Report about Internship

Anthracnose of lucerne
At
Fodder research institute (FRI), Sargodha
By
Muhammad Abdullah
19F-US-AGR-79
Session: 2019-2023
B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture (Pant Pathology)
Department: Plant Pathology
College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha
Khushab bypass, Main bhalwal road, Sargodha,
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 In The Name of Allah Almighty, The Most Beneficent and The Most Merciful

‘It is He Who has brought into being gardens - the trellised and untrellised

- and the palm trees, and crops, all varying in taste, and. the olive and
pomegranates, all resembling one another and yet so different. Eat of their
fruits when they come to fruition and pay His due on the day of harvesting.
And do not exceed the proper limits, for He does not love those who exceed
the proper limits. (Surah Al-Anaam: Verse: 141).

DEDICATION:
‘We all have dreams, but to make dreams.

Come into reality, it takes an awful

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Lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.’

My Beloved Parents

Who support me financially

Who taught me

To take my first step

To speak my very first word

To write the first letter

My Respected Teachers

They encouraged us to seek knowledge

They build us morally, spiritually

They lessoned us to be positive in life

They taught that rest until success

They proved to be the best guide.

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Internship Certificate:

It is certified that Muhammad Abdullah S/O Abdul Rehman, Registration No. 19F-US-
AGR-79
Department of Plant Pathology Collage of Agriculture University of Sargodha has completed
his internship on Anthracnose of Lucerne at fodder research institute, Sargodha.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONS) IN AGRICULTURE

Approved by

Supervisor:
Signature ________________________________
Name
Designation

Chairman
Signature ________________________________
Name Dr. M. Usman Ghazanfer
Designation Chairman
Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of
Sargodha.

Director
Signature ________________________________
Name
Designation Director
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Table of content:

Sr. No. Content Page No.

1 Acknowledgement 6
What is internship, its 7
purpose

2 Introduction to FRI 7
History of FRI, Sargodha
Objectives 9
Major constraints in fodder 10
production
Varieties developed by 11
FRI.

3 Introduction to lucerne 14
4 Introduction of Lucerne in 15
Pakistan
5 Anthracnose of Lucerne 15
6 Importance 16
7 Disease cycle 17
8 Symptoms 17
9 Disease management 18
10 References 18
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Acknowledgement:

I have only the pearls of my eyes to admire the blessings of the compassionate and
omnipotent because words are bound, knowledge is limited, and time is short to express
Allah Almighty's dignity, Whose Blessings thrive my ambitions and self-sustainability.

I offer my humblest and every respect to Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), who
enables us to recognize our Creator, who is forever a source of enlightenment, guidance, and
knowledge for humanity.

This report has been prepared for the internship programmed that has been conducted in the
Fodder Research Institute (FRI), Sargodha to study and the implementation of the theory
in the field to fulfill the requirements of the course of B.Sc. (Hons.) Plant Pathology.

I am highly obliged to the Chairman, Dr. M. Usman Ghazanfer (Department of Plant

Pathology), for his vigilance leadership, the smooth running of the department, constant
supervision, and providing necessary knowledge regarding the study.

I have no words to express my gratitude to my Supervisor, Mr. Aftab Ahmad, scientific

Officer (SO) at Fodder Research Institute (FRI), Sargodha, for his guidance, sincere
corporation, untiring assistance, and creative suggestions throughout the course of this
investigation and manuscript preparation. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my supervisor Dr.,
and all the other faculty members for their ongoing guidance, dedicated efforts, and
welcoming environment.

I wish to express my deep sense of gratitude to my parents and my friends for their amiable
attitude, moral support, financial support and prayers for my success. I have no words to
express my heartfelt thanks to my family for their continuous encouragement. May Allah
bless you with a long, happy, and peaceful life (Ameen!).

Muhammad Abdullah
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WHAT IS INTERNSHIP?
An internship is a short-term place with a focus on-the-job coaching rather than
merely job and it could be unpaid or paid. To intern indicates" to successfully pas
within something," and when anyone have an internship practice, it's similar that
you have momentarily gotten authorization to be within office. If you are just
finishing your on-farm coaching, then the next level is to get a on field internship,
in which you are monitored by more knowledgeable trainers and professional.

MAIN PURPOSES:
Internship programs will improve student earning potential upon graduating.
It encourage learners to continue their education.

OBJECTIVES:
The main objectives of internship were.
► Develop abilities in the application of concept to practical work situation.
► Provide to be able to analyze skills for a specific profession before permanent
responsibilities are created.
► Develop abilities and techniques directly appropriate to this profession The
responsibility to understand casual business interrelationship.
► Modifying from college to full-time profession
► Provide learners to be able to create behavior favorable to effective social
relationship Be prepared to inter into full-time profession in expertise upon
graduation.
► Be with an in-depth knowledge of the official efficient activities of a taking
part organization.

History of FRI:

► 1924: Transfer of agriculture land from army remount depot, Sargodha to

agriculture department under Gurdaspur Agri. College in East Punjab, India.
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► 1947: Affiliation of fodder sub-station with professor of botany, Agri.

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College, Lyallpur with the provision of the post of assistant botanist.

► 1962: At separation of research & education, establishment of fodder
research section headed by fodder botanist at AARI, Faisalabad and placing
fodder res. Sub-station Sargodha under the control of fodder botanist, AARI,
Faisalabad.
► 1976: Shifting of headquarter of fodder botanist AARI, Faisalabad to
Sargodha raising its status from sub-station to a station
► 1981: Upgradation of fodder research station, Sargodha to fodder research
institute with the provision of the post of director

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 Agricultural
Research Station
Bahawalpur

Hill Grasses Agronomy

Research Sub-
Forage Production
station, Charrapani Directorate
(Murree) AARI, Faisalabad
Fodder
Research
Institute
Sargodha

Experimental Fodder Research

Seed Production Sub-Station
Unit, Farooqabad AARI, Faisalabad

Objectives:
o To develop high yielding nutritionally better fodder crop

varieties/hybrids.

o To develop improved production technology for the new varieties/

hybrids.

o To test different fodder crop varieties for milk/meat production of

livestock.

o To produce pre-basic seed of different fodder crop varieties and seed of

hybrids.
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 ACHIEVEMENTS

SUMMER CROPS
Sr.
Crop Varieties Year of Approval
No
1 Js-263 1968
2 Hegari 1975
Sorghum
3 Js-2002 2002
4 Sorghum-2011 2011
5 S.S Hybrid Pak Sudax 1986
6 Mb-87 1990
Pearl Millet
7 Sgd-Bajra-2011 2011
8 Maize Sgd-2002 2002
9 Maize x Teosinte Mazenta 1990
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10 Br-90 1990
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Guar
11 Br-99 2000
12 Cowpea Rawan-2003 2003

WINTER CROPS
Sr.
Crop Varieties Year of Approval
No
1 Avon 1983
2 PD2/LV65 1983
3 Oats Sargodha-81 1983
4 S-2000 2000
5 Sargodha Oat – 2011 2011
6 Agaiti 1986
7 Pachaiti 1986
Berseem
8 Anmol 2009
9 Super late Faisalabad 2011
10 Lucerne Sargodha Lucerne 2002
11 Rye Grass RG-1 2011

VARIETIES OF FODDER CROPS DEVELOPED BY FRI

KHARIF FODDER CROP VARIETIES

Yield Year
Sr.
No
Crop Varieties Potential of
t/ha Approval
1 JS – 263 50 1968
2 Hegari 55 1975
3 JS – 2002 60 2002
4 Sorghum Sorghum – 2011 70 2011
5 Ausaf 75 2021
6 Pak Sorghum 80 2021
7 Faisalabad Sorghum (Multicut) 150 2021
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8 S.S Hybrid Pak – Sudax 125 1986

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 9 MB – 87 (Multicut) 60 1990
10 Pearl Millet Sgd.Bajra – 2011 65 2011
11 Sgd.Bajra – 2020 70 2021
12 Sgd – 2002 70 2002
Maize
13 Super Green Maize 80 2019
14 Maize x Teosinte Mazenta 100 1990
15 BR – 90 30 1990
16 BR – 99 35 2000
Guar
17 BR – 2017 40 2017
18 BR – 21 35 2021
19 Cowpea Rawan – 2003 40 2003
20 Jantar Punjab Jantar 40 2021

RABI FODDER VARIETIES

Yield
Sr. Year of
No
Crop Varieties Potential
Approval
t/ha

21 Agaiti 110 1986

22 Pachaiti 110 1986
23 Anmol 120 2009
24 Berseem Super late Faisalabad 115 2011
25 Lyallpur late 120 2017
26 Punjab Berseem 125 2019
27 Avon 65 1983

28 PD2 – LV65 75 1983

29
Oats SGD – 81 70 1983
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30 S – 2000 80 2000
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31 Sgd.Oats – 2011 87 2011
32 Super Green Oats 90 2019
33 Evergreen Oats 95 2019
34 Barkat 95 2021
35 Faisalabad Oats – 21 90 2021
36 Sgd.Lucerne 130 2002

37 Lucerne Sarsabz 135 2021

38 Naimat 140 2021
39 Rye Grass RG – 1 60 2011

Lucerne:

Introduction:

Lucerne (Medicago sativa), also called alfalfa, is a perennial flowering plant in the legume
family Fabaceae (Hussain, 2020).It is cultivated as an important forage crop in many
countries around the world. It is used for grazing, hay, and silage, as well as a green manure
and cover crop. Lucerne is known for its high protein content and nutritional value, making it
an ideal feed source for livestock (Aganga, 2003). The plant has been extensively studied due
to its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and its tolerance to drought, heat, and cold.
In addition to its use as a feed crop, lucerne has been used as a green manure and cover crop
due to its ability to improve soil fertility (Watson, 2002). Lucerne is also used in the
production of biofuels and as a source of phytoestrogens. It is also used in the production of
herbal supplements and medicines (Madeddu, 2021).
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Introduction of lucerne in Pakistan:

Lucerne (Alfalfa) is considered as queen of fodder or king of all food (Russelle, 2001). It
was originated in Iran and then it travelled towards Arab countries. It is a perennial crop or a
multi-cut crop. Lucerne is well adapted to a wide range of climatic and soil conditions, but it
does best under conditions of low rainfall and high sunshine. It grows well in a dry climate on
deep, well drained, loamy soil with a PH of 6.5-7. It can tolerate extreme heat and cold.
Lucerne is cultivated as an important forage crop in Pakistan. The introduction of lucerne in
Pakistan has been driven by the need to address the challenges faced by the country's
livestock industry, such as inadequate feed availability, poor quality forage, and low
productivity (HB Salem, 2008). Lucerne offers a solution to these problems, as it is a high-
yielding crop that provides superior nutritional value to livestock. The cultivation of lucerne
in Pakistan has several advantages. Firstly, lucerne has a deep root system, which allows it to
access water and nutrients from deeper soil layers, making it more resilient to drought
conditions (Clément, 2022). This is particularly important in areas with limited water
resources. Secondly, lucerne fixes atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the reliance on synthetic
fertilizers and improving soil fertility (TE Crews, 2004). Additionally, lucerne is a perennial
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crop, meaning it can be harvested multiple times throughout the year, providing a continuous
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supply of high-quality forage (Brown, 2005). The introduction of lucerne in Pakistan has
been supported by agricultural research institutions, government initiatives, and private sector
involvement. These efforts have focused on developing improved varieties of lucerne that are
well-adapted to local agro-climatic conditions and have higher yields. Farmers have been
encouraged to adopt lucerne cultivation through training programs, subsidies, and awareness
campaigns. The adoption of lucerne in Pakistan has shown promising results. Livestock
farmers have experienced increased milk and meat production, improved animal health, and
reduced feed costs. Moreover, lucerne cultivation has had positive environmental impacts by
reducing soil erosion, enhancing soil fertility, and promoting sustainable agricultural
practices.

Anthracnose of lucerne:

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects lucerne (Irwin, 2006). Anthracnose of lucerne is a
fungal disease that starts with lesions on the stem, after which the upper part of the stem dies
off (Singh, 2015). Because this can happen suddenly, dead leaves remain attached to the
stem. Anthracnose happens most frequently in older stands, under hot and humid conditions
in late summer (Barnes, 1969). It is caused by Colletotrichum trifolii. This fungus produces
spores that can spread through rainwater or sprinkler water and infect the developing shoots
and leaves of lucerne plants. The fungus can survive on infected plant debris and is very
easily spread. Anthracnose can also infect other plants, such as dogwood, sycamore, maple,
ash, oak, tomato, melon, and mallow.

Importance:

Anthracnose of lucernes is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum trifolii that affects the
leaves, stems and crowns of lucerne plants (JM Mackie, 2003). It is one of the most serious
diseases influencing lucerne persistence and productivity in eastern Australia. Anthracnose
disease in lucerne (alfalfa) is of significant importance both globally and in Pakistan due to
its potential impact on crop productivity and economic implications (P Smýkal, 2015). Here's
a closer look at the importance of anthracnose in the world and in Pakistan.

Global importance:

Economic Losses: Anthracnose can cause substantial economic losses in lucerne production
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systems worldwide. Reduced yields, poor quality forage, and plant mortality can directly
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impact the profitability of farmers and the availability of high-quality feed for livestock.
Livestock Industry: Lucerne is a vital forage crop in many countries, serving as a primary
feed source for livestock, especially dairy cows. Anthracnose outbreaks can significantly
disrupt the availability of nutritious forage, affecting milk and meat production, and
ultimately impacting the livestock industry.
International Trade: Lucerne is an important crop for international trade, with many countries
exporting or importing lucerne hay and seeds (B Julier - Euphytica, 1995). The presence of
anthracnose in lucerne can have implications for international trade regulations and
restrictions on the movement of infected plant materials.

Importance in Pakistan:

Livestock Sector: The livestock sector plays a crucial role in Pakistan's agriculture-based
economy. (NŅ ĐorĊević, 2012). Anthracnose outbreaks can negatively affect the availability
and quality of lucerne forage, impacting milk production (S Alonso, 2014), animal health,
and the overall profitability of overall livestock production in Pakistan and outside the
Pakistan.
Agricultural Productivity: Lucerne cultivation is vital for maintaining sustainable agricultural
systems in Pakistan. It helps improve soil fertility, provides nitrogen fixation benefits, and
supports crop rotation practices. Anthracnose can reduce the productivity of lucerne fields,
disrupt rotational cropping systems, and impact the overall sustainability of agriculture.
Food Security: Ensuring an adequate supply of nutritious animal feed is crucial for food
security. Anthracnose can pose a threat to lucerne production, leading to potential shortages
in quality forage and impacting the availability of high-quality livestock products such as
milk and meat.

Disease cycle:

The fungus Colletotrichum trifolii survives on infected plant debris or seeds and produces
spores that are spread by wind, rain, insects or machinery (RF Nyvall, 1989).The spores
germinate and infect the leaves, stems and crowns of lucerne plants, causing lesions, wilting
and dieback (D Persley, 2010). The fungus grows inside the plant tissues and forms small
black structures called acervuli that produce more spores (M Sharma, 2015). The spores are
released and infect new plants or re-infect the same plant, repeating the cycle. The disease is
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favored by warm and humid conditions and can cause severe losses in yield and quality (C
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Rosenzweig, 2001).
Symptoms:

Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases that affect a variety of plants, including lucerne
(also known as alfalfa). The symptoms of anthracnose of lucerne include irregular spots and
dead areas on leaves that often follow the veins of the leaves. The affected tissue is usually
tan or brown in color. Anthracnose can also cause wilting, withering, and dying of stems and
flowers¹.: Anthracnose typically appears as small, dark brown to black lesions on the stems,
leaves, and pods of lucerne plants (Sarkar, 2016). These lesions may have a sunken
appearance and can enlarge and coalesce over time. In severe cases, the lesions can cause
defoliation, stunting, and reduced overall plant vigor. The disease can reduce the yield and
quality of lucerne crops.

Disease management:

There are several ways to manage anthracnose of lucerne, such as, using resistant cultivars
that can tolerate different races of Colletotrichum trifolii, the fungus that causes anthracnose
(JAG Irwin, 2006). Practicing crop rotation and avoiding planting lucerne in the same field
for more than four years. Removing and destroying infected plant debris to reduce the source
of inoculum. Avoiding overhead irrigation and grazing when the plants are wet to prevent the
spread of spores. Applying fungicides. Such as Propineb, mancozeb and azoxystrobin. These
are effective in controlling the disease when applied prior to inoculation. Metconazole and
prochloraz-Mn treatments as ergosterol biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicides had the lowest
incidence of anthracnose. Apply fungicides, when necessary, especially during spring and
autumn when the disease is most active (M Pisarčik, 2022).

References:

Aganga, A. A. (2003). Lucerne, Lablab and Leucaena leucocephala Forages: Production and Utilization
for Livestock Production. BUAN.

B Julier - Euphytica. (1995). Traditional seed maintenance and origins of the French lucerne
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landraces.
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Barnes, D. (1969). Effect of Anthracnose (Colletotrichum trifolii) Infection on Yield, Stand, and Vigor
of Alfalfa1.
Brown, H. (2005). Herbage production, persistence, nutritive characteristics and water use of
perennial forages grown over 6 years on a Wakanui silt loam.

C Rosenzweig, A. I. (2001). Climate change and extreme weather events-Implications for food
production, plant diseases, and pests.

Clément, C. (2022). [HTML] Comparing the deep root growth and water uptake of intermediate
wheatgrass (Kernza®) to alfalfa.

D Persley, T. C. (2010). Diseases of vegetable crops in Australia.

HB Salem. (2008). Feeding strategies to increase small ruminant production in dry environments.

Hussain, A. (2020). Morphological, Physiobiochemical and Molecular Adaptability of Legumes of

Fabaceae to Drought Stress, with Special Reference to Medicago Sativa L. SPRINGER LINK.

Irwin, J. (2006). Genetic improvement of lucerne for anthracnose (Colletotrichum trifolii) resistance.

JAG Irwin, K. A. (2006). Genetic improvement of lucerne for anthracnose (Colletotrichum trifolii)
resistance.

JM Mackie, J. M. (2003). Pathogenic specialisation within Colletotrichum trifolii in Australia, and

lucerne cultivar reactions to all known Australian pathotypes.

M Pisarčik, J. H. (2022). [HTML] Efficacy of Pythium oligandrum on improvement of lucerne yield,

root development and disease score under field conditions.

M Sharma, S. K. (2015). Colletotrichum gloeosporioides: an anthracnose causing pathogen of fruits

and vegetables.

Madeddu, C. (2021). [HTML] A biocascade approach towards the recovery of high-value natural
products from biowaste: state-of-art and future trends.

NŅ ĐorĊević, G. G. (2012). Contemporary aspects of lucerne use in animal nutrition.

P Smýkal, C. C. (2015). Legume crops phylogeny and genetic diversity for science and breeding.

RF Nyvall, R. N.-F. (1989). Diseases of Alfalfa: Medicago sativa L.

Russelle, M. (2001). Alfalfa: After an 8,000-year journey, the" Queen of Forages" stands poised to
enjoy renewed popularity.

S Alonso, P. T. (2014). Smallholder dairy farming in Tanzania: farming practices, animal health and
public health challenges and opportunities.

Sarkar, A. (2016). Anthracnose diseases of some common medicinally important fruit plants. Journal
of Medicinal Plants Studies.

Singh, R. (2015). Lucerne diseases: A review on status, symptomatology and integrated

management.

TE Crews. (2004). Legume versus fertilizer sources of nitrogen: ecological tradeoffs and human
needs.
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Watson, C. (2002). Managing soil fertility in organic farming systems.

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