Laboratories
Plant Protection Technology Laboratory
Objectives and Focus
The Plant Protection Technology Laboratory serves as a center for research and technological development in the control of plant pests and diseases. This laboratory focuses on various plant protection methods, including chemical, biological, and environmentally friendly technologies. It also supports research on the development of botanical pesticides, bioinsecticides, biofungicides, and modern technology-based pest control strategies.
Uniqueness and Advantages
The laboratory is dedicated to developing innovative technologies for pest and disease management, integrating biological control agents and sensor-based technology for early pest detection. One of its key advantages is its commitment to reducing dependency on chemical pesticides by developing effective and environmentally friendly control methods. Additionally, it serves as a research hub that facilitates the implementation of technology-driven integrated pest management (IPM) solutions.
Types of Research Conducted
Research at the laboratory includes the development of botanical pesticides derived from plant extracts with insecticidal, fungicidal, or nematicidal properties. It also explores the use of biological control agents, such as entomopathogenic fungi, antagonistic bacteria, and natural enemies, to manage pests through sustainable means. Another area of focus is sensor-based pest monitoring and detection technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for improved accuracy. Additionally, the laboratory conducts studies on pesticide efficacy and pest resistance, helping to optimize pest control strategies while minimizing negative environmental impacts.
Practical Activities
The laboratory facilitates hands-on practical activities to equip students and researchers with essential skills in plant protection. These activities include identifying and formulating botanical pesticides, as well as learning techniques for the effective and safe application of pesticides. The laboratory also conducts efficacy evaluations of biological control agents for pest and disease management. Additionally, it focuses on toxicity and residue testing to assess the environmental and plant safety of various pesticide applications.
Plant Pest Laboratory
Objectives and Focus
The Plant Pest Organisms Laboratory focuses on the identification, characterization, and ecological and epidemiological studies of plant pests and diseases affecting various agricultural and plantation crops. This laboratory serves as a research center for understanding the biology and population dynamics of pests and pathogens, providing a scientific foundation for more effective pest and disease management strategies.
Uniqueness and Advantages
One of the key strengths of this laboratory is its diverse collection of pest and pathogen specimens, which supports both academic learning and research. Equipped with advanced microscopes and molecular tools, it allows for detailed identification of pests, diseases, and plant pathogens. The laboratory also serves as a research hub for early detection and ecological-based management of plant pest organisms (PPOs), utilizing approaches such as crop rotation, natural enemy utilization, and plant-microorganism interactions to develop sustainable control methods.
Types of Research Conducted
Research activities in this laboratory include identifying and classifying pests and plant pathogens using morphological and molecular approaches. Another focus is studying the population dynamics and ecology of pests, which helps understand attack patterns and the spread of plant pest organisms. Additionally, research is conducted on plant resistance to pests and diseases, integrating biotechnology and plant breeding approaches to develop resistant crop varieties. The laboratory also investigates the role of microorganisms in plant health, particularly the interactions between beneficial microbes and pathogens, to explore biological control options.
Practical Activities
The laboratory offers a range of practical training activities for students and researchers. These include identifying insect pests based on morphological and anatomical characteristics and conducting symptom analysis of plant diseases and pathogenicity testing. Participants also learn microbial culture techniques, allowing them to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Additionally, practical sessions involve testing the effectiveness of biological control agents in inhibiting plant pathogen growth, further supporting the development of sustainable plant protection strategies.