You are on page 1of 2

1. National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insects and AICRP on Biologi cal Control 2.

a) Current Sectoral Scenario Global

Insects are the most diverse of animals with over 8,00,000 species described more than all other animal groups combined. The beneficial role of insects has been e xploited world over. About 90 insect parasitoids and predators are commercially produced for use in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and glass houses. Predat ory mites resistant to chemical pesticides are also used in glass houses against mites. Pollinators like bumble bees are used for glass house pollination. Honey bees ar e also extensively used for pollination. However lack of insect taxonomic expert ise has hindered the exploitation of insect biodiversity. Molecular tools have b een applied and genetic diversity of a few insects has been exploited. Biological control using antagonistic fungi and bacteria has found wide applicat ion by promotion as microbial inoculants. Genetic manipulation have enabled the exploitation of chitinase and glucanase genes. b) National

Indian insect biodiversity is unique with high-level of endemism in N.E. Himalay as and Western ghats and comprise of 7.1% of world insect fauna. Biosystematics of insects is a weak area in India also and needs strengthening to harness the f ull potential of insect biodiversity. Biological control using parasitoids and p redators is being promoted in India by the ICAR. Spectacular success has been ex perienced in the management of pests of rice and sugarcane. Invasive pests are a big concern and special focus is essential. Genetic diversity of selected paras itoids and predators has been investigated. Trichogramma tolerant to endosulfan was commercialized by NBAII in India. Multiple insecticide tolerant strains deve loped by the NBAII are now ready for commercialization. Honey bees have been used predominantly for honey and related products, but not much focus has been made to enhance their usefulness as pollinators. No strategi es have been developed to harness the potential of the rich diversity of non Api s pollinators. 3. a) i) Projection for the next 10 years :Critical areas to be addressed: NBAII Harnessing the biodiversity of beneficial insect fauna

Parasitoids, predators and pollinators, Biodiversity hot spots, Genetic enhancem ent , Bioinformatics , DNA barcodes ii) Climate change - Enhancing biological fitness Preparedness for facing the threat of invasive pests iii) Nanoformulation of semiochemicals

b) AICRP on Biological Control Development of sustainable biocontrol technologies for emerging pest problems non target pests in transgenic crops

Microbial formulations for foliar and post harvest diseases in fruits and vegeta bles Catalysing synergy between stake holders for enhancing the production and uptake of quality biocontrol agents b) Farm and yard facilities at NBAII leased from UAS, Bangalore

An area of 25 ha

Borewells, Drip irrigation, Polyhouse, Net house, water harvesting, Orchard, Fie ld crops, Laboratory complex, Automatic weather station established.

You might also like