INTERNSHIP REPORT

Submitted To:
Sir Dr. Rizwan Ashraf
Submitted By :
Tausif Ahmad
Reg. No. 2018-ag-8826
SESSION: 2017-2021
B.Sc. (Hons) Agri. Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE FAISALABAD

Department of Entomology

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“I begin with the name of Allah, who is Most Kind and Merciful.”

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 TO WHOM IT MY CONCERN

It is certified that Mr. Tausif Ahmad Reg. No. 2015-ag-5273University of Agriculture

Faisalabad has worked at Entomological Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research
th th
Institute, Faisalabad from 17 March to 31 May as a part of Internship program. The topic
(Screening of different Desi gram genotypes in relation to Insect Pest) and format of
report have been checked, found satisfactory and recommended to be processed for further
evaluation.

SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE

Chief
Scientist Dr. Qurban Ali
Chief Scientist
Entomological Research Institute
Faisalabad.

Supervisor Muhammad Bilal-Bin-Iqbal

Scientific Officer,
Entomological Research Institute
Faisalabad.

Co-Supervisor
Miss Aqsa Abbas
Agriculture officer
Entomological Research Institute
Faisalabad

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.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
If oceans turn into ink and all of the woods become pens, even then praise of
ALMIGHTY ALLAHcannot be expressed but up ad above everything else, I offer my
humblest and the sincerest thanks to ALLAH ALMIGHTYand humblest and the
deepest obligations with great honor and the esteem to the HOLY PROPHET
HAZRAT MUHAMMAD (PBUH).
I deem my sincerest gratitude for Dr. Qurban Alifor his valuable suggestions and technical
guidance for the completion of this research work.

I wish to pay my deepest homage to Mr. Imran Nadeemand Mr. Muhammad Bilal
bin Iqbalfor their moral suggestions and encouraging attitude during my internship.

And last but not least, no acknowledgements could ever adequately express my obligations to my
affectionate and adoring parents whose hands always raised in prayers for me and without whose
moral and financial support, the present house for me in the dark oceans of life path. No words
can really express the feelings that I have for my beloved parents.

Regards:
Tausif Ahmad

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 Contents
Sr. No. Title Page. No.
 
1 Introduction to Faisalabad 06
Introduction to Ayub Agricultural Research Institute
2 (AARI)  08
3 Introduction to Entomological Research Institute (ERI) 10
4 Visit to Horticultural Research Institute  13
5 Visit to Wheat Research Institute 21
6 Visit to Vegetable Research Institute 27
7 Visit to Oilseed Research Institute 35
8 Visit to Cotton Research Station 38
9 Visit to Plant Physiology Section  42
Individual Project(Screening of different Desi gram
genotypes in relation to Insect Pest)
10 45

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Introduction to Faisalabad
Faisalabad located in Punjab, Pakistan. It was formerly known as Lyallpur. Faisalabad is
the third largest city in Pakistan with an estimated 2006 population of 2.6 million (city proper).
The entire district had a population of about 5.4 million in 1998. It is an important industrial
centre located in the Punjab province, west of Lahore. The district lies from 30-35 to 31-47’ C
North latitude and 72-01 to 73 – 40o C east longitudes and is bound on the north by the districts
of Gujranwala and Sheikhupura, on the east by Sahiwal district, on the south by Toba Tek Singh
district and on the west by Jhang district.
The climate of the district touches two extremes. The maximum temperature in summer reaches
up to 50o C or 122o F. in winter, it may fall below the freezing point. The maximum
and minimum temperature in winter 21° C and 6°C respectively.
Faisalabad District came into existence in 1904 as Lyallpur District The name Lyallpur
was given with a view to pay tribute to Sir James Lyall Lt. Governor of Punjab, for his
services rendered in colonization. In 70’s the current name of Faisalabad was given after the
name of The Late King “Faisal” of KSA. It is an important industrial centre located in the Punjab
province, west of Lahore. The city-district of Faisalabad is bound on the north by the
districts of Gujranwala and Sheikhupura, on the east by Sahiwal, on the south by Toba Tek
Singh and on the west by Jhang. Its located 1,135 km (705 mi) from Karachi, 128 km (80 mi)
from Lahore, 350 km (220 mi) from Islamabad/Rawalpindi, 187 km (116 mi) from Burewala and
70 km (43 mi) from Jhang.
Faisalabad city has the distinction of having a world famous agricultural/Engineering University
and equally renowned Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Nuclear Institute for
Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) and National institute for biotechnology and Genetic
Engineering (NIBGE). Besides the Punjab Medical College there are several other Universities
and colleges like G.C. University, The University of Faisalabad, National poly Technical College
Supervisor Science College, NFC Institute of fertilizer & research and many other universities
and colleges.

Clock Tower day view Clock Tower night view

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Faisalabad, a city synonymous with success and growing metropolis pulsating with life, is fast
evolving into the financial hub of the country. It is the largest industrial city of Pakistan
and specializes in export oriented manufactured goods and the textile capital of the country.
In 1880, a colonial officer called Captain Poham Young proposed a new town, with a
design based on the Union Jack, with eight roads radiating from a large clock tower in the centre.
The eight roads developed into eight separate bazaars. The construction of various artificial
canals allowed the surrounding areas to be irrigated. After the founding of the town, there was
rapid growth as people were invited with promises of land. In 1896, Lyallpur was given the status
of a tehsil of the Jhang District and its administration were carried on in tents on the old
Theh (Mound) of Pucca Mari near Tariqabad. The majestic Clock Tower was constructed out of
the funds raised by the Sikh land owners, who collected it at a rate of Rs. 18 per square of land.
After independence, the city of Lyallpur enjoyed considerable development, and became a major
commercial and industrial centre. The population grew quickly past one million. There was an
expansion of the provision of health and education in the city. In 1977, the name of the city was
changed to "Faisalabad", in honour of the late King Faisal of Saudi Arabia, who was held in high
regard in Pakistan. In 1985, the district was upgraded to a division with the new districts
of Faisalabad, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh.

Univers
ity of Agriculture, Faisalabad

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Introduction to Ayub Agricultural Research Institute
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, is the premier institution
generating technology which is acting as an engine of growth of economy of Pakistan. AARI was
originated in 1962 after the bifurcation of research and education, working under the
former Punjab Agricultural College and Research Institute Lyallpur (Established in 1906).

Being one of the prestigious research organizations of the country, its mission is to develop
technologies for food safety and sustainable generation of exportable surplus for economic
safeguard, value addition and conservation of natural resources. AARI was the beacon to the
green revolution in the country in late sixties and since then consistently playing a key role in
meeting the post green revolution productivity challenges.

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Objectives:
The main objectives of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad (AARI), are outlined
below.
1. Genetic improvement of crop varieties for economic traits.
2. Continuous up-gradation of production technology of crop varieties.
3. Environmental friendly protection from insect’s pests, diseases and weeds.
4. Better understanding and utilization of soil and water relations of plants.
5. Processing/ preservation and post-harvest technology of fruits and vegetables.
6. Introduction of new plants to diversify the agriculture base.
7. Regulatory aspects, dissemination of knowledge through farmer’s advisory service system and
provision of new seeds and fruit plants to end users.
8. Linkage with farmers and extension workers.
9. To develop cost effective sustainable technology for the control of soil erosion and moisture
conservation

10. Establishment of critical limits for essential plant nutrient elements, nutrient dynamics and
indexation.

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Introduction to Entomological Research
Institute
Entomological Research Institute was founded in 1906 as a section of Agriculture College,
Lyallpur. When Ayub Agriculture Research Institute is founded in 1962, it became independent
Entomological Section. In 2004, as its marvelous achievements considered, it is upgraded to a
new institute of A.A.R.I. Now it is full-fledged institute of Ayub Agriculture Institute.

Research Laboratories of ERI

1. Stored Grain Laboratory:
In this laboratory, different varieties of wheat, maize and grams are screened against insect pest
damage to find out resistance ones. Four insect pests are being reared in the laboratory:
• Triboliumcastaneum
• Rhizoperthadominica
• Trogoderma granarium
• Callosbruchuschinesis

2. Biological Control laboratory:

The main purpose of this lab is to reduce the use of pesticides because pesticides are harmful for
human beings, bio-control agents and for environment. Alternative way is to encourage the bio-
controlagents which are environment friendly. Mass rearing ofTrichogrammachilonison
Sitotrogacerealella. Field release of the Trichogrammaeggs for control of Brinjal fruit borer and
maize borer.
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3. Cotton mealybug Laboratory:
In this laboratory, studies are carried upon newly emerged insect pest of cotton, here a team of
scientist is working on mealy bug to find his host plant and to study the biology of mealy bug.
The collection from various hosts is collected here and retry to identify their characters and study
the biological character of this insect pest. The techniques to minimize the attack of mealy bug
on cotton are also under observation.

4. Fruit Fly lab:

In this lab, rearing of fruit fly is occurring and the population is used for further experiments.

5. Insectarium:
In insectarium, insect pest of different crops, fruits, fodder crops, beneficial insects, and harmful
insects are preserved in wooden boxes. Highly efficient staff is present for regular monitoring
and cleaning of these boxes so can insects look fresh. Entomological Research Institute (ERI)
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providescenterfor insect identification andsystematics-based research. They have workspace
equipmentand resources for detailed taxonomic analysis.

6. Bio-assay Laboratory:
Different chemicals are available in this lab from where researcher can have chemicals according
to their requirement and can have experiments.

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A Visit to Horticultural Research Institute, Faisalabad

Instructor: Mr. Muhammad Maaz Aziz (Assistant Horticulturist, HRI, Faisalabad)

Introduction
Horticultural Research Institute, Faisalabad was established in 1986-87. The major task entrusted
was to find out solution of various problems facing by fruit growers for successful production of
high yield and quality fruit crops. To meet this challenge this institute is carrying out research on
various problems of field importance has developed production technology on various aspects
which is being delivered to extension staff and growers. Under the supervision of Director
Horticulture Faisalabad, Date Palm Research Station, Bahawalpur, Date Palm Research Sub
Station, Jhang and Horticulture Research Sub Station, D.G Khan are being involved in research on
various aspects of production technology of Date Palm, Pomegranate, Ber Citrus, etc. Date Palm
Research Station, Bahawalpur is engaged in carrying out research work on various fruits. It is a
matter of satisfaction that the pace of development of fruit crops has been very much encouraging
than the past. In 1947 the fruits were being grown on an area of 43 thousand hectare with an annual
production of 420 thousands tones.

Since the inception of independent research on Horticulture a number of major fruit varieties have
been acclimatized and introduced to the fruit growers while work for the development of new
improved cultivars is in progress. A comprehensive and adoptable production technology has been
developed and is being imparted to the fruit growers for proper management of orchards. The yield
and quality of fruits depends on true to type and trustworthy fruit nursery plants. Thousands of
good quality nursery plants of major fruits are being produced and supplied to the growers.

Mission 
Horticultural Research Institute, Faisalabad was established in 1986-87. The major task entrusted
was to find out solution of various problems facing by fruit growers for successful production of
high yield and quality fruit crops. To meet this challenge this institute is carrying out research on
various problems of field importance has developed production technology on various aspects
which is being delivered to extension staff and growers. Under the supervision of Director
Horticulture Faisalabad, Date Palm Research Station, Bahawalpur, Date Palm Research Sub
Station, Jhang and Horticulture Research Sub Station, D.G Khan are being involved in research on
various aspects of production technology of Date Palm, Pomegranate, Ber Citrus, etc. Date Palm
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Research Station, Bahawalpur is engaged in carrying out research work on various fruits. It is a
matter of satisfaction that the pace of development of fruit crops has been very much encouraging
than the past.

Objectives

 Selection and acclimatization of exotic cultivars of different fruits

 Root stocks standardization for different fruit
 Standardization of technology for fruit production
 Standardization of various cultural practices i.e., nutritional, pruning, intercultural and
irrigation aspects
 To conduct research trials on fruit crops in different ecological zones
 Supply of pedigreed fruit plants of recommended cultivars to the farmers at cheaper rates
 To coordinate with other Research organizations
 Provision of advisory services to the farmers through electronic and print media
 Training of in service extension workers and internees

Insect Pest of Citrus

1) Citrus Psylla
 Scientific names: Diaphorinacitri
 Family: Psyllidae
 Order: Hemiptera

Life Stages
Eggs
The eggs of Diaphorinacitri are approximately 0.3 mm long, elongate, almond-shaped, thicker at
the base, and tapering toward the distal end. Newly laid eggs are pale, but then turn yellow and
finally orange before hatching. The eggs are placed on plant tissue with the long axis vertical to
surface.

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Nymph:
Diaphorinacitri nymphs are 0.25 mm long during the 1st instar, and 1.5 to 1.7 mm in last (5th)
instar. Their color is generally yellowish-orange. The wing pads in Diaphorinacitri are large.

Adult:
The adults are 3 to 4 mm long with a mottled brown body. The head is light brown. A living
Diaphorinacitri is covered with whitish, waxy secretion, making it appear dusty.

Life cycle

Eggs are laid on tips of growing shoots on and between unfurling leaves. Females may lay more
than 800 eggs during their lives. Nymphs pass through five instars. The total life cycle requires
from 15 to 47 days, depending upon the season. Adults may live for several months.

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 There is no diapause, but populations are low in winter (the dry season). There are nine to 10
generations a year; however, 16 have been observed in field cages.

Damage
Greening symptoms of citrus as trees showing stunted growth, sparsely foliated branches
unseasonal bloom, leaf and fruit drop, and twig dieback. Young leaves are chlorotic, with green
banding along the major veins. Mature leaves have yellowish-green patches between veins, and
midribs are yellow. In severe cases, leaves become chlorotic and have scattered spots of green.
Fruits on greened trees are small, generally lopsided, underdeveloped, unevenly colored, hard, and
poor in juice. Most seeds in diseased fruits are small and dark colored.

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Cultural Control:
Only clean and healthy plants should be transported. Infected trees should be removed to
prevent them from being reservoirs of the pathogen.
Biological Control
Natural enemies like syrphids, chrysopids,at least 12 species of coccinellids, and several
species of parasitic wasps, the most important of which is Tamarixia radiata
(Waterston).

Chemical Control
Chlorpyriphos, Cypermethrin, Imidacloprid, Bifenthrin, profenofos and Dimethoate
substantially reduces the population up to 70-80%.

2) Mango Planthopper
 Scientific Name :Idioscopusclypealis
 Family :Delphacidae
 Order :Homoptera

Description:

Eggs:
Laid in an oval-shaped raised mass, usually on leaves or fruit.

Immatures:Newly hatched nymphs are pale green with red markings. As they mature nymphs
become pale green all over with a pointed head and white waxy filaments protruding from the
end of the abdomen. Nymphs are covered with a white waxy material.

Adults:Green or whitish-green in colour and ‘tent’ shaped. A tiny red spot may be seen in the
centre of each wing. Size: 10–15 mm in length.

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Life Cycle:
Adults breed all year round. Eggs hatch in 6–7 days. The nymphs take 12–16 days to develop
into adults and their development is faster during the fruiting period. There are 3–4 generations
per year. Similar to: Other species of planthoppers.

Life Cycle of Mango Planthopper

Damage:
Adults and nymphs suck sap from the shoots, flowers and fruit. Often seen along the mid-rib of
leaves or on the fruit stalk. Flatids feeding on the fruit stalk may cause sap to flow on to the fruit
which may lead to sapburn. Sooty mould and sapburn may affect marketability of fruit.

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Control Strategies:
Prune to reduce dense tree canopy as this assists in control. Spray programs are directed towards
reducing the population level before flowering and fruit development. Native wasp parasites,
parasitic caterpillars and fungal pathogens may assist in control.

Other comments:
Adults and nymphs move or jump quickly when disturbed. Other species of planthoppers such as
Siphanta are also seen on mangoes.

Monitoring:
Monitor terminal shoots in the period leading up to flowering and inspect fruit stalks during fruit
development for egg masses and nymphs

3) Mango Mealybug
 Scientific Name: Drosicha mangifera
 Family: Margarodidae
 Order: Hemiptera


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Distribution and Host Plants
Pest is widely distributed in overall citrus areas Pakistan. It attacks 62 other plants besides
mango. The other important plants are jackfruit, guava, papaya, jamun, Ficus and citrus.

Appearance
Insect shows sexual dimorphism. Males are crimson red. They have one pair of black wings.
They are not harmful and they appear in April. Female is oval flattened. It is apterous, sluggish
and degenerate bug. Legs and antennae are vestigial. Body is covered with white mealy powder.
It is most injurious stage of the insect. It is found crawling up and down around the base of the
tree and trunk.

Life cycle
Pest is active from Dec to May. The rest of the year it expends in egg stage. After copulation
females migrate down the tree to the soil for egg laying. Eggs are laid in silken purses in the soil.
Eggs are found up to 15 cm in the soil. Eggs are laid in April and May. Sometimes the dead
bodies of the females are found sticking to the egg purses.

Management :
Hoe manually with the help of spade under the canopy to expose mealy bug egg masses to sun
light and natural enemies during June to December at two month intervals. Remove weeds which
act as alternate hosts from January to April. Prune twigs to avoid moving females from soil to the
trees with the help of pruning cutter.

Monitoring
Inspect for pest every 2-3 days from December to January. Monitor previously attacked plants
more regularly Inspect on: Tree trunks; Twigs; Leaves and inflorescence Look for: Presence of
colonies; Black powdery appearance on leaves and branches due to honey dew secreted by mealy
bug; Females are big with white powdery appearance to the body and necked eyes

Direct Control
Apply sticky bands 6 inches above one meter on the tree trunk. Apply grease bands when natural
enemies are rare. Sweep/collect nymphs from trunk near the bands and destroy manually Apply
neem extract 2% as repellent. Apply gunny bags if natural enemies on trunks are abundant To
enhance predators 1) Rodoliajumida; 2) Sumniusrenardi

Chemical Control
Bifenthrin Moderately hazardous (WHO class II); 80ml/100 litter on appearance directly on pest
colonies; Apply once at the appearance of mealybug; Follow the safety measures Profenofos
WHO class II; 200ml/100L of water; Apply once at the appearance of mealybug; Follow the
safety measures Imidacloprid WHO class II; 250ml/100L of water; Not repeated more than twice
during the season; Intervals of 5 days between applications.

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A Visit to Wheat Research Institute,Faisalabad

Instructor Name: Muhammad Saleem (Assistant Entomologist, WRI, Faisalabad)

Introduction
Research efforts for wheat improvement dates back to 1906 when Cereal Section was established
at Lyallpur, which was up-graded to the status of Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad in 1975.
Wheat breeding in the sub-continent started during 1907 when a botanical survey was conducted
and 25 landraces were identified among three species of wheat. These landraces provided the
base for wheat research in this region and a regular breeding work was started which had resulted
in the release of ten improved varieties from 1911-1965.
 

 Wheat Research Institute, Faisalabad has a glorious history. The varieties released so far are
playing a pivotal role for increasing wheat production of the country in general, and Punjab in
particular. In 1947-48 the country’s wheat production was 2.63 million tones which have reached
to the level of above 25 million tones. Resultantly the country became almost self-sufficient in
wheat production. The Scientists of the institute are in a continuous struggle to break the yield
barriers. Their efforts are to move from green revolution to the gene revolution. The research
team of Wheat Research Institute is well aware of the fact that during 2050 we will need about
37.14 million tons of wheat to feed 334.68 million population and the country must meet these
requirements for its integrity.

Mission

 To sustain food security in the country through development of high yielding, disease and
climate resilient wheat, barley and durum varieties

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Objectives:
The following points explore the existing set of benchmarks
A) Development of new wheat varieties on the following lines

 High yield potential

 Disease resistance (rusts, smuts, blasts, bunts and barley yellow dwarf virus)
 Stress tolerance (drought, salt, heat, lodging and shattering)
 Insect tolerance (aphids& army worm)
 Wider adaptability under varying agro-climatic conditions
 Quality (High protein, industrial, good chapatti quality, fortification.)

B) Sustainability to cropping system

 General purpose varieties

 Short duration varieties for cotton-wheat and rice-wheat cropping patterns

C) Development of Advanced Wheat Production Technology

 Proper sowing time and planting method for different areas.

 Inputs application at proper time and in optimum quantity (approved varieties seed rates,
fertilizer application, irrigation at critical growth stages etc.).
 Proper weed control.
 Biofortification

D) Dissemination of research advancements

 Publications in National / International refereed journals.

 Seminars, workshops, open days, farmer days etc.
 Training of Agricultural Extension staff and farmers.
 Use of mass communication media.
 Practical training to Universities students

Insect Pest of Wheat

1)Termites

Small to medium sized, soft bodied, slender, creamy or dirty white to dark brown
insects. Social insects that live underground in colonies. Termites are traditional
pest of wheat under rainfed conditions. Plants can be easily pulled out and show the
damage of roots. Generally sandy loam soils are more suitable for termites.

Nature of Damage

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 Termites damage the crop soon after sowing and sometimes near maturity. The damage
plants dry up completely in patches and are easily pulled out. Workers feed in
semicircular fashion on wheat leaf margin and roots partially eaten. The plants damaged
at later stages give rise to white ears. Infestation is heavy under unirrigated conditions
and in the fields where un-decomposed farm yard manure is applied before sowing.

Control Measures
 Treat the seeds @ 4ml of chlorpyriphos 20EC or 7ml of endosulfan 35EC
per kg of seeds.
 The attack is in the standing crop dilute 2.5 lit of endosulfan 25EC in 5 lit of water
and mix it with 50kg of soil and broadcast evenly in one hectare followed by light
irrigation.
 In standing crop, apply chlorpyriphos (20EC) @ 0.7 kg/ha in irrigation water.
 Use Aldrin 5% dust or BHC 10% at the rate of 20-25 kg/ha and, Mix it well in the
soil at the time of last ploughing before sowing.

2) Armyworm
The fall armyworm’s life cycle is completed within 30 days during summer and 60 days
during the spring and autumn seasons. During the winters these caterpillars’ life cycle lasts
about 80 to 90 days. The number of generations a moth will have in a year varies based on
climate, but in their life span a female will typically lay about 1,500 eggs. Because
larvae cannot enter into diapause they cannot survive cold temperatures.

Eggs
The armyworm’s egg is dome shaped. Measures around 0.4 mm in diameter and 0.3
mm in height. Females prefer to lay eggs on the underside of leaves, but in high populations
they will lay them just about anywhere. In warm weather, the eggs will hatch into
larvae within a few days.

Larvae

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 The larvae go through six different instars, each varying slightly in physical
appearance and pattern. The larvae process lasts from 14 to 30 days, again depending
on temperatures. The mature caterpillar is about 1.5-2.0 inches (38-51mm) in length.

Pupae
The larvae then pupate underground for 7 to 37 days in a cocoon they form of soil and silk,
with duration of pupation and survival dependent on the temperature of the environment.

Adults
Once emerged, the adults live for about 10 days and sometimes up to 21 days, with the
female laying most of their eggs early in life. Adults are nocturnal and fare best during
warmer and more humid nights.

3) Wheat Aphids

There are four aphid species that attack wheat crops and cause economic losses and
reduction in yield. Rhopalosiphumpadiis one of them that cause severe loss. Following are
the wheat aphid species in Pakistan:

Sr. No. Common Name Technical Name Family

Order

1 Bird cherry oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi Aphididae Hemiptera

2 Corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis Aphididae Hemiptera

3 Green aphid Schizaphis graminum Aphididae Hemiptera

4 English grain aphid Sitobion avenae Aphididae Hemiptera

1. Bird cherry oat aphid :

It is medium-sized, 1.3 to 2.6 millimetres with long antennae. It has long and dark tube- shaped
cornicles and dark-coloured legs.

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 2. Corn leaf Aphid:
It has yellow green to bluish green colour with short antennae and short dark cornicles
with purplish base area.

3. Green Aphid:
It is also known as green bug. Body is small and elongate to oval. Head and prothorax has
straw coloured with dark spinal stripes.

4. English Grain Aphid:

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Spindle shaped body with yellow coloured legs while tarsi and femur have black coloured.
Long black cornicles present at the abdomen.

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A Visit to Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad
Instructor Name: Dr. Waseem Abbas (Plant Protection Officer, VRI, Faisalabad)

Introduction
The institute is located at a distance of four kilometers from the Faisalabad city on Jhang Road,
Faisalabad. It stands in the flat plains of Northeast of Punjab, between longitude 73º74 East,
latitude 30º31.5 North, with an elevation of 184m (604 ft.) above sea level. Research on
vegetable crops in this part of the sub-continent was started with the creation of a Vegetable
Section in 1938, headed by an Assistant Botanist, at the Punjab Agri. College and Research
Institute, Lyallpur (now called Faisalabad). In 1945, this Section was merged with the Fruit
Section headed by a Fruit Specialist. In 1950, it was detached from the Fruit Section and a
Vegetable Botanist was appointed to supervise the task of vegetable research. With the
bifurcation of research and education in 1962, the vegetable section became a component of the
newly created Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Lyallpur.This Vegetable Section was
upgraded to the status of Vegetable Research Institute (VRI) in 1975.Since then this institute has
developed 65 high yielding better varieties/hybrids possessing biotic and abiotic stresses /
tolerance. This institute has also developed technology for growing off-season vegetables under
plastic tunnels. This institute has got the status of pioneer institution for the supply of vegetable
breeding material / germplasm to other organizations of the country for research. The Vegetable
Research Institute has been providing the advisory services to the vegetable growers and
vegetable seed producers through Electronic and Print masses for enhancement of vegetable
production in the country.

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Objectives

 Evolution of vegetable varieties/hybrids having resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses

 Improvement in production technology and nutritional value of vegetables
 Improvement in seed production technology of vegetables
 Seed production of recommended varieties/hybrids of vegetables
 Training and guidance to agricultural extension staff and farmers regarding vegetables
production

Main Crops:
Tomato, Garlic, Radish, Hot Pepper, Sponge Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Onion, Spinach, Lettuce,
Cucumber, Okra, Musk Melon, Peas, Cauliflower, Swiss Chard, Tinda Gourd, Vegetable
Marrow, Water Melon, Carrot, Cabbage, Chia, Beans, Turmeric, Long Melon, Turnip,
Fenugreek, Leek, Ash Gourd, Sweet Potato, Sweet Pepper, Brinjal, Coriander , Red Gourd,
Bottle Gourd.

Insect pest of vegetables:

1) Tomato Shoot & Fruit Borer

 Scientific Name: Neoleucinodeselegantalis, Leucinodesorbonalis
 Family: Pyraustidae
 Order: Lepidoptera
The tomato fruit borer is a serious pest of tomatoes and other vegetable crops, including
eggplants and peppers. This moth species is an economically significant pest throughout South
America, attacking many crops and tropical fruits of the Solanaceae family.
The larvae damage host plant fruit as they feed on the seeds and flesh. Just one larva per fruit can
make the fruit unmarketable. Because their larvae develop within the fruit, this species is
difficult to control with chemical treatment or changes to growing practices. Larval damage,
especially the holes larvae make when they emerge from the fruit, can provide a pathway for
disease-causing microorganisms to enter the plant. Tomato fruit borer damage can result in
decreased seed viability compared to undamaged fruit.

Life Cycle Females lay eggs singly or in small masses on the underside of the calyx (leaf-like
structures at the top of the fruit) or fruit of the host. The larvae enter the host fruit soon after
hatching. Tomato fruit borer adult (sized approximately one-half inch long [13 mm]) Tomato
fruit borer pupa in leaf fold Pest Profile Cooperative their entire time feeding in the fruit, eating
the seeds and flesh. Once they mature, the larvae exit the damaged fruit and pupate in the nearby

29
leaves, soil, or plant debris. Adult moths are active at night, spending the day hidden in weeds or
host crops. Females attract mates by emitting a sex pheromone. Adults live for about 7 days. The
duration of the insect’s developmental cycle from egg to adult depends on a number of
environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, but generally takes around 51 days. In
Central America, populations of tomato fruit borer increase during the rainy season. Several
generations per year occur in areas where this moth is currently established.

Life cycle of tomato shoot and fruit borer

Symptoms and Signs

When a larva enters the fruit, it leaves a small scar or tiny hole. This scar can be hard to see and
may appear as a pimple-like, sunken area with a spot of dying tissue. The larval exit holes are
larger and occur when the larva leaves the fruit to pupate. Larval damage can cause fruits to fall
prematurely, rendering them unmarketable. Damage is usually more evident near harvest. Larvae
can be found only by opening the infested fruit.

30
Management
The corn earworm is a difficult pest to control because it has a wide host range, is migratory and
has a relatively short life cycle. The difficulty is made worse because of its ability to develop
resistance to insecticides. Recent strategies include area-wide management and IPM, but neither
has been developed for crops grown in Pacific island countries.

Natural Enemies

Few of the natural enemies reported are specific to the pest, although many parasites and
predators (bugs, beetles, spiders, lacewings and ants) attack Helicoverpa armiger worldwide. In
the Pacific, little is known about natural enemies. Interestingly, it is an unimportant pest in
Samoa, unlike the situation in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga, where it is considered of great
importance.
A number of introductions for biological control of Helicoverpa armigera have been made in
Fiji, including Cotesia marginiventris.  In general, the success of biological control of the pest is

31
affected by its migratory habit, meaning that when large numbers of egg-laying moths invade an
area, the resident natural enemies are likely to be too slow to bring the larvae under control
before significant damage has been done.

Cultural Control

Cultural control offers only limited potential for this highly mobile pest, although weeding and
the removal of the remains of crops may be beneficial. There is also evidence that sunflowers
can be useful as a trap crop. Helicoverpa (and also Spodoptera) are attracted to the flowers and
oviposit in the heads. Insecticides can then be used to minimisedamge. This has been tried in
South and Southeast Asia in peanut crops with good results. A few plants placed at random also
attracted ladybird predators (and insectivorous birds, such as crows).

Chemical Control

To be effective, scouting for eggs and young larvae is required. The reason for this is that
insecticides are most effective against the early larval stages; the later stages burrow into plant
parts and are more difficult to treat. If synthetic pyrethroids are used it is important that they are
alternated with those from a different chemical group. In Australia, for instance,
Helicoverpa armigera has developed a resistance to a wide range of insecticides, and has
become difficult to control.

Biopesticides
There are two pathogens of Helicoverpa armigera that are commercially available, although not
widely sold in Pacific island countries: NVP (nucleopolyhedrovirus) and Bt, Bacillus
thuringiensis. NVP is highly selective and will only infect Helicoverpa armigera and closely
related species.

2) Thrips (Onion thrips, Western flower thrips) 

 Scientific Name :Thrips tabaci
Family: Thripidae
 Order; Thysanoptera

Onion thrips nymphs feeding on onion leaves

32
 
Symptoms
Discolored, distorted tissue; scarring of leaves; severly infected plants may have a silvery
appearance.

Cause
Thrips tabaci
Description
Thrips are most damaging when they feed on onions at the early bulbing stage of development;
both onion thrips and western flower thrips have an extensive host range and can be introduced
to onion from other plants.

ManagementNatural enemies include some species of predatory mite, pirate bugs and
lacewings; avoid planting onion in close proximity to grain fields as thrips populations build up
on these plant in the spring; overhead irrigation of plants may help reduce thrips numbers; apply
appropriate insecticides at first sign of thrips damage.

3) Mites (Bulb mites Rhizoglyphus spp. Tyrophagus spp.)

33
Symptoms
Stunted plant growth; reduced stand; bulbs rotting in ground or in storage; pest is a cream-white,
bulbous mite <1 mm in length, which resembles a pearl with legs.

Associated Problems
Damage to plants by bulb mites allows secondary invasion by other pathogens and can cause
bulb rots

Management
Do not plant successive crops of onion or garlic in same location; allow field to fallow to ensure
that any residual organic matter decomposes completely - crop residues can harbor mite
populations; treating garlic seed cloves with hot water prior to planting may help reduce mite
populations.

34
4) Leafminers Lyriomyza spp.

Leafminer damage to onion foliage. Leafminer trail on onion leaf

 Life Cycle
Mature larvae drop from leaves into soil to pupate; entire lifecycle can take as little as 2 weeks in
warm weather; insect may go through 7 to 10 generations per year.

Symptoms
Thin, white, winding trails on leaves; heavy mining can result in white blotches on leaves and
leaves dropping from the plant prematurely; early infestation can cause yield to be reduced; adult
leafminer is a small black and yellow fly which lays its eggs in the leaf; larave hatch and feed on
leaf interior.

Management :
Check transplants for signs of leafminer damage prior to planting; remove plants from soil
immediately after harvest; only use insecticides when leafminer damage has been identified as
unnecessary spraying will also reduce populations of their natural enemies

35
A Visit to Oilseed Research Institute, Faisalabad
Instructor: Dr. Muhammad Ijaz (Scientific Officer, ORI, Faisalabad)
Oilseeds Research Institute, Faisalabad was established in 1975 and research activities on
important Oilseeds Crops of Rapeseed, Mustard, Groundnut and Linseed were initiated. Later on
in 1978, non-traditional Oilseed Crops of Sunflower, Soybean and Safflower were also included
in the research programme. As an outcome new variety of above-mentioned oilseed crops were
evolved which significantly increased provincial and national production of oilseeds. With the
passage of time, using modern scientific techniques, new improved varieties on major oilseed
crops were evolved along with package of production technology publishing it for the guidance
of Agri. Extension staff and farmers.

Objectives

 Development of Oilseed varieties/hybrids having:

o High yield potential
o Better oil quality
o Resistance against insect pests and diseases
o Good adaptability in changing climate
 Research based improvisation in the production technologies to enhance production.
 Promotion of oilseeds cultivation in the province through dissemination of technical
information by print and electronic media to the farming as well as scientific community.
 Development of management strategies against biotic and abiotic stresses.
 Finding scientific solutions for the problems faced by growers.

Main crops:Sunflower, Sesam, Soybean, Tara mera and Alsi

(1) Sun flower (Helianthus annuus)Helianthus is a genus comprising about 70 species of
annual and perennial flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae.Except for
three South American species, the species of Helianthus are native to North
America and Central America. The common names "sunflower" and "common

36
 sunflower" typically refer to the popular annual species Helianthus annuus, whose round
flower heads in combination with the ligules look like the sun.

Insect pest of sun flower crop:

I. Sunflower Head Moth

The sunflower head moth, Homoeosomaelectellum, normally occurs at first bloom and will lay
eggs on the green bracts on the sunflower head. Confection fields are often sprayed for seed
weevil at first bloom which would also control head moth. Some of the early fields are now in
the R4 to R5 stage (late budding to early bloom stage) and some of the earliest blooming flowers
will have signs of sunflower moth larvae (Figure 3) feeding visible under the bracts. If you pull
back the bracts, you will see frass left behind by insect feeding. Heads with heavy feeding could
begin to wilt 

ManagementPy
rethroids can help protect sunflowers from sunflower moth damage. These products have a
residual activity which is a function of rate — a day per ounce, for example. The R5 stage
usually lasts 10-14 days so an application should protect sunflowers for an extended time. Later
sunflower plantings (after June 1) usually escape head moth infestation; however, any sunflower
approaching or finishing pollination at this time should be monitored closely.
In two to three weeks a second generation of adults will emerge to infest fields. These pests also
are in wild sunflower in wheat stubble and road ditches.

37
Head moth adults are white to tan and 5/8 inch long. They fly at the slightest motion and can be
difficult to find during the day unless populations are very large. At dusk or evening they can be
found on heads feeding on the pollen or at night with a flashlight.

II. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are soft-bodied, winged insects closely related to aphids and mealybugs.
Despite their name, whiteflies are not a type of fly, though they do have wings and are
capable of flying.

Damage by Feeding
• Whiteflies feed by tapping into the phloem of plants, introducing toxic saliva and
decreasing the plants' overall turgor pressure.

• Since whiteflies congregate in large numbers, susceptible plants can be quickly

overwhelmed.

• Further harm is done by mold growth encouraged by the honeydew whiteflies secrete.

• This may also seriously impede the ability of farms to process cotton harvests.

Control measures
Nonchemical control
Washing the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, may help reduce the number of
the pests on the plants and make their management by other methods more effective.
Whiteflies are also attracted by the color yellow, so yellow sticky paper can serve as traps
to monitor infestationsDead leaves or leaves that have been mostly eaten by whiteflies
can be removed and burned or carefully placed in closed bins to avoid infestation and
spreading of the disease.

Chemical control
• Pesticides used for whitefly control usually contain neonicotinoid compounds as active
ingredients: Clothianidin (commercial), Dinotefuran (over-the-counter and commercial),

38
 A Visit to Cotton Research Station, Faisalabad
Instructors Name: Dr. Hassnain Babar (Assistant Entomologist, CRS, Faisalabad)
Dr. Muhammad Asif (Assistant Botanist, CRS, Faisalabad)
Dr. Jahanzaib (Scientific Officer, CRS, Faisalabad)
Research work on cotton was started under cotton research station Lyallpur (now Faisalabad),
established in 1902. Cotton Research Station Faisalabad was upgraded as an institute in 1986.
Again in March 2016 due to shifting of directorate from Faisalabad to Multan this institute was
declared as Cotton Research Station Faisalabad. One Cotton Research sub-station, Jhang is
working under this station. There has been a great contribution in cotton research system in
Punjab province to meet the needs of farmers and other stakeholders.  About 35 to 45 research
trials conducted in each cropping season on various aspects of cotton. 

Introduction
Cotton is a major fiber crop in Pakistan. It contributes in foreign exchange and oil industry. In
2014 it known as a pumper crop and its production constitutes one crore and fifty lakh bales.
Currently its production gradually decreases that’s only contains 65 lakh bales.
Reasons for Reduction in Cotton Area
1. Cotton belt change into sugarcane
 Due to establishment of sugar mills in South Punjab
 Due to high income of sugarcane farmers shift from cotton to sugarcane crop

2. Climate Change
 Irregular rain falls
 Pest status change

3. Pesticides
39
  Wrong selection of pesticides
 Wrong application of pesticides
 Wrong time of application
 Do not use the spray nozzle according to the pest
 Lack of targeted pesticides
 Do not use the spray at the recommended dose
 Lack of awareness about weather forecasting

4. Lack of Subsidy
 Lack of govt. intention

5. Role of pesticides and seed mafias

 Dealers provides low quality and non-targeted pesticides
 Not provide the adequate seeds to the farmer community
 Low quality seed leads the reduction in cotton yields

Insect Pest of Cotton

More than 100 insect attacks on cotton crop in world-wide. In Pakistan as compare to other crops
the cotton is most affected by insect pest.
Infestation pattern of sucking insect pest according to the season.
In warm and humid weather
 White fly
 Jassid
In dry and warm weather
 Mites
 Thrips
In cool and humid weather
 Aphid

At flowering and bolls formation stage

 American bollworm
 Spotted bollworm
 Pink bollworm
 Armyworm

1) American Bollworm
In Bt cotton unable to attack due resistant character.

40
  Identification of Damage Symptoms
 Prominent hole (big hole) in bolls
 Half larvae will be present inside and half outside of the infected bolls
 Feces will be present at damage portion of the bolls

2) Spotted Bollworm
Identification of Damage Symptoms
 Narrow and medium size holes in infected bolls
 Brown feces can be seen easily

3) Pink Bollworm
Identification of Damage Symptoms
 It makes rosette flower after entering the flower
 It closes the damaging hole after entering the bolls
 Larvae completely hidden inside bolls and flower
 Mating during moonlit nights 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16
 Lay egg on flower buds, near bolls and on top shoot
 In the month the month of July, when rain fall heavy the second generation cause a
severe damage.

Management and Control Tactics

 Avoid early sowing before 15 April
 Use pheromone (Gossyplore) and PB ropes
 Sticky traps (usually transparent in appearance)
 Attack can be protected by systemic insecticides

4) Armyworm
 Attack in patches
 It appearance on Itsit weed and then transfer to the main crop

Predators
 Chrysoperla cornea
 Lady bird beetle

Cotton Varieties
 FH-112
 Lala-Zar
 FH-90
 FH-15

41
  SS-32
 FH-492
 Super Cotton
 IUB-13,17,15

Seed Rate
 Lint seed 8-10 Kg
 Delint seed 5-6 Kg

Seed Treatment
 1L H2SO4 for 10 Kg seed

Cotton Bales
Universal Densities Gin (SI)
 Average net bale weight is (495lbs)
 Weight of bales = 170 Kg, 375 pounds (in Pakistan)
 Length of bales = 55 inch (1.41m)
 Width of bales = 21 inch (0.53m)
 Thickness of bales= 33inch (0.84m)

42
A Visit to Plant Physiology Section, Faisalabad
Instructor name: Muhammad Ashiq (Assistant Agronomist, PPS, Faisalabad)
Plant Physiology Section was established in 1962, currently working under the Directorate of  
Agronomy, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad on various physiological aspects of
plants, weed management, production technology development of various medicinal plants and
climate change. It has a well-established and equipped seed testing and analytical Laboratory
with modern instruments/equipment and for data recording facilities it has a meteorological
observatory

Objectives

 To study the physiological basis of yield improvement of major field crops

 To quantify detrimental effects of stresses i.e. water, salt and temperature on
physiological processes and ultimately economic yield of major field crops
 Screening of genotypes of major field crops against different stresses
 Induction of stress tolerance in field crops by management practices and applying growth
hormones
 To study physiological disorders in field crops due to environmental and nutritional
stresses
 Screening of herbicides for efficient weed control and to study their phyto-toxicity on
field crops, vegetables, gardens and lawns
 Study of biology of weeds    

43
  To develop production technology for medicinal plants and spices
 Collection of data for different meteorological parameters

Weeds identification:
1. Dumbi siti
English name: Birds seed grass,lesser canary grass,little seed canarygrass
Local name Dumbisittee,Skitteebotti,Gulli danda
Status: The most harmfulin winterseason(Noxious)

2. Dumbghaas
English name: Winter grass,foxtail fescue,rabbitfootgrass
Local name: Dumbghaas, Ghoin
Status: Important as localcase(winter)

3. Pohli
English name: Wild safflower,spinycarthamus
Local name: Pohli,Satianasi,
Status: Restrictedto rainfed areas

44
 4. Bathu
English name: Commongoosefoot, lamb’squarter
Local name: Bathu,Chandanbathu,Jhill
Status: Important weed(Winter)

5. Krund
English name: Fathen,nettle leavedgoosefoot
Local name: Krund,Chandabetva
Status: Important weed(winter)

6. Chandni
English name: Field speedwell,Persianspeedwell
Local name: Chandni,Sahadevi
Status: More innorthern Punjab

45
 Screening of different Desi gram genotypes in relation to Insect Pest

Introduction:

Pulses are the most important source of

vegetable protein in Pakistan. They are cultivated on
5% of the total cropped area. Their use ranges from
baby food to delicacies of the rich and the poor.
Because of the population growth, demand for pulses
is increasing day by day. There is a need to develop
varieties with higher yield potential that respond to
improved management practices so as to meet the
increasing demand of pulses.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important grain legume in Asia, and being a rich and cheap
source of protein can help people improve the nutritional quality of their diets. Chickpea is of
relatively minor importance on the world market but it is extremely important for local trade in
numerous tropical and subtropical regions.Chickpeas are called chana in India, garbanzo in
Mexico, cece or ceci in Italy, kichererbse in Germany, and revithia in Greece.

Chickpea, gram or chana (Cicer arietinum), is the most important member of the pulse
family. Chickpea is a cool season legume crop and is grown in several countries
worldwide as a food source. Seed is the main edible part of the plant and is a rich source of
protein, carbohydrates and minerals especially for the vegetarian population. As in case of
other legume crops, even chickpea can fix atmospheric nitrogen through its symbiotic
association with Rhizobium sp.; thus helping in enhancing the soil quality for subsequent

46
 cereal crop cultivation. Chickpea is the third most important food legume crop and India is
the largest producer contributing to 65% of world’s chickpea production (FAOSTAT,
2008). Even though India is the largest producer of chickpea; it still imports chickpea from
other countries. Keeping in view, the ever-increasing demand for this legume crop; it is
essential to improve the production and area under cultivation, at the same time
minimizing the stress on this crop plant. Chickpea has been classified as follows:

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Cicer
Species: C. arietinum

In Pakistan third fourth area of pulses is under cultivation of only chickpea. 87 percent area In
Punjab, 7 percent in K.P.H,4 percent in sindh and 2 percent in balochistan.

The gram (Chickpea, Bangal gram or Garbanzo) ranks first as a pulse crop in the country being
followed up by green gram only in area and production. Actually, the gram is almost only the
rabi pulse-crop, that successfully grown in the vast barani areas after rain, kacha after floods and
under dobari conditions just after the harvest of the rice crop, without irrigation water. In case of
irrigated crop,only one irrigation found enough at flowering stage.

In Pakistan chickpea was grown on an area of 1050 hectares with the Production of 5.71 m tons,
against 7.5 million tons of last year, showing significant decrease of 23% during 2010-11 due to
reduction in area and unfavorable conditions.

Low yield of chickpea is caused by many factors like area under chickpea is limited and it is only
grown in marginal lands. It is not much cultivated in irrigated lands. Varieties with low yield

47
potential and unsuitable sowing date limits chickpea production to a considerable extent. Other
factors are soil nutrients, water shortage, pathogenic diseases and temperature stress during
reproductive stage (Singh et al., 1998).

In Punjab about 20-22 lac acre of area is under cultivation of chickpea. 96 percent of total Punjab
cultivated chickpea is in districts i.eBakhar ,khushab , jhung , layyah and mianwali.Greater and
more stable yields are the major goals of plant breeding programs. Chickpea yields usually
average 400-600 kg/ha, but can surpass 2,000 kg/ha, and in experiments have attained 5,200
kg/ha. Yields from irrigated crops are 20-28% higher than yields from rain fed crops. Two types
of chickpea are recognized, desi (colored, small seeded, angular and fibrous) and Kabuli (beige,
large seeded, rams-head shaped with lower fiber content) types (Malhotra et al., 1987). In a 3-
cultivar trial in India, dry matter yields ranged from 9,400 to 12,000 kg/ha. In India, chickpea or
gram ranks 5th among grain crops, and is the most important pulse crop (Smithson et al., 1985).
In India and Pakistan, chickpeas are consumed locally, and about 56% of the crop is retained by
growers (Duke, 1981).

Origin and History:

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an ancient crop that has been grown in

the Middle East and parts of Africa for many years. It may have been grown in Turkey nearly
7,400 years ago. Chickpeas are native to the Middle East and are traditionally grown in the semi-
arid regions of Pakistan, India, Turkey and the Mediterranean countries. van der Maesen (1972)
believed that the species originated in the southern Caucasus and northern Persia. However,
Ladizinsky, (1975) reported the center of origin to be southeastern part of Turkey adjoining
Syria. Botanical and archeological evidence show that chickpeas were first domesticated in the
Middle East and was widely cultivated in India, Mediterranean area, the Middle East, and
Ethiopia since antiquity. Brought to the New World, it is now important in, Australia, Mexico,
Argentina, Chile, Peru and the U.S. Wildspecies are most abundant in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan,
and Central Asia" (Duke, 1981).

Classification:

48
Chickpea belongs to the tribe Cicereaeand genus Cicer. The Indian grams have been classified in
2 broad groups.

1. Deshi or brown gram (Cicer arietinum L.): This is the most widely grown group. Plants
are small, erect with good branching. In this group, the colour of the seed ranges from yellow
to dark brown. Seed size is usually small (5-12 mm) with irregular shape having a test weight
of 170-260 g. It is cultivated mostly in the Indian subcontinent, Ethiopia, Mexico and Iran.
It’s skinned and split to make chana dal. It is local and known as Bengal gram or kala
chana.thisvariety came from Afghanistan. In PakistanThe Desi type chickpea contributes to
around 80% of the total production.

2. Kabuli or white gram (Cicer kabulium): It is grown in lesser area than the brown gram.
Plants are erected taller than brown gram with moderate branching. Grains are bold (test
weight >260 g) and attractive. The colour of grain is usually white. Yield potential of this
group is poorer than brown gram. It is mainly grown in Southern Europe, Northern Afrisca,
Afghanistan and Chile. This variety was introduced to the Indian subcontinent in the 18th
century. The Kabuli type contributed around 20% of the total production.

Chickpea Varieties Released in Pakistan

Variety Year of Institution Yield Province

release
CM-72 1983 NIAB Potential
2000 (kg/hec) Punjab
C-44 1983 AARI 2500 Punjab
NOOR-91 1991 AARI 2000 Punjab
PUNJAB-91 1991 AARI 2000 Punjab
PAIDAR-91 1991 AARI 2000 Punjab
KARAK-1 1992 ARS 1800 NWFP
PITTLE-98 1998 AARI 2500 Punjab
KARAK-98 1998 ARS 2000 NWFP
SHEENGHAR 2000 ARS 1800 NWFP
LAWAGHAR 2000 ARS 2200 NWFP
PUNJAB-2000 2000 AARI 2500 Punjab

49
CM-2000 2000 NIAB 2500 Punjab
BALKASAR 2000 BARI 2500 Punjab
WINHAR 2000 BARI 2500 Punjab
DASHAT 2003 NARC 2500 Islamabad
PARBAT 2003 NARC 2000 Islamabad
KARAK-3 2003 ARS 2000 NWFP
NIFA-2005 2005 NIFA 2000 NWFP
THAL-2005 2006 AZRI 2500 Punjab
Punjab-2008 2008 AARI 3500 Punjab

Cultivation:

India is the world leader in chickpea (bengal gram) production followed by Pakistan and Turkey.
Chickpeas are grown in the Mediterranean, western Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Australia.
Ten largest producers of gram in world are India, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Myanmar, Canada,
Ethiopia, Mexico and Iraq.

Importance:

1. They were said to offer medical uses such as increasing sperm.

2. They were said to offer medical uses such as increasing milk, provoking menstruation
and urine
3. Helping to treat kidney stones.
4. Thought to be especially strong and helpful.
5. Mature chickpeas can be cooked and eaten cold in salads, cooked in stews, ground
into a flour called gram flour (also known as chickpea flour and besan and used primarily
in Indian cuisine),
6. Ground and shaped in balls and fried as falafel, fermented to make an alcoholic drink.
7. Similar to sake, stirred into a batter and baked to make farinata, cooked and ground into a
paste called hummus or roasted, spiced and eaten as a snack (such as leblebi).

50
 8. Chick peas and bengal grams are used to make curries and are one of the most popular
vegetarian foods in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the UK.
9. In the Philippines garbanzo beans preserved in syrup are eaten as sweets and in desserts
such as halo-halo
10. Chickpeas are low in fat and most of this is polyunsaturated.
11. One hundred grams of mature boiled chickpeas contains 164 calories, 2.6 grams of fat
(of which only 0.27 grams is saturated), 7.6 grams of dietary fiber and 8.9 grams of
protein.
12. According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
chickpea seeds contain on average:

 23% protein

 64% total carbohydrates (47% starch, 6% soluble sugar)

 5% fat

 6% crude fiber and 3% ash.

13. There is also a high reported mineral content:

 Phosphorus (340 mg/100 g)

 Calcium

 Magnesium (140 mg/100g)

 iron (7 mg/100 g)

 zinc (3 mg/100 g)

14. Recent studies by government agencies have also shown that they can assist in lowering
of cholesterol in the bloodstream

Nutrition:

51
Chickpea is an important source of energy, protein and soluble and insoluble fiber. Mature
chickpea grains contain 60-65% carbohydrates, 6% fat, and between 12% and 31% protein.

Vitamins:

Chickpeas also a good source of vitamins (especially B vitamins) and minerals like potassium
and phosphorus. It also contain thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, and
vitamin K.

Diseases of chickpea:

1. Wilt (Fusarium oxysporumi)

2. Blight (Mycosphaerellarabiei)
3. disease due to iron deficiency( peela pun of gram)
4. Botrytis grey mould

Insect Pest Chickpea:

1. Cut worm, Agrotis ipsilon

Symptoms of damage

 The caterpillar remains the soil at a depth of 2-4 inches.

 The caterpillars cut the tender plants at the base, and branches or stems of growing plants.
 The caterpillars drag the cut parts into soil for feeding.
 The buried stem or branches is almost the sure index of the place where the caterpillar is
hiding

Identification of the pest

 Eggs - are laid on earth clods, chickpea stem bases and on both sides of leaves.
 Larva - is dark brown with red head.
 Pupa -Pupation takes place in earthen cocoon.

52
  Adult- moth are brownish with numerous wavy lines and spots, measuring 3 to 5 cm
across wings

Cutworm pupa Cutworm Larvae Cutworm Adult

Management:

 Deep summer ploughing .

 Use well decomposed organic manure.
 Adapt crop rotation.
 Early sowing in the last week of October.
 Intercropping with wheat or Linseed or Mustard reduces infestation.
 In the early stages pick the insects and destroy.
 Do not grow Tomato or Lady Finger in nearby field.
 Grow marigold on bunds
 The adult insects can be controlled by light traps
 Spray insecticides like endosulfan 35 EC @ 1000 ml/ha.(OR) quinalphos 25 EC @ 1000
ml/ha
 In case of severe infestation Spray insecticides like spark 36 EC at the rate of 1000 ml/ha.
Profenophos 50 EC @ 1500 ml/ha.
 Dilute the above in 500 - 600 liters water and spray

1. Termites: Odontotermes obesus

Symptoms of damage

 Termite bores into the roots and stem. Due to the bore the plants soon dries.
 Attack may continue to the standing crop also especially during the period of drought

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 Termites
Effected Plant

Identification of the pest

 These are social insects, live in termitaria, in distinct castes, workers, kings and queen.
 Eggs are laid on plants and in the soil.
 'Worker are small (4 mm) and have a soft, white body and a brown head.

Management

 Frequent intercultural operations and irrigation before sowing.

 Field sanitation, timely disposal of crop stables and undecomposed plant parts.
 Undecomposed FYM or composed should not be used
 Two-three deep ploughing could also help control this pest.
 Destroy the termite bunds in and around the field and kill the queen and complimentary
form.
 Seed treatment with chlorpyriphos @ 4ml/kg of seed.

2. Chickpea Aphid (Aphis craccivora):

Symptoms of Damage

Deformed leaves and shoots; curled leaves; aphids secrete a sticky, sugary substance called
honeydew which encourages the growth of sooty mold on the plants; insect is small and soft
bodied, feeds on underside of leaves and/or stems of plant; usually green or yellow in color.

Identification

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Medium sized aphids which may be winged or wingless. Wingless adults are greenish grey or
gray with a dark sclerotic dorsal abdominal plate. The winged form has characteristic dark
posteriodarsal abdominal patch. Young nymphs are white or cream color.

3. Gram pod borer Helicoverpa armigira

(Noctuidae : Lepidoptera)

It is nocturnal and regular pest of gram. Helicoverpaarmigera is cosmopolitan in distribution

feeding on wide variety of plants. In U.S. it is considered as the major pest of cotton and sweet
corn. In India it attacks many agricultural crops resulting in complete destruction of plants.
Helicoverpaarmigera is a polyphagous insect and prefers to feed on plants belonging to families
Poaceae, Papilionaceae, Solanaceae and Malvaceae. The common crops attacked by the gram
pod borer are chickpeas, pigeon peas, beans, soybeans, sunflower, sorghum, maize, cotton, and
tobacco and winter cereals.

Food plants

Polyphagous but prefer cotton , gram , and tomato. But also attacks on maize, sorghum, wheat,
tobacoo, berseem, lucern, sunflower, castor, potato, pea, pigionpea, cowpea, lentil,
redish,soyabean,and cabbage. About 40 plants are recorded as a alternate host plants of
helicoverpaarmigira.

Life history

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 Active period: April-October

Inactiveperiod: November-January

Neriod of optimum activity:July-October

Number of generations per year: 4-8

Egg

Eggs are laid all over the host plant surfaces and are very
frequently laid in the flowering season of the crop. Eggs are dome shaped with a ribbed surface.
They are white in colour when freshly laid and are of the
size of a pinhead. The colour of eggs changes as they reach
hatching. Incubation period varies from 3-7 days in warm
weather. A mated female lays about 1,500 eggs over a
period of 14 days. Eggs hatch into green coloured
caterpillars.

Larvae

Full grown caterpillars are 30-40 mm in length with characteristic patterns of brown and black
colour. Well defined hairs are present all over the body of the caterpillars. Larvae are completely
mature after 2-3 weeks and then undergo pupation in soil.

Pupae

Brown in colour , occurs in soil, leaf, pods and crop debris

Adult

Moths are nocturnal and are strongly attracted towards light. At

rest the wings are folded in the form of roof over the body.
Helicoverpaarmigera has a distinct kidney shaped spot in the
middle of each forewing and a pale patch in the middle of dark
band of the hind wing.

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Duration of Stages:

Adult: Male 4-22 days and female 7-25 days.

Eggs: Hatch in 2-4 Days.

Larvae: 15-20 days

Pupa: 8-15 days

Damage:

1. Young larvae feed on foliage and then bore into pods of gram and feed on developing
grains.
2. The larvae damage the foliage similar to tobacco and hairy caterpillars but it prefers to
feed on flowers and buds Young larvae enter leaf bud by making a pin-hole.
3. These pin-holes form mirror images on the expanded leaf.
4. Round holes are produced in the corolla of the flowers by the larva.
5. Flowers are converted to a mass of brownish Fras in 24 hours.
6. Larvae feed on leaves and destroy seedlings in the early stages.
7. at the time of pod formation it is found feeding on developing grain after cutting a hole in
the pod and thrusting their head in it
8. During day it does not hide in the soil but in plants.
9. it has been estimated that single caterpillar destroy 30-40 pods of gram in its life time
10. It has been observed that grown caterpillar feed on the small larvae of its own known as
cannibalism.
11. In severe infestation damage may be caused from 20-50 percent.

Management

Cultural control

Cultural practices including post harvesting, rotation of crops, plantation of resistant varieties
and mechanical picking of infested plant parts and larvae can reduce the risk of further spread of

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Helicoverpa armigera. Helicoverpa armigera can be controlled by the use of bacterium Bacillus
thuringiensis. Parasitoid s should be favored to reduce damage. Bio control agents may be
encouraged.

1. Sow resistant varieties.

2. Use Crop rotation with sorghum, maize, pearl millet and sugarcane minimizes the
infestation.

3. Grow sunflower as border or intercrop in groundnut fields to serve as indicator or trap crop.

4. Mixed cropping of chickpea with mustard, linseed, barley and wheat reduce the incidence as
well as damage by the pod borer.

Biological control

Managing chickpea pod borer with entomopathogenic nematodes Helicoverpa

armigera commonly known as pod borer is the only pest which comes regularly on chickpea
which is an important pulse crop grown in Indian Sub Continent. Use of bioregional (nematodes
and botanicals) is gaining momentum in view of ill effects of insecticides on environment and
non target organisms including human beings. Lethal concentration of 145 infective juveniles
(IJs) and 195 IJs of Heterorhabditis indicia was fixed for third and fourth instar larva,
respectively.

Mechanical control

Larvae can be managed by manual hand picking, trapping with coiled dry
grasses and pit fall method, whereas adult moths can be trapped with various traps. Light traps
and pheromone traps can be used effectively to monitor the presence of pest as well as to
reduce the carryover next generation, consequently, reduction in pest population.

Hand picking

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 Pod borer caterpillar of third instar and onward can easily be picked up from foliage
and developing pods and killed by hitting with blocks or putting them into insecticide mixed
water solution. This method is effective but expensive.

Pit fall method

Caterpillar of gram pod borer make cylindrical pits of 6 inch deep at several places in
the field. Several crawling larvae may fall in these pits and eat the weaker ones so reduce the
population of them.

Light trap

Gram pod borer is photopositive which is nocturnal moth. Light trap can be used
successfully.

Pheromone

Traps usually sex pheromone are used for trapping the adult insects. They attract male
moth only. Impregnated rubber septa are used in trap which is replaced at fortnightly interval
of continuous trapping.

Chemical control

Spinosad 240 sc per 100 liter of water

Chlorpyrifos140EC per 100 liter of water

Profenofos 500EC per 100 liter of water

Methodology:

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We have sown different 10 varieties of Desi gram entomological research
institute field area. Verities were sown by following the International RCBD
method.

Date of sowing: 02/11/2020

Verities Names:

G1 D-18036
G2 D-18017
G3 D-18032
G4 D-18009
G5 D-18004
G6 D-18027
G7 D-18025
G8 D-18020
G9 D-18007
G10 Bittal-2016
We collected data on weekly basis. The data were collected for aphid and gram
pod borer. For aphid 15 plants were selected randomly from 1 variety. For aphid
data was collected on per tiller basis. For pod borer data was collected on damage
basis per tiller. We selected 15 randomly plants and calculated infested pods on
plant and divided by total pods on plant and then multiply it with 100.

We also calculate hair density and pod wall thickness of all varieties. Trichomes
were calculate by using microscope and pod wall thickness were calculated by
using screw gauge.

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Data Table

1 Screening of desi gram genotypes against insect pests

Sr. Treatments Aphid/leaf Gram pod Bio- Trichomes wall thickness
No. borer control
infestation /plant
%
G1 D-18036 3.3 ab 5.2 g 1.9 b 199.6 cd 0.31 b
G2 D-18017 3.1 ab 6.8 f 2.2 ab 206.0 c 0.22 c
G3 D-18032 2.9bc 8.3 d 2.1 ab 240.6 b 0.32 b
G4 D-18009 3.3 ab 9.3 c 2.2 ab 245.3 ab 0.34 b
G5 D-18004 3.5 ab 10.2 b 2.1 ab 192.0 cd 0.24 d
G6 D-18027 3.3 ab 9.7 bc 2.1 ab 260.6 a 0.33 b
G7 D-18025 3.0 abc 8.3 d 2.1 ab 262.3 a 0.35 a
G8 D-18020 2.4 c 7.2 ef 2.1 b 202.0 cd 0.25cd
G9 D-18007 3.6 a 11.3 a 1.9 b 187.0 d 0.27d
G10 Bittal-2016 3.0 abc 8.0 de 2.4 a 196.0 d 0.28 c
LSD at 0.05 0.64 0.864 0.362 18.897 0.022

Conclusion:

Maximum infestation of aphid in D-18007 variety of Desi gram and whereas minimum
infestation of aphid in D-18020. Maximum infestation of pod borer in D-18007 and minimum
in D-18036. Trichomes were also calculated which shows that maximum trichomes were
present in D-18025 and minimum trichomes were present in D-18007. Pod wall thickness is
maximum in D-18025and minimum in D-18017.

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