Seminar on Begomovirus

The begomovirus is the major threat to cotton and vegetables, causing huge losses to agricultural productivity. It was stated by speakers at a seminar titled “begomovirus diversity, phylogenetic and population genetic in cultivated and uncultivated plant ecosystem in Pakistan” arranged by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) at New Senate Hall. The session was chaired by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while Dr Judith K Brown from University of Arizona, USA and FC College Lahore’s Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization Director Prof Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik and UAF ORIC Director Prof Dr Asif Ali also spoke on the occasion. FC College ORIC Director Prof Dr Kausar Abdullah Malik addresses seminar on begomovirus at UAF. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and Dr Judith K Brown from University of Arizona, USA are also seen Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that the control of this disease can add millions of rupees to the national economy and can help the country to increase the agricultural production. He said that begomovirus appeared massively on cotton crop in 2000 in Burewala and since then it has been a real threat. Taking about Cotton Leave Curl Virus, he said that in 1992, CLCV played havoc with the cotton production. However, it outbreak was lowered down after four year in 1996 with biological control. He said that CLCV has caused the loss of 15pc of 2013 total harvest. Dr Judith K Brown said the domination over the whitefly will help reduce losses caused by begomovirus. She said the virus is transmitted by an insect vector whitefly. This vector allows rapid and propagation of the virus. She said that virus is poised to new environment. She said that in Pakistan, maximum diversification of begomovirus is witnessed in Burewala, Multan and Vehari. Prof Dr Kausar Malik said that Dr Judith K Brown was the one of pioneer in helping Pakistan in controlling the cotton virus. He stressed the need to step up efforts to overcome viruses so that food security can be ensured in the country. Prof Dr Asif Ali said adoption of modern methods and to get benefit from the researches was essential to increase the productivity.