Dr. Sajjad Hyder and Dr. Zarrin Fatima Rizvi, Chairperson, Department of Botany, GC Women University Sialkot in collaboration with Dr. Amjad Shahzad Gondal and Dr. Rashida Atiq, Chairperson Department of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan and Pakistan Phytopathological Society arranged an International webinar on “Development of Bio-pesticide Technology & Future Crop Protection” on August 27, 2021. Professor Dr. Hakoomat Ali, Dean Faculty of Agriculture Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan and Professor Dr. Tariq Mukhtar, President Pakistan Phytopathological Society (PPS) were the guests of Honour. Professor Dr. Rukhsana Kausar, Vice Chancellor, GC Women University Sialkot and Professor Dr. Mansoor A. Kundi Vice Chancellor, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan were the Chief guests. Dr. Sajjad Hyder and Dr. Amjad Shahzad Gondal played their part as organizers and moderators.
The webinar was started by the recitation of some verses from the Holy Quran followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan. Dr. Amjad Shahzad Gondal welcomed all the Chief guests, guests of Honour, Keynote speakers and the audience from both Pakistan and other countries. The first keynote speaker, Dr. Minshad Ansari gave a wonderful and very informative talk on the “Development of Bio-pesticide Technology & Future Crop Protection” and emphasized the importance of developing, testing, registration and commercialization of bio-pesticides. Dr. Ansari explained the deleterious effects of synthetic pesticides on plants, humans and the surrounding environment. He shared his rich experience in the Bio-pesticide industry and talked about how his own UK based company is playing its role in boosting Bio-pesticide Technology. Then, the second keynote speaker, Dr. Mudassir Iqbal shared his experience of working on Biocontrol agents against plant pathogens and presented his work entitled “Development of Clonostachys rosea as fungal biocontrol agent of plant-parasitic nematodes”. A very healthy and informative interactive session was arranged where the participants asked many questions on using and efficacy of biocontrol agents against plant pathogens.
After both presentations, Dr. Rashida Atiq shared her views and pay thanks to the organizers and all the participants. Professor Dr. Tariq Mukhtar, President Pakistan Phytopathological Society congratulated all the organizers for a successful event. Chief Guest of the event, Professor Dr. Mansoor A. Kundi Vice Chancellor, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan also shared his views on the importance of introducing new technologies for sustainable agriculture in the country. Professor Dr. Rukhsana Kausar, Worthy Vice Chancellor GC Women University Sialkot was unable to attend the event due to some urgent official commitments. Dr. Zarrin Fatima Rizvi, Chairperson, Department of Botany, GC Women University Sialkot concluded the session and shared her valuable comments on the importance of developing and commercializing bio-pesticides as an alternative to synthetic agrochemicals She also paid special thanks to the Chief guests, Guests of Honour and all the participants for their active participation. She also congratulated Dr. Sajjad Hyder and Dr. Amjad Shahzad Gondal for organizing such a wonder full informative international webinar under the Covid-19 situation. The session was ended by taking group pictures on zoom meeting. A few memorable pictures of the events are attached herewith.
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