INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
NARC, Islamabad
ACHIEVEMENTS
IPM Model for Fruit Flies
Application of Pheromone A mixture of methyl eugenol and a contact insecticide (95:5) is applied to plywood blocks measuring 6x6x1.25 cm by dipping for 24 hours. These are nailed on the tree trunk at 1.5 meter height @ one block per acre and recharged with the same pheromone insecticide mixture after 10-12 days during fruiting season.
Application of Bait A mixture of protein hydrolysate and a stomach poison (90:10) is sprayed @ 3% solution in water on 1m2 on the underside of the tree canopy on each tree in mango and alternate plants in guava and other such plants at 10-12 days interval during fruiting.
Application of 2% Neem Seed Powder Water Extract on susceptible varieties at 10-12 days interval during fruit ripening.
Sanitation Collection of fallen infested fruits at 3 days interval and keeping the collected fruit in the sun during summer or burying deep during winter.
Application of the technology has shown more than 90% success in Mango and more than 80% in guava.
Establishment of Biological Control Laboratories in Sugar Industry
Mass rearing laboratory of natural enemies was established at Insect Pest Management Program, NARC. On the request from different sugar mills, scientists of IPMP, NARC, established mass rearing laboratories of enemies in vicinities of sugar mills. All the staff working in these laboratories has been trained to sustain the activities by themselves. The technology was transferred and Laboratories were established in Yousaf Sugar Mills Ltd. Sargodha, Shahtaj Sugar Mills Ltd. Mandi Bahauudin, Phalia Sugar Mills Ltd. and Pattoki Sugar Mills Ltd.
In addition Technical assistance to mass rearing of natural enemies were provided to Tandilanwala Sugar Mills Ltd. Faisalabad, Layyah Sugar Mills Ltd., Ashraf Sugar Mills Ltd. Bahawalpur and Shakarganj Sugar Mills Ltd. Jhang.
The technology is being demonstrated on 100,000 acres annually with 85-90% control of sugarcane borers and about 1000 farmers are benefited every year.
Neem Seed Formulations at Farm Level
The neem formulations have been extensively used by the farmers in Sind and Punjab on cotton, rice, vegetables and fruits such as mango and guava. In 5 case studies on cotton in Khairpur the efficacy of the neem formulations has been at par with insecticides such as Methamidophos, Thiodon, Deltaphos, Karate and Talstar. Neem-based pesticides are now globally known as effective and environment friendly pest control materials.
Neem Oil Solution: Neem oil is extracted by crushing the neem seed in an electric expeller. After oil extraction, neem seed cake is left over as a residue. Then neem oil suspension is prepared by shaking after adding 1% detergent (soap, surf or any liquid detergent) and an equal amount of water in the purified neem oil. Thereafter, extra water is added to the suspension to make 1% neem oil spray solution. The solution can be sprayed from 0.5-2% concentrations depending on the spices crop and the nature of insect pests. Neem oil solution sprays are applied at 10-12 days interval.
Neem Seed /Neem Cake Powder Water Extract: Fine neem seed /neem cake powder is obtained by grinding neem seed /neem cake and sieving through 60 mesh sieve. The powder is kept in a cotton bag along with 1% detergent (soap, surf or any liquid detergent) and soaked in hot water (80°C) for 16-20 hours. The extract thus obtained is diluted to prepare 2% water solution based on the weight of the powder.
The solution should be prepared fresh for each treatment and should be used within 12-24 hours after preparation.
Protection of stored grains from insects infestation using biopesticides
Extract neem oil from shade-dried neem seed in an electric expeller.
Spray neem oil @1000 g/cm2 on empty new/fumigated storage bags with ULV sprayer.
Store fumigated grains in the treated bags which will provide more than 80% protection for six months.
Evaluation of cereals and other small grains for resistance against aphids species:
Screened 1915 wheat lines/varieties/germplasm, 258 barley lines/varieties/germplasm, 528 sorghum lines/varieties/germplasm, 252 millet lines/varieties/germplasm, 70 maize lines/varieties/germplasm and 251 rice lines/varieties/germplasm for resistance against major aphids species.
Human Resource Development:
The program has well-established research facilities for graduate and post-graduate students of entomology and related fields. Students of different national universities (Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar, Gomal University, D.I. Khan, Baha-ud-Din Zakariya University, Multan, etc.) have completed their graduate and post-graduate theses research.
The program is actively involved in training of undergraduate students of national universities through internships.
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