Biological Control Research Laboratory

ICAR Unit-9

Anand Agricultural University

Anand - 388 110 (Gujarat)

E-mail: aicrp_bc@aau.in

               Research on biological control of insect pests was initiated in the early sixties under PL 480 grant. Recognizing the drawbacks of chemical pest control methods, such as insecticide resistance, pest resurgence, and biodiversity destruction, and acknowledging the necessity of non-chemical and safe approaches for pest management, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, launched the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Biological Control of Crop Pests in 1977. Biological Control Research Laboratory of Anand Agricultural University, Anand was among the sixteen centres involved. This station is located in main campus of the university which is about 4 km away from National Highway No. 8 as well as National Expressway No. 1. This centre is dedicated on the research and mass production of biocontrol agents.

The centre has achieved important advances in the biological management of crop pests and diseases. The bioagent Trichogramma spp., a crucial egg parasitoid is being supplied to the farmers in the form of trichocards. One of the major accomplishments in recent years is the mass rearing of Reduviid bugs. In the current era of residue free agriculture, the centre is actively involved in researching, and demonstrating microbial bio-pesticides like Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Bacillus thuringiensis, Trichoderma spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens.

Mandate:

1. Field demonstrations in different crops to popularize the efficacy of biological control agents as a major component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
2. To survey and isolate local strains of proven biological control agents.
3. To develop cost effective technologies for a large scale production of proven biological control agents.
4. To evolve effective biological control methods for potential crop pests by importation, augmentation and conservation of their natural enemies.
5. To transfer the technology and impart training in biological control 

Centre’s few first reports in India