Chinese scientists help to enhance quality and quantity of citrus fruits in Pakistan.In this connection, they are collaborating with Pakistani scientists to develop biological control measures to achieve the purpose.
To this end, a research centre was launched in the two countries to jointly explore green and sustainable solutions to the growing prevalence of citrus diseases across the South Asian nation.
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.
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.
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.
Dr Qiu said that the researchers have also been developing technologies to breed parasitic wasps and predatory insects, which are natural enemies for citrus pests.
