A group of 35 students of Class XII from PM SHRI School Programme Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bangalore (Urban), accompanied by Mr. B. Senthamizhselvan (PGT Chemistry), Mr. Ashok Poojar (PGT Physics), and Mrs. Revathy (PGT Biology), visited the PheraSense Nanotechnology & Chemical Synthesis Laboratory, DGCUICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR), Bengaluru on 7 October 2025 for a hands-on training and laboratory exposure programme under the PM SHRI School initiative.

The students were hosted by Dr. Deepa Bhagat, Principal Scientist, at the PheraSense Nanotechnology & Chemical Synthesis Laboratory, DGCU, ICAR–NBAIR. The session provided comprehensive hands-on experience in chemical reactions, nanosensor design, and formulation science, with special emphasis on slow-release pheromone technologies.

During the workshop, students prepared 350 pheromone lures for the “Shatpada Fruit Fly Trap” — an innovative technology developed for the management of Bactrocera dorsalis” under supervision of Dr Deepa Bhagat and team. They also witnessed live demonstrations of advanced analytical and synthesis instruments, including column chromatography, flash chromatography, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), UV–visible spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, centrifuge, rotary evaporator, refluxing and distillation units, and reaction hoods.

Students gained exposure to nanosensor fabrication and testing principles, understanding how nanomaterials and semiochemicals are integrated for early pest detection and monitoring. In addition, they were introduced to behavioral bioassays, and experimental setups such as Y-tube olfactometer choice and no-choice assays, providing them with insights into the application of nanotechnology and chemical ecology in pest management.

The visit also included an introduction to ongoing institutional activities, such as the culture and maintenance of the biological control agent Trichogramma chilonis, and the process of filing National and International patents developed Dr Bhagat. The visiting teachers appreciated the unique opportunity offered by ICAR–NBAIR to blend classroom knowledge with practical research experience. Mr. U. C. Prajapati, Principal, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR–NBAIR, for granting permission and extending institutional support for the visit, and conveyed thanks to Dr. Deepa Bhagat and her team for inspiring students through meaningful scientific engagement.

 

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