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PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH BOARD

Newsletter Vol: v to vii, Issue: October 2016

Patron in Chief : Dr Muhammad Farrukh Javed (Chairman PARB) Patron : Dr Noor ul Islam Khan Editor in Charge : Dr Muhammad Younas Photo with Courtesy from : Dr Mirza Muhammad Ashraf

Contact us: Ph: 042-99230555, E-mail: sasim555@yahoo.com website: www.parb.agripunjab.gov.pk

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1. PARB BOARD MEETINGS

Dr. Muhammad Farrukh Javed, Chairman

PARB and Minister for Agriculture presiding over the Board 33rd meeting

Members of the PARB Board

During the last two years, four meetings of the PARB, Board 30th, 31st, 32nd & 33rd meetings were held (pictures given below). The 33rd meeting (latest one) of the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) was held on Sep 1, 2016 in the Committee Room of PARB under the Chairmanship of Minister for Agriculture Punjab, Lahore. Minister for Agriculture/Chairman Board welcomed the participants and Chief Executive, PARB presented the agenda wise proceedings. About eighteen (18) agenda items were discussed in the meeting and their decisions have been implemented.

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2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

During the last two years five, Executive Committee (EC) meetings (40th, 41st, 42nd, 43rd and 44th) were held. The 44th Meeting (latest one) of the Executive Committee of the PARB was held on Sep 17, 2016 in the Committee Room of the PARB Office. The CE PARB chaired the meeting and 16 projects were forwarded to TWG and 2 to PARB Board.

3. MEETING ON THE IMPORT OF TECHNOLOGIES WAS HELD ON AUG 24, 2016 AT FCC UNIVERSITY, LAHORE

Import of Technology meeting was held at FFC University and chaired by Dr Kauser Abdullah Malik

A committee constituted by the Secretary Agriculture on Aug 17, 2016 met on Aug 24, 2016 under the chairmanship of Dr. Kausar Abdullah Malik, Dean Post Graduate Studies, FCC University, Lahore. The committee reviewed and finalized the list of technologies to be acquired by the Agricultural Department and submitted its final recommendations on: (1) Import of germplasm and seed related technologies, (2) Machinery, (3) Implements, (4) Capacity building of scientists and (5) Lab facility requirements. The Director, Rice Research Institute (RRI), Kala Shah Kaku has been provided funds from ADB for the purchase of PCR and required chemicals.

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4. PARB FUNDED/SPONSORED INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PROTECTED HORTICULTURE AND CERTIFICATION, ORGANIZED BY DG AGRICULTURE (EXT & AR) PUNJAB ON SEP 29, 2016

Chief Executive PARB addressing to the

Participants of the Conf Dr Noor ul Islam (CE PARB), Mr Peter Hans (Speaker and Guest of Honor) and Prof Dr

Aman Ullah (UAF)

DG (Ext & AR) introducing the Guest of Honor Audience of the Conference

Mr Hans Peter, who was specially invited

from Switzerland, is giving a presentation in the Conf

Chief Executive PARB and organizer of the Conf Mr Sajid Ahmad presenting a shield to

Mr Hans Peter

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5. DR NAZIR AHMAD, DIRECTOR/CHIEF SCIENTIST NUCLEAR INSTITUTE FOR AGRI (NIA) TANDOJAM BRIEFING ABOUT STERILE INSECT TECHNOLOGY (SIT)

The PARB arranged a meeting of Dr Nazir Ahmad, Dir NIA with the Secretary Agriculture, Govt of the Punjab on Sep 29, 2016 in the Committee Room of Agri Dept. He made a detailed presentation and said that male SIT is a complicated system of Pink Bollworm control and an isolated belt of cotton is required. The CE, PARB proposed that Mianwali Distt for initial testing of Pink Bollworm male Sterile Insect Technology, may be taken as a pilot project.

Dr Nazir Ahmad, briefing about the male

Sterile Insect Technology in the committee room of Agri Department

Dr Nazir Ahmad, being presented a shield by the CE PARB

6. THE CE, PARB PRESIDED OVER SEVERAL SCIENCE CONFERENCES AS SHOWN BELOW

Dr Noor ul Islam addressing an

International workshop at LUMS, Lahore Dr Noor ul Islam addressing a Conference at

FCC Uni, Lahore

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Dr Noor ul Islam addressing a Seminar at CEMB, Lahore

Dr Noor ul Islam addressing a Conference at NIBGE

Dr Noor ul Islam in a Consultative Meeting at UVAS, Lahore

Chief Executive PARB visiting Hydroponic Unit at PMAS, Arid Agric Uni, Rawalpindi

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7. PARB M&E ACTIVITIES AT DIFFERENT PARB CGS PROJECTS

Visited PARB Project 21 5, Transgenic Cotton Hybrids at 4-Brothers Research Area Multan

Member (M&E) and his team visit to Project No. 191 Cotton at Vehari

Visited Fish Feed Project No. 195 at UVAS, Pattoki

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Visited Cotton Hybrid at CRS, Multan

Visit at Project No 235 Maize Hybrid at AFS, Multan

PARB M&E visit to Project No. 213 Stevia at Murree

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8. ACQUISITION OF GM COTTON TECHNOLOGY AND VCM MEETING

A meeting on the acquisition of GM Cotton Technology and Value Capture Models (VCM) was held at PARB on Sep 7, 2016. The Minister for Agriculture, GOP chaired the meeting. The CE, PARB made a presentation on the subject and apprised the participants which Technology is needed for the country. Various VCM were presented and their merits and demerits were discussed in detail.

9. OUTPUT OF THE SOME SALIENT PARB PROJECTS

Title of Projects

Salient Achievements

Utilizing Bacterial ACC-Deaminase Biotechnology to Enhance Water Use Efficiency for Sustainable Production of Cereals (UAF)

Two bacterial highly nutrient efficient strains(R11and RW2) have been identified.

Impact of both bacterial strains is an increase in biomass and grain yield 10-25% of wheat and rice crop.

Both bacterial strains have been commercialized through UAF in collaboration with Jaffer brothers (pvt.) Ltd. Pakistan

Integrated pest management (IPM) of aphids on wheat crop (ABRI, AARI, Faisalabad)

464 wheat varieties/lines were screened for aphid tolerance

Incorporation of aphid resistance to elite wheat lines. IPM package for aphid management in wheat is

determined / developed. Best Agricultural practices for aphid management

were demonstrated on farmers fields in 5 districts of Punjab for 2 years.

Basic seed potato production of new varieties SH-5, FD 35-36 & FD 69-1 from in vitro propagated material & its demonstr-ation in the farmer’s fields (AARI, Faisalabad)

983 bags (100 kg each) virus free pre-basic seed potato of three verieties/lines i.e., SH-5, FD35-36 and FD69-1 were obtained from 10 different locations (Faisalabad,Jhang, Toba, Gojra, ChichaWatni and Sahiwal) at farmer field alongwith Cardinal as a check.

One variety SH-5 and two lines FD35-36 and FD69-1 were multiplied on large scale and their basic seed were provided to the progressive potato growers

Introgression of cotton leaf curl virus resistance genes from gossypium Arboretum (Desi Cotton) into gossypium hirsutum (Upland Cotton) (CRS, Multan)

Development of one Cotton strain possessing high degree of CLCuV genetic resistance and harmonic combination of fibre traits. The new strain has shown promising results in terms of cotton seed yield and CLCuV resistance.

Import of 250 genotypes from A&M University, USA. Five species viz.., G. anomalum, G.capitis viridis, G. stocksii, G.somalanse and one accession showed complete CLCuV resistance, which are being utilized in hyberdizatio program for development of CLCuV

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resistant varieties and enrichment of germplasm. Insecticidal Bioactivity of Essential Oils of Local Medicinal Plants Against Insect Pests of Stored Wheat (UAF)

Among plant extracts/oils Colocynthus citrulus is the most effective, followed by Azadirachta indica, Datoora anoxia, Nicotiana tobaccum and Euclayptus globulous.

When these plants extracts/oils applied in combination with phosphine, they gave more promising results. So, we can use plants extracts/oils of Colocynthus citrulus and Datoora anoxia alongwith phosphine instead of deltamatharine

Development of nutrient efficient wheat germplasm for food scrutiny in rainfed areas of Pakistan (BARI, AARI, Faisalabad)

Sixty drought tolerant, nutrient use efficient and high yielding, wheat genotypes were screened out. During the project period 34-F3 populations, 15-F2 populations and 24-F1 populations developed during three years of Project period.

DH-31(Double Haploid of GA-20002 & Chakwal 50) line selected among four promising lines is in varietal development process

Development of Drought Tolerant Variety Of Cotton (CRI, AARI, Faisalabad)

Ten drought tolerant advanced lines including one promising line (FH-326 ) were evaluted at six locations The advanced line (FH-326 ) was evaluated in Punjab coordinated cotton trials at sixteen locations.

The yield and fiber testing data showed that FH-326 performed better for all traits under drought conditions (irrigation after 60,90 and 120 days after planting) .

Control of bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in rice through management and resistant varieties (RRI, AARI, Faisalabad)

Rice Research Institute Kala Shah Kaku have developed six (06)BLB resistant uniform lines having cooking quality better than super Basmati. All the morphological traits of super basmati have been recovered in these lines with some decrease in plant height. These lines were tested in station and multi-location yield trials during 2013-14.

Fourteen lines were also selected from F5 generation having combination of genes and resistant behaviour against BLB.

Developing Parboiling Technology and Rice Varieties Suitable for Parboiling (RRI, AARI, Faisalabad)

The new improved technology focused on relatively shorter soaking duration , lower soaking temperature and proper drying of parboiled paddy eliminated the problems.

A protocol for improved parboiling technology has been developed and the most appropriate criteria for the parboiling parameters (i.e., Soaking Temperature, Soaking and Steaming Duration) were identified for each selected line/ variety

Out of thirty extra long grain varieties/lines evaluated under this project, two parboiling suitable lines viz., PS-2 and PK 8892-4-1-3-1 has been sent for approval as variety for general cultivation

Standardization and Popularization of Direct

Direct seeding of rice (DSR) is found as an alternate option to cope the problems of water and labour

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Seeding to Increase Rice Productivity & Resource Conservation (RRI, AARI, Faisalabad)

shortage associated with conventional flooded rice. Average increase in paddy yield of DSR demonstrated

plots over traditional transplanting methods , during both the years were 13% and 12.02%in case of course and fine varieties, respectively.

Biological management of root knot nematodes on vegetables in Punjab (UAF)

The biological agent (Pasteuria penetrans) applied in vegetable fields reduced root knot nematodes disease caused by nematodes and increased crop yield in chilies, tomato, okra and cucumber

The Pasteuria increased crop yield by 16.38% in tomatoes and 15.49 % in cucumber 18.57% in okra, 17.25% in chillies, in treated plots as compared to control plots in farmer’s field trials

Documenting and mitigating the impact of pesticides and heavy metals residues on vegetables (UAF)

The vegetable samples of spinach, cauliflower, okra and brinjal collected from farmer’s field of different districts were contaminated with a number of pesticides.

The pesticide residues of deltamethrin, permethrin, cypermethrin, profenofos, triazophos, chloropyriphos, bifenthrin and endosulfan, were found commonly with different concentrations in vegetables.

The nickel, lead, zinc, copper, arsenic and mercury were also usually occurring heavy metals in spinach, cauliflower, okra and brinjal, in few samples the residues of lead, nickel, arsenic and mercury exceeded above their maximum residues limit(MRLs)

Wastewater was the single largest contributor of heavy metals accumulation in vegetables.

Transgenic approach to improve drought and salinity tolerance in wheat (UAF)

Successfully developed transgenic Wheat harboring DREBIA and gdhA genes to improve tolerance against drought and salinity. Commercial wheat variety Faisalabad-2008 was used for this purpose.

Transgenics showed better performance under drought and salt conditions as compared to non-transgenics.

Characterization of Native and Potential Mango Varieties in Relation to Ceratocystis Mangineceans and Other Economic Traits (UAF)

Morphological and Physico-chemical characterization and conservation of 741 indiginous mango germplasm was done at UAF.

Cultivar Specific markers have been identified for nine potential mango genotypes viz.,KHW-251, MLT-658, MLT-248, MLT-239, RYK-644, RYK-426,KHW-250 and MLT-369.

Resistance Specific SSR markers have been initially screened for ceratocystis tolerant genotypes.

Development, Optimization And Technology Dissemination Of Indigenous Based Skin Coating Material (SCM) For Fruits And Vegetables (AARI,

Skin Coating Material (SCM) is prepared from indigenous based ingredients , it is edible and all the gradients are FDA approved.

It is applicable to fruits as well as vegetables. The new SCM is low cost and it can save US$ 01 million annualy.

The new SCM is easily suited to existing application

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Faisalabad)

system of citrus industry of the country.

Evaluation of phosphoric Acid (52% P2O5) as an alternative to commercial phosphate fertilizers and enhancing its efficiency for higher crop productivity (NIAB, Faisalabad)

Green house and field studies in Punjab proved that phosphoric acid is an effective and cheaper alternative to commercial P fertilizer being used for wheat, rice and maize production. Placement of Phosphoric acid in wheat and maize improved the efficiency of Phosphoric acid. Although the placement of P through developed wheat drill or maize planter has immense positive effect on P use efficiency however in case of non-availability the specialized drill/planter, application of phosphoric acid by fertigation is also recommended.

No adverse effect on soil properties indicated sustainability of phosphoric acid used for crop production.

Standardization of Olive Propagation and its value addition techniques (BARI, AARI, Faisalabad)

Imported ten olive varieties having high yield potential, drought tolerance and disease resistance characteristics.

9452 true to type disease free sapling of 7 varieties were produced and distributed to the olive growers.

Genetic analysis of 7 olive 7 varieties through DNA finger printing techniques was accomplished

An extensive survey regarding existing olive plantation in Pothowar & ten other districts of Punjab was conducted for future selection and evaluation of olive varieties in respective districts

Development Of Wheat With Low Phytate For Increasing Bioavailability Of Iron And Zinc (FCC, Lahore)

The quantitative estimation of the bioavailable iron by FAAS (Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) indicated that total bioavailable iron level in endosperm of transgenic wheat lines increased up to 38 % as compared to non-transgenic wheat. Iron and zinc bioavailability of all transgenic lines was higher than non-transgenic plants (Fig.3, Table 2). However, the bioavailability of iron and zinc was significantly enhanced in chapatti as compared to dough (Fig.3A and 3B).

In vitro bioavailability assay for iron and zinc in dough and chapatti of transgenic lines revealed a significant increase in iron and zinc contents. The development of nutritionally enhanced cereal is a step forward to combat nutrition deficiency for iron and zinc in malnourished human population, especially women and children.

Development and comparison of innocuity and potentiating effect of three oil adjuvant against HS disease caused by Pasteurella Multocida in buffalo/cattle (VRI, Lahore)

Three oil adjuvant vaccines i.e. LP+PA, ISA 206 & ISA 50 were prepared and tested for their efficacy.

The results showed that ISA 50 & LP+PA are superior to others.

The new developed vaccines conferred solid immunity against the disease for whole one year . So only a

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single shot of vaccine is enough to protect the animal for whole year. This will help to reduce the cost and labour of vaccination process.

Economics of Livestock Production and its marketing in Punjab (LPRI, Bahadurnagar)

Major constraint in livestock production was the negative or inconsequential rate of return on its investment. It is therefore recommended that Government should adopt support policy by deregulating meat and milk prices

Regarding feeding and management constraints it is recommended that extension services must provide training and awareness to farmers regarding fodder conservation.

Keeping in view the marketing constraints it is recommended that certain amount received through the auction of livestock marketes should be spent on the development of livestock markets.

Development, evaluation and promotion of milk replacer for buffalo calves (UVAS, Lahore)

An efficient milk replacer developed locally is in use of domestic buffalo calf raisers.

An economical and efficient calf starter ration was developed which is in commercial production and also in use of farmers at buffalo farms.

Extension workers trained for the calf rearing skills, fulfilling the protocols of hygienic feeding and health monitoring.

Comprehensive calf rearing facility has been established at B-Block of Ravi campus of UVAS.

Development of vaccine for the control of buffalo and cattle calf diarrhea (UVAS, Lahore)

The vaccine provided by QOL was successfully administered on100 Dams and calves produced were challenged using challenge dose as mentioned above. The vaccine efficacious and saves life of calves produced form vaccinated dams.

The 50,000 doses of vaccine had been produced successfully by seed provided by Project Manager from QOL, UVAS.

The efficacy study results showed that the prepared vaccine provides sufficient immunity level for calves to remain safe form pathogens causing calf diarrhea.

Development of meat type Japanese quail with higher body weight (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) acclimatized to indigenous managemental conditions through 6 generations of selective breeding programme (UVAS, Lahore)

Body weight of Japanese Quail was increased in all 6 generation of selective breeding program in 1st generation the body weight increased from 150 g to 166 gram in 2nd generation it in increased to 179 g showing an increase of 12.4 g body weight in birds in generation 2. In generation 3 the birds body weight was increased up to 194.5 g showing an increment of 15.2 g in this generation. In generation 4,5 and 6 the birds body weight was achieved as 211 g, 232 g and 251 g, prospectively.

Preparation and field evaluation of thermostable Newcastle disease vaccine

Results showed that the vaccine gave satisfactory titers in all the districts in all types of commercial layers flocks. Vaccine also increased the titer in broiler flocks

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10. SUBMISSION OF ADP PROJECTS

1. PC-I of Cotton Seed Reform Project for a total cost of Rs 6 Billion has been submitted to AD for approval.

2. PC-I of PARB Building for a total cost of Rs 297 Million has been submitted

to the Agriculture Dept for necessary approval.

(UAF) when it was given at 21 days. There is no considerable difference in the titers of birds maintained in different districts so there is no special difference among the vaccine response.

Thermostable Newcastle disease vaccine (thermo-vac) commercially prepared by Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore. Thermo-Vac vaccine is available in Veterinary Research Institute, Lahore for poultry farmers at free of cost.

Development, evaluation and production of distillery yeast sludge (DYS) based cost effective feed and prebiotic agent for poultry (UVAS, Lahore)

The distillery yeast sludge was properly processed to remove impurities and then was tested to determine its potential to replace soybean meal form poultry rations. The DYS successfully replaced 10% soybean meal on nitrogen equivalent basis in broiler, layer-starter and layer-grower rations. It is also replaced 5% soybean meal in layer’s rations without any deleterious effect on layers health and egg quality. In the collaborating institute, the product (Bio Wache) was also developed which successfully replaced AGP, reduced heat stress and enhanced immunity which resultantly improved bird’s growth performance.

Exploration Of Rice Bran Oil Production (RRI, AARI, Faisalabad)

Improved Rice Bran Oil (RBO) technology for stabilizing rice brain, its extraction and refining has been developed.

Dissemination of RBO technology was successfully done in different areas of Punjab and give especially to all stake holders of Rice and oil related industry.

Commercial scale trials for the adaption of RBO technology are at its progressing stage.

Development, Evaluation and production of heral anticoccidial (s) for the control of coccidioses in poultry (UAF)

The anti-coccidial activity of various plants extract was evaluated through laboratory and field trails.

In in vitro trail, all 16 plants extracts were found effective for their anti-coccidial potential

In in vivo trails 5 selected plants namely Camellia sinensis, pinus radiate, Carica papaya Linum usitatissimum and aloe vera, found most effective in in vitro trails, were found effective for their anticoccidial potential.

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11. PARB RECRUITMENTS IN 2016

Dr Muhammad Younas Executive Member (Coordination)

Dr Muhammad Abdullah

Executive Member (Monitoring & Evaluation)

Dr Mirza Muhammad Ashraf Research Officer (RO)

Syed Asim Hussain Research Publication Officer (RPO)

Ahsan Abdul Wahab Private Secretary (PS)

Muhammad Nawaz Sharif (Naib Qasid)

Muhammad Bilal (Chowkidar)

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