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INTERNSHIP REPORT

2020

Bayer Pakistan – Crop Science

Monsanto Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
Learning Center
University of Agriculture Faisalabad

By:
AQIB SHAFIQ
2016-ag-6597
Plant Pathology
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“IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST MERCIFUL, MOST BENEFICIENT”

And we split the earth in fragments, and produce their in corn, And grapes dense
with lofty trees, And fruit and fodder, For use of convenience to you and your
cattle,
(Al-Quran, Surah Abas 80, Ayat 25-32)
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Preface

This report documents the work done during the period of internship at Monsanto
Learning Centre, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The report will give an
overview of the activities done during this period in details. I have tried my best to
keep report simple yet technically correct.
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CERTIFICATE

It is certified that the contents of this internship report submitted by Aqib Shafiq
having registration No. 2016-ag-6597 are found satisfactory to fulfill the
requirements of the degree of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agri. Sciences, Major: Plant
Pathology

External Supervisor…………………………………
Mr. Kamran Ashraf
MDO, Monsanto Learning Center
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad

Internal Supervisor………………………………….
Dr. Sajid Aleem Khan
Associate Professor, Dept. Plant
Pathology,
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
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DEDICATED TO

My Loving Parents

SPECIAL DEDICATION

TO
MY MOTHER
I hold you close within my heart,
And there you will remain,
To walk with me throughout my life,
You may live long until this universe.
May I wake up hereafter with you!
Dear Mother!
ALLAH bless you for all
You’ve done.

Acknowledgement
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All praise bow before ALLAH; the greatest benefactor of all, owner of all the known and
unknown worlds; the Arbitrator of Judgment day and closer to me than my jugular vein; by the
Grace of Whom I have been able to end the given task.

I would also like to appreciate my worthy parents who helped me in increasing my

devotion towards my work in thick and thin with their valuable advices and reprimands. They
were the path revealer to me, whenever I got stuck in dark.

I would like to express my gratitude to my respected supervisors at Monsanto Learning

Centre, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The work at Bayer was really motivates.
Everybody is such a friendly and cheerful companion here that work stress is never comes in
way. I would happily pay my regards to Mr. Kamran Ashraf, who along with Mr. Nadeem
Javed and Mr. Faisal Hameed furnished me with eternal knowledge. They honed my
observation skills, enhanced my problem-solving abilities and beautified my aesthetics.

I am also thankful to my worthy teachers Dr. Sajid Aleem Khan, and Professor Dr.
Nazir Javed, Chairman Dept. of Plant Pathology for bestowing an opportunity to peek inside
the practical side of the profession, so that I can get a quick glimpse of my future career. Simply
put, I could not have done all this without the lots of help received cheerfully from your side.

In the end, I would appreciate my friends and colleagues for pointing out my mistakes and slip-
ups for improvements.

Thank You All.

Aqib Shafiq
2016-ag-6597

Contents
1
.Who is Monsanto?.......................................................................................................................................... 11
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1.1History..................................................................................................................................................... 11
1.1.1Become an agribiotech...................................................................................................................... 11
1.1.2Dekalb merge in Monsanto............................................................................................................... 12
1.1.3Monsanto merge in Bayer................................................................................................................. 12
1.2Bayer,s mission........................................................................................................................................ 12
1.3Objectives................................................................................................................................................ 12
1.4Future plans............................................................................................................................................ 13
2.PCM 4 trial of Maize.................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1Development stages................................................................................................................................. 14
2.1.1Vegetative stages.................................................................................................................................. 14
2.1.2Reproductive stages.............................................................................................................................. 14
2.1.2.1Leaf collar method for determining of vegetative stages..................................................................15
2.1.2.2Stress effect at key growth stages.................................................................................................... 15
2.1.3Root system........................................................................................................................................... 16
2.1.4Degree days........................................................................................................................................... 17
2.2Production decision.................................................................................................................................. 17
2.2.1Seeding rate....................................................................................................................................... 17
2.2.2Planting date..................................................................................................................................... 17
2.3Estimating population............................................................................................................................... 18
2.4Replant decisions...................................................................................................................................... 18
2.5Estimating yield potential......................................................................................................................... 19
2.6Planting date............................................................................................................................................ 21
3.Diseases......................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.Foliar Diseases......................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.1.Anthracnose leaf spot....................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.2Gray leaf spot.................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.3Common rust..................................................................................................................................... 22
3.1.4,Stalk rot............................................................................................................................................ 22
3.1.5Ear rot............................................................................................................................................... 23
3.1.5.Leaf blight......................................................................................................................................... 23
4.Major Insect pests.......................................................................................................................................... 24
4.1Shootfly.................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.2.Stem borer.............................................................................................................................................. 25
4.3.Armyworm.............................................................................................................................................. 25
4.4.Corn earworm......................................................................................................................................... 26
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5.Disorders....................................................................................................................................................... 26
5.1.Herbicide injury....................................................................................................................................... 26
5.1.1Pigment inhibitors (bleachers).......................................................................................................... 26
5.2.Nitrogen deficiency.................................................................................................................................. 27
5.3.Phosphorus deficiency............................................................................................................................. 27
5.4.Potassium deficiency............................................................................................................................... 28
5.6.Magnesium deficiency............................................................................................................................. 28
5.7.Zinc deficiency......................................................................................................................................... 29
5.8Fertilizer injury......................................................................................................................................... 29
5.9Anhydrous ammonia (NH3).................................................................................................................... 29
5.10Broadcast urea-ammonium nitrate solution (28% or 32% UAN)..............................................................30
5.11Urea....................................................................................................................................................... 30
6.Early season stresses...................................................................................................................................... 31
6.1Frost......................................................................................................................................................... 31
7.Mid season stresses....................................................................................................................................... 31
7.1Drought.................................................................................................................................................... 31
7.2Root lodging............................................................................................................................................. 32
7.3Greensnap or node lodging....................................................................................................................... 32
8.Introduction of Bayer Pakistan – Crop Science Monsanto Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd. Learning Center University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad...................................................................................................................................... 33
8.1An Overview............................................................................................................................................. 33
8.1.1Objectives:............................................................................................................................................ 34
8.1.2.Current Status...................................................................................................................................... 34
9.Maize trials at farm........................................................................................................................................ 34
9.1Hybrid Evaluation Trial............................................................................................................................. 34
9.2Herbicide Evaluation Trial......................................................................................................................... 35
9.3Seed Treatment Trial................................................................................................................................ 36
9.3.1Seed Treatment to check the infestation of shoot fly..........................................................................36
9.4Insecticide Trial........................................................................................................................................ 37
9.4.1.To check the more efficient against stem boror.................................................................................37
9.5.Value Assesment VT Double PRO............................................................................................................. 37
9.5.1.VT Double PRO:................................................................................................................................. 38
9.5.2.Controll............................................................................................................................................. 38
9.5.3.Farmer Practice:................................................................................................................................ 38
10.Pheromone trap........................................................................................................................................... 39
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11.Dekalb products available in Market............................................................................................................. 40

11.1Autumn Hybrids:.................................................................................................................................... 40
11.2.Spring Hybrids:...................................................................................................................................... 40
12.Visits to farmers farms for trails................................................................................................................... 41
13.Visit to Research and Developmental Station of Monsanto, Manga mandi....................................................41
13.1.Objectives of Tour:................................................................................................................................ 41
13.2.Visit to labs............................................................................................................................................ 42
13.2.1.Seed Phyisology lab......................................................................................................................... 42
13.2.2In field............................................................................................................................................. 42
14.GMO SEED.................................................................................................................................................... 43
14.1.Developing a GMO Seed........................................................................................................................ 43
15.GM Technology Used for Corn...................................................................................................................... 44
15.1What is NK603?...................................................................................................................................... 44
15.1.1Glyphosate: mode of action............................................................................................................. 44
15.2What is MON 89034 and its Mechanism?................................................................................................ 45
15.3Maintaining the Resistance:................................................................................................................... 46
15.3.1.5% RIB............................................................................................................................................ 46
16.Visit to seed Market..................................................................................................................................... 47
17.Seminies and their products......................................................................................................................... 50
17.1.PCM 4 Trail of tomato............................................................................................................................ 50
17.1.1Varieties in MLC:.............................................................................................................................. 50
17.2.Production Technology:......................................................................................................................... 51
17.2.1Tomato Insects and solution............................................................................................................. 53
17.2.2.Tomato Diseases and solutions....................................................................................................... 53
18.PCM 4 Trial of Cucumber.......................................................................................................................... 54
18.1.Varieties in MLC:................................................................................................................................ 54
18.2.Production Technology:......................................................................................................................... 55
18.2.1Cucumber Insects:............................................................................................................................ 56
18.2.2.Cucumber Diseases:........................................................................................................................ 56
19.PCM 4 Trial of Sweet Peper....................................................................................................................... 57
19.1.Varieties at MLC:................................................................................................................................ 57
19.2.Production Technology:......................................................................................................................... 57
19.2.1.Capsicum Insects:............................................................................................................................ 59
20.Conclusion................................................................................................................................................... 59
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Who is Monsanto ?
Things like unpredictable weather, erosions, pest and plant diseases,
That is why there are 2,0000 Monsanto employers around the world i.e
working to provide former sustainable agriculture solutions. In 1960
each American farmer fed 25 people. Today that number goes to 155. Some key improvements
role in farmer ability to grow food at time of need.
We love working with farmers, Global population expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2015. We
should all he thinking where are food come from and how to grow. Happy farmer have better
harvesting is the key to make balance between production and Demand.
Our researchers and breeders to develop products to help farmers for better harvest for using
resource more efficiently. Genetically modified crops it is one of the way to get better yield.
Genetically modified soybean plants protect it from devastating pests which reduces need for
insecticides and preserves resources. We are who using traditionally methods to improve harvest
when plant disease cause significant losses, vegetables team’s do cross breeding to produce
cucumber resistance to disease.
Soil have billion of microbes some of them are beneficial for plants. As probiotics helps people
stay healthy there microbes help plants for early development, nutrient fixation and to provide
immunity against different diseases.
With the help of satellite we can predict how much fertilizer are in soil and now how much we
have to add in order to get optimum yield .
So we are working for farmers to provide sustainable agriculture solutions that is answers to the
situation that who that is why we are MONSANTO.

History
In 1901 Monsanto was founded in St. Louis, Missouri, as a chemical company. The founder was
John Francis Queeny. Monsanto expanded to Europe in 1919 in a partnership with Graesser's
Chemical Works at Cefn Mawr, Wales. The venture produced vanillin, aspirin and its raw
ingredient salicylic acid, and later rubber processing chemicals. In the 1920s, Monsanto
expanded into basic industrial chemicals such as sulfuric acid.
Monsanto scientists were among the first to genetically modify a plant cell, publishing their
results in 1983. Five years later the company conducted the first field tests of genetically
modified crops.
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Become an agribiotech
In 1996, Monsanto purchased Agracetus, the biotechnology company
that had generated the first transgenic cotton, soybeans, peanuts and
other crops.

Dekalb merge in Monsanto

Monsanto first entered the maize seed business when it purchased 40% of Dekalb in 1996; it
purchased the remainder of the corporation in 1998.
In same year, Monsanto purchased Cargill's international seed business, which gave it access to
sales and distribution facilities in 51 countries.
Monsanto merge in Bayer
In 2019, German drug and pesticide manufacturer Bayer has agreed to purchase St. Louis-based
seed and agrochemicals giant Monsanto in a deal worth $66 billion, reports Reuters News
Agency. Bayer, once considered for purchase by Monsanto, will become the world’s largest seed
producer while controlling 25% ( some estimates are higher) of the world market for seed and
pesticides. The announcement come on the heels of the announced merger by Swiss seed and
agrochemical corporation Syngenta and the state owned China National Chemical Corporation.
U.S. chemical companies Dupont and Dow are also pursuing merger.

Bayer,s mission
Sustainable agriculture is at the core of Bayer. It is committed to developing the technologies
that enable farmers to produce more crops while conserving more of the natural resources that
are essential to their success. Producing more. Conserving more. Improving lives. That’s
sustainable agriculture. And that’s what Bayer is all about.

Objectives
Monsanto was established with the following objectives:
Develop better seeds
Monsanto’s research program centers on increasing yields for three key crops used for food,
feed, fiber and fuel – corn, soybeans and cotton. The company’s research pipeline uses more
precise breeding techniques to develop higher-yielding germplasm. Other technologies result in
plant traits that provide better protection against pests and better weed control.
Conserve resources
Monsanto’s research pipeline includes new corn, soybeans and cotton products that will result in
more production per unit of land, and reduced use of energy, fertilizer and water per unit
produced. Monsanto will track the progress of its products toward the goal of reducing by one-
third the cumulative amount of key resources like land, water and energy required per unit of
output. Monsanto will also undertake a series of partnerships that will address key environmental
issues associated with agriculture.
Help improve farmers’ lives
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The third element in Monsanto’s commitment is to improve the lives of farmers, including
smallholder and resource-poor farmers. Part of this commitment is offering products that
increase productivity and reduce the risks of farming, such as fewer inputs to manage insects,
weeds and other yield-robbing stresses.

Future plans
Monsanto will develop seeds that will reduce by one-third the amount of key resources required
to grow crops by the year 2030. The company will also join with others to address habitat loss
and water quality in agriculturally important areas.The company will help improve the lives of
farmers, including an additional 5 million people in resource-poor farm families by 2020.
Monsanto will double yield in its three core crops of corn, soybeans and cotton by 2030,
compared to a base year of 2000. The company will also establish a $10 million grant designed
to accelerate breakthrough public sector research in wheat and rice yield.

PCM 4 trial of Maize

An introduction
Maize being the highest yielding cereal crop in the world is of significant importance for
countries like Pakistan, where rapidly increasing population, feed and fodder demand have
already out stripped the available food, feed and fodder supplies. Maize in Pakistan is cultivated
as multipurpose food and forage crop, generally by
resource poor farmers using marginal land. Maize is
currently the leading world cereal both in terms of
production and productivity. In Pakistan, it is the third
most important cereal after wheat and rice. Maize is an
important crop in Pakistan in terms of its food for human,
feed for poultry and fodder for livestock utilization and
as a raw material for the industry.
It is planted on an area of 0.974 million hectare for grain
purpose giving an annual production of 3.707 million
tones of grains with average yield of 3805 kg/ha. The bulk (97%) of the total grain production
comes from two major provinces, Punjab and KPK. Very little 2-3% maize grains are produced
in the province of Sindh and Balochistan. Maize is also an important crop of AJK with about
0.122 million hectare of maize being planted during autumn. progressive farmers are getting
around 100 mds per acre and earning millions. These farmers are planting maize hybrids for
grains with improved package of production technology.

Soil for Maize production

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The ideal soil for growing corn is well-drained, preferably a sandy loam. Organic matter such as
compost, leaves and grass clippings can be added to soil to improve its overall quality and
improve drainage, particularly for heavy clay soil. Like most vegetables, corn grows best
in soil with a PH between 5.8 to 6.8.

Development stages
Vegetative and reproductive stages are determined on a whole-field basis when at least 50
percent of the plants have reached or are beyond a particular stage.

Vegetative stages
 VE: Emergence of the shoot from the soil.
 V1: Lowest leaf has a visible collar; this leaf has a rounded tip, unlike subsequent pointed
leaves.
 V2: Two lowest leaves have a visible collar.
 V(n): “n” leaf collars present; there are 17 to 22 V stages before tassel emergence.
 VT: Lowest branch of the tassel is visible, but silks have not emerged.

Reproductive stages
 R1 (silk): any silk is visible.
 R2 (blister): Kernels are small and white; the endosperm (kernel fluid) is clear.
 R3 (milk): Kernels are yellow with milky white fluid.
 R4 (dough): Kernel contents are pasty as starch accumulates.
 R5 (dent): Most kernels are dented due to the starch hardening at the top of the kernel. As
maturity progresses, the starch hardens and the milk line moves toward the cob.
 R6 (Black layer or physiological maturity): The milk line is no longer visible; a black
layer forms at the kernel’s attachment, which signifies the end of dry matter
accumulation.
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Leaf collar method for determining of vegetative stages

Vegetative (V) stages are determined by the total number of leaves with visible collars (e.g., a
plant with three visible leaf collars is at V3). A collar is the off-white band at the base of the leaf
blade where it extends away from the stalk. A new leaf appears every three to four days with
good growing conditions until tasseling.
As the plant grows, lower leaves are lost. These leaves must be counted; otherwise, the
development stage will be misidentified. Split stalks to accurately determine the leaf stage.
Each leaf is attached to a single node, and nodes are visible as lines across the split stalk. The
first four nodes are usually indistinguishable within the crown. The fifth node is about one-half
inch above the area that contains the first nodes. The node corresponding with the uppermost leaf
with a visible collar defines the vegetative stage.
Stress effect at key growth stages
 V6: The growing point is above ground. Ear shoots and tassel are initiated (visible with a
hand lens). The potential row number (ear girth) is determined and, although strongly
influenced by genetics, can be reduced by stress.
 V12–VT: Potential kernels per row (ear length) are determined but can be reduced by
stress.
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 R1: Silks emerge and stress (especially drought) can interfere with pollination. Stress is
most yield limiting at this stage compared to other growth stages.
 R2–R3: Stress causes kernel abortion starting from the ear tip. Severity of stress will
determine the extent of kernel loss.
 R4–R5: Kernel moisture declines as starch content increases. Stress typically reduces
kernel weight.
 R6: A black layer forms at the kernel’s attachment, blocking movement of dry matter to
the kernel. Stress has no yield effect unless plants lodge or ears are damaged, e.g., from
high winds or insect feeding

Root system
Corn has two identifiable root systems, seminal and nodal. The initial (seminal) root system
helps anchor seedlings and provides nutrients and water for early plant growth. The secondary
(nodal) root system forms where the mesocotyl and coleoptile meet. The nodal root system is
visible by approximately V2 and becomes dominant by V6. Seeds should be planted
approximately two inches deep for proper nodal root formation.
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Degree days
Corn development can be predicted by tracking degree days (DD), which measure heat
accumulation based on daily air temperatures. For example, shoot emergence occurs when
approximately 125 DD accumulate after planting. The base temperature for corn development is
50°F. Development of some insect species also may be predicted by using degree days, but the
base temperature may differ.
Estimate daily heat accumulation for corn:
 Collect the daily high and low air temperatures and adjust (if necessary) for the base
(50°F) and maximum (86°F) temperatures. If the low is under 50°F, use 50°F to calculate
DD for that day. If the high exceeds 86°F, then use 86°F to calculate DD.
 The average of the adjusted high and low temperatures minus the base temperature equals
the daily DD accumulation.
 Add DD gained for each day to estimate the accumulated DD over time.

Production decision
Seeding rate
Optimal seeding rates vary from 28,000 to 42,000 seeds per acre based on specific field
conditions, genetics, and environments. Generally, a seeding rate of 33,000 seeds per acre will
maximize yield. Reduce seeding rates if water is limiting or if soil conditions are poor.
Planting date
 Corn should be planted when soil temperatures are near 50°F and are expected to rise. In
soils below 50°F, seeds readily absorb water but will not initiate root or shoot growth.
This may lead to increased early season diseases, insect feeding, and herbicide injury if
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poor seedbed conditions persist. Therefore, it is better to wait until seedbed conditions are
suitable for planting to ensure good germination and seedling establishment.
 Ideally, the best time to plant in 1st week of February to March for spring season.
 Yields are reduced more when corn is planted too late rather than too early. If you do not
plant in the optimum February through March window, consider that yields are generally
reduced less from plantings 10 days before the optimum period than 10 days after.
Yields increasingly drop off once planting is delayed past mid-March.

Consider changing to shorter maturity hybrids if planting is delayed until early June.

Estimating population
 Measure 1/1,000 of an acre (the table below is a guide for the length of row needed).
 Count the number of plants in the measured area.
 Count in at least six representative places across the field. Do not intentionally avoid
areas in rows with gaps; include these in areas assessed.
 Multiply the average number of plants by 1,000 to obtain the final plant population per
acre.

Replant decisions
 Replanting may be necessary following seedling damage or loss caused by early season
diseases, prolonged cold soils, frost, flooding, hail, or insect damage. Two scenarios
typically exist in fields with problematic stands:
 Non-uniform emergence resulting in different plant heights or developmental stages.
 A significantly lower population than desired.
 Typically, replanting is beneficial only with reduced plant populations, not with uneven
emergence. To decide whether to replant:
 Estimate the remaining plant population. Do not count plants in the affected area that are
severely injured.
 Calculate expected yield from the existing stand.
 Compare yield potential of the replanted crop with the potential yield of the existing crop.
 Estimate replant costs. Replant costs include tillage, seed, fuel (for tillage and planting),
additional pesticides, labor, etc. The probability of fall frost damage to late planted corn
also is greater. Consider shorter maturity hybrids in very late replant situations.
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Estimating yield potential

Yields can be estimated starting at R2, but the accuracy will vary depending on actual
kernel weight. Yield is overestimated in fields with poor grain-fill conditions and under
estimated in
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Sixteen rows per ear

fields with above average grain-fill conditions.

 Estimate the number of harvestable ears per 1/1,000 acre (page 11 for length of
row needed).
 Count the number of rows of kernels per ear on every fifth ear in the measured
section and calculate the average.
 On these ears, count the number of
kernels per row and calculate the
average.
 Estimated yield (bushels per acre) = Forty kernels per row
(number of harvestable ears 3
number of rows per ear 3 number of
kernels per row) divided by 90.
 For more accurate estimations, repeat
this process several times in a field.

Cutting silage
In a typical season, chop corn at about 60 to 70
percent moisture (60 to 65% for upright silos and 65 to 70% for bunker silos and silage
bags where packing is more difficult). Corn will be approximately at R5, between 1⁄3 and
2⁄3 milk line.
Corn that is chopped when it is too wet will lose nutrients through seepage. Corn that is
chopped when it is too dry is difficult to pack, which allows oxygen to enter and disturb
fermentation. This enables yeasts and molds to grow and increases heating.
Frost may force the decision to harvest corn as silage with late maturing hybrids or late
plantings. If frost comes during the 1⁄3 to 2⁄3 milk line period, the whole-plant moisture
content should be sufficient for normal ensiling.
Using a commercial laboratory to test the silage moisture is always ideal but is most
critical with corn that has died prematurely.
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Dry down after black layer

Kernel moisture is about 25 percent at R6. Then, drying rates are normally 0.4 to 0.8
percent moisture per day. Ideal harvest moisture for field corn is 15 to 20 percent, which
typically occurs 2 weeks after R6. The rate of dry down when estimating time to harvest
depends on the following:

Weather
 Cool, wet weather can lower daily drying rates to less than 0.3 percent per day.
 Warm, dry weather can raise daily drying rates to 1 percent per day.

Hybrid
Late maturing hybrids dry slower than early maturing hybrids.
Hybrid traits associated with faster drying include thinner, fewer, and loose husk leaves;
ears with tips that protrude beyond the husks; early ear drop from an upright position; and
thinner, more permeable seed coats.

Planting date
Late planted corn dries slower than early planted corn. Field harvest losses Adjust harvest
equipment to minimize grain loss. Two kernels per square foot left behind the combine
represents one lost bushel per acre. One full ear lost per 1/1,000 acre represents 6 to 7
bushels per acre left in the field. Losses can be considerable in lodged or hail- damaged
fields.

Diseases
Foliar Diseases
Anthracnose leaf spot
Description: Leaf lesions (spots) are oval, tan, or brown with a dark brown or purple
margin. Lesions range up to 1-inch-long and 1⁄2 inch wide and primarily occur on the
lowest leaves. On severely infected leaves, the lesions can grow together forming large
dead areas. These leaves may turn yellow and die. Best time to scout: V2 through V8
Scouting tip: This is typically the first foliar disease to occur during the growing season.
Disease may be more prevalent in fields where previously infected corn residue is
present.
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Anthracnose leaf spot

Gray leaf spot

Description: Lesions are long (up to 2 inches), narrow, rectangular, and are usually
restricted by leaf veins. Lesions initially are light tan and later turn gray. Lesions can
grow together and kill entire leaves. Best time to scout: VT through R4; earlier in seed
production fields Scouting tip: Disease may be more prevalent in fields where previously
infected corn residue is present. High relative humidity (above 90%) during silking and
early kernel-fill stages can lead to increased disease.

Gray leaf spot

Common rust
Description: Brick-red pustules (raised bumps) are oval or elongated, approximately 1⁄8-
inch-long, scattered sparsely or clustered together on both upper and lower leaf surfaces
in the mid- to upper canopy. The leaf tissue surrounding the pustules may become
yellow. Severely infected leaves can die. Best time to scout: V12 through R4; earlier in
seed production fields Scouting tip: Occurs in most corn fields. Raised, brick-red pustules
are diagnostic for common rust.
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Common rust

Stalk rot
Description: Symptoms include narrow, water-soaked lesions that grow together to form
large, shiny, black blotches or streaks on the stalk rind. The interior stalk tissue may be
blackened and shredded. Best time to scout: R5 through R6 Scouting tip: Disease may be
more prevalent in fields where previously infected corn residue is present and when
plants are stressed. Split stalks lengthwise to see the extent of infection.

Stalk rot

Ear rot
Fusarium ear rot Description: Symptoms include a white to pink, cottony mold that can
begin anywhere on the ear but often begins with insect damaged or split kernels. Usually
the entire ear is not rotted and affected kernels are scattered across the ear. Infected
kernels are usually tan or brown or have white streaks. The fungus produces the
mycotoxin fumonisin.
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Ear rot

Leaf blight
Description: Lesions are ½ inch wide by up to 1-inch long. They are oblong with
rounded ends that are tan with brown borders. Size and shape of lesions may vary
between inbreeds and hybrids with different genetics. Best time to scout: VT through R4;
earlier in seed production fields Scouting tip: Southern leaf blight is rare in hybrid corn in
Iowa, occurring predominantly in seed corn fields. Extended periods of cloudy weather
with frequent rains increase disease.

Leaf blight

Major Insect pests

Shoofly
Description: It usually attacks the maize crop at early stage. Due to which the infested
plants remain stunted with many tillers. After hatching, its larvae enter the central shoots.
Consequently, the central shoot wilts and finally become yellowish which give rise to
dead hearts, while lateral leaves remain green.
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Shoot fly and affected plant

Stem borer
Description: Maize stem borer is most destructive one. In sever infestation at
seedling stage it causes loss upto 75%. Damage is caused by caterpillars, which
first feed on young leaves but then later enter into the stem during first instar
larvae feed in young terminal leave producing characteristics pattern of small
holes.

Stem borer affected plants

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Armyworm
Description: Larvae have dull orange stripes along each side of the body. Fleshy prolegs
on the abdomen have dark bands along their sides. Damage: Armyworms feed on the
leaves of both seedlings and mature plants and can cause severe defoliation. They
consume the softer leaf tissue, leaving the tougher midribs and stalk. Larvae typically
start feeding on the lower leaves before moving to the upper leaves. The head is brown
with a network of dark lines.

Armyworm affected plants

Corn earworm
Description: Larval color is extremely variable; they can be dark brown, green, light
purple, or yellow. Alternating dark and light stripes run the length of the body. The skin
has numerous tubercles (bumps), each with an erect hair. The head is mostly orange, or
occasionally green, and freckled. Damage: Larvae feed in the whorl, on silks, or inside
developing ears. Larvae that tunnel through the developing silks may interfere with
pollination and destroy kernels at the tip.

Earworm
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Disorders
Herbicide injury
Pigment inhibitors (bleachers)
Description: The predominant symptoms are leaf yellowing and bleaching (whitening) of
tissue. Injury typically develops on leaves emerging shortly after exposure to the
herbicide.

Herbicide injured plant

Nitrogen deficiency
Description: Nitrogen deficiency causes pale, yellowish-green plants with spindly stalks.
Because nitrogen is mobile in the plant, symptoms begin on the older leaves and progress
up the plant if the deficiency persists. Deficiency appears on leaves as V-shaped
yellowing starting at the tip and progressing down the midrib toward the leaf base.

Nitrogen deficiency
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Phosphorus deficiency
Description: Symptoms usually are visible on young plants. Plants are dark green with
reddish-purple leaf tips and margins on older leaves. Newly emerging leaves will not
show the coloration. Phosphorus-deficient plants are smaller and grow slower than plants
with adequate phosphorus. Deficiency symptoms nearly always disappear by the time
plants reach three feet tall.

Phosphorus deficiency

Potassium deficiency
Description: Symptoms first appear as yellowing and dying of lower leaf margins.
Plants with impaired root systems are most likely to show symptoms after about V6
when plant potassium uptake increases. Potassium is mobile in the plant. If the
deficiency persists, symptoms develop on higher leaves. Potassium-deficient corn tends
to lodge late in the season.

Potassium deficiency
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Magnesium deficiency
Description: Initial symptoms are yellow to white interveinal stripes on the lower
leaves. Dead, round spots sometimes follow, which look like beaded streaking. Older
leaves become reddish-purple and the tips and edges may die if the deficiency is severe.
Magnesium is mobile in the plant.

Magnesium deficiency

Zinc deficiency
Description: Symptoms appear as interveinal, light striping or a bleached band
beginning at the base of the leaf and extending toward the tip. The margins of the leaf,
the midrib area, and the leaf tip usually remain green. Internodes may be shortened. Zinc
is relatively immobile in the plant. Severe zinc deficiency may result in new leaves that
are nearly white, an effect called “white bud.

Zinc deficiency
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Fertilizer injury
Anhydrous ammonia (NH3)
Vapor damage can occur when ammonia escapes during sidedressing. Tissue that
contacts the ammonia is scorched and dies, but plants usually survive if only a portion of
the leaves is damaged. Anhydrous ammonia injury to roots results in uneven seedling
emergence, slow growth, plants with a spiked and blue-green appearance, and wilting of
seedlings. Injury causes brown roots and if severely injured, roots die and turn black back
to the seed. Ammonia injury is seen more frequently in dry weather because roots are
slow growing and water uptake is limited.

Anhydrous ammonia

Broadcast urea-ammonium nitrate solution (28% or 32% UAN)

UAN can burn leaf tissue when broadcast on top of growing corn. UAN solutions tend to
move toward the leaf tip and margins, resulting in greater burning of those areas. Plants
usually outgrow the damage if only a portion of the leaves is injured. However, leaf
damage and potential yield impacts increase with higher application rates and larger
plants.

Broadcast urea
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Urea
Granular urea broadcast across the top of growing corn results in some granules falling
in the whorl and lodging in leaf axils. Tan to white burn spots appear on leaves where
granules lodge. Leaf margins also may be burned. Plants outgrow this injury unless a
large amount of material lodges in the whorl, severely damaging leaves or injuring the
growing point. Urea-containing fertilizers banded with or near the seed can result in
uneven seedling emergence, stand loss, slow growth, and damaged roots as free
ammonia is released during its conversion to ammonium.

Urea affected plants

Early season stresses

Frost
Frost results in the death of exposed plant tissue and occurs when air temperatures drop
below 29ºF. Initial damage is wilted, water-soaked tissue. The growing point is
underground until V6; therefore, seedlings can recover from frost except when the soil
is frozen. Plants with only leaf damage will likely resume growth. With good growing
conditions, seedlings should develop a new leaf 3 to 4 days after the frost. Seedlings may
rot if poor weather follows. Assess replant options based on surviving stands and date.
Seedlings with dark, watersoaked growing points will not survive.
 P a g e | 31

Frost affected plants

Mid season stresses

Drought
Corn uses approximately 1⁄3 inch of water per day at R1, which is the highest water need
of the season. When plants are moisture stressed, silk emergence can be delayed. A lack
of synchronization between pollen shed and silk emergence can result in poor pollination,
reducing yield potential.
Corn leaves roll during major moisture stress to reduce water loss. Leaf rolling reduces
carbohydrate production, which may be associated with yield reductions.

Drought injury plants

Root lodging
Root lodging occurs when a plant with a shallow or small root system leans from wind,
especially in saturated soils. Shallow root systems are associated with poor seed
placement and cool, wet soils during vegetative stages. Small root systems are associated
with corn rootworm larvae feeding, root rots, compacted soils, and overall poor root
development. Root lodging may be partially compensated if the plant resumes vertical
growth (goosenecking).
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Root logging

Greensnap or node lodging

Greensnap is midseason stalk breakage. Plants normally break at a node below the
primary ear. Greensnap is most likely to occur from about V10 until just prior to VT.
Broken plants still may produce a small ear with or without kernels. If the plant breaks
too low or too late to produce an ear, yield loss will be directly related to the number of
plants broken. High nutrient levels, high organic-matter soils, and tillage all favor rapid
growth and increase susceptibility to greensnap. Some hybrids may be more prone to
greensnap than others.

Greensnap or root logging

Introduction of Bayer Pakistan – Crop Science Monsanto Pakistan (Pvt)

Ltd. Learning Center University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
An Overview
Monsanto Learning Centre, Faisalabad is formed for the research purpose in University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad with the collaboration of ORIC and Monsanto Company in year 2013.
 P a g e | 33

This center has the area of round about 2.5 acres. In this area, the offices and field area is included.
Hybrid maize is grown on larger psrt and hybrid vegetables are grown on smaller part.

Objectives:
Main objectives of Monsanto Learning Centre, Faisalabad are following:
 Learning Centre for farmers.
 Learning Centre for students.
 Visiting and business place for stakeholders.
 Visiting and observing as well as learning place for foreign delegates.

Current Status
Today, this Centre is headed by Mr. Kamran Ashraf. He joined this Centre on April, 2015. Mr. Faisal
Hameed regulates all activities of Seminas and Mr. Nadeem manages all the maize trial.
This plateform offers two internship programs for students, and different classes are invited here
at maturity stage of trial for purpose of learning.
Center has the area of round about 2.5 acres.

Maize trials at farm

Maize trials were sown in the field at Monsanto Learning Center on 19 th of March’ 2020. Trials
can be planted in three different experimental designs, these designs are:
 CRD: Complete Randomized Design.
 LSD: Latin Square Design.
 RCBD: Randomized Complete Block Design

Trials planted at farm were planted in RCBD design, it is mostly used for planting in field
where conditions are not homogeneous.
Total of 6 trials were planted in the field were planted, i.e.
 Hybrid Evaluation Trial.
 Herbicide Evaluation Trial.
 Seed Treatment Trial.
 Insecticide Evaluation Trial.
 GMO Seed Trial.
 NYUT Trial.

Hybrid Evaluation Trial

Different hybrids from Monsanto and other Companies are planted in this trial. these hybrids
will compete with each other and performance of all the hybrids will be monitored regularly.
Total of 13 hybrids (treatments) are planted in this trial. Each treatment is planted in one
replication.
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 Plot size for first 10 hybrids = 15m x 8 rows

 Plot size for last 3 hybrids = 15m x 4 rows

Each plot is assigned a code number which is 101, 102….113.

Herbicide Evaluation Trial

Total of 12 treatments are to be tested in this trial. Each treatment will be planted in three
replications. All the conditions will be kept constant except the herbicide application in each
treatment. In each replication plots are coded as 101….112, 201…...212 and 301….312.
Plot size = 5m x 5 rows.
Counts Treatments
T1 Untreated
T2 Laudis 370/ha
T3 Laudis 500g/ha
T4 Laudis 370g+Atrazine 500g/ha
T5 Laudis 370g+ Roundup Power
max2500ml/ha
T6 Laudis 500g+Roundup Power
max2500ml/ha
T7 Capreno 290ml/ha
T8 Capreno 220ml+Roundup Power max
2500ml
T9 Capreno 290ml+ Roundup Power max
2500ml
T10 Roundup power max 2500ml/ha
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T11 Roundup power max 2500ml AB

T12 Roundup power max 2500ml+ Ammonium
Sulphate 5kg/ha

Seed Treatment Trial

Seed Treatment to check the infestation of shoot fly.
In this experiment, same hybrid of Monsanto was sown having moisture content 10 %
approximately in normal season i-e on 19th March with plant to plant distance 7 inch, 28 seeds
sow in a line and total 168 seeds use for one plot. Standard but uniform agronomic practices
were followed. There was three treatments and each was replicated 3 times. The treatment
T1 (untreated) was kept open for insect infestation while in treatment T 2 (Hombrey), and
treatment T3 (Cruiser).
Dimension: 5m x 6 rows
The treatments used in this trial are:
The treatments used in this trial are:
1) Hombrey XL @ 100ml/ 10kg.
2) Check (Cruiser) @ 100ml/ 10kg.
3) Control (untreated)
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Product Active salt Company

Hombrey Imadaclopad+Taboconazol Bayer
e
Cruiser Thiomoxan FMC

Insecticide Trial
To check the more efficient against stem boror.
Total three treatments are planted in this trial, each with three replications. Each treatment of
every replication is planted in one plot. These plots are coded as 101…...103, 201…...203 and
301……303.
The treatments used in this trial are:
1) Regent @ 30g/ acre.
2) Check (Furadon) @ 4 and 8 kg/ acre.
3) Control (untreated)

Product Salt Company

Regent Fabronil Bayer
Furadan Carbofuran FMC

Dimension 5m x 6 rows

Value Assesment VT Double PRO

This trial is perform to check the performance of new inserted genes and their protein level.
There aer three plots sow in this block.
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Dimension 17m x 10 rows

VT Double PRO:
GMO trial is specially designed to study the GMO maize in terms of cost and benefit the farmer.
Ther is no treatment of Carbofuran, no Match spray. Plants are treated with only Roundup Ready
used for herbicide.

Result after treatment with Roundup Ready

Controll
 In this plants are not treated with any kind of chemical.
 No herbicide.
 No pesticide.

Control
Farmer Practice:
In this plot we can treat the plants as farmer treat in the field.
Pre-emergence, post emergence use of herbicide and pesticide use against different pests.
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Farmer practice

Pheromone trap
Pheromone trap to capture fall army worms was set up in the field for further studies on insect
resistance in GMO maize. Fall Armyworms are now found as a major threat to maize crop. The
traps to be checked every alternate day and the insects found in it have to be reported in the
IIRM lab, Lahore.

Pheromone trap and Armyworm

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Dekalb products available in Market

Autumn Hybrids:
1) DK-6789
2) DK-6714
3) DK-8148

Spring Hybrids:
1) DK-6103
2) DK-6724
3) DK-9108
4) DK-6317

DK-6103
 Import from USA
 Medium height
 Short duration
 Heat tolerant
DK-6724
 Imported from Turkey
 early maturity
 Medium height
 Short duration
 Heat tolerant
 Good stand ability
DK-9108
 Import from India and Thailand.
 late season.
 High silage.
 Max yield.
 Greenish color.
DK-6317
 Medium height
 Short duration
 Good stand ability
 Imported from USA
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Visits to farmers farms for trails

We are visits different stations in Faisalabad division to set up trials in different areas. These
visits were mainly for planting adaptability trials for upcoming maize varieties. The students
were introduced with different farmers who gave feedback on Dekalb products and allowed to
plant trials on their fields. These stations include:
 Chiniot
 Gojra
 Mandi Bahao din
 PARAS campus

Visit to Research and Developmental Station of Monsanto, Manga mandi

Objectives of Tour:
Main objective was to learn the latest products & technology of the station
 To learn about the Genuity VT double Pro
 To know about the modern equipment used for seed testing and treatment
 To know about the modern packaging techniques of seed
 To know about the different competitive hybrid varieties
 For knowledge enhancement
Visit was scheduled on 29 March 2020. Thus, journey started from Monsanto learning center
UAF to Monsanto Research Station Manga mandi at 7:00 am under the kind supervision of Sir
Kamran Ashraf. We reached there at about 9:00 am. We were warmly welcomed by the staff of
the station.
Then general introduction about the Monsanto working worldwide and in Pakistan was given.
Fast facts told was as following:
 Fortune 500 company
 Over 20,000 employees globally
 Facilities in 69 countries
 Headquartered in St. Louis, Mosori
 Most work on GMO therefore main focus on agriculture
 Get material from US, Europe, Mexico, Barazil
 Main focus of Monsanto working in Pakistan is on eight row crops as:
 Alfalfa, corn, cotton, sorghum, soybean, wheat, canola & sugarbeets.
 2,000 vegetable seed varieties covering 22 verities are also produced.
 Three teams work at a time; Breeding team, Developmental team & Regulatory team
 Before the registration of any variety they are processed and evaluated under four main
stages. In first year under stage PCM 1, at 3 locations 400 hybrids are evaluated. In
second year under PCM stage 2, at 16 locations 80 hybrids are evaluated. In third year
under PCM 3, at 20 locations 16 hybrids are evaluated. In fourth year under PCM 4, at 40
locations 3-4 hybrids are evaluated. Finally, in fifth year one hybrid with superb desired
characteristics is commercialized.
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Visit to labs
Different steps are involved when seed is sent to lab for sampling. Seed is imported from other
countries like Europe, Mexico, Africa etc. Scanning of bar code is done. Seed is counted
effectively in seed counter & sets are prepared for each replication. Seed is treated with fungicide
(confidor = 7g/kg) and finally packing of seed is done with specific sample no. & seeds per
sample.
Then basic introduction on technology development was also given. It was told that plant
population vary plant to plant.
Seed Phyisology lab
In seed physiology lab we can learn how the germination test is perform.

Seed germination test

In field
We also visited wheat fields where different hybrids of different vegetables were evaluated.

GMO SEED
Scientists work to identify genes that have the potential to benefit a plant grown by farmers.
When they identify a potentially beneficial gene, plant scientists make a copy of the desired
gene, and insert it into another plant. Each new GMO undergoes years of testing to ensure that it
brings value to farmers and is as safe as the non-GMO counterpart—on average, it takes 13 years
and costs $130 million to bring a GMO to market.

Developing a GMO Seed

 Step 1
 The desired trait (like insect pest resistance or drought tolerance) is identified in nature.
 P a g e | 42

 Step 2
 A copy of the gene for the trait is transferred into a plant.
 Step 3
 The plant is tested to ensure that it is safe for people, animals, and the environment.
 Step 4
After years of additional testing and reviews by government regulators around the world, the
new seeds are approved to be made available to farmers.

Benefits of Growing GMO Crops

 Using Resources Efficiently
Some GMO corn crops can protect harvests in water-limited conditions better than
conventionally produced crops. Other GMOs can also promote the use of no-till farming, which
keeps more moisture in the soil. No-till also enables farmers to make fewer passes through the
field using machinery, which means less fuel used and greenhouse gases emitted.
 Fighting Pests and Disease
Scientists are developing crops that look and taste the same as their non-GMO counterparts,
but are resistant to insects and plant-specific diseases that can impact a farmer’s harvest.
Plants with traits that protect roots from insect damage have an additional benefit of using
water more efficiently.
 Conserving Natural Habitats
GMO seeds can help farmers around the world meet the increasing demand for food by helping
them make the most of their existing arable land, thus enabling them to preserve nearby habitats.

GM Technology Used for Corn

GM traits used for corn by Genuity® are:
 NK603
 MON89034

What is NK603?
NK603, is a technology with brand name Roundup Ready®. Corn NK603, is a genetically
modified (GM) maize producing a glyphosate-tolerant EPSPS enzyme (CP4 EPSPS) derived
from the CP4 strain of the common soil bacterium Agrobacterium sp. The glyphosate-tolerant
EPSPS enzyme ensures the continued function of the aromatic amino acid pathway, even in the
presence of the glyphosate herbicide. As a result of this genetic modification, NK603 is tolerant
to glyphosate, allowing its over-the-top use for selective weed control in the crop.
Glyphosate: mode of action
Glyphosate, the active substance in Roundup® branded formulations, is a broad-spectrum
herbicide that acts by inhibiting the enzyme (protein) “5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate
 P a g e | 43

synthase” (EPSPS). This enzyme, found naturally in all plants, fungi and bacteria, is important in
the production of the essential aromatic amino acids through a metabolic pathway that does not
exist in animals. Inhibition of EPSPS by glyphosate blocks the production of these amino acids,
interfering with the plant’s growth and ultimately leading to plant death (Alibhai and Stallings,
2001). When applied to weeds, glyphosate is taken up by the green leaves and is translocated to
the growth points (meristems), present mainly in young shoots and root tips, where it blocks
meristem development. Glyphosate is non-persistent and has limited mobility because it binds
tightly to soil. It does not bioaccumulate and presents minimal risk to terrestrial and aquatic
species including fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. In addition, the compound presents
very low toxicity to humans. Glyphosate has been on the market for more than three decades and
is registered in most countries around the world.
The benefits of NK603
 Control of a wide spectrum of weeds using a smaller number of herbicides. Glyphosate
has already been approved under this directive and can provide an environmentally
sustainable, flexible, and profitable alternative to existing weed control programs.
 Flexible broad-spectrum weed control options that allows over-the-top applications of
glyphosate in maize on an “as needed” basis.
 Contribution to achieve more consistency in the weed control results combined with the
full and superior selectivity of Roundup® on NK603 hybrids to protect the yield potential
of those hybrids.
 An excellent fit with reduced tillage systems, which are linked to many environmental
advantages including improved soil and water quality, reduced soil erosion and runoff,
improved wildlife habitat and reduced fuel use and CO2 emissions.
 The opportunity to replace several selective herbicides by a single broad-spectrum
herbicide with a favorable human health and environmental profile. The active ingredient
glyphosate is nonpersistent and has limited mobility as it binds tightly to soil. The
compound presents very low toxicity to humans. Furthermore, it does not bioaccumulate
and presents minimal risk to terrestrial and aquatic species including fish, birds,
mammals.
 An additional mode of action within the weed control in maize contributes to proactive
and sustainable weed resistance management in the crop rotation.
 The practical use of NK603 systems in several world areas has proven cost-effective
weed control.

What is MON 89034 and its Mechanism?

 MON 89034 is a variety of genetically engineered Bt corn sold by Monsanto. It was
initially deregulated in 2008 and sold in the U.S. under the brand name "Genuity® VT
Double Pro ®"
 MON 89034 is genetically engineered for Corn Borer resistance. It produces an
insecticidal protein that is naturally made by a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt), in every cell of the plant. The Bt protein the corn produces kills lepidopteran insects,
 P a g e | 44

including the corn borer. However, by 2011, pests evolved resistance to Bt. Bt corn and
genetically modified organisms are controversial around the world.
 Monsanto has developed MON 89034 as a second-generation insect protection corn
product to provide enhanced benefits for the control of lepidopteran insect pests. MON
89034 produces the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis,
which are active against lepidopteran insect pests. MON 89034 serves corn growers’ need
for controlling a wider spectrum of lepidopteran pests and help assure the durability of Bt
corn. MON 89034 provides outstanding control of Ostrinia species such as European corn
borer and Asian corn borer, and Diatraea species such as southwestern corn borer and
sugarcane borer. Control of these insects provided by MON 89034 is comparable to MON
810. MON 89034 also provides a high-level control of fall armyworm throughout the
season, whereas MON 810 principally controls fall armyworm larvae during vegetative
growth stage. Furthermore, MON 89034 provides significantly improved protection from
damage caused by corn earworm than MON 810.
 In addition to the wider spectrum of insect control, the combination of the Cry1A.105 and
Cry2Ab2 insecticidal proteins in a single plant, MON 89034, provides a much more
effective insect resistance management (IRM) tool. Comparative biophysical studies
indicate that the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins have important differences in their
mode of action, specifically in the way in which they bind to the lepidopteran midgut.
Therefore, the probability of cross-resistance between these two proteins is low.
 The data and information generated through multi-year tests and trials demonstrate that
MON89034 is safe as conventional corn as food and feed and safe to the environment.
This conclusion is based on multiple lines of evidence. The results demonstrate with
reasonable certainty that the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins are unlikely to be allergens
or toxins.
 The fourth line of evidence is the compositional and nutritional assessment which
confirms that MON 89034 grain and forage are compositionally equivalent to and as safe
as those of conventional corn. The stability of the integrated DNA was demonstrated by
the fact that the Southern blot fingerprint of MON 89034 was maintained for seven
generations tested in the breeding history.
 The stability was further confirmed by the fact that the inheritance of the lepidopteran
protection trait in MON 89034 follows Mendelian segregation principles. The history of
safe use and data from multiple studies support the safety of MON 89034 and the
Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins. The two proteins belong to a family of Cry proteins
from Bacillus thuringiensis, an organism which has been used commercially in the U.S.
for over four decades to produce microbial pesticides. Bt corn expressing several Cry1
proteins and Bt cotton expressing both Cry1 and Cry2Ab2 proteins have been cultivated in
large areas in the U.S. and other countries for over a decade. The extremely low
mammalian toxicity of Bt-based microbial insecticides and Cry proteins has been
demonstrated in numerous safety studies, and there are no confirmed cases of allergic
reactions to Cry proteins. Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins do not share any amino acid
 P a g e | 45

sequence similarities with known allergens, gliadins, glutenin, or protein toxins which
have adverse effects to mammals.

Maintaining the Resistance:

5% RIB
Continuous researches are being done in insects and crop to cope up with the biology of
resistant insects. Insects are continuously being studied at molecular level to note even a
slightest change that could be dangerous or against the GMO trait inserted in the corn genome.
Each year the protein level of the modified technology will be changed to not let the insects
get resistant to the new technology.
Entomologists have found out that one out of every million insects is capable of going through
mutations that can make the insect resistant to new technologies. RIB (refugees in the bag) is
a new plan which demands that 5% of the noon GMO seed will be added in the bag with GMO
seed. This will reduce the chance of insects getting resistant to the trait. As the non-mutant
insects will also survive along with the mutant ones. Mutations are always recessive. The
resistance in insects can be delayed with this strategy.

Visit to seed Market

Faisalabad has total population of 3.204 million people. Many which are engaged in agriculture.
To meet their demands as inputs in agriculture sector, a large number of farmers is depended
upon the markets. In the modern era, the markets contain all the necessary products required to
produce a good quality crop with better yield. The markets contain the hybrid seeds and the
recommended insecticides plus the fertilizers necessary for the crops which only make the crop
and production better. To find out about these inputs we visited the grain market which is
located at Dijkot Road in Faisalabad. In the market, there were different hybrids from
multinational companies and some local companies that are in demand. Some of the hybrids
were being imported from countries like India, Japan and France (Italy) by the merchants on
their own.

OKRA
 Hybrids:
 Syngenta hybrids: OH-152, OH-597 and OH-2324
 A pack of 1 kg is being sold with price range of 3800 Rs/- to 4000 Rs/- per pack.

 ICI Pakistan LTD: Advanta 803 F1

 100g pack for 350 Rs/-

 CKD: Kashish variety

 200 g pack for 700 Rs/-
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 Siddiq Sons: Sarsabz F and Green Wonder

 875 Rs/- for 250 g.

 Seed Rate: 4-5 kg per acre.

 Season: February – July.

TOMATO
 Hybrids:
 Syngenta: Sahel
 10 g seeds for 3300 Rs/-

 ICI Pakistan: Advanta 1225

 10 g seeds for 1600 Rs/-

 Siddiq Sons: Morilia, Jaguar + and Sagar

 Seed Rate: 60 g per acre
 Season: Nursery (Oct – Dec) and transplantation (Dec, Feb, Mar)

Brinjal
 Hybrids:
 Fito: Sandhiya
 10 g pack for 700 Rs/-

 Kalash: Chanak
 10 g for 400 Rs/-

 ICI Pakistan: Advanta 303

 10 g for 350 Rs/-

 Seed Rate: 60 – 80 g per acre

 Season: Oct – Nov

PUMPKIN
 Hybrids
 ICI Pakistan: Advanta 205, Advanta 206, Advanta 207
 50 g for 525 Rs/-

 Fito: Gol Variety

 10 g for 600 Rs/-

 CKD: Madina variety

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 10 g for 550 Rs/-

 AgricoPak: Lush Variety

 100 g for 700 Rs/-

 Seed Rate: 800 g per acre

 Season: Feb - Mar

BITTER GOURD
 Hybrids
 ICI Pakistan: Advanta 110
 50 g for 900 Rs/-

 Haji Sons: Karachi 1310

 50 g for 1300 Rs/-

 Fito: Golu
 10 g for 250 Rs/-

 Agrico Pak: 034

 A pack of 50 g is sold at variable prices.

 Siddiq Sons: winner, Prince F1

 Syngenta: BGH-106
 250 seeds per pack.

 Seed Rate: 900 g to 1 kg per acre

 Season: mid Jan to Mar

CAULIFLOWER
 Hybrids:
 CKD: Shmaila
 ICI Pakistan: Advanta 406
 10 g for 1200 Rs/-

 Siddiq Sons: TXS 5659, TXS- C22 and TXS-C40

 Imported by Japan (company- Tokito)

 Seed Rate: 100 – 120 g per acre

 Season: Jul – Aug

CHILLI
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 Hybrids:
 CKD: Skyland, Golden heart
 10 g for 1800 Rs/-

 Seed Rate: 100 – 120 g per acre

 Season: June – July, Aug – Sept, Feb. – March

ONION
 Hybrid:
 Siddiq Sons: Malbec F1
 Seed Rate: 1 kg per acre
 Season: Oct - Nov

CUCUMBERS
 Hybrids
 Siddiq Sons: Parthenocarpic Ramzan and Hashim
 Seed Rate: 1800 – 2000 seeds per Acre

CORIANDER
 Hybrid
 CKD: Turbo
 Seed Rate: 8 kg per Acre
 Season: Feb - Mar

Seminies and their products

With Seminis, you have the freedom to focus on your goals and your true passions: the freedom
to get the best harvest, the freedom to grow your business and the freedom to build your future.
We deliver this through our commitment to provide all our Seminis breeders:
 Predictable, excellent performance
 Global insights, local solutions
 Meaningful innovation

PCM 4 Trail of tomato

Varieties in MLC:
At Monsanto learning center tomatoes were being studied in two different conditions.
(i). open field
(ii). tunnel
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 The open varieties cultivated were:

 Ashoka
 Bullseye
 Savera
 T-3543
 T-4777
 T-5764
 T-5764
 T-8564
 T-9159
 T-9449
 T-9609
 Yaaqi
 In tunnels the hybrids planted were:
 Anna
 T-141
Anna is commercial variety while T-141 is in pipeline to be registered. T-141 is planted to
compare against Anna.

Production Technology:
Climate:
Plant grows best in warm season because frost causes damage. Optimum temperature for growth
is 21°- 25° C and optimum humidity is 60%. To determine the conditions in MLC
thermometer and hygrometer are attached in
the tunnels. To control the conditions the
number of polyethene sheets layering
the tunnels were removed or added as
per the requirement.
Soil:
It grows well in all kinds of soil. Well
drained light soils are good for early crop,
whereas, high yields are obtained when grown in silt loam or clay loam. The pH should be 7-8.
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Seed Rate:
80g -100g per acre
Time of Planting:
Tomato can be grown in any season as it is a day neutral plant. Three crops are taken in areas
which are not affected by frost.
 Kharif crop, transplanted in July
 Rabi crop transplanted in October-November.
 Zaid crop transplanted in February.
At MLC tomato was sown in Rabi season,
Date of sowing: 15th October’ 2019
Seed Treatment:
Seed is treated with carbendazim at the rate of 2g per kg of seeds.
Nursery Bed Preparation:
The seed bed should be 60-120 cm wide and 20-25 cm high. The length depends on number of
seedlings wanted. Cover the seeds with fine sand and straw. Water the seedbeds twice a day to
ensure sufficient moisture for germination.

Raising Seedlings:
Seeds are sown one month before transplanting time. After the seeds are sown mulching should
be done with green leaves. Mulch should be removed immediately after transplanting.
Land preparation:
2-4 ploughings are done for preparing the land with sufficient interval between two consecutive
ploughings along with the incorporation of sufficient quantity of FYM. Along with that we used
12 kg of DAP and 12 kg. of SOP for one canal
Methods of Transplanting:
In light soils seedlings are transplanted in furrows and in case of heavy soils in ridges. In MLC
the seedlings were transplanted on beds for tunnels.
PxP =45-50 cm RxR = 75-100 cm
Date of Transplanting: 1st November’ 2019
After 8-10 days of transplanting gap filling is necessary.
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Management Practices at MLC:

Rolling of tomato plants is recommended when required to keep the plant straight. Thinning of
extra branches is done to keep the fruit healthier, as the nutrients won’t go to the extra side
branches. Chemicals to increase the vigor of the plants should also be given. The chemicals
used in MLC are Izabian and Eliot.
Pickings of Tomatoes and Recording Data:
First picking was on 26th February’ 2020. Total of 18 pickings were for Anna, while T-141
gave 17 pickings. The plants were monitored regularly, and different parameters were noted
such as plant height, vigor, number of fruits on upper and lower sides of the plant, number of
fruits attached in one bunch etc.
After picking the average weight of the fruits were measured with the help of a weighing
balance and lengths and widths were also measured and compared for both of the varieties.

Tomato Insects and solution

Insects Damage Control

Photosynthetic activity is
Aphid Acetamiprid
altered, leaves turn yellow.
Causes leaves to shrivel and
White fly Acetamiprid
curl upwards
Damages leaves and build
Leaf miner Bifenthrin/sponosid
tunnels in the leaf.
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Cuts the stems at very early

Cut worm Phepranil/chlorpyriphos
stage of seedling
Root knot nematode Damages roots Phepranil

Tomato Diseases and solutions

Diseases Damage Control
Immature fruits start to fall off
Damping off Taboconazole application
the plant
Use resistant varieties and
Leaf Curl Virus Leaves curls and growth stunts
remove the damaged plants.
Brown angular spots appear
Early blight Carzate M, Cabritop
on leaves
Brown spots and necrosis
Late blight Mancozeb+samocoxin
starts from margins of leaves
Green and yellow spots on Use resistant varieties and
Tomato Mosaic Virus
leaves remove the damaged plants.
Large grey spot starts to
Thiophanate methyl +
Anthracnose develop at the bottom of the
cymoxanil +mancozeb
fruit

PCM 4 Trial of Cucumber

Varieties in MLC:
The varieties sown in tunnel were:
 CV 5555
 PS 64
 Rayyan
 Shaheen
 SV 0684
 SV 2833
 SV 8047
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 SV 8552
The varieties sown in an open field are:
 SV-6352
 Akad
 Sulman
 SV-6346
 Alpha Prime
 From all the varieties sown in the tunnel the test varieties were:
CV 5555, PS 64, SV 8047, SV 0684, SV 85552. While the other varieties were competitors.
 From open varieties Suman and alpha prime were checks while other hybrids were test
hybrids.

Production Technology:
Climate:
Cucumber crop is best suited for warm season regions and thrives best between 20°- 26° C
and the humidity of about 60%. Cucumber crop is very sensitive to frost, good yield can be
obtained in moderate temperature conditions.
Soil;
Cucumber is cultivated in wide range of soils from sandy loam to heavy. Sandy loam soils,
clay loam soils rich in organic matter with good drainage are best for its cultivation. Soil pH
between 6.0-7.0 is good for better yield.
Seed Rate:
1.5 kg seeds per acre, sown through direct seeding method.
Seed Treatment:
It is rerecommended to treat cucumber seeds with Thiophanate methyl @ 2g/kg of seeds before
sowing in the prepared field.
Land Preparation:
Land should be prepared well enough to remove any weeds from previous crops. Giving 3-4
ploughings will get the soil to fine tilth stage. To make the soil rich in organic matter garden
manure or well decomposed farm yard manure is recommended.
Bed size used was: 0.6 m width x 27 m length.
Sowing Time:
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Cucumbers can be grown as both summer and monsoon crop. Summer crops are sown from
Jan-Feb whereas, rainy season crop are sown from June to July. Seeds are sown at:
PxP = 60-90 cm RxR = 1.5-2.5 m
Sowing date: 22nd October’ 2019 (for tunnel)
2nd April’ 2019 (for open varieties)
Training in Cucumber cultivation:
As the vines creep on ground, supporting the vines vertically will give more yield. Nylon wire
nets were used at MLC to support the plants. Timely rolling of the plants was done to keep
plant standing. Damaged fruits were removed in order to protect the healthy fruits from mal
nutrition.
Fertilizers and Chemicals:
Apart from the FYM, 50 kg of N and 25 kg of P should be given. Half dose of N and full dose of
P should be given at the time of sowing. Remaining half dose of nitrogen should be given one
month after the sowing. Recommended for one hectare of the land.
For 1 kanal, 12 kg DAP, 12 kg SOP, 0.5.57 Potash (at flowering) and 20 20 TE (after 1 month)
with first irrigation should be given. Spraying the crop with Izabian, hyphos and HK gold will
help produce better yield.
Picking and Data Recording:
22 pickings were done in total. First picking was done on 22 nd February’ 2019. Different
parameters including total weight, length and width of cucumbers were measured.
Cucumber Insects:
Insects Damage Control
Cutworm Cuts the stems near roots, Chlorpyriphos and phapranil
preventing nutrients to go to
other parts of plants.

Red mite Feeds thee chlorophyll Hexithiozox

content of plant.
Aphids Transmits viral diseases. Acetamiprid

Cucumber Diseases:
Diseases Damage Control
Anthracnose Grey spots appear on leaves Thiophanate methyl +
paraclostrobin
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Damping off Fruits fall off Taboconazole application

Downey mildew Necrosis and spots appear on Thiophanate methyl
lower side of leaf
Mosaic Virus Yellow spots appear in mosaic Use Resistant varieties
pattern
Powdery mildew White powder appears on micro butyl
leaf

PCM 4 Trial of Sweet Peper

Varieties at MLC:
 Anisha F1
 Manhattan
 SV1865 PB

These hybrids were planted in a tunnel and among all the three varieties, Anisha was planted
as a competitor.

Production Technology:
Climate:
Capsicum requires same temperature conditions as the chilies. The best temperature for
capsicum is 22°-25° C. capsicum is very sensitive to frost conditions. High temperatures can
also result in flower/fruit drop, resulting in lower yield.
Soil:
Well drained clay loam soils rich in organic matter are best for capsicum production. Suitable
pH range of soil for capsicum is 6-7.0
Seed Treatment:
Seed treatment should be done to avoid any seeded borne disease or pathogen from damaging
the plant. Treat with Thiram or Captan at the rate of 2g per kg. of seed.
Raising Seedlings:
Seedlings should be first raised in the nursery bed and then transplanted in the main field.
Seeds should be sown in rows and at 8-10 cm distance apart to get healthy germination.
Seedling area should be covered with a layer of soil manure mixture and the beds should be
irrigated to the optimum moisture level.
Date of sowing: 22th October’ 2019 for tunnel
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Transplanting:
45-50 days old seedlings with 4-5 leaves should be transplanted to the main field. irrigate the
field before transplanting. Transplant in rows and irrigate the field after transplanting.
Date of transplanting: 9th November’ 2019
Spacing: PxP = 30-45 cm RxR = 90 cm
Fertilizer:
20-25 tone of well decomposed FYM per hectare of land is recommended. 1.5 kg of Urea per
kanal and NPK is needed in a ratio of 40:60:30 kg. per ha.
Picking and Data Recording:
Total of six pickings were done with 600 mounds per acre, in total. Different parameters were
measured and recorded after every picking.

Capsicum Insects:
Insects Damage Control
Thrips Sucks the cell sap and Radiant (sponotrosm)
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damage plats
Aphids Sucks the cell sap and Acetameprot
damage plats
Spider Mites Sucks the cell sap and Hexithiyazox
damage plats

Conclusion
The whole experience of working at Monsanto Learning Centre, University of Agriculture
Faisalabad was great. The Centre has a superb work culture, great minds and very high quality of
work. The environment is so friendly that work stress never comes in way. I learned a lot during
this period and acquired many professional skills. I hope my work on this station was satisfactory
and appreciable.