Chinese, Pakistani scientists join hands for solutions to citrus diseases and insect pests
by Xiong Weisheng
GUANGZHOU, March 24 (China Economic Net) – Chinese and Pakistani scientists are collaborating to develop biological control measures to enhance the quality and quantity of citrus fruits in Pakistan.
To this end, a research centre was launched in the two countries in 2018 to jointly explore green and sustainable solutions to the growing prevalence of citrus diseases across the South Asian nation.
Prof Dr Qiu Baoli (L), director of the China-Pakistan citrus pest management centre, in discussion with Pakistani researchers [Photo provided to CEN]
Speaking to China Economic Net (CEN), Prof Dr Qiu Baoli and Prof Dr Shaukat Ali, director and deputy director of the China-Pakistan citrus pest management centre, said that while chemical measures can provide quick responses to citrus disease outbreaks, they also increase the resistance of pests against pesticides, posing grave environmental and health threats.
Prof Dr Shaukat Ali (R), deputy director of the China-Pakistan citrus pest management centre, introducing bio-pesticides to Pakistani researchers [Photo provided to CEN]
The researcher told CEN reporter that the centre, initiated by South China Agricultural University and Sargodha University, has undertaken four strands of research work to produce environmentally friendly solutions.
“Lure and kill” palettes installed in citrus orchards at research base in Pakistan [Photo provided to CEN]
The first line of research, Dr Qiu and Dr Ali noted, focuses on the use of “lure and kill” technology to dispel pests. For example, the researchers have investigated how different types of traps and lures will affect the efficacy of capturing pests in citrus orchards across six citrus-producing Pakistani cities.
Pakistani researchers install LED lights to combat citrus pests at research base in Pakistan [Photo provided to CEN]
Dr Qiu told CEN that the researchers have also been developing technologies to breed parasitic wasps and predatory insects, which are natural enemies for citrus pests. “So far, we have discovered 22 new species of predatory insects and reported 7 new genera and 2 new subgenera,” he noted.
In addition, the centre has been researching biological pesticides for emergency control. “We aim to develop commercial formulas for entomopathogenic fungi targeting citrus pests and evaluate their toxicity under laboratory and field conditions,” Dr Ali told CEN, adding that strides have been made in the investigation and evaluation of Pakistan's entomopathogenic fungal resources.
A collection of Pakistan's entomopathogenic fungal resources [Photo provided to CEN]
Dr Qiu noted, “To effectively combat the pests, we will also develop a comprehensive pest management approach that combines various pest control strategies.” The technology mix will be tested in citrus orchards in Pakistan for demonstration and promotion.
Education Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan visits China-Pakistan joint research laboratory in Pakistan [Photo provided to CEN]
（Editor:Fu Bo）
