We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Molecular characterisation and effect of entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria on insect pest strains of walnut orchards in a biodiversity hotspot
Project
Project code: JKI-BI-08-1247
Contract period: 01.01.2017
- 31.12.2017
Purpose of research: Applied research
Food security is one of the prime concerns of present times because of rising consumer demands, receding agricultural land, climatic change and exponential human interference. Among various food plants, Walnuts are included in FAO list of priority plants because of their nutritive value. Although walnuts are of economic importance, outbreaks of various insect pests hamper their production. In Kashmir, its cultivation is directly connected to the economic prosperity of the people living in remote areas. With an annual turnover of 2500 million Indian rupees, out of which 1180 million rupees are in foreign exchange, it is considered as the monopoly crop of J&K state, exported by Agricultural Products Export Development Agency to over 42 countries. To overcome the losses incurred by the walnut industry due to insect pests, various control strategies have been implemented (e.g.radio frequency treatment, somatic embryo based transformation protocol, pheromone-based pest management and phenolic mixtures of walnut extracts for pest control. Unfortunately, the walnut industry in Kashmir is still dependent on convential treatments to manage pests of walnut. For the industry to grow and be competitive on a global scale, new lower-risk tactics must be adopted. Therefore, within an scientific exchange Dr. Tariq Ahmad will be trained in the field of microbiology and bioengineering with a focus on biological control of insects pests of Walnut orchards by the application of entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria. The research will be focused on aspects of characterization, production, formulation and application of microbials for biocontrol of insect pests and diseases especially on walnuts which is one of the backbone industry of Kashmir Valley.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Protection
- Specialised crops
- Biotechnology
