Bayer holds nat’l meet on Nematode problems in crops

Eminent nematologists from all over the country discussed the problem of nematodes in crops at a national conference to raise awareness among stakeholders about the plant parasite.

The conference on ‘Plant Parasitic Nematodes’, which was the first of its kind, was organised by Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of agriculture and healthcare, in Bengaluru.

The participants, who included industry leaders and representatives from Bayer as well, besides 70 eminent nematologists, exchanged views and discussed ways, such as joint ventures, to formulate tangible futuristic strategies for nematode management and bring benefits to the farming community.

“This conference is a first-of-its-kind for the industry where corporates and experts have come together to discuss these issues that directly impact our farmers and farming communities. We are excited to see long-term associations develop between various entities to address the need for Nematode awareness amongst farmers and solutions that benefit them,” Ravishankar Cherukuri, Vice President Marketing, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Bayer CropScience Limited, said in his keynote address.

The focus of the conference was on the status of nematode problems in crops, which was highlighted through guest lectures by various experts.

The annual national conference by Bayer is an effort to raise awareness among stakeholders about crop damaging Nematodes. Plant parasitic nematodes, like other insect pests and diseases, not only damage agriculture and horticulture crops but also accentuate diseases caused by fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens leading to “disease complexes”.

During the conference, participants and Bayer representatives discussed ways such as joint ventures, to formulate tangible futuristic strategies for nematode management and bring benefits to the farming community.

Dr NG Ravichandra, Former Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru said “Integrated management with bioagents novel chemistry, traits along with cultural practices should ensure effective management of Nematodes in vegetables.”

“Use of nematode-free planting material, soil less propagation, better fumigation methods and nursery certifications are important for managing Nematode problems in spices and condiments” said Dr S Eapen, Former Director, Indian Institute of Spice Research.

Prominent nematologists including Dr H.S. Gaur (Former Vice Chancellor, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Modipuram, and Former Dean, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi); Dr P Parvatha Reddy (Former Director, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research); and Dr D J Patel (Former Dean and Principal, Anand Agricultural University), also participated in the conference.

Through a partnership between the corporate sector and academia, the delegates expressed hope that their technical expertise and resources can be utilised in the effective management of nematode diseases of crops.