Ludhiana: The Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, successfully conducted a seven-day training programme on "Identification and Management of Agriculturally Important Mites" from February 18 to 24, 2025. Organised under the All India Network Project on Agricultural Acarology (ICAR), the training aimed to enhance participants' understanding of mite morphology, biology, seasonal incidence, and management strategies, with a special focus on taxonomic identification of phytophagous and predatory mites.
Dr. Manmeet Brar Bhullar, Principal Acarologist, coordinated the training, which was co-coordinated by Dr. Paramjit Kaur, an Acarologist. Six participants attended the programme from CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur; Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University; and Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
Dr Manmeet Brar Bhullar provided insights into the morphological and taxonomic identification of predatory and phytophagous mites. She also discussed the status of mite pests in agri-horticultural crops and the identification of their natural enemies. She emphasised eco-friendly mite management, advocating for using botanicals and safer acaricides in vegetable cultivation.
Dr. Paramjit Kaur elaborated on seasonal incidence, biology, identification, and damage symptoms of mites, highlighting their impact on open-field and protected cultivation. She also conducted practical demonstrations on mite collection, preservation, and slide preparation techniques to enhance participants' hands-on skills.
A field visit to a farmer's field in Nurmahal, Jalandhar, was an integral part of the training, where the farmer shared experiences on biorational mite management. The training concluded with an interactive discussion session, where participants engaged with experts to address key research challenges in acarology.
The Department of Entomology, PAU, expressed gratitude to ICAR's All India Network Project on Agricultural Acarology for its support in conducting the program. Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, and Dr. Charanjit Singh Aulakh, Dean of the College of Agriculture, PAU, commended the initiative and emphasised the importance of specialised training programs in advancing research in agricultural pest management.