Vol. 21, No. 1 January - March, 2005

ISSN 0972-6144

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Director-General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR); Dr. The Ind ian Agr icu l tura l Swaminathan, Chairman, National H.K. Jain, Dr. R.B. Singh and Dr. Research Institute (IARI) completes Commission on Farmers; Prof. V.L. Panjab Singh, former Directors of 100 years of its existence in 2005. Chopra, President, National IARI; and Dr. S. Nagarajan, The centenary celebration of IARI Academy of Agricultural Sciences Director, IARI. was launched on January 1, 2005 at a a n d M e m b e r , P l a n n i n g

ceremony held in front of the Commission, Government of India; Dr. Nagarajan welcomed the honoured guests and staff of the Institute to the function. Dr. Swaminathan, Prof. V.L. Chopra, Dr. Mangala Rai, Dr. H.K. Jain, Dr. R.B. Singh and Dr. Panjab Singh also spoke on the occasion and remembered the people who contributed to the growth and development of the Institute.

Several pigeons were released on this occasion by the distinguished guests and the Director, IARI. A cake in the shape of IARI Library was cut by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and the first piece of the cake was presented by him to a member of staff having the longest service at the IARI Regional Station, Pusa, Bihar. The Secretary, DARE & Director-General, ICAR switched on the Institute’s Library. The highlights Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, illumination of the library building of the launching ceremony were: Department of Agricultural and surroundings which made Research and Education (DARE) & Hoisting of the centenary year the launching programme very

flag c o l o u r f u l . T h e l a u n c h i n g Switching on the illumination of programme ended with a well l i b r a r y b u i l d i n g a n d organized cultural programme at surroundings the auditorium of the Institute.Cutting of the centenary year cake, and

Cultural programme

The Institute organized a A large number of people Scientific Convention from March associated with the Institute, in the 16 to 19, 2005 at its campus in New past and present, participated in the Delhi to mark the centenary of the launching ceremony, the prominent Institute. A large number of among whom were: Dr. M.S.

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IARI Centenary Scientific l Convention

IARI Centenary Celebration Launched

Past and present scientists of IARI gathered on the occasion of the launching ceremony of the centenary celebration at IARI. Seen from left are: Dr. N.N. Singh, Joint Director (Research), IARI, Dr. S. Nagarajan, Director, IARI; Dr. Panjab Singh, and Dr. R.B. Singh, former Directors of IARI; Dr.M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, National Commission on Farmers, Government of India; Dr. V.L. Chopra, Member, Planning Commission, Government of India; Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE & Director-General, ICAR; and Dr. Amir Singh, former Head, Division of Seed Science and Technology

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, eminent agricultural scientist and Chairman, National Commission on Farmers, cutting a cake to mark the centenary year of the Institute on the occasion of the launching ceremony on January 1, 2005 at IARI Library

distinguished guests and participants evening, the Centenary Lecture was of the Convention. Prof. Anupam delivered by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Varma, ICAR National Professor on “India’s Greatest Living and Cha i rman, Programme Industry: Hundred Years Later” Committee proposed a vote of (chaired by Ms. Radha Singh, thanks. A souvenir to mark the Secretary, Agriculture).centenary was released by the th

On 17 March, the day started Hon’ble Union Minister at the

with a plenary lecture by Prof. V.L. inaugural function. A special issue

Chopra on “Biotechnology each of ‘Indian Farming’ and

Research: Our Experiences with ‘Kheti’was also released on the

Oilseed Brassica” (chaired by Dr. occasion by the chief guest.

C.R. Bhatia). His lecture was After the inauguration of the fol lowed by other thought

Sc i en t i f i c Convent ion , the provoking plenary lectures on Coromandel Lecture was delivered scientists, mostly the alumni of the “Natural Resource Management” by by Dr. Norman E. Borlaug on the Institute from India and abroad, Dr. Rattan Lal (chaired by Dr. D.R. topic “From the Green to the Gene participated in the Convention. The Bhumbla and co-chaired by Dr. J.C.

s tRevolution: A 21 Century Convention was inaugurated by Katyal); “Issues related to Dairy in Challenge”. In the afternoon, the Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon’ble Union India” by Dr. Amrita Patel (chaired session started with a panel Minister of Agriculture, Consumer by Dr. K. Pradhan and co-chaired by discussion on “World Food Affairs, and Food and Public Dr. M.P. Yadav); and “Inter-

Distribution, while Shri Kanti Lal University Interaction in Education Bhuria, Hon’ble Minister of State and Research” by Dr. Arun for Agriculture was the chief guest. Nigavekar (chaired by Dr. I.V. Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Subba Rao).Borlaug, President, Sasakawa

In the post lunch session, a panel Africa Association; Dr. M.S.

discussion was held on “Global Swaminathan, Chairman, National

Vision” under the chairmanship of Commission on Farmers; Dr. V.L.

Dr. Mangala Rai. The discussants Chopra , Member , P lanning

were: Dr. Daniel Gustafson, Dr. Commission; and Dr. Mangala Rai,

R.S. Paroda, Dr. Ronnie Coffman, Secretary, DARE and Director-

Dr. Vijay Raghavan, Mr. Ulrich General, Indian Council of

Podewils, Dr. Willem Stol and Mr. Agricultural Research graced the

P.H. Ravi Kumar. The evening function as the guests of honour. Dr. Security” in which the World Food

lecture was delivered by Dr. R.S. S. Nagarajan, Director, IARI P r i z e l a u r e a t e s , D r . M . S .

Paroda on “Impact and Scaling-up of warmly welcomed the dignitaries, Swaminathan, Dr. B.R. Barwale and

Crop Science Research” (chaired by Dr. S.K. Vasal expressed their views

Dr. M.V. Rao and co-chaired by on the role IARI could play in

Dr. C.D. Mayee). achieving world food security. Dr.

The plenary session continued Vasal also spoke on the international thon 18 March with thought efforts for improving maize quality

provoking lectures on “Wheat and production. In the afternoon Breeding: Achievements and session, the retired eminent Challenges” by Dr. S. Rajaram scientists of the Institute, Dr. C. (chaired by Dr. N.G.P. Rao and co-Dakshinamurti, Dr. G.S Sirohi, Dr. chaired by Dr. J.P. Tandon); Amir Singh, Dr. Y.M. Upadhyay “Dialectical Crop Improvement: An and Dr. N.S. Subba Rao, gave Argument” by Dr. S. Nagarajan reminiscences of their long (chaired by Dr. G.O. Ferrara and co-association with IARI. In the

2 IARI NEWS

Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, and Food and Public Distribution (centre) flanked by Dr. S. Nagarajan, Director, IARI (left) and Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE & Director-General, ICAR (right), proceeding to the pandal of the Centenary Scientific Convention at IARI

Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug delivering the Coromandel Lecture on the topic “From the

stGreen to Gene Revolution: A 21 Century Challenge” at IARI auditorium

Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, and Food and Public Distribution lighting the lamp on the occasion of the Centenary Scientific Convention. Also seen in the picture are (from left): Shri Kanti Lal Bhuria, Hon'ble Minister of State for Agriculture; Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE & Director-General, ICAR; and Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug

chaired by Dr. P.N. Bahl); session of the Convention was also role being played by the Institute in “Interactive Programmes on chaired by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan human resource development in Biotechnology” by Dr. M.K. Bhan where major recommendations of terms of post graduate teaching and (chaired by Dr. C.R. Bhatia and co- the Convention were presented by short-term training courses in the chaired by Dr. R.P. Sharma); Dr. A. Varma followed by “IARI field of agricultural sciences. A series “IARI’s Contribution in the Area of Declaration” by Dr. S. Nagarajan. of IARI publications including Nutrition and Plant Biochemistry” After the Chairman’s remarks, Dr. revised P.G. School Calendar (2005-by Dr. S.L. Mehta (chaired by Dr. B.S. Parmar, Joint Director 2006), the Journal of IARI Post K.L. Chadha); “Efficient Water (Research), proposed a vote of Graduate School, and a number of Management: Key to Enhanced thanks. The scientific Convention crop varieties of IARI were released Productivity” by Dr. A.K. Singh was a great success. during the convocation.(chaired by Dr. Parmatma Singh and At this convocation, 76 M.Sc. co-chaired by Dr. P.B.S. Sarma); and 69 Ph.D. students were awarded rdThe 43 convocation of the “Redefining IARI Education: degrees. Ebhin Masto R. (Soil

Indian Agricultural Research Challenges in Liberalization” by Dr. S c i e n c e a n d A g r i c u l t u r a l Institute (IARI) was held on K. Kanungo (chaired by Dr. A.M. Chemistry) and Subhash Kumar February 11, 2005. Shri Sharad Michael and co-chaired by Dr. D. Singh (Genetics) were awarded the Pawar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jha); and “Challenges and Research ‘Best Student of the Year 2005’ for

P r i o r i t i e s f o r S u s t a i n e d Ph.D. and M.Sc. respectively. Five Development of Horticulture in recipients of Ph.D. degrees, namely, India – Role of IARI” by Dr. G.L. Atul Kumar (Plant Pathology), Kaul (chaired by Dr. Kirti Singh and Firoz Hossain (genetics), Chandran co-chaired by Dr. G. Kalloo). The K.P. (Agricultural Statistics), J. evening lecture was delivered by Dr. Loganathan (Entomology) and Md. H.K. Jain on the “Role of Basic B u r h a n U d d i n C h o u d h u r y Sciences” (chaired by Dr. M. (Agricultural Physics); and 5 Mahadevappa). recipients of M.Sc. degrees, namely,

Priya Vijyan (Molecular Biology & On the l a s t day of the Biotechnology), Manish Kumar convention, the first plenary lecture

Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, and (Environmental Sciences), Nilabrata was delivered by Dr. A.P. Mitra on Food and Public Distribution, who Goswami (Computer Application), “Global Climate Change: Impact, was the chief guest, delivered the Arnab Gupta (Seed Science & Feedback and Key Issues” (chaired convocation address. In his Technology) and H. Mohan (Plant by Dr. P.N. Tiwari) followed by convocation address, the chief guest Genetic Resources) were awarded other plenary lectures on “Precision emphasized on the urgent need to the IARI Merit Medals for their Agriculture” by Dr. M. Velayutham integrate growth with environment outstanding academic performance. (chaired by Dr. I.C. Mahapatra and protection. The chief guest also Five faculty members, namely, Dr. co-chaired by Dr. R. Prasad); “Plant highlighted the need to introduce a (Mrs.) Lata (Microbiology), Dr. B.R. Pathology: Challenges Ahead” by capsule course on “Identification of Y a d a v ( W a t e r S c i e n c e & Dr. A. Varma (chaired by Dr. E.A. Domestic and Global Market Technology), Dr. R.K. Sairam Siddiq and co-chaired by Dr. J.P. Trends” to equip agri-graduates with (Plant Physiology), Dr. R.K. Jain V e r m a ) ; “ I n t e g r a t e d P e s t sufficient knowledge on tracking (Plant Pathology) and Dr. (Mrs.) Management” by Dr. S. Jayaraj market trends. Gita Kulshrestha (Agricultural (chaired by Dr. A.S. Summanwar);

Chemicals) were awarded the Best and “Socio-Economic Impact” by Dr. S. Nagarajan, Director, IARI, F a c u l t y A w a r d s f o r t h e i r Dr. R.B. Singh (chaired by Shri Som in his report highlighted the outstanding contribution to Pal). The afternoon session started research achievements of the teaching.with a panel discussion on “A Institute during the year, 2004. Dr.

Century of Wheat Research in India R.C. Gautam, Dean & Joint The degrees of Doctor of Science – The Way Ahead” chaired by Dr. Director (Education), IARI, in his (Honoris Causa) were awarded to M.S. Swaminathan. The concluding report highlighted the important Prof. Virendra Lal Chopra, former,

IARI Holds 43rd Convocation

IARI NEWS 3

A Ph.D. student receiving the degree certificate from Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, and Food and Public Distribution at the convocation

IARI NEWS4

While inaugurating the mela, Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR and Pal Singh, Principal Scientist, the Hon’ble Minister lauded the Member, Planning Commission, Division of Genetics, IARI for his contribution of IARI in steering the Government of India, and to Dr. outstanding research contributions country from a situation of food Hari Krishan Jain, former Director, to “Pyramiding of Bacterial Blight deficit to one of food security. He IARI fo r the i r s i gn i f i c an t Resistance Genes and Development said that the theme of the mela was contributions in the fields of /Release of Elite Germplasm not only timely but also relevant in agricultural research and research /Varieties Particularly for Quality the context of future agriculture management and earning wide Attributes of Commercial Value in because the “Seed” was always the acclaim from national and inter- Rice.”basic input for increasing and national scientific communities. Dr. (Mrs.) S. Padmaja Rao, Head,

th sustaining agricultural production. Seed Technology Division, IGFRI, The 35 Lal Bahadur Shastri th The Hon’ble Minister assured that Memorial Lecture was delivered by Jhansi, received the 5 Hari Krishna

the Government would provide all Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Shastri Memorial Award of IARI for necessary support to the farmers in Deputy Chairman, Planning the year, 2004 consisting of a cash the context of globalization, WTO, Commission, Government of India prize of Rs. 25,000/- and a information communicat ion Commendation Certificate for her technology (ICT), marketing outstanding research contribution structure, banking support , to “Physiological and Genetic agriculture loan on low interest, and Improvement of Rice and Seed crop insurance, etc.Production Technologies in Fodder

The farm literature brought out Crops”.by the Institute on this occasion was released for the use of farmers. The

The Institute organized a three- best performing three farmers in day Centenary Year Pusa Krishi IARI-AIR: Gehoon Pathshala 2004-Vigyan Mela on the theme 2005 were given away the prizes for “Prosperity through Seeds” which the promotion of such pathshalas.was inaugurated by Shri Sharad

Dr. Mangala Rai in his Pawar, Hon’ble Union Minister of

presidential address exhorted the at IARI auditorium on February 10, Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, and farmers to adopt technologies which 2005 on the topic ‘Challenges Facing Food and Public Distribution on would accelerate their income by Indian Agriculture’. The function way of diversified agriculture was presided over by Shri Bimal through horticultural crops, value Jalan, former Governor, Reserve a d d i t i o n o f a g r i - p r o d u c t s , Bank of India. beekeeping, etc. Dr. S. Nagarajan in

The XIV Hooker Award for the his welcome address stated that

Biennium 2002-2003 consisting of a f a r m e r s n e e d i n f o r m a t i o n

cash prize of Rs. 15,000/- and a communication technology so that

Commendation Certificate was knowledge-led information reaches

awarded to Dr. Naveen Kalra, their doorsteps. He said, “the Indian

Principal Scientist & Incharge, Unit Agricultural Research Institute is

of Simulation & Informatics, IARI, developing new models and

for his outstanding research concepts to address the problems of

contributions to “Crop Modeling February 14, 2005. Dr. Mangala the farming community particularly and Environmental Sciences.” Rai, Secretary, DARE and Director- in remote and backward areas.” He

The IX Dr. B.P. Pal Memorial General, Indian Council of also mentioned that for effective Award for the year, 2004 consisting Agricultural Research presided over transfer of technology, synergy of a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/-, a Gold the function and Dr. S. Nagarajan, among research system, extension Medal and a Commendation Director, IARI gave the welcome system and public/private sector Certificate was awarded to Dr. Vijay address. involving the farmer was required.

Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela

Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Government of India

thdelivering the 35 Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Lecture on the topic “Challenges Facing Indian Agriculture” on February 10, 2005 at IARI auditorium

Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon'ble Union Minister of Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, and Food and Public Distribution inaugurating the Centenary Year Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela

Dr. N.N. Singh, Co-chairman, Mela institutions/universities so that the onion, rice and groundnut was Organizing Committee briefed latest agriculture technology could irreparable. In the case of coconut about the mela activities and their reach the unreached speedily. More and palm trees, the young trees got impor tance in the pre sent than 22,000 persons consisting of damaged while the adult ones started

recovering. The Tsunami waves deposited huge quantities of slush and silt whose thickness varied from 5 cm to 35 cm and resulted in wiping out agricultural field boundaries. The extent of such deposits could be noticed from near the sea to about 2 km inside the land, depending on the landforms. During the visit, one rice variety, Kundali, was observed to be recovering from the sea water injury as water, probably, did not stand in farmers, farm women, students, the field of this variety for a longer extension workers and others visited technology-transfer scenario. Dr. period.the mela from all over the country B.S. Parmar, Joint Director

covering 23 states and union (Research) proposed a vote of thanks. An analysis of the soil samples territories. Seventy organizations collected from the affected areas The mela provided a unique including research institutions, indicated that their EC varied from opportunity to the farmers to have a public/private sector companies, 1.4 dS/m to 15.5 d.S/m. The team glimpse of the latest agricultural NGOs, etc., participated to display made a collection of 10 local rice t e c h n o l o g i e s t h r o u g h l i v e and demonstrate their exhibits. varieties from the affected areas. The demonstrations on major rabi crops

DNA finger printing of these like wheat, mustard, chickpea, varieties is in progress. Besides this lentil, pea, vegetable, flowers and collection, the team obtained saline horticultural crops, etc., on the Immediately after the Tsunami tolerant high yielding rice varieties farm. The other major attractions of disaster, an IARI team comprising from Maruteru (West Godavari the mela were direct scientists- Dr. V.P. Singh (Rice Breeder), Dr. d is tr ict ) , and Vuyyaru and farmers interaction in kisan goshthi, H. Chandrasekharan (Hydrologist), Machilipattanam (Krishna district) lectures on latest agricultural Dr. D.U.M. Rao (Social Scientist) of Andhra Pradesh. Out of these, the technologies by the experienced and Dr. M. Nagarajan (Rice Breeder) promising varieties are being progressive farmers for enhancing visited the affected areas in coastal multiplied at the Rice Breeding and the production, income and Tamil Nadu. The team was Genetic Research Centre of the employment on their farms; accompanied by the staff of Tamil Institute at Aduthurai. A group of operational farm machinery Nadu Rice Research Institute, 16 farmers was identified in the demonstrations; a video film-show Aduthurai ; Soi l and Water affected areas for demonstrating the o n t h e l a t e s t a g r i c u l t u r a l management Research Institute, effectiveness of the promising technologies; a workshop on farm Thanjavur; and Sugarcane Breeding varieties in the ensuing crop seasons.women empowerment, etc. Institute, Cuddalore. The main

In the valedictory function of crops in the affected areas were: rice, the mela on February 16, 2005, Smt. groundnut, onion, mango, coconut, Sheila Dikshit, Hon’ble Chief cashew and palm. Three vegetable varieties, Minister of Delhi, who was the chief The team observed that n a m e l y , P u s a S a n t u s h t i guest, appreciated the IARI-AIR depending on the topography and (bottlegourd), Pusa Mridula (table model of “Gehoon Pathshala” and drainage, the fields got stagnated radish) and Pusa Sukomal (vegetable advised the continuance of such wi th seawater re su l t ing in cowpea) were identified by IARI programmes by this esteemed exosmosis. The effect of exosmosis Variety Identification Committee In s t i tu t e a s we l l a s o the r was visible after a week. Damage to for release in NCT, Delhi.

IARI Assists Tsunami Affected Areas of Tamil Nadu

New Vegetable Varieties Identified

Farmers during the Kisan Goshthi on the occasion of the Centenary Year Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela

IARI NEWS 5

Shri Sharad Pawar, Hon'ble Union Minister (second from right) interacting with farmers during the Kisan Goshthi on the occasion of the Centenary Year Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela at IARI

Pusa Santushti is a high yielding white flesh with soft texture and is to wheat brown mite, root aphids, variety of bottlegourd with high mildly pungent in taste. The average wheat rusts and powdery mildew, nutritional quality. Its fruits are weight of 10 roots with leaves is 450 and the mustard germplasm (IC attractive green, and smooth with g and without leaves 335 g. The 443623) for white rusts resistance, normal pubescence and pearshape leaves are dark green in colour and yellow seed, high yield and oil (fruit length -18.50 cm, and fruit tender. The roots are quick content.

maturing and can be harvested within 20 days after sowing. The roots along with tender leaves can be consumed as salad. Tender leaves The Institute has developed a can be cooked as green leafy compost inocu lum for the vegetable. The average yield of roots decomposition of crop residues and is 13.48 t/ha. This variety yields developed a protocol for its bulk 34.6% higher than the commercial production. The inoculant titled check, Rapid Red White Tipped.

Pusa Sukomal is an improved selection of vegetable cowpea. Its

diameter - 12.40 cm). The fruit sets plants are semi-dwarf and erect; they under low temperature (10-12º C) as grow successfully without any well as high temperature (35-40º C). support. The pods are light green, The fruit weight is 0.8 to 1.0 kg. It round, meaty, less fibrous and matures in 55 to 60 days. The around 30 cm long and 1 cm thick. average yield is 28.85 t/ha in kharif The seed colour is creamy white and 26.1 t/ha in summer seasons with dark brown colour at hilum of which is 18.0% and 22.4% higher the seed. Its 100-dry seed weight is than that of the commercial check around 18 g. It matures in 42-45 days (Pusa Sandesh), in kharif and during kharif and 55-60 days during summer seasons, respectively. summer seasons. It gives an average

green pod yield of 6.20 and 6.60 Pusa Mridula is a newly t/ha, which is 3 times and 6 times developed high yielding selection of higher than that of the check, Pusa table radish. Its roots are globular in Komal in summer and kharif shape and bright red in colour. It has seasons, respectively. It is highly

“IARI Compost Inoculum” is resistant to golden yellow mosaic

available for sale at a price of Rs. 20/- virus and leaf spot disease

per packet. A packet of 300 g is (Pseudocercospora cruenta).

enough to decompose one tonne of organic matter within 90 days.

T h e P l a n t G e r m p l a s m Registration Committee (PGRC) in its 13th meeting held on December 23, 2004 at NBPGR, New Delhi Five hundred twenty healthy approved the registration of one (virus free) Kagzi lime seedlings plant germplasm each of wheat, (Citrus aurantifolia) planted in July, Triticale and mustard. 2000 were p ro t ec t ed f rom

infestation of psyllids and aphid The wheat germplasm (IC vectors by fortnightly sprays of 427824) was approved for resistance oxydemeton methyl (0.05%) or to leaf blight; the Triticale dimethoate (0.05%) or their germplasm (IC 427825) for tolerance

A Fungal Inoculant for Composting Developed

Germplasm Approved for Registration with NBPGR

Virus Free Kagzi Lime Plantation Raised at Pune Regional Station

A 300 g packet of IARI compost inoculant

A bottle gourd variety, Pusa Santushti

A cowpea variety, Pusa Sukomal

IARI NEWS6

individual combinations at reduced an international consortium of 10 mulching as well as for low dose (0.025%) with neem oil (1%) or countries comprising China, India, tunnels/row covers was designed sprays of neembiciden (0.03%). The France, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, and fabricated. The use of plastic periodical indexing of plants did not The Netherlands, UK and USA as films for mulching is gaining reveal any incidence of virus/virus part of a larger initiative called the momentum for their obvious like disease. The plants which are ‘International Solanaceae Genome a d v a n t a g e s o f m o i s t u r e now in fruit bearing stage and Project (SOL). The goal of this conservation, weed control, soil yielding approximately 23.38 grassroots initiative, launched in temperature, etc. The machine was kg/tree/year, will be utilized as November 2003, is to establish a tested to lay plastic films of varying source for the production of virus network of information, resources widths and thicknesses in fields and free seedlings of Kagzi lime for and scientists to ultimately tackle the performance was found to be distribution among the farmers. two of the most significant questions highly satisfactory.

in plant biology and agriculture: (i) How can a common set of genes/proteins give rise to a wide range of morphologically and ecologically distinct organisms that The Institute celebrated the The diagnosis of 16 isolates of occupy our planet? (ii) How can a National Science Day by organizing CTV by serological and molecular deeper understanding of the genetic a lecture on February 28, 2005 by techniques showed positive reaction basis of plant diversity be harnessed Prof. Krishan Lal, renowned to the aphid transmitted Pune to better meet the needs of society in Physicist and former Director of the Severe, MI and DN isolates by an environment-friendly and ELISA using both monoclonal sustainable manner? The Indian (MCA-13) and polyclonal (CREC-initiative for tomato genome 1052) antisera. Three isolates, FH, sequencing is funded by the MI and DN, revealed possible Department of Biotechnology, existence of a mixture of mild and Government of India in a network severe strains of CTV by PCR using project involving the Indian strain-specific primers.Agricultural Research Institute, the Delhi University and the National Centre for Plant Genome Research, New Delhi at a total cost of Rs. 15.56 After successfully completing crore over a period of four years the rice genome initiative, the first National Physical Laboratory on starting in February 2005.ever genome sequencing project in the topic “Fascinating World of

India, in the National Research Crystals: Future Applications”. The Centre on D a y w a s c e l e b r a t e d t o P l a n t B i o - commemorate the International technology at Year of Physics and the centenary of the Institute, The Division of Seed Science and the publication of the Theory of the IARI has Technology of the Institute has Relativity by Albert Einstein in now embarked initiated work on the formulation of 1905. Dr. Balraj Singh Parmar, Joint o n a n o t h e r ‘Seed Standards’ in medicinal and Director (Research) presided over a m b i t i o u s aromatic plants as these standards the lecture. The gathering was p r o j e c t o n need to be formulated for addressed by Dr. C. Dakshinamurti, decoding of the tomato genome. Dr. implementing the legislation founder Head of the Division of N.K. Singh, Principal Scientist is the pertaining to seed trade. Agricultural Physics and Project Principal Investigator of this Director of the Water Technology project. Similar to that of rice, the Centre at IARI. Prof. A.V. Moharir, t o m a t o g e n o m e ( S o l a n u m A tractor-operated machine to Head, Division of Agricultural lycopersicum) is being sequenced by lay plastic films in fields for Physics welcomed the distinguished

IARI Celebrates the National Isolation and Identification Science Day and the Inter-of Mild Strain of Citrus national Year of Physics (2005)Tristeza Virus (CTV)

IARI Starts Work on Tomato Genome Sequencing

IARI Initiates Work on Seed Standards in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

Plastic Mulch Laying Machine

Dr. N.K. Singh

Eminent scientists gathered on the occasion of the National Science Day to commemorate the International Year of Physics at the Division of Agricultural Physics, IARI

IARI NEWS 7

guests. Prof. Krishan Lal while Director, IARI and patron of the Regional Station, Katrain, Kullu paying tributes to the memory of ‘Dr. S. Pradhan Memorial Lecture Valley, Himachal Pradesh on late Albert Einstein and Sir C.V. Committee’ graced the occasion and January 8, 2005 by Ernet India, an Raman , e l abora t ed on the emphasized the relevance of the autonomous society of the formation, structure and structural concept o f in tegra ted pes t Department of Information and characterization of crystals, their management and importance of T e c h n o l o g y , M i n i s t r y o f importance and future applications. transgenic pest resistant crops in Communication and Information He illustrated his lecture on crystals India. The eloquent lecture of Dr. Technology, Government of India.using live exhibits. Manjunath on transgenic crops dealt

with the global and Indian scenario Dr. C. Dakshinamurti, in his The Krishi Vigyan Kendra of the Bt transgenic crops and their

remarks mentioned the importance (KVK), Shikohpur organized a commercial success. Members of Dr. of the work of Albert Einstein, Kisan Mela on February 22, 2005 at Pradhan’s family also graced the particularly his theory of relativity its campus. An agro-exhibition was occasion.explanation of the photoelectric laid out on the occasion by the effect on the basis of quantum different divisions of IARI and theory and work on Brownian In the Institute seminar series, dealers of farm equipment and movement and diffusion, in the field Shri P.H. Ravikumar, MD & CEO pesticides. A kisan goshthi was also of agriculture and biology. Dr. B.S. of National Commodity & held on the occasion in which the Parmar briefly summarized the two Der ivat ives Exchange Ltd . , scientists replied to the queries by the lectures, delivered by the learned farmers. About 600 farmers of speakers and thanked them on Gurgaon district and adjoining areas behalf of the Director, IARI. participated in the mela.

The VI Dr. S. Pradhan Memorial The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Lecture was delivered by Dr. T.M. (KVK), Shikohpur organized two Manjunath, Consultant -Agri field days-one on January 29, 2005 in Biotech and former Director, Kakraula village and the other on Monsanto Research Centre, February 5, 2005 in Janaula village. Bangalore on “A Decade of During the field days, farmers’ Transgenic Crops: Analyses of their Mumbai, delivered a seminar on trainings were also organized. One Global Adoption, Safety and February 19, 2005. Dr. S. Nagarajan, hundred and fifteen progressive

Director, IARI presided over the farmers participated in the training f u n c t i o n . S h r i R a v i k u m a r programme in Kakraula village and highlighted the role played by the 96 progressive farmers participated NCDEx Ltd., to procure and sell in the farmers’ training programme agricultural produce and spoke on in Janaula village.price fixation based on the quality of the produce. He also highlighted the

The KVK, Shikohpur celebrated a role played by middlemen in honey day in Gamdauj village on reducing the benefit to the farming February 8, 2005. About 90 community and consumer.farmers/beekeepers of Gurgaon district participated in the programme.Benefits” on March 23, 2005 at the

auditorium of the Division of Plant A kisan goshthi was also Pathology. Dr. C.D. Mayee, organized on the occasion in which

A broadband VSAT link has Chairman, ASRB, was the chief honey related problems of the been successfully installed at IARI guest and Dr. S. Nagarajan, participants were discussed.

Kisan Mela

Institute Seminar

Dr. S. Pradhan Memorial Mustard Field Day-cum-Lecture Delivered Farmers' Training Programme

Honey Day

IARI Regional Station, Katrain Installs the Facility of VSAT

Shri P.H. Ravikumar, MD and CEO of National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Ltd., Mumbai speaking at the Institute seminar on February 19, 2005

Eminent Scientists at the VI Dr. S. Pradhan Memorial Lectures. Seen from left are : Dr. T.N. Manjunath, Dr. B.N. Singh, Dr. C.D. Mayee (Chairman ASRB), Dr. S. Nagarajan, and Dr. V.S. Singh

IARI NEWS8

Field day at Jhunjhunu and Churu Districts of Rajasthan

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New Projects Sanctioned Farmers’ Training-cum-Animal Health Care Camp

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and animal health care practices for Molecular Techniques” under the increasing milk production from auspices of ICAR Centre of their animals. A d v a n c e d S t u d i e s i n The Centre for Agricultural

Biochemistry from March 1 to 21, Technology Assessment and 2005. Sixteen scientists/faculty Transfer (CATAT) organised a field T h e I n d o - I s r a e l P r o j e c t members from ICAR institutes day on January 13, 2005 under the conducted three successive and SAUs participated in the Rural Research Appraisal Project, in t r a i n i n g s o n “ P r o t e c t e d training course.Pipli (Jhunjhunu district) and Cultivation of Horticultural

Thirpali Badi (Churu district) The Division of Agricultural Crops” for 20 horticultural villages of Rajasthan. The major Extension under the aegis of the officers of Nainital district from objective was to popularise the new ‘Centre of Advanced Studies’ January 3 to 8, 2005; 10 varieties of gram, mustard and organized a training course on h o r t i c u l t u r a l o f f i c e r s o f

“Motivation and Empowerment C h a m p a w a t d i s t r i c t o f for Professional Excellence Uttaranchal from January 31 to among Agriculture Scientists” February 5, 2005; and 5 area from March 4 to 24, 2005. A total managers and seed officers of the of 17 extension professionals National Seeds Corporation, working in various SAUs, ICAR Pusa Complex, New Delhi from institutes, and KVKs across the February 21 to 26, 2005.country participated in the

The Division of Biochemistry training programme.conducted a 21-day training

The Centre for Agricultural course on “Recombinant DNA Technology Assessment and Techniques” under the auspices Transfer (CATAT) organized a of the ICAR Centre of Advanced wheat and to introduce new crops one-day capacity building Studies in Biochemistry from like safflower, lentil, isabgol, training programme on March 16 January 5 to 25, 2005 in which 15 jatropha and Aloe vera for for farm- women in Khijarpur scientists/faculty from ICAR diversification. The field day was Majra and Chhoti Garhi villages institutes and SAUs participated.graced by Dr. S. Nagarajan, of Sonepat district. Sixty Director, IARI along with Dr. B.S. participants were trained in the The Division of Agricultural Punia, Director, CIRB, Hissar. preparation of preserves like Extension organized a training About 500 farmers, and officials squash, pickle and sauce using course on “Management of from state agricultural department, lemon and tomatoes.Appropriate Technologies for BITS, CIRRI and several NGOs

Sustainable Agriculture” from participated in the programme.January 11 to 27, 2005 for field level agricultural off icers 1. “Identification, Isolation and working in the DST supported Cloning of Cold Resistant ‘Coordinated Programme on Gene(s)” funded by the DRDE. Two animal health care camps-BIOFARM’. The training course Amount: Rs. 24.94 lakhs. cum-training programmes were w a s s p o n s o r e d b y t h e Principal Investigator: Dr. K.C. organized on March 16, 2005 in Department of Science and Bansal, Professor, National Khijarpur Majra and Chhoti Garhi Techno logy . There were Research Centre on Plant villages of Sonepat district. Ninety-participants in the training course Biotechnology.five animals from the two villages from various states of the were attended for treatment against 2. “Correlation of the Commensal country.va r ious a i lment s inc lud ing Attributes of Rhizobacteria to

gynecological problems of sub- Plant Growth Promotion” The Division of Biochemistry fertility, ectoparasites, endoparasite, funded by the Department of organised a 21-day training course etc. In all, 90 farmers were made Biotechnology. Amount: Rs. on “Advanced Biochemical and aware of the latest breeding, feeding

IARI NEWS 9

IARI found safflower an alternate technical solution against orobanchae weed in Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan

12. “Improvement of Strain of 1 8 . 7 4 l a k h s . P r i n c i p a l Morphological, Molecular Chae tomium g lobo sum , a Investigator : Dr. K. Annapurna, C h a r a c t e r i z a t i o n a n d Potential Antagonist of Fungal Senior Scientist, Division of Pathogenic Variability of Plant Pathogens for Enhanced Microbiology. Isolates in India” funded by the Bioefficacy and Developing Indian Council of Agricultural 3. “Indian Initiative for Tomato Molecular Markers for its Research. Amount: Rs. 39.05 Genome Sequencing” funded by Identification.” funded by the lakhs. Principal Investigators: t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f Indian Council of Agricultural Dr. Pratibha Sharma, Principal Biotechnology. Amount: Rs. Research. Principal Investigator: Scientist (CCPI - Cucurbits), Dr. 6 5 5 . 1 6 l a k h s . P r i n c i p a l Dr. Rashmi Aggarwal, National P. Sinha, Scientist (CCPI - Investigator: Dr. N.K. Singh, Fellow, Division of Plant Pigeonpea), Dr. S.C. Dubey, Principal Scientist, National Pathology.Senior Scientist (CCPI - Chickpea), Research Centre on Plant

Division of Plant Pathology. Biotechnology.

8. “Diagnostics of Emerging Plant 4. “Development and Production Viruses” funded by the Indian of Bioformulations of Potential

The Institute won the first prize Counc i l o f Agr i cu l tu ra l Strains of Trichoderma species under the Rajrishi Tandon Award Research. Amount: Rs. 25.70 and their Field Evaluation against Scheme, 2003-2004 of ICAR for the lakhs. Principal Investigator: Dr. Soil and Seed-Borne Diseases of best work in official language R.K. Jain, Principal Scientist (CCPI), Pulse Crops” funded by the implementation in the category of Division of Plant Pathology.Department of Biotechnology. large institutes of ICAR. Dr. S.

Amount: Rs. 11.15 lakhs. 9. “Management of Alternaria Nagarajan, Director, IARI received

Principal Investigator: Dr. S.C. blight in Brassica juncea and this prestigious award from the chief

Dubey, Senior Scientist, Division Vegetable Crops” funded by the guest, Smt. Sarla Maheshwari,

of Plant Pathology. Indian Council of Agricultural Deputy Chairperson, Official

Research. Amount: Rs. 11.13 5. “Cloning, Expression and L a n g u a g e I m p l e m e n t a t i o n lakhs. Principal Investigator: Dr. Characterization of a 63kDa Pratibha Sharma, Principal Protein from Insect Pathogen Scientist, Division of Plant Xenorhabdus nematophilus and Pathology.Evaluation of its Insecticidal

Potent i a l in Hel i coverpa 10. “Molecular Characterization of armigera, Spodoptera litura and Indian Maize Land races and Plutella xylostella” funded by the A l l e l e M i n i n g f o r Department of Biotechnology. Agronomical ly Important Amount: Rs. 11.00 lakhs. Traits” funded by the Indian Principal Investigator: Dr. G.P. Counc i l o f Agr i cu l tu ra l Gupta, Principal Scientist, Research. Principal Investigator: Division of Entomology. Dr. B.M. Prasanna, National

Fellow, Division of Genetics.6. “Identification of Potential Zones in Gangetic Plains for 11. “Developing Regional Plants for P r o m o t i n g R e s o u r c e M a n a g i n g P o o r Q u a l i t y Conserving Technologies using Irrigation Waters for Soil/Water Committee and Member of Remote Sensing and GIS” Conservation & Agricultural Parliament (Rajya Sabha) on the funded by RWC (CIMMYT). Sustainability of National occasion of the annual prize Amount: Rs. 7.60 lakhs. Capital Region” funded by the distribution function of ICAR. The Principal Investigator: Dr.R.N. Indian Council of Agricultural function was presided over by Dr. Sahoo, Scientist, Division of Research. Principal Investigator: Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE & Agricultural Physics. Dr. (Ms.) Ravinder Kaur, Director-General, ICAR. Senior

National Fellow, Division of 7. “Wilt of Crops with Special officials of ICAR headquarters, Environmental Sciences. R e f e r e n c e t o C u l t u r a l , directors and their associates from

IARI Bags First Prize for Best Work in Official Language

Dr. S. Nagarajan, Director, IARI receiving the first prize under the Rajrishi Tandon Award Scheme, 2003-2004 of ICAR for the best work in official language from Smt. Sarla Maheshwari, Deputy Chairperson, Official Language Implementation Committee and Member of Parliament. Also seen in the picture are (from left): Shri A.K. Dubey, Director (Hindi), ICAR, and Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE & Director-General, ICAR

IARI NEWS10

Dr. R.N. Padaria, Senior many institutes of the ICAR were working as the S c i e n t i s t , D i v i s i o n o f present on this occasion. Head of the Agricultural Extension was Div i s ion of conferred with the Young Agricultural S c i e n t i s t A w a r d f o r h i s B o r l a u g A w a r d 2 0 0 5 i n Chemicals and outstanding work in the field of agr i cu l ture ins t i tu ted by was one of the extension education by the Coromandel Fertilizers Limited longest serving Indian Society of Extension was awarded to Dr. S. Nagarajan, H e a d s o f Education.Director, IARI on March 16, Divisions of

2005. Nobel Laureate Dr. the Institute. He also served as the Dr. T.K. Behera, Scientist (Senior Norman E. Borlaug presented the Professor of the Division of Scale), Division of Vegetable citation to Dr. Nagarajan. Dr. Agricultural Chemicals from May Science was conferred with the

1993 to July 1998.Associateship of the National Academy of Agr icul tura l

Born in 1944, Dr. Parmar Sciences (NAAS) w.e.f. January,

received his M.Sc. in Soil Science 2005.

f r o m P u n j a b A g r i c u l t u r a l University in 1965 and Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry from the Dr. B. S. Parmar, Head, Division Indian Agricultural Research of Agricultural Chemicals was Institute, New Delhi in 1969. He appo inted Jo in t Direc tor obtained a Post Graduate Diploma (Research) with effect from in Personnel Management and January 19, 2005.Industrial Relations from Punjabi

Dr. B.M. Parsanna, Senior University in 1981. He had been a Scientist, Division of Genetics Post Doctoral Fellow at the Institute Bharat Ram of DCM and Shri was appointed ICAR National of Chemical Studies, Biologische Hari Ram of Coromandel Fellow from January 24, 2005 for Bundesanstalt für Land und Fertilisers Limited also graced the a period of five years. Forstwirtschaft, Braunschweig, occasion.

West Germany from June, 1977 to Dr. Rashmi Aggarwal, Senior Dr (Ms.) Vijay Sethi, Head, January, 1979.Scientist, Division of Plant Division of Post Harvest Pathology was appointed ICAR

His research contributions Technology has been nominated National Fellow from January 25, include the development of a member on the editorial board 2005 for a period five years.insecticide synergists of botanical of the Indian Food Packer for the

Dr. Ravinder Kaur, Senior and synthetic origin, novel pesticide year, 2005.S c i e n t i s t , D i v i s i o n o f formulations – ‘Floating Granule’

Dr. K. Vijyaraghvan, Principal Environmental Sciences was and ‘Carbaryl Emuls i f i ab le S c i e n t i s t , D i v i s i o n o f appointed ICAR National Fellow C o n c e n t r a t e ’ , i n d i g e n o u s Agricultural Extension was from January 27, 2005 for a period technology for ‘Water Dispersible honoured with the Dr. K.N. of five years. Granules’ and ‘Controlled Toxicant Singh Memorial Award for the R e l e a s e P r o d u c t s ’ , ‘ n e w excellence achieved in extension Emulsifiable Concentrate, Dust and research. W a t e r D i s p e r s i b l e P o w d e r

F o r m u l a t i o n s o f N e e m ’ , Dr. (Ms.) Premlata Singh, Senior Dr. Balraj Singh Parmar joined as ‘Photodegradable Formulations S c i e n t i s t , D i v i s i o n o f

the Joint Director (Research) of the of DDT’, ‘Processes of making Agricultural Extension received Indian Agricultural Research Azadircht in -A and reduced the ISEEF Fellow Award (North Institute (IARI) on January 19, 2005. Azad i r a ch t in R i ch Powder Zone) for her outstanding Before joining the position of Joint Concentrates’, ‘Standard and Stable contributions made in the field of Director (Research), he was Neem Pesticides’ and a new plant extension education.

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Dr. Balraj Singh Parmar Appointed Joint Director (Research)l

Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug presenting the citation of the “Borlaug Award 2005” instituted by Coromandel Fertilizer Limited to Dr. S. Nagarajan, Director, IARI on March 16, 2005. Also seen in the picture is Dr. M.S. Swaminathan

Dr. B.S. Parmar

IARI NEWS 11

based ‘Mosqui to Larv ic ida l ‘Dr. K.C. Mehta Award 2001-02’ Qu Zhenyuan, General Secretary, Formulation’. The work on and ‘Recognition Award 1997-98’ in Chinese Agricultural University,

Beijing. Others who visited the synergists, neem emulsifiable Plant Protection of the National Institute include: Noble laureate Dr. concentrate and azadirachtin A ca de m y of A g ric u ltu ral Sciences, Norman E. Barlaug, H.E. General -A rich concentrates, i s in India; ‘Dr. P.B. Sarkar Memorial Marcel Ranjeva, Foreign Minister of commercial production and that on Lecture Endowment Award 2000’ M a d a g a s c a r ; a 1 5 - m e m b e r n e w m o s q u i t o l a r v i c i d a l and ‘Best Teacher Award 1997’ of delegation from various countries formulation is under evaluation by a the Indian Agricultural Research attending a meeting of heads of UK based company under material Institute, New Delhi; ‘Neem training institutes sponsored by evaluation agreement. Several of his Research Award 1995’ of the Indian Afro-Asian Rural Development published research results have also Council of Forestry Reearch and Organization (AARDO), New been adopted by the national E d u c a t i o n , M i n i s t r y o f Delhi; a group of Governing Board pesticide industry. Environment, Government of India. Members of ICRISAT, led by Dr.

Dr. Parmar has been an invited William D. Dar, Director-General, speaker and/or submitted invited ICRISAT, Hyderabad; a group of During the period, January-papers at over 100 international and CIMMYT scientists from Mexico; March, 2005, twelve delegations national conferences, Her Royal Highness symposia, workshops, Crown Princess Maha etc. He has nearly 350 Chakri Sirindhorn of s c i e n t i f i c a n d Thailand; and H.E. professional publications Chinasac Thanesnant, including 17 patents Ambassador of Thailand./patent applications and 12 books. He has made

A process for the scientific presentations d e t o x i f i c a t i o n o f in several countries of chlorpyrifos residues in the world, namely, USA, drinking water has been G e r m a n y , K e n y a , filed by the institute.Pakistan, Thailand,

Columbia and Brazil and visited several other on

A memorandum of official assignments or under- standing (MoU) otherwise. Dr. Parmar was signed between IARI has guided 13 Doctoral

and Tamil Nadu Agricultural one-each from Kenya, Venezuela, and 4 Masters theses.Zambia, Indonesia, Mexico, China University (TNAU), Coimbatore

A fellow of the National and two delegations each from for exchange of information on Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Tajikistan, and Bangladesh-visited Market Intelligence of Agricultural India (since 1992) and Society of the Ins t i tu te . The Kanyan Commodit ie s (MIAGCOM). Pesticide Science, India (since 1997), delegation was led by H.E. the High Under this agreement, the Division Dr. Parmar has won several awards Commissioner, the Venezuelan of Agricultural Economics at IARI and recognitions which included, delegation was led by Mr. Yasmin and the Director, Centre for among others, ‘Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Turuphial, Minister (Counsellor), Agricultural & Rural Development Award 1999-2000’ of the Indian the Embassy of Venezuela; the Studies, TNAU will be working Council of Agricultural Research; Chinese delegation was led by Prof. jointly for a period of 3 years.

Visitors from Abroad

Patents Filed

MoU SignedHer Royal Highness Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand interacting with Dr. S. Nagarajan, Director, IARI during a visit to IARI

IARI NEWS12

Published quarterly by the Publication Unit on behalf of the Director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (Indian Council of

Agricultural Research), New Delhi - 110012; and printed at Royal Offset Printers, A-89/1, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase-I, New

Delhi-110028. Website : www.iari.res.in Incharge (Publication Unit) : Dr. K.D. Srivastava; Editor : C. Thomas