. light photoperiod - 16 hours. The time of maximum growth of plants is 15-18 days depending on the varieties. In such a sequence, we carried out the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. reproduction of the plants, until the required number of tube plants was obtained. With this method, during the project, 15,000-20,000 virus-free potato in vitro plants were obtained, which had periodically planted in the villages of Akhaltsikhe. Six type of viral infection PVX, PVY, PVRL, PVM, PVA were tested using Enzyme-Linked immune sorbent assay , Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS-ELISA)method at the all stage od reproduction eccording EPPO standared. The methods developed by us were used to transfer the plants to the open field, which meant: 1. obtaining strong plants in laboratory conditions, 2. placing the plants in the open fiels without damage, and 3. adapting the first 10 days after transplanting to the environmental climatic conditions. 1. Involves growing in vitro plants in the laboratory under special conditions.Tube plants were grown in plastic cups with soil, under periodic irrigation. The plants were kept under these conditions for 5-6 days in the bright sunny room of the Biotechnology Center. During this time, the plants had more or less open field-like conditions, which allowed them to adapt to different environmental conditions (without a tube plants), during this time, the plants developed a well-developed root system, a strong stem and a well-developed leaf. 2. The method of transplanting in vitro plants involved the following: the plastic cups with plants are cut lengthwise very carefully with scissors, the plant with soil is planted y in previously prepared holes. The plant is covered with soil so that one leaf remains above the ground and watered. 3. Adaptation to environmental conditions. This process involved the following: Et first the plants were under a special net that protected them from wind and rain. On the second day after planting, we opened the net protecting the plants for 2 hours, on the 3rd day for 4 hours, and so on for 10 days. From the 10th day, the protective net is completely removed from the plants and they continue to grow and develop normally in open ground conditions. Before harvesting, all the agrotechnical measures necessary for harvesting were carried out in the potato plantations. These measures were carried out by those potato growers whose plots included virus-free potato in vitro plants. | Based on the our developed technology, the number of microtubers produced from potato in vitro plants was 1.5-2.0 times higher than the number of microtubers from potato planting material by the standard method. It should be noted that the standard material refers to the elite seed that the farmers had purchased from the company ""Agrico"" or received as a gift from American organizations such as ""Mercy Corps"" and ""CARE"", the seed produced from the above mentioned organizations was free from diseases. The comparison was based on the information provided by the farmers, after the completion of the project, the official report on the data received was presented to the American company ""CARE"" that financed the project. Based on results, it was determined that among the potato varieties, the ""Nevsky"" variety had the highest yield - 90.47%. This was probably due to the fact that ""Nevsk"" experienced adaptation to the environmental conditions of Georgia from the 50s of the last century, and at the same time it adapts quite easily to different environmental conditions. As for ""Amorosa"" and ""Sante"", their productivity was more or less the same depending on the villages and varied - 70.1%-73.43% and 67.72%-78.76% respectively. Thus, with our technology, a fairly high yield of elite potato seed material was obtained from virus-free in vitro plants in the villages of Akhaltsikhe, wothout using the greenhouse. The obtained yield was not less than the world standards, and it was 3-4 times higher than the indicators of local production. |
| N506 | Selection of high productivity and adapted potato clones for Georgian potato regions and production of virus free potato seed | Basic Research(FR) | LEPL Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia | 141645 | 01/03/2009 - 01/03/2012 | Maia Kukhaleishvili | Ramaz Giorgobiani, Vladimer Baramidze | Main goals of the project are the selection introduced and well adapted potato varieties on Georgian climate conditions, establishment of in vitro culture using apical meristem method, production in vitro potato plants, their strengthen in laboratory and planting in semi open filed without greenhouse for further production of super-super elite potato seed and then elite seed. Thus the first time in Georgia super-super elite potato seed is produced in semi open filed from plants which are strengthened in laboratory. Based on our technology local farmers can be able to produce high quality and expensive potato elite seed which can compete with the seeds imported from Europe. | The technology of production virus-free potato seeds is a discipline of modern biotechnology that ensures the increase in the yield of agricultural crops, including potatoes. The use of tissue cultures is becoming more and more important in various fields of agricultural biology and medicine. The practical importance of microclonal propagation of plants is that the mentioned technology ensures the production of virus free planting and seed material with a high multiplication rate. It is known that infected plants are low-yielding including potato viruses. Viruses can damage the potato crop, as usual, potato is propagated asexually, during which the tuber is divided and the parts are sown. Using this method, although it is possible to preserve the desired genotype of the species, viruses and bacteria are transferred through the other soft tissues, which leads to decrease of yield. The advantage of the biotechnological propagation method compared to the traditional method is the high production ability of each plant, the rapid rate of propagation, the flexible schedule of storage and transplanting. Potatoes obtained by biotechnological propagation is 30% more productive and it is more resistant to adverse environmental conditions. The initial and necessary condition of the biotechnological propagation method is obtaining virus-free in vitro plants, its further reproduction and finally virus-free elite seeds. One of the most common methods of recovery potato from viruses is the apical meristem method. Meristem cell culture involves the isolation of the apical (tip) meristem, which is located at the tip of vegetative organs and is free from viral infections. This biotechnology method was first used in the 60s of the last century and is currently widely used in all countries where potato cultivation is well developed. Jinishi villages of Tsalka region was selected to receive the super-super elite of potatoes. Within the project, three varieties of potatoes were selected for the experiment: ""Amorosa"" and ""Sante"". They are characterized by the adaptation ability to more or less to the Georgian conditions, in addition to high yield and high demand in the consumer market. Both potato varieties were selected from in vitro potato collection of Biotechnology Center. Six type of viral infection PVX, PVY, PVRL, PVM, PVA were tested using Enzyme-Linked immune sorbent assay , Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS-ELISA)method at the all stage od reproduction. Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) was used to cultivate these explants (Murashige and Skoog, 1962).Medium with 30 g/L-1 sucrose, 7 g/L-1 agar autoclaved to 121°C during 20 min at 15 psi, pH was adjusted to 6.1. 2-3 cm long single nodes were separated from 4-5 weeks old explants with 5-6 nodal segments under laminar flow chamber and placed in MS medium, Potato in vitro growth their 2th, 3th and ect. Reproduction was conducted in phytotron under controlled condition (temperature: 23-240C; humidity- 75%; Lux-4.5000;16h photoperiod). As a result of the research, a new method of transplanting plants to the open field was developed, without the use of a greenhouse. This means transferring test tube plants to plastic cups with soil. The plants were placr in such conditions for 5-6 days in the illuminated sunny room of the Biotechnology Center, during this time the plants had more or less conditions similar to open field, which allowed them to adapt to different environmental conditions (without a tube), during this time the plants formed well-developed root system, strong stem, well developed leaves. It should be noted that using this method only 5% of the plants died, while with the standard method the loss of plants in greenhouses is about 35-45%. After strengthen of plants 5200 plants were transferred in open field of Tsalka region of Jinisi. Transfer plants from laboratory to the open field requires compliance with the necessary conditions, which prevent both breaking the stem of the plant and damaging its root system during the transfer. A new method of transplanting the strengthen plants into the open filed was developed, which contains as follows: the plant with soil is planted in a pre-prepared trace so as not to damage them, the plants are covered with soil so that only one leaf remains above the ground, and plants are immediately watered. Plants grown in the two- or three-leaf phase were again covered with soil, so that one leaf remained above the soil. This operation was repeated 2 times, this manipulation allows to develop a large number of potato tubers in the ground. Viruses were tested during the vegetation period of the plants and also in the tubers. It should be noted that the was no infected plants case with viruses due to the selected place, the village of Jinishi is located at about 2000 meters above sea level, which allows the crops not to get infected with various types of viruses. | According to the method developed by us, the number of microtubers obtained from test plants was 1.5-2 times higher than the number of microtubers obtained from the planting material using the standard method, we compared it with the standard method based on the information provided by the farmers. Development of 5200 in vitro plants, two varieties: "Sante" and "Amorosa" were observed for two years in Village Ginis in 2010-2011. Although during these two consecutive years unfavorable climatic conditions were recorded (hail), the result was quite high. It was releaved that the potato variety "Sante" adapted less to the geographical and climatic conditions of Jinish than the variety "Amorosa", although a significant amount of super-super elite was obtained. In particular, in the case of “Sante” - out of 100 plants, in the first year - 270 pieces of potato microtubers were obtained, and in the second year, 1,660 pieces of potatoes, super-super elite. In the case of "Amorosa" variety, 831 pieces of potato microtubers were obtained from 100 plants in the first year, and 18,282 pieces of super-super elite potato tubers in the second year. Unfortunately, the funding of the project was stopped in the third year, due to reasons independent of us, and we still managed to bring the project to the end together with the farmer. Finally, elite seed of "Sante” and "Amorosa" varieties was obtained from in vitro potato test tube plants, the yield of which was 15 tons and 36 tons per hectare, respectively. This kind of project was implemented for the first time in Georgia by STU Biotechnology Center in Tsalka Municipality. |
Contact
Phone: (+995)577796542
Website: https://biotech.gtu.ge/
Email: maia.kukh@gmail.com
Address: Abai st. 78, 0197, Tbilisi, Georgia
Staff
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Merab ZhghentiDoctor of Science / Principal Researcher |
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Maia KukhaleishviliAcademic Doctor of Science / Principal Researcher |
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Leila ZviadadzeAcademic Doctor of Science / Researcher |
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Tamar ChipashviliDoctor of Science / Researcher |
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Maia KobakhidzeAcademic Doctor of Science / Researcher |
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Zurab GeliashviliAcademic Doctor of Science / Researcher |
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Tinatin EpitashviliAcademic Doctor of Science / Researcher |
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Tamar ShamatavaAcademic Doctor of Science / Senior Researcher |
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Guliko DvaliAcademic Doctor of Science / Senior Researcher |
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Naili LomtadzeAcademic Doctor of Science / Researcher |
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Gulnazi KaishauriAcademic Doctor of Science / Senior Researcher |
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Ekaterine BulauriAcademic Doctor of Science / Researcher |
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Iveta MegrelishviliAcademic Doctor of Science / Principal Researcher |
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