Ludhiana, October 7
This year also late blight has been reported in the potato seed. According to scientists in Punjab Agricultural University, late blight has the potential of destroying the whole potato crop within a week under favourable weather conditions.

They said the potato crop in Punjab was affected by late blight attack in the last crop season and had caused severe yield losses. Most of the seed kept for this season crop has become infected. Diseased seed tubers are the primary source of the infection.

The scientists said in some of the cold stores in Hoshiarpur district, 50 per cent of infection had been observed. The farmers have been advised to ensure that the potato tubers kept for seed purpose should be free from infection. They should remove the infected tubers from the seed lots before sowing. — TNS

Ludhiana, October 7
A meeting of Indira Gandhi National Open University was held at IGNOU special study centre at Everest Public School on the eve of commencement of the new session. Dr Inderpal Singh, former pro vice-chancellor, GNDU, was the chief guest on this occasion. Regarding the need of the establishment of the university, he said only 10 per cent of the students qualifying from different boards were able to pursue their studies in the colleges. Ninety per cent of students for one or the other reasons could not continue their studies and their need would be fulfilled by IGNOU.

Asha Sharma, co-ordinator IGNOU special study, threw light on various subjects offered by the university.

Freshers party: Meenu Sharma and Pradeep Grewal were adjudged Ms Fresher and Mr Fresher respectively at the fresher party organised by the department of Business Management of the Ludhiana College of Engineering and Technology (LCET), Katani Kalan. Sonal Mahajan, HR manager, Niagara Metals, was the chief guest. Dr Pawan Kumar, principal, LCET presented bouquets to the guests.

The lamp lighting ceremony was followed by a brief overview of the achievements of the college and the department.

The senior students enthralled the audience by their wonderful performances like mimicry, dance and songs. This was followed by the prize distribution.

Seminars: In an elaborate two-day program, the pathology department of Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) organised seminars on various aspects pathology which concluded here yesterday. Speakers of international and national repute delivered talks and conducted slide seminars to cover recent advances in nephropathology, neuropathology and hematopathology.

Harish Rai Dhanda, chief parliamentary secretary, was the chief guest at the occasion. Dr John Abraham, principal, CMC, extended welcome to the guests and congratulated the pathology department for holding such an important event.