Asok Kumar Biswas Professor Email : dr.biswasak@yahoo.co.in Telephone : 033 2425 8816 (R), 033 2461 4711 (O) mob# 09831701816 Education: Ph.D., Botany, Calcutta University, 1981 M.Sc., Botany, Calcutta University, 1975 Professional Experience Calcutta University Professor of Botany (2010 continuing) Associate Professor of Botany (2006-2009) Reader in Botany (2004-2005) Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, 24 Pgs, West Bengal Reader in Botany (1988-2004) Sr. Lecturer in Botany (1985-1988) Lecturer in Botany (1975-1985) Research positions Government of India Post Doctoral National Scholar in the Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA (1986-1989), worked with Prof. Russell L. Jones. Biotechnology National Associate in the Department of Botany, Bose Institute, Kolkata -700009 (1992) sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, worked with Prof. Arun Lahiri Majumder. Biotechnology National Associate in the Institute of Botany, Munich, Germany (1994-1995) sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, worked with Prof. RG Herrmann.
Research Scholar, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Botany, Calcutta University (1975-1985), worked with Prof. S. Mukherji. Awards and Achievement Awards and Achievement Awarded Agharkar Commemoration Medal from Calcutta University in 1981 for published research work done in India on Botany. Awarded Sir Asutosh Mukherjee Medal from Calcutta University in 1983 for research work done in India on Botany. Obtained National Scholarship in 1986 from Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India for Post Doctoral research in Department of Plant Biology, University of California, Berkeley, USA. Obtained Biotechnology National Associateship in 1992 from DBT, Government of India for Post Doctoral research in Department of Botany, Bose Institute, Kolkata. Obtained Biotechnology National Associateship in 1995 from DBT, Government of India for Post Doctoral research in Institute of Botany, Munich, Germany. Obtained Visiting Associateship in 1995 from University Grants Commission, New Delhi. Teaching Plant Physiology and Biochemistry (1975 2017) Professional Membership Plant Physiology Forum, Bose Institute, Kolkata (Life Member) Botanical Society of Bengal, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta (Life Member) Probir Chatterjee Research Foundation, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta (Life Member) Research Interest Research interest of our laboratory mainly concentrates on the damages caused due to arsenic imposed stress in several rice and wheat cultivars with emphasis on its subsequent ameriolation by phosphate, silicate and selenate. Diverse physiological, biochemical as well as molecular biological parameters are employed to assess the oxidative stress elicited by arsenate. Studies are also conducted on respective cultivars to characterize the influence of arsenic using biochemical parameters related to growth and metabolism which include the role of glutathione, phytochelatin and polyamines. A study on the correlation between genomic constitution and arsenic accumulation in some rice cultivars is currently under progress which may help to identify arsenic sensitive and tolerant rice genotypes. Keeping in mind the nutritional importance of selenium, studies are conducted to characterise the effect of selenium and sulphate either singly or in their combination on growth and metabolism in cereal seedlings.
Enhancement of salt tolerance in different legume cultivars by adopting hardening technology is another major area of our research. It involves characterization of the role of antioxidants, stress markers, low molecular weight metabolites, small peptides and osmolyte accumulation in improving salt tolerance ability in legume cultivars under salinity stress. Rate of DNA damage induced by salt stress is assessed by using different molecular biological techniques. Our studies may help the farmers to develop cost effective and sustainable method for crop production in saline and arsenic prone soils by minimising the associated health risks. The research output of the laboratory is reflected from the publications in several reputed journals. Research Group Dr. Papiya Saha (UGC-NET) (piyakmail@gmail.com) Smt. Debarati Das (CSIR-NET) (debrati@yahoo.com) Smt. Srijita Ghosh (GATE) (srijita.ghosh910@gmail.com) Smt. Paramita Chatterjee (GATE) (bmcparamitab@gmail.com) Smt. Palin Sil (NET-LS) (paulineseal@rediffmail.com) Smt. Jayeeta Saha (GATE) (saha.jayeeta87@gmail.com) Sri. Prabal Das (NET-LS,) (prabal.das849@gmail.com) Smt. Susmita Das (RET, JRF-DST INSPIRE) (das.susmita508@gmail.com) Smt. Barsha Majumder (GATE, JRF-UGC Project) (barshamjmdr@gmail.com) Smt. Sabarni Biswas (GATE, JRF-WB-DST Project) (biswassabarni@gmail.com) Smt. Alivia Paul (GATE, JRF-WB-DST Project) (alivia4rpaul@gmail.com) Ongoing Research Projects Project title - Development of salt tolerant legume cultivars adapting hardening technology and their evaluation for cultivation in saline prone soils of West Bengal funded by Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of West Bengal Ref: F.No. 1012(Sanc.)/ST/P/S&T/2G-2/2013 dt 11.02.2016 Sanctioned amount 17.92 lakhs Project title - Screening of arsenic tolerant and sensitive rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars grown in the arsenic contaminated soil of West Bengal on the basis of tolerance, growth and metabolism funded by University Grants Commission, New Delhi. Ref: F.No. 43-102/2014(SR) dt 18.01.2016 Sanctioned amount 14.2 lakhs List of Publications 1. Srijita Ghosh and Asok K. Biswas: Selenium modulates growth and thiol metabolism in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during arsenic stress. American Journal of Plant Sciences 8:363-389 (2017) (IF-1.11)
2. Paramita Chatterjee, Sabarni Biswas and Asok K. Biswas: Ameriolation of salinity stress by NaCl pretreatment with reference to sugar metabolism in legumes Cajanus cajan L. and Vigna mungo L. Plant Science Today 4(1):28-40 (2017). (IF-0.37) 3. Prabal Das, Paulin Seal and Asok K. Biswas: Regulation of growth, antioxidants and sugar metabolism in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings by NaCl and its reversal by silicon. American Journal of Plant Sciences 7:623-638 (2016)(IF-1.11) 4. Papiya Saha, Anita Mukherjee and Asok K. Biswas: Modulation of salt induced oxidative stress in mungbean by NaCl pretreatment in relation to glutathione metabolism and DNA damage. Biologia Plantarum (Springer) 59(1):139-146 (2015) (IF-1.74) 5. Asok K. Biswas and Ashim K. Ghosh: Blue light perception and signaling modulate plant growth and development. Journal of the Botanical Society of Bengal (Kolkata) 68(1):29-45 (2014). 6. Srijita Ghosh, Jayeeta Saha, and Asok K Biswas: Interactive influence of arsenate and selenate on growth and nitrogen metabolism in wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) seedlings, Acta Physiologiae Plantarum (Springer) 35: 1873-1885 (2013). (IF-1.692) 7. Papiya Saha, Pranamita Kunda and Asok K. Biswas: Influence of sodium chloride on the regulation of Krebs cycle intermediates and enzymes of respiratory chain in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) seedlings. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, (Elsevier) 60: 214-222 (2012). (IF-2.352) 8. Bhaskar Choudhury, Supriyo Chowdhury and Asok. K. Biswas: Regulation of growth and metabolism in rice (Oryza sativa L.) by arsenic and its possible reversal by phosphate. Journal of Plant Interactions (UK, Taylor and Francis) 6(1): 15-24 (2011). (IF-0.865) 9. Debarati Das, SaheliPradhan and Asok K Biswas: Influence of selenium on growth and metabolism in rice and its possible interaction with sulphate. Indian Journal of Plant Physiology 16(1): 35-48 (2011) (IF-0.72) 10. Bhaskar Choudhury, Souvik Mitra and Asok K. Biswas: Regulation of sugar metabolism in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings under arsenate toxicity and its improvement by phosphate. Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants (India, Springer) 16(1): 59-68 (2010). (IF-1.45) 11. Papiya Saha, Paramita Chatterjee and Asok K. Biswas: NaCl pretreatment alleviates salt stress by enhancement of antioxidant defense system and osmolyte accumulation in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek).Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, (CSIR, New Delhi) 48:593-600 (2010). (IF-0.753) 12. Ashim K. Ghosh and Asok K. Biswas : Polyamines in plants: role in growth, development and stress responses. Journal of the Botanical Society of Bengal (Kolkata), 64(1):1-16 (2010). 13. Asok K. Biswas, Debarati Das, and ParomaDey: Selenium: Biological impact on growth, nutrition and enhanced stress tolerance-review article. Journal of the Botanical Society of Bengal(Kolkata). 63(2):73-88 (2009).
14. Protiti Maiti and A. K. Biswas : Arsenic uptake and metabolism in arsenic tolerant and nontolerant plants: An overview. Journal of the Botanical Society of Bengal (Kolkata), 60(2):114-122 (2006). 15. B. Mukhopadhyay, R. Bhattacharya, A. K. Biswas and S. Mukherji : Penicillin regulation of Leghemoglobin.. in Mungbean. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry (New Delhi) 22(2) : 195-199 (1995). (IF-0.852) 16. Douglas S. Bush,Asok K. Biswas and Russell L. Jones : Hormonal regulation of Ca 2+ transport in the endomembrane system of the barley aleurone. Planta (Germany) 189 : 507-515 (1993). (IF- 3.376) 17. L. Sticher, A. K. Biswas, D. S. Bush and R. L. Jones : Heat shock inhibits α-amylase synthesis in barley aleurone without inhibiting the activity of endoplasmic reticulum marker enzymes. Plant Physiology (USA) 92 : 506-513 (1990). (IF-7.394) 18. D. S. Bush, A. K. Biswas and R. L. Jones : Gibberellic acid stimulate Ca 2+ accumulation in barley aleurone endoplasmic reticulum : Calcium transport and steady state levels. Planta (Germany). 178 : 411-420 (1989). (IF-3.376) 19. T. Sengupta, A. Bag, A. K. Biswas and S. Mukherji : Pencilin induced stimulation of proton efflux and membrane bound ATPase in mungbean hypocotyl segments. Indian Jur. Exp. Biol. (CSIR, New Delhi) 27 : 166-169 (1989). (IF-0.753) 20. Asok K. Biswas and P. K. Nagar :Pencillin induced changes in cytokinin activity of mungbean (Vignaradiata L. Wilezek) seedling. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, (New Delhi) 15(2) : 210-214 (1989). (IF-0.852) 21. D. S. Bush, A. K. Biswas and R. L. Jones : Measurement of cytoplasmic Ca 2+ and H + in barley aleurone protoplasts. Plant cell, Tissue and Organ culture (The Netherland) 12 : 159-162 (1988). (IF-2.612) 22. Asok K. Biswas and S. Mukherji : Regulation of chloroplast pigments synthesis in leaves of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) seedlings by penicillin. Indian Jur. Plant Physol.,(New Delhi) 29(1) : 34-45 (1986). (IF-0.72) 23. Asok K. Biswas : Penicillin retention of anthocyanin levels in isolated petaloid bracts of Bougainvillea spectabilis, Science and Culture (Kolkata) 51 : 415-416 (1985). 24. Asok K. Biswas, T. B. Jha, S. C. Roy and S. Mukherji : Regulation of growth and embryogenesis in cultured carrot (DaucuscarotaL.) callus tissue. Indian Jour. Exp. Biol. (New Delhi) 23 : 154-156 (1985). (IF-0.753) 25. S. Mukherji and A. K. Biswas : Penicillin action stimulating growth and metabolism in seedlings of rice (Oryza sativa L.), Canadian Journal of Botany, (Canada) 63 : 1150-1156 (1985). (IF- 1.397) 26. S. Mukherji and A. K. Biswas : Penicillin acts as a modulator and stimulator of growth and metabolism in higher plants. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, (New Delhi) 10 : 122-129 (1983). (IF-0.852)
27. Asok K. Biswas and S. Mukherji : Comparison of pencillin and c-amp induced α-amylase formation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) endosperm. Biochem. Physiol. Pflanzen., 177 : 715-719 (1982). (IF-0.565) 28. Asok K. Biswas and S. Mukherji : Promotion of rice seedling growth and metabolism in response to penicillin. International Rice Res. News Lett., IRRI (Philippines) 7 : 21-22 (1982). 29. S. Mukherji and A. K. Biswas : Penicillin action on chloroplast pigment composition, Hill reaction and chlorophyllase activity in Euphorbia pulcherrimal. leaf disc. Indian Jour. Exp. Biol., (New Delhi) 19 : 70-72 (1981). (IF-0.753) 30. S. Mukherji and A. K. Biswas :Penicillin induced formation of ribonuclease in rice (Oryza sativa L.) endosperm and its inhibition by ABA. Experientia (Switzerland), 35 : 1322-1323 (1979). (IF-1.615) 31. S. Mukherji and A. K. Biswas : Modulation of chlorophyll, carotene and xanthophyll formation by penicillin, benzyladenine and embryonic axis in mungbean (Phaseolus aureus L.) cotylodon. Annals of Botany (Academic Press), 43 : 225-230 (1979). (IF-4.001) 32. Asok K. Biswas and S. Mukherji : Penicillin induction of gibberellin and α-amylase biosynthesis in rice endosperm. Journal of Experimental Botany (Oxford), 30 : 43-51 (1979). (IF-5.794) 33. Asok K. Biswas and S. Mukherji : The action of penicillin in mungbean (Phaseolus aureus L.) seedlings and wheat (Triticum vulgare L.) coleoptile sections. Biol. Plantarum, (Check) 20 : 314-317 (1978). (IF-1.74) 34. Asok K. Biswas and S. Mukherji : Penicillin induced regulation of chlorophyll and Hill activity of isolated chloroplasts in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings. Current Science, (Bangalore) 47 : 555-556 (1978). (IF-0.271) Article in Book 1. Russell L. Jones, Douglas S. Bush and Asok K. Biswas : Gibberellic acid and calcium participate in the synthesis of active α-amylase molecules. British Plant Growth Regulator Group, Monograph (U.K.)15 : 31-41 (1987). 2. D. S. Bush, A. K. Biswas and R. L. Jones : Calcium transport into the endoplasmic reticulum is regulated by gibberellic acid. Plant membrane transport, J. Dainty et al. Editors, Elsevier Scientific Publishers B. V. (Biomedical Division) pp. 237-242 (1989). 3. Asok K. Biswas: Influence of arsenic and phosphate on the growth and metabolism of cultivated plants in the book Abiotic Stresses in Crop Plants (CABI), England, edited by Usha Chakraborty and Biswanath Chakraborty, 178-195 (2015).