Biography of Prof Dr M P Srivastava
Biography of Prof.Dr M P Srivastava, FNASc, FPSI
Birth and Educations
Borne on 5th November 1942 in village Gaura Kalan, Varanasi, had his primary education in Varanasi and Secondary/university education in Allahabad. He worked for his M.Sc.(1960-62) on foliar dideases and PhD on post harvest decay (1962-66) under Prof RN Tandon at Allahabad University the then Head, Department of Botany. In PhD he worked .on Post-harvest Diseases of Some Tropical fruits, working as Research Assistant. Findings can be seen in Current Science, Experientia,Z. Pflanzenkrankheiten und Pflanzen S, Phytopathologische Z., Plant Disease Reporter, PANS, Indian Phytopathology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences etc. He also graduated in Journalism and Mass Communicationin 1995 from Kurukshetra University in 1995
Professional Career
In March 1967, joined Bihar Agriculture College, Sabour (Currently Rajendra Agricultural University) and worked on Graminicolous Helminthosporia, but after working for 9 months, joined Punjab /Haryana Agricultural University as Rice Pathologist in Kapoorthala, and worked on stem-rot & multiple resistance. He joined Hisar Campus on 15/01/1970 as Assistant Plant Pathologist/ Prof and taught Mycology, Physiology of Fungi, Diseases of Field Crops, Elements of Plant Disease Control. Two years later, posted to work in cotton section, worked on Bacterial Blight, Stenosis and extensively on Myrothecium Leaf spot of Cotton and devised a scoring scale.
Laying Foundation of plant Health Clinic
In 1976 selected as Extension Specialist/Associate Professor where by dint of his hard work & innovations in Transfer of Technology, he emerged as one of the leading Extension pathologists in the country. Dwindling food security became a matter of concern in view of huge losses due to plant pests. He also felt that most of the losses occurred due lack of knowledge and want of timely diagnosis and remedial measures. He launched several innovative programmes viz 1) Field Evaluation Trial to verify scientists’ findings, regarding performance of such findings on farmers’ field and their socio-economic acceptance. 2) strengthening training programmes by introducing thematic trainings with special trainings on field diagnosis of plant diseases and their remedies, Symposia on Plant pests of Oil seed crops, Pulses, Cereals, pearl millet, fruit and vegetables.; 3) Organizing Plant Health camps and Pesticide Safety week throughout the state bringing awareness as how to avoid hazards and taking advantage by their judicious use
He is protagonist of plant health clinic and has played a vital role in poularisation of plant Clinic and considered as an architect of Extension Plant Pathology, who gave new dimension by strengthening diagnostic & advisory, laying foundation of plant clinic and remembered for his contribution and innovative periodicals — Plant Disease Warning & Plant Pathology Courier. He is known worldwide for his contribution in technology transfer and plant health clinic mitigating losses and assuring food security He is legend, who has been invited twice by International Congress of Plant Pathology to deliver keynote addresses in 2003 and 2013 and organizing and chairing an Evening Session in 2008 on Plant Health Clinic, at Turin, Italy and organizing Keynote session in 2013, under the ambit of international Congress of plant Pathology (ICPP). he was a special invitee in XVIII International Plant Protection Congress 2015 Berlin to chair a Session on Technology Transfer and Plant Health Clinic and to deliver a Keynote Address. In Delhi, India in recognition of his outstanding contribution, he was requested to chair panel discussion on Plant Health clinic in 2011 and again in 2016
He has played a pivotal role in popularization of plant clinic by delivering invited lectures in India, China, New Zealand, Singapore, Italy, Germany, and Las Vegas, USA and South Africa and urged participating nations towards creation of well-organized clinics modeled on human clinics (Phytomedizine- 44 jahrgang – N0. 1, 2014). He has the distinction of organizing and chairing an ‘Evening Session on Plant Health Clinic’ in 9th ICPP2008 in Italy and presenting an invited keynote Address on ’Plant clinics hold key to food security’ in 10th ICPP2013 at Beijing and organizing Key note Session-5 and subsequently in International conference at Hyderabad 2014, Las Vegas (USA) 2015, and Cape Town (S Africa) in June 2016. Indian Phytopathological Societyin view of his expertise and recgnition invited him to Chair Panel Discussion on plant Health Clinic during International Conference in 2011 and in 6th International Plant Pathology conference in 2016
He has won several honors, awards and international recognition, which include ‘Fellowship of The National Academy of Sciences’ in 1988, ‘Best Extension Scientist National Award’ 1996, Man of the Year 1998 award from USA, Invited Keynote speaker in 8th ICPP2003, New Zealand in and invited speaker on Knowledge transfer in 10th ICPP, 2013 at Beijing, Dr Radhakrishnan Award 2013, International Technological Achievement Award on 9th February 2014, Life-time Achievement Award/National Pride Award, Dr APJ Kalaam Gold Medal Award 2015 and IPS Recognition Award during IPS 6th International Conference, 23-27 February 2016.
He has been President of Indian Society of Plant Pathologists, Chief Editor, Indian Journal of Plant Pathology, Fellow of Indian Phytopathological society and National Academy of Sciences, Member and Member Pesticide Panel of DST, GOI, and Technical Advisor of Pestology. He has also been President N Zone of Indian Phytopathological Society His key areas of interest are: technology transfer, Food Security/Plant health clinic, integrated pest management and fungicides. He has guided a dozen students for PhD on diverse areas including biological control of Parthenium. He has published over185 papers, 300 popular articles a dozen of Reviews and six booklets. Currently he is offering online diagnosis and remedies against pest, and advice on establishment of plant clinics through his web portal http://www.xsgrowth.com at zero cost.
He also gave new dimension in dissemination of technology and knowledge by bringing a variety of publications such as leaflets, Question–answer series, and booklets on plant diseases of important crops and handbills. He also managed to release three innovative periodicals, which were hailed by several individuals/universities. These publication included: (1) Paudh Rog Sanrakshika in Hindi, issued every month to progressive farmers, officers of Department of Agriculture and allied agencies, identifying adoption of special preventive measure to be taken in the forthcoming month to get rid of major problems likely to appear; (2) Plant Disease Warning, released anticipating outbreak of plant diseases. The message contained in Plant Diseases Warning was frequently flashed by All-India Radio, Rohtak. The warning disseminated helped in averting epiphytotics and in certain situation saving the cost of pesticides, when felt of no avail. (3) Plant Pathology Courier, issued twice a year highlighting recent development in the field of plant pathology, mitigating losses from plant pests, was appreciated by one and all. Dr Nene during his Presidential tenure of Indian Phytopathological Society remarked that IPS should come forward to make this as news Letter of IPS, while Dr BS Mehrotra, a renowned Mycologist and Professor on going through the bulletin remarked “A very interesting Knowledge enriching bulletin; let others to follow suit.
Dr Srivastava even after becoming professor in 1986, his passion to help the growers did not diminish, and he preferred to devote his 1/3rd time in extension education. The farmers too coming in odd hours were invariably directed by guards on duty at the main Gates to visit his residence. Dr Srivastava would first offer tea or food and then after hearing them, gave the prescription. In 1996, he was appointed Head of the Department and in addition to courses taught, he also taught “Advances in Fungicides” .He is also credited with introducing a post-graduate course on “Integrated Plant Disease Management” for the first time in State agricultural universities.. He also organized 2 week Advance Course on Fungicides for teachers/scientists from state Agricultural Universities and ICAR Institutes across the nation.
At the fag-end of his career, he was appointed Director Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation. Keeping in view monetary crunch, his vision was to cut down existing expenditure and generate funds from certain projects and elsewhere. He succeeded in his mission by right-sizing colleges/departments by shifting additional staff to those colleges where needed without going for new appointments. Modalities were devised to facilitate participation of more scientists in national and international conferences,
Areas of interest and futuristic approach towards sustainable production
On joining as Extension Specialist in 1976, he was greatly concerned with losses due to plant diseases and therefore he gave priority on diagnostics and advisory, which laid the foundation of Plant Health Clinic. In fact, in the last decade of 20th century he conceived Mission Plant Clinic and since then he devoted ample time towards popularization of Plant Health Clinic world-over. During the process he delivered several lecture in India; China, New Zealand, Singapore, Italy, Berlin, USA, and organized an Evening Session on Plant Health Clinic in Italy during 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology; and convening panel discussion on Plant Health Clinic in 2011(Delhi), 2015 (Berlin) and 2016 in New Delhi.
With growing awareness on the importance of plant clinic, National Horticulture Mission of the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation entered the field in a big way for creation of over 128 clinics each at a cost of 20 lacs in public and private sector. Dr Srivastava has helped individuals and organizations in creating Plant health Clinic. Kerala Planning Board in Feb 2013 invited Dr Srivastava to present a lead paper, projecting feasibility of creating Plant Clinic at district level. Delivering lecture at several places in India and abroad acted as catalyst for launching clinics. Though CAB International has played a big role in establishment of Community-based Plant Clinic (comparable with plant Health camp in Indian context) in many Latin American and Afro-Asian countries, where plant ailments are examined and provided prescription, but the only disadvantage, the farmers do not know where the next clinic is going to be organized.
Vision of Dr. M P Srivastava on Plant Health Clinic
Dr Srivastava at several forums has asked if we can have hospital for men and cattle, why can’t we have plant clinic. Let’s create in urban and rural areas, with its independent identity on the same line as we have clinics for humans and cattle. He has emphasized the need of such clinics with physical infra structure and manpower. a plant pathologist entomologist, soil scientist and agronomist sitting under one roof so that growers have not to move from pillar to post.
During (th ICPP held in Italy, in the Evening Session on Plant Health Clinic, an International Working Group on Plant Health clinic was formed with Dr srivastava as chairperson. The Session alo recommended providing free diagnostic and advisory support to growers. Srivastava continues to help growers online through his web portal http://www.xsgrowth.com on diagnostic and advisory, and in establishment of Plant Clinic
Source: Dr M P Srivastava (mpsrivastava28@gmail.com), Gurgaon, India dated 5th October, 2016
Plant Protection News
Why can’t we have organised plant health clinic?
Dr. M P Srivastava, Formerly Director and Professor & Head Plant Pahology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
Plants are the primary source of food for all of us. like any living being, plants too are prone to attack by large number of insect-pests and diseases, which cause about 40% reduction in yield worldwide. Lack of timely diagnosis and advisory is one of the major reasons for huge losses. Saving losses will go a long way in supporting sustainabilty. It has been witnessed that farmers visit the university, run from one department to other and often fail to get solution. At several national and international forum I have urged the participating nations to create Plant Health Clinic at focal point in urban and rural areas on the pattern of Human- and Veterinary clinics with necessary infrastructure and manpower from necessary disciplines, so that farmers get right solution. I urge all the nations once again to come forward and take a lead in starting Plant Health Clinic in a big way and provide free services to growers on plant health and ailments.
Such a step will help in mitigating losses to a great extent and increasing productivity and at the same time plant doctors may command same respect in the society as physicians in the hospital. Let’s come forward and provide healing touch to those who provide food to all of us. Let’s salute the farmers who face all odds and produce food for all of us and hope the government across the world will take initiative in this direction
Posted onJanuary 31, 2016Leave a commenton Why can’t we have organised plant health clinic?
Global plant protection news honor
Dr. M. P. Srivastava Honored with Prestigious IPS Recognition Award
Posted in Awards on March 9, 2016 | Leave a Comment »
Former Director Planning & Head Plant Pathology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Dr M P Srivastava has been honored with “IPS Recognition Award 2014” in recognition of his contribution to the growth of Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS), and more importantly services rendered towards society in mitigating crop losses due to plant pests. The award was given by former Director General Indian Council of Agricultural research, Dr V.L. Chopra by presenting him a shawl, Memento and Certificate of Excellence during 6th International Conference organized by Indian Phytopathological Society at its 68th Annual Convention at the NAAS Complex, New Delhi 23-27 Feb 2016. Dr Srivastava is a legend in the area of Transfer of Technology and Plant Health Clinics. During the conference, Dr Srivastava presented a paper “Overdependence on pesticides could be hazardous to man and environment.” While elaborating the advantages of pesticides in pest management, he cautioned that over-enthusiasm in pesticide application could lead to hazards; hence their misuse and abuse needs to be avoided, and instead of keeping pesticides at bay, make them as integral component of IPM modules. In epiphytotics they may provide respite. Dr Srivastava also chaired the Session on “Plant Health Clinic” with Dr Khan from NDU, USA as Co-chair and Eris Tzamos from Athens, Greece as lead speaker among others.
Dr. Srivastava is credited with delivering two Keynote Address, 1) in 8th International Congress of Plant Pathology (8th IPPC2003) at Christchurch in 2003; and 2) in 10th ICPP2013 in Beijing, besides organizing an Evening Session on Plant Health Clinic (PHC) during 9th ICPP2008 in Turin, Italy. Another global giant the International Plant Protection Congress honored him to chair a Session on 1) Transfer of Technology, 2) to act as Convener of Plant Health Clinic in Urban Horticulture and 3) delivering a lecture on Plant Health Clinic. He has also been invited by several other organizations to deliver keynote addresses in Hyderabad, India in October 2014 and Las Vegas in June 2015 besides Kerala Planning Board inviting him in Feb 2013 to present a lead paper on feasibility of establishing Plant Health clinic in 12th Plan at district level in Kerala state. In recognition of his contribution, Dr Srivastava has been honored with several awards, which include Best Extension Scientist National Award 1996, Man of the Year 1998 Award from US, International Technological Achievement Award, Dr Radhakrishnan Gold Medal Award, National Pride Award- “Life-Time Achievement Award”, Dr APJ Gold Medal Award and Fellowship of National Academy of Sciences in 1988, amongst others. Dr Srivastava even after his retirement in 2002 offers online diagnosis and advisory to growers on management of plant diseases through his web portalhttp://www.xsgrowth.com .free of cost, as a passion to help the growers.
Global plant protection news
Dr. M P Srivastava conferred with Life-time achievement Award “National Glory Award” (Rashtriya Gaurav Award)
Posted in Awards on December 8, 2014 | Leave a Comment »
Former Director Planning and Professor & Head Plant Pathology of CCS Haryana agricultural University, Dr M P Srivastava has been conferred with National Glory Award (Rashtriya Gaurav Award), in recognition his life-time outstanding contribution and exemplary services to the Nation on Plant Healthcare for Food Security through popularization of Plant Clinic and innovation-driven Transfer of Technology .The award was presented by former Governor of Tamil Nadu & Union Minister, Shri Bhishma Narayan Singh at a glittering function on November 24th, 2014 at India International Centre, New Delhi. Earlier recipients of the award include Mother Teresa, amongst others.
Dr. M.P. Srivastava receiving the award from Dr Bhishma Narain Singh, Former Governor
Dr Srivastava, is renowned extension pathologist and global expert in plant clinic who has been honored with several awards and honors for empowering farmers with innovative technology for increasing productivity and mitigating losses, which include; Fellowship of National Academy of Sciences 1988, Extension Scientist National Award 1996, Man of the Year Award 1998 (USA), and International Technological Achievement Award 2014 amongst others. He has been invited by several International Congresses to deliver keynote addresses in New Zealand (2003) Italy (2008) and Beijing (2013) besides plenary/invited lecture in India, Beijing (1999, 2000), Singapore (2005), Italy (2008), Germany (2009) amongst others to share his concept to strengthen food security. He was a lead speaker and Advisor in a Workshop organized by Kerala Planning Board for stating Plant clinic in 12th plan in Feb 2013 and a Keynote Speaker in 3rd international Conference organized in Hyderabad 25-28 November 2014.
At 72 years old Dr Srivastava, even after his retirement 12 years ago, he is engaged in offering online diagnostic and advisory support to farmers free of cost through his website www.xsgrowth.com
The International Association of Plant Protection Sciences (IAPPS) congratulates Dr Srivastava and hope he will continue to help the growers in protecting their crops from onslaught of diseases and other pests.
- A. “Short” Heinrichs
IAPPS Secretary General
Some articles on pesticides clarifying certain myths and presenting ground realities
Pesticides in Rural Prosperity: Perceptions and Ground Realities (Part 1) Comment Favorites Forward Share this. ( ) Print Category: Crop Protection Viewpoint & Interview Tags: Pesticides , fungicide , perceptions , ground Realities , IPM , Biotechnology Plant diseases are known since time immemorial. Epiphytotics of certain diseases such as Late Blight of potato in Ireland in 1845, Coffee Rust in 1875 in Sri Lanka, Bengal famine in 1942 in India, are some of them which caused untold miseries and changed the history of mankind. Plant pests are responsible for approx 40 percent reduction in yield worldwide (Oerke et al., 1994). As per Assocham Study, India is losing annually INR 50,000 crore due to various pests and diseases (TNN/Feb 14, 2014), excluding annual postharvest losses amounting to INR 2.5 lac crore, in addition to spoilage of 21 million tonnes of wheat – equivalent to entire production of Australia (PTI, Jan 10, 2013) due to poor storage infrastructure. Pesticides have been successfully used worldwide since 19th century (Pimental et al 1967; Home and Page, 2000) for plant protection and public health. I earnestly believe that they shall be used in future also as most effective arsenal against plant pests in view of development of relatively safer and ecofriendly fungicides. Pesticides came under serious criticism with the publication of Silent Spring in 1962 by Rachel Carson, who apprehended threat to mankind and environment… Frank Graham (1970) too held similar view on pesticides in his book ‘Since Silent Spring’. Another publication, ‘Silent Spring Revisited’ by American Chemical Society (1987) also corroborates the views of Rachel Carson. However discovery of pesticides due to scarcity of food led to development of wide range of pesticides without taking cognizance of her revelation. Today we have specific fungicides which can control, downy mildew, powdery mildew and a variety of diseases as listed in the
Table 1. Bordeaux mixture, copper oxychloride, Sulphur discovered in 19th century still hold the ground. Discovery of dithiocarbamates as potent fungicides marked the beginning of second generation fungicides, which include very widely used fungicides like zineb and mancozeb. The other important fungicides considered to be part of 2nd generation are captan, captafol, dinocap etc. The first systemic fungicide carboxin and oxycarboxin made their debut in 1966 and marked the beginning of third 9/15/2016 Pesticides in Rural Prosperity: Perceptions and Ground Realities (Part 1)Agricultural newsAgropages.com http://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail17276e.htm 2/3 generation fungicide. Carbendazim, a benzimdazole fungicide appeared two years later. Subsequently phenylamides, and fosetylAl aimed at controlling Oomycetous fungi were discovered. In spite of outbursts against pesticides by Rachel Carson in 1962 the process of discovery continued and unbelievable, effective and safer fungicides such as, SBIs, MBIs (tricyclazole pyroquilon etc.), strobilurins etc. were developed. Today with the availability of relatively safe and effective fungicides of 4th generation including novel fungicides, most of the diseases can be effectively controlled and crop yields can be improved. While phenylamides and fosetylAl have revolutionized control of downy mildews and phytophthoras, SBIs have offered control of diverse group (tricyclazole pyroquilon etc.), strobilurins etc. were developed. Today with the availability of relativly – safe and effective fungicides of 4th generation including novel fungicides, most of the diseases can be effectively controlled and crop and crop yields can be improved. While phenylamides and fosetylAl have revolutionized control of downy mildews and phytophthoras, SBIs have offered control of diverse group of fungi, MBIs to rice blast and strobilurins unusually wide array of crop diseases from all four classes of plant pathogens, namely Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Deuteromycetes and Oomycetes. In view of specifically effective fungicides, farmers do not want to take risk of going the other way. Today indiscriminate use of pesticides has undoubtedly adversely affected ecological balance resulting in pest resurgence, aggravation of minor pests, pesticide resistance, and environmental pollution and more importantly their residues in food and feed posing serious health hazards to man and animal. In view of the situation, people started to believe that pesticides are responsible for the hazards forgetting whether pesticides are really responsible or it is man for misuse and abuse of pesticides and forgetting how pesticides have supported realizing higher yields. As savior of plants and environment, I would call upon all concerned to have restrained in using pesticides and avoid misuse and abuse, which does not mean keeping pesticides at bay. One may use as per need, on recommendation of plant doctor, and not pesticide dealers. Author: Dr. M. P. Srivastava 9/15/2016 Pesticides in Rural Prosperity: Perceptions and Ground Realities (Part 1)Agricultural newsAgropages.com http://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail17276e.htm 3/3 Previous： Dow AgroSciences launches new high protein canola meal Next： Pesticides in Rural Prosperity: Perceptions and Ground Realities (Part 2) Latest News MORE>> Comment 2 Favorites Editor’s Pick Top News Recruitment Sales Perfor
Why can’t we have organised plant health clinic?
Dr. M P Srivastava, Formerly Director and Professor & Head Plant Pahology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India
Plants are the primary source of food for all of us. like any living being, plants too are prone to attack by large number of insect-pests and diseases, which cause about 40% reduction in yield worldwide. Lack of timely diagnosis and advisory is one of the major reasons for huge losses. Saving losses will go a long way in supporting sustainabilty. It has been witnessed that farmers visit the university, run from one department to other and often fail to get solution. At several national and international forum I have urged the participating nations to create Plant Health Clinic at focal point in urban and rural areas on the pattern of Human- and Veterinary clinics with necessary infrastructure with a team of Plant pathologist, entomologist, edaphologist and agronomist, so that farmers may not have to run from pillar to post, and get the right solution. I have urged all the nations at various international fora in different countries and once again request to come forward and take a lead in starting Plant Health Clinic in a big way and provide free services to growers on plant health and ailments. National Horticulture Mission of India has come forward in a big way in establishing 128 plant clinics across the country. Let others follow suit.
Such a step will help in mitigating losses to a great extent and increasing productivity and at the same time plant doctors may command same respect in the society as physicians in the hospital. Let’s come forward and provide healing touch to those who provide food to all of us. Let’s salute the farmers who face all odds and produce food for all of us and hope the government across the world will take initiative in this direction. Horticulture Mission
Bangalore, India: Dr M P Srivastava Conferred with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Award
Former Director Planning and Head Plant Pathology of Haryana Agricultural University was conferred the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Gold Medal Award in recognition of his exemplary contribution on transfer of plant protection technology, plant clinics and global food security. The award was given on 12th National seminar on Individual Achievement & National Development by Universal Achievers Foundation, on 15th of October 2015 at Bangalore.
In the past Dr Srivastava. has been honored with several awards like Fellowship of The National academy of Sciences, 1988, Best Extension Scientist National Award by ICAR 1996, Dr Radhakrishnan Gold Medal Award October 2013, International Technological Achievement Award February 2014 and National Pride Award ‘Life-Time Achievement Award November 2014 amongst others.
Dr Srivastava is a legendary figure in technology transfer, and was a special invitee at 7th International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP), Edinburgh 1996 where he made special presentation on technology flow, and in…
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Plant physician, pesticides, environment and plant health clinic
Perceptions of Prof M P Srivastava
( Haryana Agricultural University, Gurgaon122011, India,, E-mail: mpsrivastava28@gmail.com)
On Plant Physician, Pesticides, Environment and IPM through Plant Health Clinic
[Balanced view on pesticides – need to sensitize users and advisors & Promoting IPM towards a better tomorrow]
Professor Srivastava, a pathologist with over 50 years of experience has been Director Planning and Professor & Head of Plant Pathology of Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar .He started his professional career in 1962 as Research Assistant working on post-harvest diseases of fruits and earning Ph.D.in 1967. He joined Haryana Agricultural University in1967 and after working for a decade on diseases of Rice and Cotton, joined as Extension Plant Pathologist in 1976 and emerged as one of the leading extension pathologist of India. He has been very popular amongst farmers, field functionaries because of his diagnostic ability, communication skill providing suitable prescription and passion to serve the farmers. He had the distinction of being first agricultural scientist to win Best Extension Scientist Award instituted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research in 1986. Today he is the winner of several awards and honor, such as Dr Radhakrishnan Gold Medal, International Technological Achievement Award and India Pride Award- lifetime Achievement Award in Plant Protection: Technology transfer, Food Security & Plant Clinic; amongst others. He has the distinction of organizing evening session on plant clinic during 8th ICPP in Turin, Italy 2008 and heading International Working Group on plant Clinic; delivering many Invited Keynote address in ICPP 2003 in New Zealand, ICPP 2013 in Beijing amongst others. His popularity as savior of farmers did not diminish and even after taking over as professor. Farmers preferred to seek his advice. He believes that most of the losses due to pests occur due to lack of timely diagnostic and advisory support. Diagnosis is as important as providing prescription or remedial measures. Since at this stage only pesticides or fungicides can provide respite, a pathologist has to have thorough knowledge about fungicides, which many of them lack, and therefore a pest advisor carry a bad name by recommending wrong pesticides, which fail to provide relief to the grower
Pesticides undoubtedly have played an important role in pest management in crops and public health. Their intelligent use will continue to play an important role in food production in view of unabated rise in population (Weller et al, 2014). Srivastava (1999) citing their importance in plant protection considers pesticides as necessary evil in plant protection, but are also responsible for various kind of hazards, for which squarely blame goes on pesticides, which is not true. In fact misuse and abuse of pesticides have created more problems. Pesticides, in fact are the integral component of the pest management system,. Pesticides came into controversy with the publication of Silent Spring in 1962 by a biologist-turned journalist. Rachel Carson, which may be considered as laying foundation to Integrated Pest Management. Irrespective of her opposition, pesticide discovery continued and several new generation fungicides were developed, which are able to control downy mildews, blast, phytophtoras, for which earlier copper or zineb were used with little success. These pesticides are used in small quantities and are safe to bio-diversity.
Dr Srivastava is neither a protagonist of pesticides nor opponent of IPM. As professor and a practical practitioner he has tried to nullify some of the misconception in a recent paper “Plant Physician, Pesticides and Environment” that appeared in Agropages, March 3 , 2015, and has been appreciated by over a dozen people, besides comment by Dr Indulkar,who writes”, he has tried to present a balanced approach on fungicides, which many of us lack though a very interesting article. which I am reproducing for the benefit of our readers, He had also organized an Advance course on Fungicides for scientists of state agricultural university, which did not mean that IPM is most suitable system for managing plant pests. And therefore he introduced a course at Post-graduate course on Integrated Plant diseases – a first of its kind in the Plant pathology department. Even in giving remedial measures he has highlighted use of integrated pest management.
As Secretary General of International Plant Protection Societies, I offer my compliments to Prof Srivastava to remove misgivings on pesticides. I also believe that Dr Srivastava was the first Head of the Department of Plant Pathology to introduction an exclusive course on Integrated Plant Disease management. Pesticides have always been in controversy in spite of their contribution in pest management of crops and their utility in domestic pest management and public health. Diagnosis is a experience- driven process, and therefore the Pathologists should be an experienced person with ample knowledge about pesticides and related disciplines – more importantly entomology and nematology.. When a farmer visits the clinic, he hopes that most of the problem is likely to be solved but wrong decisions in recommendation of pesticides could be suicidal to the farmer and demise of the grower could lead to taking procession and showing their anguish to the government.
Viewpoint & Interview
Mar. 3, 2015
Plant Physician, Pesticides & Environment
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Author:Dr. M. P. Srivastava
Tags: Plant Physician, Pesticides, Environment, Fungicide
Dr. M. P. Srivastava
Dr. M. P. Srivastava is a distinguished Plant Pathologist with 50 years of experience. Formerly Director and Professor & Head Plant Pathology Haryana agr University; Currently Chairperson XSGrowth Plant Health Clinic(www.xsgrowth.com). His key areas of interest have been Transfer of Technology, Pesticides/Fungicides, IPM and plant Health Clinic. In the field of pesticides, he organized an advanced course on Fungicides in 1998 for scientists of state agricultural universities of India, brought out a comprehensive manual and has served as expert member on Pesticide panel of DST, Govt of India.
Plant physician or plant doctor plays the same role for treating plant ailments, as a physician for treating human ailments. What an irony! No one asks the doctor as to why lots of chemical medicines are being prescribed? If the patient reports of insomnia like condition, the doctor prescribes sleeping pills. If the patient consumes more than the recommended dose, it becomes fatal? Are you not aware of fatality due to over-consumption of sleeping pills? Should we ban sleeping pills? Do medicines not have side effects? Yet the doctor will prescribe medicine and hardly in few cases recommend yoga, meditation and exercises depending upon the condition of the patients.
Same holds true for plant ailments too. Why so much of hue and cry against pesticides when these are recommended by plant doctor? Like medicines, pesticides are the handy tool in the hands of plant physician? He cannot practice without pesticides. It does not mean that in all eventuality pesticides need to be recommended as a matter of rule. When a farmer visits the plant doctor, he is first interested in saving the crop. And truly speaking at that moment of time only pesticide can offer some respite. The wisdom of the plant doctor lies in recommending safe eco-friendly pesticides. Most of the hazards are due to lack of wisdom and foresightedness of the doctor. I have no hesitation in expressing that many pest advisors are not well versed with so called Materia Medica of plant pests. It is worth mentioning that there are many recent generation pesticides which are
planthealth 