Management of Whitefly by Integrated Strategies and Development of Resistant Cotton Germplasm through Genetic Engineering (01-10-2017 to 31-12-2020)

Name of the Project

Management of Whitefly by Integrated Strategies and Development of Resistant Cotton Germplasm through Genetic Engineering (Project: 889)

Objectives

Component-1
Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad
  • Surveillance and identification of species/biotypes of whitefly (bemisia tabaci complex) population on the basis of morphological characters and DNA barcoding present in Punjab in different cropping community including high and low tunnels
  • Efficacy of bio-repellents against whitefly in field and lab conditions (Compound identification) and management strategies based on natural enemies.
  • Plant physiology associated with WF
  • Micro-nutrient effects on plant physiology and association with WF incidence
  • Insecticides resistance monitoring and management 
  • Dissemination of whitefly management strategy (through outreach practices, demonstration plots, On-farm farmer training workshops and public awareness campaigns)
Component-2
NIBGE Determination of species/biotypes of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci complex) population present in Punjab
  • Determination of diversity of endosymbionts and GroEL gene in whiteflies from Punjab
  • Development of RNAi based transgenic cotton targeting conserved genes of whitefly
  • Biosafety of transgene in local adapted cotton cultivars/lines through genomic assisted breeding
Component-3
Director Entomological Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad Efficacy of different insecticides against whitefly in field and lab conditions
  • Optimum timing and stage of spray against whitefly
  • Varietal screening for plant resistance against whitefly
  • Agronomic practices (planting time, spring crops associated with whitefly; weeds-alternate host plants
  • Plant physiology and association with WF incidence
  • Micro nutrients effects on plant physiology and association with WF incidence 
  • Private sector involvement
Component-4
  • Cotton Research Institute, Multan Optimum timing and stage of spray against whitefly
  • Efficacy of different insecticides against whitefly in field and lab conditions
  • Varietal screening for plant resistance against whitefly
  • Agronomic practices (planting time, spring crops associated with whitefly; weeds/alternate host plants
  • Identification and evaluation of high quality adjuvants)
Component-5
MNSUA, Multan Use of the bio-pesticides/microbial pesticides as an integrated pest management tool
  • Agronomic practices (planting time, spring crops associated with whitefly; weeds/alternate host)
 
Component-6
Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan Agronomic practices (planting time, spring crops associated with whitefly; weeds or alternative host plants)
  • Varietal screening of plant resistance against whitefly
  • Efficacy of different insecticides against whitefly in field and lab conditions
  • Resistance monitoring
  • Identification and evaluation of high quality adjuvants

Executing Wing/Officers/DDOs

University of Agri., Faisalabad/Director, Cotton Research Institute, Multan/Director, Entomology Research Institute, Faisalabad//MNSUA/NIBGE

Duration

3 Years (01-10-2017 to 31-12-2020)

Total Cost

Rs. 39.613 Million Rs.