There are several approaches in plant biotechnology that are being pursued in the Laboratory of Biotechnology.

1 Biotechnology for Thai orchid crop improvements
Production of viral disease resistant orchids by genetic manipulation: Orchids are a major economic crop of Thailand. However susceptibility to viral infection in Dendrobium orchids is one major problem for commercial production. In this research, genes encoding the coat protein of Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV-CP) from infected Thai orchids of the genera: Dendrobium, Oncidium, Mokara and Cattleya, were cloned and analyzed for their genetic relatedness. We later used this information to produce Dendrobium orchids that were free of virus using RNA interference (RNAi) technology.
Conservation of Thai orchids: The threat of extinction for endangered species of Thai orchids is a critical and urgent problem. Seed conservation methods are well established for long term seed storage at low temperature with low cost.
Characterization of Bio-molecules in orchids affecting cancer cell activities: While Thailand is a natural habitat for several diverse species of orchids; studies focusing on the isolation of bioactive products from orchids have not been reported. We have screened crude ethanol orchid extracts for their anticancer, antioxidant and antimalarial activities.

2. Investigation of changes in gene expression in response to arsenic uptake in Thai rice cultivars:
A recent report on the analysis of chemical residues in rice grains revealed the presence of arsenic. Arsenic is absorbed by roots, transported to the different plant tissues via the vascular system and finally accumulates in the rice grain at levels several-fold higher than in the soil. In order to study the differences in gene expression in response to As treatment in different rice cultivars, the expression levels of key genes involved in arsenic metabolism and associated stress responses are being determined in a number of Thai rice cultivars, in particular Oryza sativa var. indica and Oryza sativa var. glutinosa. Information concerning As-induced gene expression changes will help breeders to select cultivars that accumulate lower levels of Arsenic and thereby aid in the development of rice varieties that are safer for cultivation in As-contaminated regions.

3. Comparative analysis of genetic variation in Thai Sesame: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds contain many useful substances such as the lignans: sesamin and sesamolin (Anilakumar et al, 2010). These substances have been proven to be an essential in terms of human health and are representative target indicators used in sesame plant breeding. In this study, molecular marker techniques are being utilized to identify the genetic diversity and relationships among Thai sesame populations. The obtained genetic information will assist the sesame breeding program for effective optimization and selection of the right genetic material.