ICAR-NBAIR's Groundbreaking Discoveries and Innovations in Pest Management

The ICAR - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources has discovered 63 new insect species in 2023-2024, granted five patents, achieved 85-89% mortality in cotton whitefly using gene silencing, and commercialized 47 technologies, generating Rs 32.5 million. Their innovations include microbial pesticides, pheromones, and novel insecticidal formulations.

The ICAR - National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR) has announced the discovery of 63 new insect species in 2023-2024, significantly advancing scientific knowledge of agriculturally important insects.

According to ICAR-NBAIR, the institute was granted five patents in the last financial year, further solidifying its leadership in innovative pest management solutions. These include a herbal-based repellent for termites on woody trees, an alcohol-free plywood-laced melon fly attractant protocol, and 'Dorsa Lure', a plant volatile composition designed to enhance trap efficiency for mango fruit flies.

In addition, the institute has released various biological control agents in different areas, significantly reducing pest impact. Notably, ICAR-NBAIR achieved breakthroughs in gene silencing technology, developing dsRNA constructs that resulted in up to 85-89% mortality in cotton whiteflies. The bureau also completed genome assemblies for four insect species, focusing on critical traits like insecticide resistance and abiotic stress tolerance. Impressively, ICAR-NBAIR commercialized 47 technologies including microbial pesticides, pheromones, and insecticidal formulations within the year.

These technologies generated Rs 32.5 million in revenue, and the bureau signed over 112 licensing agreements to promote their use across industries. ICAR-NBAIR also introduced innovative biological control agents to manage pests such as fall armyworms and white grubs, making novel insecticidal formulations and microbial pesticides available in the market.

(With inputs from agencies.)