Pokhara University Conducts Hands-on Workshop on Molecular Diagnostics in Plant Pathology

10th Falgun, 2082  Pokhara University

Pokhara University, in collaboration with the Province Agriculture Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives, Gandaki Province Government, successfully conducted a two-day intensive hands-on workshop entitled “Molecular Diagnostics in Plant Pathology: From Field to DNA – Precision Wet Lab Diagnostics for Sustainable Plant Health” on 18–19 February 2026 at the molecular laboratory of Plant Protection and Pesticide Management Division, Province Agriculture Laboratory, Pokhara.

The workshop was jointly organized by the Province Agriculture Laboratory, Plant Protection and Pesticide Management Division, and Pokhara University, with academic coordination from the Master of Science in Bioinformatics Program, School of Engineering, and the Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, School of Health and Allied Sciences. The program aimed to strengthen the practical and analytical skills of postgraduate students by providing in-depth training on contemporary molecular diagnostic techniques used in plant pathology and agricultural disease surveillance.

The central scientific focus of the workshop was the molecular detection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of Huanglongbing (HLB) or Citrus Greening Disease, one of the most destructive citrus diseases worldwide and a major threat to citrus production in Nepal. Through a comprehensive combination of theoretical instruction and laboratory-based practical sessions, participants were trained in genomic DNA extraction using both the Spin Column-based Kit and CTAB method, DNA quantification and quality assessment, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based pathogen detection, agarose gel electrophoresis, and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis.

The training emphasized the complete molecular diagnostic workflow, including sample preservation, sample preparation, contamination control, protocol optimization, amplification efficiency assessment, and diagnostic data interpretation. Participants gained direct exposure to industry-standard laboratory procedures applicable in research laboratories, diagnostic centers, biotechnology industries, and national plant health monitoring programs, thereby bridging theoretical learning with real-world laboratory applications.

The technical sessions were facilitated by Mr. Sushil Dhungana, Biotechnologist Officer, Province Agriculture Laboratory, who served as the lead trainer for the workshop. His professional expertise and hands-on mentoring played a key role in ensuring effective knowledge transfer and practical skill development among the participants. Further, it was a matter of pride for the University that Mr. Dhungana is one of its own students, currently pursuing his studies in the third semester of the Master of Science in Bioinformatics Program, School of Engineering, Pokhara University.

The academic coordination of the workshop was led by Mr. Madan Baral, Program Coordinator, Master of Science in Bioinformatics, School of Engineering, Pokhara University, and Dr. Parbati Thapa, Program Coordinator, Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, in close collaboration with Mr. Shalik Ram Adhikari, Senior Plant Protection Officer, Province Agriculture Laboratory.

This academic initiative reflects Pokhara University’s continued commitment to promoting experiential learning, interdisciplinary academic collaboration, and capacity building in advanced biotechnology and molecular diagnostics. A similar three-day hands-on training program was successfully conducted last year (26-28, July 2025) exclusively for students of the Master of Science in Bioinformatics Program, School of Engineering, further demonstrating the University’s sustained efforts in strengthening practical education and laboratory-based training.

The workshop represents a significant contribution toward strengthening national expertise in molecular plant pathology, sustainable agriculture, and precision diagnostics, thereby supporting Nepal’s long-term agricultural development and food security objectives. Pokhara University expresses its sincere appreciation to the Gandaki Province Government, Province Agriculture Laboratory, academic coordinators, trainers, and participating students for their valuable cooperation and support in the successful completion of this academic training program.

Workshop at a Glance