Plant Pathology is an important component of any crop production system for the development of a sound Agricultural economy. To attain self-sufficiency in food and to improve the quantity and quality of exportable agriculture commodities, plant pathology has acquired an added importance. The field crops, fruits and vegetables suffer from colossal losses in yield due to plant diseases. If plant pathology measures are not properly adopted, the losses could be enormous and, in some cases, result in complete crop failure. The losses due to plant diseases are perilous which can be minimized only by a continuous process of research regarding plant pathology. Plant Pathology Research Institute (PPRI) is mainly working on the all possible control measures of plant diseases of economic importance through genetic resistance, biological, cultural and chemical means and their integrated approaches.
Objectives
- To conduct research on plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes to find out suitable control measures
- Collaboration with the breeders of all crops and vegetables in evolving the disease resistant varieties of the crops and vegetables
- Testing the efficacy of new and commercial fungicides/chemicals against various diseases
- Studies on the seed borne mycoflora of different crops and vegetables and to find out the appropriate control measures
- Studies on Phytophthora and Pythium spp. infecting different crops, vegetables and fruit plants in the Punjab
- To conduct research and production of virus free potato pre-basic seed through tissue culture
- Detection of viral diseases through ELISA test and their management.
- Monitoring of insect vectors population in relation to viral diseases.
- Evaluation and standardization of new fungicides insecticides and herbicides against different crop diseases and weeds
- To conduct research on integrated management strategies for control of crops insect pests, diseases & weeds
- To impart training in Plant Protection techniques to In-service Agri. Extension personnel, sugar mills field staff and other stakeholders