Division of Crop Protection

In 1952, the Institute started with four sections viz. Agronomy, Sugarcane Mycology, Sugarcane Entomology and Agricultural Engineering. Two more sections i.e., Soil Science & Agrilcultural Chemistry and Plant Physiology were added in 1956, whereas, the third section Botany and Breeding was started in 1969. All these above sections were elevated to full fledged Division during the Fifth Five Year Plan period. During 2001, the Division of Plant Pathology and Entomology were merged to form the Division of Crop Protection (IX Plan).

Vision

Freedom from pests and diseases

Mandate

Basic and strategic research on the management of pests and diseases of sugarcane and other sugar crops

Mission

Eco-friendly management of pests and diseases of sugarcane and sugarbeet with focus on management of red rot and top bore

Thrust Areas

• Variability analysis of Colletotrichum falcatum in relation to geographical distribution and breakdown of resistance in newly released varieties as well as critical factors for secondary spread and quick flare-up of red rot.
• Improving the innate resistance of sugarcane through induced systemic resistance.
• Exploring the biodiversity of bio-agent(s) against major diseases of sugarcane and development of appropriate delivery system(s) for their effective utilization.
• Tackling the emerging disease problems in sugarcane, like the yellow leaf virus disease.
• Refinement of disease management technologies with judicious use of safer and eco-friendly chemicals along with the bio-agent(s).
• Identification of actual organism(s) responsible for the cause of wilt.
• Variability analysis of major disease pathogens (Smut, GSD and Mosaic) in relation to varietal susceptibility and resistance.

• Bio-diversity and geographical distribution of sugarcane borers in relation to change in climate.
• Development of laboratory rearing technique(s) for insect pests of sugarcane.
• Rearing, maintenance and utilization of parasites and predators of insect pests of sugarcane and bio-prospecting of entomopathogens.
• Development and identification of efficient strains of bio-agents against sugarcane borer complex in subtropical environment.
• Monitoring and containing the insect pests of sugarcane through pheromones.
• Deployment of preferable hosts in sugarcane agro-ecosystem to encourage the sustenance of parasitoids and predators of sugarcane pest complex.
• Development of location specific management modules to address the emerging problems of termite and white grub.