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Joint study leads to China, Pakistan adopting novel approach to flower growing

A joint study by Pakistan’s Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) and China’s Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS) has tested new techniques that could assist Pakistani farmers in growing roses and marigolds, flowers commonly used in the country for cultural events and celebrations.

The one-year project based in Yunnan, southwest China, examined ways to tackle issues like diseases and pests that impact roses and marigolds. To enhance their resistance to diseases, Pakistani and Chinese researchers have developed a novel approach to cultivate new rose and marigold varieties that will grow faster and will be less costly.

They have also introduced a new technique to detect common pathogens affecting these flowers, such as fungi and viruses, and tested methods to manage them.

Dr Niaz Ali, a lecturer from SBBU and the sole Pakistani scientist involved in the project, told Gwadar Pro, “The new varieties could be developed without the need for complex tissue culture processes. And they are more resistant to diseases and better suited to local conditions and harsh climates,” the two chronic ills for floral farming in Pakistan.

Read more at The Express Tribune

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