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Introduction
Located
at the bottom of a valley surrounded by several mountains, this research
station established in 1972, has recently been re-brushed by PARC
management. It is positioned just next to the Kunhar River at latitude of 34078’N
and longitude of 73057’E.
The elevation of the site is 2,039m (6,689 ft) above sea level. While at
work or on a break from work one enjoys and appreciates the natural
beauty of the area.
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Climate
Maximum
and minimum temperature range is 150C
to -200C
and some time -230C
respectively. However, snow remains in the surroundings from late
October to March, while May and June are the rainy months followed by
monsoon like drizzle in July and August.
Mandate
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Advancing
generations of various crops
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Screening
against various diseases
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Multiplying
seed of promising lines
Off-Season
Crop without A Glass House
Taking
advantage of the natural weather, nurseries of various crops are sown from
the last week of May to the first week of June. These are timely harvested
from the second to the fourth week of September.
On-site
Activities
Breeding
material is screened for stripe, leaf and stem rusts and powdery mildew.
Nurseries are grown at this station by many research stations of all the
four provinces and other federal institutions and universities. As soon as
crop plants reach the heading stage, plant breeders and pathologists
undertake crossing at Kaghan station. When the plants get matured, they
revisit the nursery to make a final selection of desirable recombinants.
Harvesting of seed then starts for the normal season planting in their
respective areas. Most of the nurseries that are screened in Kaghan station
do match the planting season of provincial and federal stations.
Scientific
Advantages
-
Shortens
breeding cycle in developing new varieties/ genetic stocks.
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Early
detection of new races of various diseases and selection of resistant
material.
-
Helps
in testing of material in advance trials/ farmer’s fields.
Vision
Ever-increasing
population puts pressure for additional food production. To meet this need,
while on one hand the cereal yields are to be improved an on the other hand
the crops must be free of diseases and insects. That is where the role of
off-season nursery system has become essential. Therefore PARC has recently
reorganized this facility for the comfort of scientists.
The
off-season nursery system has undeniably demonstrated its very significant
role in the faster production of improved varieties. It was an intrinsic
component in the development of crop varieties with wider adaptation.
These
nurseries can be unique vehicle for conveying promising advanced lines from
national and international breeding programs into contact with many
different races of dangerous pathogens that exist in different geographic
areas of the world. By doing so, the lines with unusually broad types of
resistances can be identified.
Facilities
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The
total area of arable land at the research station is 9 hectares (22
acres). Wheat, barley, and to a lesser extent pulses, potatoes and maize
are grown for experimental purposes.
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It
provides support to the visiting scientists in farm operations.
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A
comfortable Guest House along with kitchen facilities at nominal charges
is available.
Mailing Address:
Coordinator
(Wheat Program), NARC, Islamabad
Ph. 051-9255073, Fax 051-9255034
Project Incharge Summer Wheat Nursery, Kaghan
Ph. 0987-420023
Back to Research Establishments
[Last
updated: September, 2007]
