FAISALABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Brazilian sugarcane biotechnologist Dr William Lee Burnquist stressed the need for biotech-driven sustainable sugarcane transformation that will help combat pest issue and ensure water efficient use for the crop. He was addressing at a seminar at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad that was presided over by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali. Dr William said they were bringing the biotechnology to sugarcane since 2015. He said …
Biotech-driven sustainable sugarcane imperative to combat pest issue, says biotechnologist
FAISALABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Brazilian sugarcane biotechnologist Dr William Lee Burnquist stressed the need for biotech-driven sustainable sugarcane transformation that will help combat pest issue and ensure water efficient use for the crop.
He was addressing at a seminar at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad that was presided over by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali.
Dr William said they were bringing the biotechnology to sugarcane since 2015. He said that after a comprehensive mechanism, genetically engineered varieties are launched, ensuring that it does not disrupt the ecosystem, and animal and increase the yield with health benefit. He also briefed about HB4 gene that shift the plant into the more water efficient operating system mode. It is used in biotechnology to enhance drought tolerance.
UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali stressed upon the need to learn from the experiences of Brazil and strengthen the academia ties for students and faculty exchange program.
He said that in the face of ever-increasing population, we have to adopt the modern technologies to boost the productivity.
Sugarcane Research and Development Board (SRDB) CEO Dr Shahid Afghan said that SRDB is making all out efforts to increase the productivity.
He said that SRDB is giving two scholarships to the UAF on sugarcane. He said that it is misperception that sugarcane is taking the area of cotton. Other crops were taking the area of cotton, he added.
Director External Linkages Dr Muhammad Tehseen Azhar talked about areas of collaborations.
