Renowned Australian scientist Neil Forrester has said that Pakistan has been blessed with rich natural resources and favourable climate to achieve maximum yield potential of cotton crop but unfortunately this dream has not yet been fulfilled.
He was talking to young entomologists and Agri-Scientists during his visit to IPM laboratory of the department of Agri Entomology and CABB University of Agriculture, Faisalabad here on Friday. He added that cotton crop in Pakistan has been affected badly with cotton mealy bug and other insects which, is a question mark for cotton breeders and entomologists.
Dr Muhammad Jalal Arif, Associate Professor and Incharge IPM Lab briefed the Australian scientist about the out break of cotton mealy bug, its biology, mode of dispersal and natural enemies. He further said the Australian scientists that this insect was appeared in 2005 with damaging character in 14 districts of Sindh and Punjab provinces. Both the scientists exchange the views and discussed the matters of scientific interest.
Neil Forrester earlier called on Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Ashfaq in Vice Chancellor Chamber. Later on he visited the Centre of Biotechnology and Biochemistry and witnessed the scientific development at the CABB. Professor Dr Muhammad Ashfaq told Forrester that due to illiteracy and poor understanding, Pakistani small farmer was not adopting innovative approaches in agronomy practices.
Professor Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Khan, Dean Faculty of Agriculture said that Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics has been striving for new innovations in the field of breeding with traditional and biotechnological developments. Dr Faqir Muhammad Azhar and Dr Muhammad Asif also briefed the Australian scientist about the agriculture sector of Pakistan.