Sugarcane pathology 

Sugarcane crop is infected by different kinds of pathogens viz., fungi, bacteria, viruses and phytoplasmas. In Pakistan, particularly in the Jhang watercourse area, the red rot caused by Colletotrichum falcatum is measured as a very critical disease. The disease was liable for the elimination of many elite sugarcane varieties Like BL-4 and Triton. A high loss in cane yield has also been observed.

Screening of germplasm under different selection stages against red rot, rust, smut, pokkah boeng and mosaic has been conducted.  Monitoring of sugarcane fields is done at various locations of SML for identification of diseases and technical guidance to cane growers of SML for disease control.

Work on screening of varieties against sugarcane mosaic was taken up at the Pathology Lab in 1993.  Evaluation of about 4,000 clones of selection stages for combined resistance is done annually. Isolation of thermophilic yeast was completed at 40oC with the collaboration of Sudzuker, Germany. Processes like solation, identification and mass multiplication of Trichoderma viride for Bio-control of red rot disease have also been conducted. ELISA technique has been initiated for screening of the Sugarcane Mosaic virus.  

Studies on interaction of different races of red rot pathogen, genotypes and environment are in progress with Isolation of antagonistic fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae)for bio-control of sugarcane termites.

A nursery where different selection stages of promising clones were grown was set up to screen against red rot, rust, pokkah boeng and smut. Pathogenicity tests for combined resistance were conducted from December 06 to September 07 and resistance against major diseases was recorded. It is encouraging to find out that we have 964 clones showing combined resistance out of 3410.

Agronomic trials

The objective of this programme is to provide technical guidance on the production technology, biometric traits of varieties, integrated pest management, judicious use of fertiliser and irrigation water.  This has helped enhance crop yield and quality of SML cane growers.  The agronomic trials conducted on promising clones consisted of seed rate, row spacing, fertiliser application, irrigation coefficients, weed control and post harvest losses. 

Soil and water advisory service

The objective of setting up the soil and water advisory service was to develop balanced application of nutrients and irrigation water.  Free analysis of soil and water samples was conducted.  The service has been beneficial for cane growers of the said area as they have gained knowledge about the correct fertility of soil and fitness status of water for judicious use of fertiliser and irrigation water. 
158 growers provided 1,251 soil and 646 water samples from 1,032 acres of land in SML cane supply zones for analysis. Table-4 shows the details of the analysis.

Organic sugar project

35 growers were registered under the project in which sugarcane was grown on 550 hectares of land. Another 19 growers are converting 116 hectares of their land for this purpose.  A milling trial will be conducted of the first organic sugarcane crop during 2007-08 crushing season.

Conservation of endangered thorn plant species

Most indigenous thorn plant species were reported endangered; therefore numerous species were collected from various sources and planted on 21,780 sq. ft of land. These include Salvadora oleoides, Prosopis cineraria, Capparis decidua, Tamarix aphylla, Acacia arabica, Acacia Senegal and Acacia modesta.

The research institute plans to participate in exhibitions and strengthen collaboration with national and international botanical organisations for exchange of expertise, material and literature.