The genesis of Department of Biotechnology has its starting point through the university plan scheme "Creation of a new department of biotechnological research" under the then Directorate of School of Genetics (Vide No. S1/222881/86(A-7) dated 23. 02. 1987). A master plan on "Agricultural Biotechnology 1987-2000" was prepared with the objectives of doing advanced research in biotechnology and offering M. Sc., and Ph. D., courses in agricultural biotechnology. The plan prepared by the 'biotechnology unit" was approved by the board of management in its 71st meeting held on 14. 3. 1988 (vide No. R2.BM/71/14.1/88 dated 27. 3. 1988). The sanctioning of another scheme viz. "Postgraduate education and training programme leading to M. Sc., in Agricultural Biotechnology” from Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, New Delhi in the year 1988 paved the way for strengthening the programme. In the year 1993, university plan scheme "Creation of new department of biotechnological research scheme and GOI scheme "Postgraduate education and training programme leading to M. Sc., in Agricultural Biotechnology" were merged together as per the order No.DR/S2/4522/93-XVIII dated 17.10.1993 leading to the formation of Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Until 1990, the department was under the control of the Director, School of Genetics, TNAU and then it is being under the control of the Director, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology.