parctop.gif (4372 bytes)

Top

CROP DISEASES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

SARC, Karachi, Pakistan

 

Objectives

 

·         Monitoring of cereal crop losses, disease status, testing of germplasm/breeders' material and identification of source of resistance/tolerance in Sindh and Balochistan.

·         Identification and management of diseases of fruits and vegetables.

·         To evaluate wheat breeding material for resistance to rust and develop high yielding rust resistant wheat varieties.

·         To study the pathogenicity of important diseases caused by nematodes, bacteria and fungi in vegetables, fruit and cereals.

 

Main Disciplines of Research/Sections within Institute

 

Ø       Rust Pathology

Ø       General Plant Pathology/Seed Pathology

Ø       Nematology

 

Technology Developed/ Achievements


(a) Control of plant parasitic nematodes using organic amendments.


Crop Diseases Research Institute has used different organic soil amendments including castor oil-cake, mustard oil-cake, neem cake, sugarcane bagasse, sawdust, poultry manure, horse manure, farmyard manure, rice husk and rice straw against nematodes associated with rice, wheat, chilli, maize and date-palm. For comparison Carbofuran (a chemical nematicide was used). 

 

Application of organic amendments to soil have a beneficial effect on soil nutrients, soil physical properties, soil biological activity and crop performance. They are easier to apply and are cheaper as compared to chemicals. Cost is nearly half as compared to chemicals. Being are eco-friendly and cause no harm to animals, plants, water and humans. It can be used for vegetable, fruit and cereal crop.

 

Fertinemakil (Fertilizer and nematicide) was developed in collaboration with PCSIR Laboratories, Karachi, to cut the use of chemical nematicides. It was found extremely useful in controlling nematodes associated with vegetables. It was registered as a patent by Government of Pakistan (Application No. 107/2002 S. No. 138034). Date of issue of patent by controller of patents and design act on 10 September 2003.

 

(b) Cereals, rusts, bunts and smut resistance.


Evaluation of cereals germplasm against rusts in different agro-climatic zones of Sindh and Baluchistan. Physiology races and virulence of pathogens causing leaf rust, yellow rust, complete bunt and loose smut of wheat. Genetic analysis of available germplasm to leaf rust, stripe rust for ascertaining the level of genetic diversify present in the wheat material for resistance to wheat rusts. Identification of source of resistance to rusts, smuts, bunts, stripe rust and powdery mildew. Introducing resistant genes against different diseases in wheat for minimization of crop losses. This technology helps to keep environment free from any pollution and is adopted all over the country. One hundred percent of wheat breeders adopt this technology. With this technology the country become self sufficient in wheat and become the member of wheat exporting countries.

 

(c)        Seed health testing technique for cereals, vegetables and oilseed crops.


Washing test and blotter method were most suitable methods for detection of fungi from seeds of cereals, vegetables and oilseed crops. The most predominant mycoflora detected from seeds were saprophytic and semi-pathogenic in nature, which impair the seed germination and quality. The pathogenic fungi were in low percentage, affect germination caused seedling mortality and in favorable climatic condition caused heavy losses. Use diseased free, healthy and treated seeds. Seed dressing with fungicides i.e. Benlate, Bayletan, Ridomil and Captan are utmost important to prevent such remedial losses. Hot water treatment of seeds at 50°C for 10 minutes is also very useful for disease control. Developed seed health testing techniques for the detection of Fusarium spp.,Nivossiaindica and Trichoconiz padwickii.

Current Research Activities


Survey and management of nematodes associated with vegetables, cereals and fruits using plant extracts.

 

The three stylet bearing nematodes comprised 88% of total population whereas the rest were free living (non-pathogenic). The initial populations were 45 ± 3.85 Meloidogyne incognita; 55 ± 15.33 Helicotylenchus multicinctus and 30 ± 7.19 Hoplolaimus indicus.

 

Field Results: The results of ANOVA showed that the treatments were significant    (F = 143.12, p < 0.001). Treatments Withania somnifera was the most effective followed by Carbofuran and Tagetes erecta. Significant differences were found for nematode species (F = 15.47, p < 0.001) root-knot nematode (M. incognita) was most affected by ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Population of Helicotylenchus multicinctus was also most reduced by Withania somnifera while Hoplolaimus indicus was affected by Tagetes erecta, Carbofuran and Withania somnifera extract (Fig. 1a-c). Interaction of treatments x species was found to be significant (F = 19.15, p < 0.001).

 

Papaya yield: The yield of papaya was significantly influenced (P < 0.001) by carbofuran and the four plant extracts tested. The yield was increased over the controls in the order Withania somnifera > Carbofuran > Azadirachta indica > Tagetes erecta > Eucalyptus citriodora. Harvest also differed significantly (P < 0.05) with an increasing trend over the fruiting period. The interaction of treatments x harvest was also found to be significant (P = < 0.01).

 

 

            Identification of source of resistance to rusts of wheat and barley.

 

The observations at all locations on response and severity of leaf and stem rust were recorded according to Loegering (1959). From the results it is concluded as summarized below.

 

R = 149 lines; MS = 45 lines; MSS = 150 lines; S = 108 lines

 

These results are of Karachi and Tandojam but the Sakrand nursery have failed to give proper rust infection due to non-availability of irrigation water.

Results of NUWYT is summarized as below.

 

                        Karachi      –     Tandojam      –      Sakrand

R      =    16           -           24             -           28

MS   =     1            -            1              -            0

MSS =     9            -           5               -            3

S       =     8            -           4               -            3

 

From the results of Karachi field under natural conditions it is concluded that the lines carrying Lr9, Lr18, Lr28, Lr36 have shown resistant reaction, Lr23 have shown moderately susceptible, Lr1, Lr13, Lr14, Lr16, Lr19, Lr21, Lr22A, Lr34, Lr37 and Ghaza have given moderately susceptible to susceptible and Lr22B, Lr2B, Lr2C, Lr3, Lr3KA, Lr3BG. Lr8, Lr10, Lr11, Lr12, Lr15, Lr17, Lr20, Lr24, Lr25, Lr26, Lr27, Lr29, Lr31, Lr32, Lr33 have shown susceptible reaction. The results of Tandojam have shown different reactin than Karachi. From the results it is concluded that Lr18, Lr21, Lr22A, Lr23, Lr27, Lr28, Lr34, Lr35 and Lr36 have shown resistant reaction, Lr19 have shown moderately susceptible, Lr1, Lr2A, Lr9, Lr10, Lr11, Lr12, Lr13, Lr15, Lr17, Lr24, Lr26, Lr29, Lr32, Lr33, Lr37 and Lr23 have given moderately susceptible to susceptible reaction and Lr22B, Lr2B, Lr2C, Lr3, Lr3KA, Lr3BG, Lr8, Lr14, Lr16, Lr20, Lr25, Lr30 and WL-711 have given susceptible reaction. The trap under Jhuddo field conditions has shown the following reactions.

Lr18, Lr21, Lr22A, Lr28, Lr29, Lr35, Lr36, Lr37 = Resistant

Lr2B, Lr23 = Moderately Susceptible

Lr22B, Lr1, Lr2A, Lr2C, Lr3, Lr3KA, Lr3BG, Lr10, Lr12, Lr14A, Lr14B, Lr16, Lr19, Lr24, Lr25, Lr26, Lr27, Lr32, Lr34, Lr13 (WL-711) and Lr23 = Moderately Susceptible to Susceptible

Lr20, Lr30 and Lr8 lines have given susceptible reaction.

The trap nurseries planted at Sakrand have shown the following results.

Lr14B, Lr17, Lr18, Lr19, Lr20, Lr21, Lr22A, Lr23, Lr27, Lr28, Lr37 = Resistant

Lr2A, Lr3KA, Lr13, Lr16, Lr23, Lr34, Lr35, Lr36 = Moderately Susceptible

Lr24, Lr25, Lr26 and Lr8 have shown moderately susceptible to susceptible

Lr22B, Lr1, Lr2B, Lr2C, Lr3G, Lr9, Lr10, Lr11, Lr12, Lr15, Lr29, Lr30, Lr32 and Lr33 have given susceptible reaction.

           

Epidemiology of wheat rusts (leaf rust, yellow rust and stem rust of wheat) in Sindh and Balochistan.

 

The yellow rust was observed in every wheat fields where local wheat was grown. The yellow rust at (Quetta), Zahoorabad, Dashth, Ghousabad, National Park, Kanak, Dringarh, Sheikh Wasal, (Mastung) Sadiquabad, Karaignooth, Kadcucha, Pringabad, Yaro, Kilifazabad, Sardar Farooq Tareen Field, Abolzai and Kili Saimzai, Pishin, (Muslim Bagh) Kili Qasim, Kanai Baba, Churmian, Kili S. Mahmood, Pesanzai, Kili Ghulam Ali, Kili Jehangir, Kili Alozai, (Loralai) Kili Bawar, Pathankot, Sarakato, Sinjavicross, Baghao, Rabat, Nasarabad, Zarahkallah, Kili Chaplai, Mir Jalaldin Bund, Zara Sinjavi, Torwama, Vachab Vanai and Thanda Vanai was 80S, 5S-30S, 80S, 80S, 5S-80S, 30S, 80S, 50S-90S, 20S-80S, 80S, 5S-10S, 5MS, 80S, 40S-80S, 5S-60S, 10S, 80S, 40S-80S, 5S-60S, 5S, 60S, 5S, 5S, 5S, 5S-10S, 20S, 80S, 10MSS, 20MSS, 60S, 30MSS, 5S, 40S, 10MSS, 5S, 5MSS, 10S, 30S, 10MSS, 30MSS, 30S, respectively. It was noted here that most of the fields were occupied with local wheat varieties. In some pockets improved varieties were planted where irrigation water is available at Haji Jamal Mill, Virtual University, Khanai Baba, Kili Orgasa, Kili Saimkhel, Pesanzai, Kili Ghulam Ali, Pathankot, Kili Bawar, Nasarbagh, Baghao, Rabat and Zarasanjavi. The yellow rust on improved varieties was varying from place to place. The yellow rust was observed on improved varieties planted at Kili Qasim, Khanai Baba, Kili Shah Muhammad with the intensity of yellow rust 5S and improved varieties planted at Kili Bawar, Pathankot, Baghao, Rabat was 10MSS, 20MSS, 5S, 40S, respectively. The varieties Cham-6, Zarlashta, Zarghoon planted at Rabat were found infected with yellow rust with intensity 10MSS, 5S

 

Studies on management of root-knot and root rot diseases of tomato and chilli.

 

The maximum colonization of root infecting fungi i.e. Fusarium oxysporum was recorded against all the inoculum loads of Meloidogyne incognita. The maximum colonization of Rhizoctonia solani was recorded against maximum inoculum load of M. incognita i.e. 1000 juveniles. Similarly all the inoculum load of M. incognita enhanced the gall indices and root-knot index.

The chilli cultivar Loungi Dwarf was showed susceptible reaction due to highest root-knot index against all inoculum loads of M. incognita. Similarly the maximum colonization of root infecting fungi F. oxysporum was observed most predominant root infecting fungi against all the inoculum load of M. incognita followed by R. solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. The chilli cultivar Loungi Max was showed moderately resistant against all the inoculum loads of M. incognita.

 

Integrated management of vine decline, root rots and wilts diseases of cucurbitaceous vegetables by using organic soil amendments and bioagents.

 

The treatment comprising seed dressing with Trichoderma harzianum and its soil drenching as wheat husk medium after 60 and 90 days sowing in soil amended with mustard oilcake @ 2/t per hectare 15 days before sowing was found most effective in management of root infection of bottle gourd, bitter gourd and cucumber. No significant effect on germination was observed. Seedling mortality was significantly reduced in pot and field applications. There was significant reduction in vine decline in bottle gourd (6%), bitter gourd (3%) and cucumber (11%) as compared to control (20-30%). Similarly root infection was significantly reduced to 10, 14 and 18% in bitter gourd, bottle gourd and cucumber respectively as compared to control (52-60%). Significant increase in yield over control was 30%, 21% and 44% in bottle gourd, bitter gourd and cucumber respectively. Population densities of root infecting fungi viz. Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani were decreased to 102-103 cfu per gram soil compared to 105-106 cfu per gram soil in control plots.

 

List of Scientists at Institute and Email Address.

 

1.        Dr. Aly Khan dralykhan@hotmail.com

2.        Mr. Ahmed Ali Hakro

3.        Mrs. Nasreen Sultana sultana_87@yahoo.com

4.        Mr. Khalil A. Khanzada khanzadaka72@yahoo.com

 

RESOURCE PERSON:

Dr. Aly Khan

dralykhan@hotmail.com

[Back]

 Last updated: April  2008