Shisham dieback research at PFRI [Punjab Forestry Research Institute]

Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) was introduced in Pakistan more than 150 years ago. The tree acclimatized out side its natural habitat and became part of our socio-economic culture. Although Shisham dieback was reported as early as 1900s and 1956-57 yet it never assumed epidemic proportions till May 1998 when large scale and wide spread dieback incidence was ported in Pakistan as well as in other Shisham growing countries of the region. Taking immediate cognizance of the problem, PFRI had undertaken broad based multidisciplinary studies to assess the extent of damage, ascertain the causes of dieback and find out remedial and corrective measures. Preliminary findings suggested that physical and physiological stresses were the primary cause followed by infliction by fungi, insects and other pathogens as secondary cause of dieback. On the basis of preliminary findings a colossal damage of this most important economic species of the country was reported. The Govt. of the Punjab expeditiously approved a developmental project namely "Survey, Research and Control of Shisham Dieback in Punjab (2001-02 to 2005-06)" conceived by PFRI to be implemented at a total cost of Rs. 18.595 million. The project included investigations regarding relationship of forestry practices, pathological diseases and soil environment with dieback of Shisham. The other collaborating agencies, included Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI) and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) with expertise and laboratory facilities available for pathological and soil environmental research. The project is closing on 30.6.2006 and the targets fixed have not only been achieve but exceeded. PFRI was responsible for general survey, identification of disease resistant plus trees, collection of seed from disease free plus trees, raising of 50 acres of research nurseries, and tree improvement through vegetative propagation of true to type plants from disease free plu s trees. The PFRI has a major break through in successfully obtaining vegetative propagation of disease free trees by use of hormones in addition to training and awareness. The test plantations over 100 acres raised in various zones have shown no sign of disease so far. The research also included silvicultural control measures through species, genetic and provenance trials. PFRI also coordinated the research work and financed all the three components of research conducted by PFRI, AARI and UAF.