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Greening
Disease of Citrus threatens survival of 'kinno': experts
 FAISALABAD
(September 06 2010): Agriculture Experts have disclosed that
the Greening Disease of Citrus has threatened the survival
of "kinno" in main citrus producing countries of the globe.
If preventive measures could not be adopted by
Horticulturists there would be no more "kinno" in coming few
decades, they warned.
Addressing the concluding session of 4-Day International
workshop on "Sustainable Management of Insect Pests of
Fruits with Special Reference to Citrus through Modern
Protection and Post Harvest Losses Reduction Techniques"
Prof. Dr. Mark S. Hoddle, Resource Person University of
California USA Riverside said that California and Punjab
province of Pakistan have similar climatic conditions for
agricultural practices so that it is an appropriate time to
boost the mutual co-operation in the field of collaborative
research in order to build bridges for the betterment of
mankind. He added that due to western media scientists from
advanced countries bother to travel Pakistan but I found a
friendly and full of sentiments environment, which is
evident of Pakistanis hospitality and enthusiasm.
Dr. Hoddle maintained that on his way back to USA he would
convey this soft and mild message to the scientific
community for more collaborative and joint ventures in the
field of Agriculture and Livestock with Pakistan. Mrs.
Hoddle also lauded the hospitality of Pakistani people and
said that this country has great cultural and spiritual
heritage to attract the foreigners.
Earlier the Chief Guest of closing ceremony organised by
Department of Agri. Entomology at New Senate Hall, Prof. Dr.
Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF said that Citrus fruit
is being cultivated in more than 100 countries of the world
and it is 2nd highest Horticulture crop after Grapes. Dr.
Iqrar Ahmad Khan highlighted the disease free citrus nursery
project in collaboration with US under his supervision and
said that this is the only way to assure the survival of "Kinno"
which is under life threat due to greening disease.
Dr. Khan maintained that "Kinno" is not only most delicious
and juicy fruit but a cheap source of Vitamin Supplement for
common man in Pakistan. He said that UAF has developed Virus
free plants nursery at its campus in order to gradually
replacement of infected plants of "Kinno" orchards. He urged
the scientists to redesign integrated pest management (IPM)
mechanisms in order to obtain organic fruits and vegetables.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq, Dean Faculty of Agriculture in
his welcome address said that plant protection mechanism
needs to be revamped and it is the duty of Entomologists to
shift their focus from chemical controls to biological
control. He added that UAF has developed practicable and
affordable rearing technique of farmer friendly biological
agents in order to maintain the bio-diversity.
Prof. Dr. Anjum Sohail, Chairman Department of Agri.
Entomology hoped that by the week long visit of American
Scientists we would be able to redesign our plant protection
strategies in accordance with the modern practices of
International Scientists. Dr. Muhammad Jalal Arif, Principal
Officer Public Relations and Publications conducted the
closing session. Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan
distributed the certificates among the participants of the
International workshop. A large number of Faculty members
Deans, Directors and students as well as participants from
various departments attended the Workshop.
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Courtesy:Business Recorder |
