KUNMING:A collaborative research effort between Pakistan’s Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) and China’s Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS) has explored innovative techniques to enhance rose and marigold cultivation in Pakistan. These flowers hold cultural significance and are widely used in various ceremonies and events.
The year-long study, conducted in Yunnan, southwest China, focused on addressing key challenges such as diseases and pests that affect these blooms. To improve resilience, researchers from both countries have developed a unique cultivation method that promotes faster growth and lowers costs.
Additionally, the team introduced an advanced pathogen detection technique to identify common threats, including fungal and viral infections, and tested various management strategies to combat them effectively.
Dr. Niaz Ali, a lecturer at SBBU and the only Pakistani scientist involved in the study, shared with Gwadar Pro that the new floral varieties can be developed without relying on complex tissue culture processes. He emphasized that these flowers exhibit greater disease resistance and adaptability to Pakistanβs diverse climate conditions, which have long posed challenges for flower farming in the country.
According to Dr. Ali, these advancements could significantly reduce losses caused by plant viruses and increase overall flower production. Moreover, the techniques explored in this study have the potential to be applied to staple crops like cotton, wheat, and rice, offering broader agricultural benefits.
Looking ahead, the two institutions plan to collaborate further in cultivating high-yield, disease-resistant flower varieties. They also aim to introduce best agricultural practices in Pakistan and investigate the potential for extracting oils or medicinal properties from these flowers.
