Renowned Australian scientist Neil Forrester has said that Pakistan has been blessed with rich natural resources and favorable climate to achieve maximum yield potential of cotton crop but unfortunately this dream has not yet been fulfilled.

He was talking to young entomologists and Agri-Scientists during his visit to IPM laboratory of the department of Agri Entomology and CABB University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. He said that cotton crop in Pakistan has been affected badly with cotton mealy bug and other insects which, is a question mark for cotton breeders and entomologists.

Dr Muhammad Jalal Arif, Associate Professor and Incharge IPM Lab briefed the Australian scientist about the out break of cotton mealy bug, its biology, mode of dispersal and natural enemies. He further said that this insect appeared in 2005 with damaging character in 14 districts of Sindh and Punjab provinces. Both the scientists exchanged views and discussed the matters of scientific interest.