SRINAGAR: All India Coordinated Research Project on Biological Control (AICRP-BC ) of SKUAST-K unit conducted Tribal Sub Plan, TSP at Brandub- Rafiabad at District Baramulla sponsored by National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Insect Resources for insect pest management on apple especially on the new insect pests prevailing in the region. This programme has been planned under the able guidance of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie.
Director Research, SKUAST-K, Prof. Sarfaraz Ahmad Wani was the chief guest of the function. He advocated and addresses the participants to monitor and manage the insect pests on apple and other temperate fruit crops using recent pest management technologies already available with SKUAST-K. The judicious use of pest management tools are very important for conserving the natural enemies, biodiversity and safety for other non-target organisms. Besides, the importance and wearing of safety kits during pesticide sprays are very essential for the safety of end users.
Prof. M. A. Parrey, Head, Division of Entomology briefed the participants about the key role of pollinators in apple production and judicious use of pest management tools for enhancing the quality apple production. Dr. Barkat Hussain, Principal Investigatorof AICRP on Biological Control made aware the participants about AICRP-Programmes and role of bio-agents for managing various insect pests using bio agents, pheromone traps, burlapping, and other management tactics to reduce the pest load below the economic threshold level.Under this programme, AICRP on Biological Control of SKUAST-K distributed safety kits, burlapping material, pesticides, pheromone traps, liners etc. freely to seventy five tribal participants already registered for this programme.

KR Desk