960404

IAEA experts

open scientific

expo at Niab

RECORDER REPORT

FAISALABAD: A two-week scientific exhibition is being held at Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (Niab), Faisalabad, to mark the 24th anniversary of the institute.

It was inaugurated by the visiting IAEA experts, Dr Jawad Kirda and Dr. Garcia Agudo who said that such exhibitions were important because they provided an open house to the public to see the contribution of scientists.

The exhibition which displays work of the various scientific divisions includes new varieties/lines of cotton, mungbean, chickpea and rice which have been developed through the use of nuclear and molecular techniques.

On display also are plantlets of citrus, lentil and other crops which have been produced through tssue culture.

Advances made in studies in plant pathology, fate of DDT in local environment, quantification of aroma of Basmati rice, control of black rot in citrus fruits through anti-biotic-F developed at Niab and evolution of sparse seeded Kinnow through radiation have also been illustrated.

Other achievements of the institute are utilization of salt-affected soils for bio-mass production and production of compost from Kallar grass. Work showing the use of radioistopes in plant nutrition and basic mechanisms of salt/drought tolerance is also on display.

The exhibition is open to students, researchers and teachers of schools, colleges, research institutions and the universities. The exhibition will continue for one week.