Plant Disease Management

Urdbean leaf crinkle virus (ULCV), an unclassified virus, seed-borne with narrow host range and probably aphid-transmitted, is relatively a destructive and serious disease of urdbean than other viruses infecting legumes in Pakistan. Urdbean germplasm consisting of 87 genotypes was screened against the virus under field conditions during spring and summer seasons 2005-06. More than 50% of the genotypes were infected during initial period of 3-4 weeks followed by slow down of infection. Eight genotypes viz., Mash-1, 6049-7-1, 9049-1, AARIM-174, AARIM-191, AARIM-220, 4cm-719, and 90cm-056 showed variable response to ULCV in both the seasons probably due to their genetic instability. On the basis of 0-5 disease rating scale and disease severity index, genotypes varied significantly in their reaction against ULCV. Nine genotypes viz., 2cm-703, 90cm-015, 93cm-006, 94cm-019, 99cm-001, IAM 382-1, IAM382-9, IAM382-15 and IAM133 remained free of infection and were classified as "Highly Resistant". Rest of the genotypes were infected, among which 19 were classified as "Resistant", 29 as "Moderately Resistant", 11-19 as "Moderately susceptible 3-6 as "Susceptible and 4-6 were highly susceptible. Some genotypes in spite of high disease pressure were good yielder, indicating a high degree of tolerance to ULCV with desirable quality for breeding.

The world's food supply is derived from plants. Numerous ecological issues can cause  plant diseases, which can cause noteworthy damages in output. Hence, identifying plant diseases by hand is a laborious and difficult process. For identifying plant diseases and halting their spread, this method isn't always reliable. Modern methods like artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive models help solve these obstacles and enable the primary study of diseases of plants. The most current developments in the use of data mining and deep understanding (DL) methods for plant infection analysis are examined in this research. The study's main objective is to ascertain how successfully it can detect plant illnesses. The limitations and difficulties when applying the two methods to make diagnoses of plant illnesses are also covered in this study. They involve problems with imagery quality, accessibility of data, and the ability to distinguish between good and unhealthy plants. It deals a detailed grasp of the state of the study of the subject at the moment, enumerates the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches, and suggests viable solutions for problems with execution. For researchers, practitioners, and industry experts engaged in plant disease detection, all of these components contribute to the provision of useful information. In this work, we suggest a hybrid approach to early illness identification that uses both RC-NN for diseases categorizing and RFV-CNN.

| Stemphylium Blight (SB) triggered by Stemphylium botryosum (Wallr.) (teleomorph-Pleospora herbarum), first identified in Bangladesh in 1986, is a significant challenge to all the major lentil-growing nations. It induces partial to complete foliar damage and results in about 3/5 th to full failure of the lentil yield. The molecular study for the recognition and delineation of species is inevitable as high complexity is seen due to environmental concerns and contrasting morphological characteristics among species. The frequency and intensity of this disease depends on environmental and climatic factors that are mainly favored by high humidity, temperature greater than 22 0 C, and cloudiness. The pathogen mainly persists in crop debris and occasionally in seed during the offseason. Mapping QTLs by utilizing wild varieties and landraces may be used to develop disease-resistant varieties which it is the most efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable technique. Integrated disease management approaches along with Omics and weather prediction tools may be crucial in avoiding severe SB outbreaks. A comprehensive review article discusses the morphological as well as molecular dimension of pathogens, their effects, pathogenicity, integrated disease management approaches, and future views.

It is a fact that the performance of most crop genotypes varies across environments due to genotype-environment interactions.Sharing knowledge about maize genotypes that are well-adapted and high-yielding in specific environments is essential for smallholder farmers to boost their productivity. A field trial was established in three locations during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons to identify and select better-adapted high-yielding maize genotypes for production. A total of 10 improved varieties were evaluated using a randomised complete block design with three replications. The AMMI analysis of variance showed grain yield significantly (p ≤ 0.001) infuenced by genotype-environment interaction. This suggests that different genotypes showed varying grain yield performance across environments, implying the opportunity to choose effective genotypes suitable for both specific and broad adaptability. Moreover, the combined analysis of variance showed that genotype-environment interaction significantly influenced plant height, ear height, dry biomass yield, and hundred-kernel weight. The sum of squares factor explained that grainyield variation was contributed by the genotype (71.22%), followed by the environment (16.54%) and the genotype-environment interaction effect (12.24%) of the total variation. Genotypes BH-661, BH-549, and BH-546 demonstrated superior performance and stability, surpassing the national maize mean productivity and indicating broad adaptability. The AMMI analysis, GSI, and GGE biplot confirmed their robustness and high yield potential, especially for BH-661 and BH-549, making them optimal for variable conditions. Therefore, BH-661 and BH-549 are selected as stable genotypes for production in all agroecologies suitable for formation in the Dawuro zone.

Home gardens aid to improve food availability, ecology, job opportunities, social conditions for outstanding production, contributing to the conservation of diversity and maintenance of plant genetic resources and ecosystem. The objective of this review is to know about the major crops, vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants, and cash plants materials and women's participation in home garden agroforestry practices in Bangladesh. The various species of home gardens are nutritionally and economically valued as they fulfill a demand. Women are more engaged than men in home garden activities. Common vegetables, fruits contain significant amounts of protein, sugars, salts, calcium, iron, vitamins, minerals, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron. The common medicinal plants are using plant parts such as fruit, leaf, bark as treatment of dysentery, cough, fever, and other diseases. The flower plants improve beautification in the home and also contain the aesthetic value. The profit plant helped in the economic sector. The responsible bodies should undertake positive actions like promoting specific study plans in the home garden to ensure biological balance to improve the capacity of women communities to manage and maintain home garden diversity.

The research work was conducted with disease management of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) against Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) disease and Cercospora leaf Spot (CLS) disease in response to seed priming with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gibberellic acid (GA3). Pre-sowing seed priming of eight individual genotypes was performed with distilled water, 50 ppm GA3 and 20 ppm Silver Nanoparticles for this experiment. The results provide an overview of the positive effects of AgNP and GA3 treatments on disease control against MYMV and CLS diseases in mungbean. In the case of MYMV for two-year pooled data, maximum disease control was observed when the seeds were primed with silver nanoparticles (18.01%) followed by seed priming with GA3 (11.13%). For CLS, the highest disease control was noticed in seed priming with silver nanoparticles (21.20%) followed by seed priming with GA3 (13.74%).

La nécessité de gérer les pathogènes des céréales augmentera à mesure que la production alimentaire continuera à s'intensifier pour nourrir une population humaine croissante. Le climat est un moteur important de la dynamique des populations microbiennes, de sorte que le changement climatique nécessitera des stratégies de gestion adaptatives pour faire face au changement de comportement des champignons phytopathogènes. Les fluctuations du climat se manifestent principalement par une augmentation des températures, des niveaux CO2 et une modification de l'humidité relative. Il est donc important d'étudier l'impact des facteurs abiotiques liés aux variations climatiques sur les microorganismes pathogènes des céréales et leurs agents de biocontrôle (BCAs). Dans ce contexte, ce travail a consisté à étudier l'impact des perturbations du climat sur l'efficacité de trois BCAs commerciaux Streptomyces griseoviridis (Mycostop®), Trichoderma asperellum (Xedavir®) et Pythium oligandrum (Polyversum®) contre l'agent causal de la fusariose de l'épi du blé, Fusarium graminearum, à l'aide de confrontations expérimentales in vitro, in spicula (épillets blé) et in planta. Il a été observé des effets contrastés des changements de température et d'humidité relative sur F. graminearum, les BCAs et leurs interactions à travers un plan expérimental de confrontations in vitro et sur épillets de blé. Les BCAs ont limité la croissance du pathogène quelles que soient les variations des facteurs abiotiques. Concernant la production de mycotoxines, un effet différentiel sur la production du déoxynivalénol (DON) et de la zéaralénone (ZEN) a été observé en fonction des conditions. L'efficacité des BCAs dans le contrôle de la contamination par les mycotoxines varie en fonction de la mycotoxine produite et des conditions de culture, indiquant une différence d'adaptation ou de mécanismes d'adaptation aux facteurs abiotiques entre les microorganismes. Les données expérimentales ont été utilisées pour concevoir des modèles mathématiques permettant de contribuer

Background: Mungbean and Urdbean are the important pulses in India which are regarded as prospective protein source for
human daily diet and rich source of protein and carbohydrate. Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus is one of the destructive diseases to
pulses and transmitted by whitefly. Among the pulses, mungbean and urdbean are severely affected by MYMV in India. Present
investigation was aimed to determine the congenial and mitigating factors of mungbean and urdbean crops with reference to
infection of MYMV and its vector.

Methods: The morphological and biochemical analysis was carried out by factorial RCBD consisting of two factors viz., factor 1:
Crops (V) (Mung bean and Urd bean) and factor 2: observation at 15 days interval up to 90 DAS (S) for recording different morphological
and biochemical parameters.

Result: Morphological parameters of urdbean are able to mitigate the vector incidence and indirectly reduced the MYMV infection
in urdbean than mungbean. Further, the biochemical parameters levels were more in urdbean than mungbean and their levels
increased with the increased MYMV incidence. Hence, it is concluded that the morphological characters are found responsible for
vector infestation where as biochemical levels are important for the infection of MYMV in both the crops.

ABSTRACT
Background: Zinc solubilizing bacteria and fungi are possible alternatives for zinc supplementation and translate inorganic form
of zinc to available forms for the plants.
Methods: Two phosphates solubilising bacterial (ABB1, ABB2) and fungal (FSD1, FSD2) strains were initially isolated from the
rhizospheric soil of the plant and were tested for their plant growth promoting ability and zinc solubilizing capability. Aloe barbadensis
Mill. plants were inoculated with the microbial strains to assess their effects on plant growth and to quantify the zinc content in
leaves using atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Result: In our experiment, zinc content in the leaves of ZnO+ABB1+FSD2 set was found highest than ZnO treated set. Thus,
present study plausibly designates the ability of the Aloe plants for solubilizing zinc only in presence of the rhizospheric
microorganisms which indicates the potential of these microbial strains to use as biofertilizers in more sustainable way.

A study was conducted in three wards of Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality, Sindhupalchok district, aimed to assess farmers' knowledge of potato diseases and their management practices. A total of 105 randomly selected farmers participated in the study. Late Blight emerged as the predominant potato disease, while potato scab was identified as the least common. Although a substantial number of farmers were aware of Late Blight, knowledge of potato scab was limited. Chemical control methods were widely employed, with cultural and biological methods also utilized, but integrated disease management (IDM) practices were notably underutilized. The study identified five prevalent insect pests in potatoes, with the tuber moth being the most severe and Jassid the least severe. Despite the predominance of chemical control, the integration of physical, cultural, biological, and chemical methods was infrequently adopted. Furthermore, the majority of farmers demonstrated limited awareness of integrated pest management (IPM). Demographically, the majority of farmers identified as Hindu and engaged in agriculture as their primary occupation. Brahmin/Chhetri and Janajati communities were prevalent. The study revealed that the knowledge categorization was higher at a medium level, indicating the need for targeted training and awareness programs to enhance farmers' understanding of potato disease and pest management practices. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of tailored educational initiatives to address knowledge gaps and promote sustainable practices in potato farming in the studied region.

Groundnut is one of the most important oilseed crop cultivated widely through the tropic and warm temperate regions. The
Sclerotium rolfsii is the most dangerous soil borne pathogen and cause damages of stem and pod rot mostly. The effect of
botanicals on inhibition of colony growth and germination of sclerotia of different stages was significant. Among all
botanicals, Neem proved superior and recorded maximum inhibition at 3% concentration (39.17%) and 4% concentration
(44.25%) followed by Garlic crude extract at -3% concentration (33.09%) and 4% concentration (39.14%), Pungam oil,
Calotrophis leaf e-xtract and finally Lemon grass leaf extract. Neem oil inhibited germination of sclerotium on 7th day after
inoculation (44.25%). All stages of sclerotia were inhibited to the maximum at higher concentration of Neem (Immature,
partial, mature). Minimum growth period was recorded in Calotrophis treatment, where 7 day, 13 days and 16 days for
immature, partial mature and mature stages of sclerotia respectively.

Groundnut is one of the most important oilseed crop cultivated widely through the tropic and warm temperate regions. The
Sclerotium rolfsii is the most dangerous soil borne pathogen and cause damages of stem and pod rot mostly. The effect of
botanicals on inhibition of colony growth and germination of sclerotia of different stages was significant. Among all
botanicals, Neem proved superior and recorded maximum inhibition at 3% concentration (39.17%) and 4% concentration
(44.25%) followed by Garlic crude extract at -3% concentration (33.09%) and 4% concentration (39.14%), Pungam oil,
Calotrophis leaf e-xtract and finally Lemon grass leaf extract. Neem oil inhibited germination of sclerotium on 7th day after
inoculation (44.25%). All stages of sclerotia were inhibited to the maximum at higher concentration of Neem (Immature,
partial, mature). Minimum growth period was recorded in Calotrophis treatment, where 7 day, 13 days and 16 days for
immature, partial mature and mature stages of sclerotia respectively.

A study was conducted in three wards of Chautara Sangachokgadhi Municipality, Sindhupalchok district, aimed to assess farmers' knowledge of potato diseases and their management practices. A total of 105 randomly selected farmers participated in the
study. Late Blight emerged as the predominant potato disease, while potato scab was identified as the least common. Although a
substantial number of farmers were aware of Late Blight, knowledge of potato scab was limited. Chemical control methods were
widely employed, with cultural and biological methods also utilized, but integrated disease management (IDM) practices were notably underutilized. The study identified five prevalent insect pests in potatoes, with the tuber moth being the most severe and Jassid
the least severe. Despite the predominance of chemical control, the integration of physical, cultural, biological, and chemical methods
was infrequently adopted. Furthermore, the majority of farmers demonstrated limited awareness of integrated pest management
(IPM). Demographically, the majority of farmers identified as Hindu and engaged in agriculture as their primary occupation. Brahmin/Chhetri and Janajati communities were prevalent. The study revealed that the knowledge categorization was higher at a medium level, indicating the need for targeted training and awareness programs to enhance farmers' understanding of potato disease
and pest management practices. In conclusion, the findings underscore the importance of tailored educational initiatives to address
knowledge gaps and promote sustainable practices in potato farming in the studied region.

The control of Plasmopara viticola and Botrytis cinerea, two of the most dangerous pathogens on grapevine, requires frequent treatments with chemicals based on weather conditions. Numerous applications of fungicides have resulted in developing fungicide resistance. Active ingredients based on copper have been used very successfully for a long time to protect grapevines against these pathogens. Application of a copper citrate formulation with high degree dissociation at a very low concentration (1%) was evaluated in field trials. The efficacy of two concentrations of copper citrate, 0.5 and 1.0%, were tested against P. viticola on grapevine in three locations, and against B. cinerea in two locations during 2018. Our results demonstrated that the concentration of 1.0% copper citrate was highly effective against P. viticola (87.4%) and B. cinerea (63.7%), compared to standard treatment (90.6 and 53.1%), under a high level of infection.

Venturia inaequalis is a common apple disease in Serbia and its intensity depends on weather conditions. The most successful method of combating apple scab is to use a lower dose of an active ingredient and increase its effectiveness by adding substances that do not cause environmental damage. The effectiveness of a fungicide mixture of captan and potassium phosphite against V. inaequalis was investigated in apple orchards in 2008 and 2009. A relevant EPPO standard method was used in all trials. Captan 50 WP was used as a standard fungicide. In order to determine the exact conditions marking the onset of apple infection, key meteorological conditions were monitored in the orchards using an automated iMetos weather station and a Lufft electronic instrument. The results showed high efficacy of the tested fungicides which remained similar in both years of investigation. The intensity of leaf infection after treatment with the mixture of captan and potassium phosphite was 0.7-2.4%, whil...

Aim: This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of varieties and spacing on growth and yield of green gram (Vigna radiate L.) Study Design: Split Plot Design. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted during season of 2021 at G.H. Raisoni University Student Research Farm, Saikheda. Methodology: The experiment consisted of three main treatments varieties Kopargaon (V1), Sindhu (NVL-605) (V2) and PDM-139 (Samrat) (V3) and four sub treatments spacing 30 cm x 10 cm (S1), 30 cm x 15 cm (S2),45 cm x 10 cm (S3) and 45 cm x 15 cm (S4). Number of branches per plant, leaves per plant, pods per plant, pod length, grains per pod, test weight, seed and stover yield per hectare, protein content. Results: Number of branches per plant (8.60), leaves per plant (21.00), pods per plant (15.53), pod length (8.55 cm), grains per pod (9.80), test weight (37.66 g), seed (9.06q/ha) and stover yield (18.49 q/ha), protein content (22.78%) Conclusion:  green gram variety PDM-139 (Samra...

The apple scab caused by the fungal pathogen Venturia inaequalis (Cooke) G. Winter is a continuous problem for apple farmers in Kosovo. From this disease, the fruits become scabby brown or black spotty, losing their value. The fruit infection from A. scab requires immediate and multi time treatment. In the agricultural market, there are several plant protection products integrated in to various treatment variants provided by chemical manufacturers to control the apple scab infections. The purpose of this study was to identify the best action threshold based on the prediction of the infection risk provided by one decision support system (DSS RIMpro) and based on the empirical point of view by selecting few fruit growth stages from BBCH scale to control this disease in the research zone. Therefore, two different treatment intervals were used and eight treatment variants consisting of several fungicides were created. The research is carried out in one experimental orchard in cultivatio...

Erwinia tracheiphila is one of the most economically important pathogens of cucumbers, melons, squashes, pumpkins, and gourds in the northeastern and midwestern United States, yet its molecular pathology remains uninvestigated. Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of an E. tracheiphila strain isolated from an infected wild gourd (Cucurbita pepo subsp. texana) plant. The genome assembly consists of 7 contigs and includes a putative plasmid and at least 20 phage and prophage elements

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a presença do alelo Pvr4, que confere resistência contra o PepYMV (Pepper yellow mosaic virus), em genótipos de pimentão comunmente encontrados no mercado brasileiro, com uso de um marcador molecular codominante tipo CAPS. A resistência ao PepYMV, nos genótipos CM‑334‑INRA, Myr‑29 e em genótipos derivados do híbrido comercial Mônica‑R, foi detectada como associada à banda de 444 pb, ligada ao alelo de resistência Pvr4. As plantas resistentes homozigotas (Pvr4/Pvr4) mostraram uma banda de 444 pb, as suscetíveis (Pvr4+/Pvr4+) uma banda de 458 pb e as resistentes heterozigotas (Pvr4+/Pvr4) mostraram as duas bandas. No entanto, no acesso resistente CM‑334‑UFV, nos híbridos Magali‑R e Martha‑R, assim como em populações derivadas desse acesso e desses híbridos, a resistência ao PepYMV não esteve associada ao marcador CAPS. O acesso CM‑334‑UFV ('Criollo de Morelos‑334', de Viçosa, MG) distinguiu-se do CM‑334‑INRA ('Criollo de Morelos‑334...

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a presença do alelo Pvr4, que confere resistência contra o PepYMV (Pepper yellow mosaic virus), em genótipos de pimentão comunmente encontrados no mercado brasileiro, com uso de um marcador molecular codominante tipo CAPS. A resistência ao PepYMV, nos genótipos CM-334-INRA, Myr-29 e em genótipos derivados do híbrido comercial Mônica-R, foi detectada como associada à banda de 444 pb, ligada ao alelo de resistência Pvr4. As plantas resistentes homozigotas (pvr4/pvr4) mostraram uma banda de 444 pb, as suscetíveis (Pvr4+/Pvr4+) uma banda de 458 pb e as resistentes heterozigotas (Pvr4+/Pvr4) mostraram as duas bandas. No entanto, no acesso resistente CM-334-UFV, nos híbridos Magali-R e Martha-R, assim como em populações derivadas desse acesso e desses híbridos, a resistência ao PepYMV não esteve associada ao marcador CAPS. O acesso CM-334-UFV ('Criollo de Morelos-334', de Viçosa, MG) distinguiu-se do CM-334-INRA ('Criollo de Morelos-334...

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat causes quantitative and qualitative reduction in yield. Cultivar resistance is the most effective method of managing the disease. This study evaluated the resistance of wheat germplasm currently available in Kenya to Fusarium head blight and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination. Nine wheat varieties and four CIMMYT lines were evaluated for susceptibility to FHB under two diverse agro-ecologies in Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kenya during the 2013 cropping season and in the greenhouse. The varieties and lines were inoculated at mid-anthesis with mixed inocula of three isolates of F. graminearum. Incidence and severity of FHB were assessed weekly and data on severity used to calculate the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC). After harvest, incidence of F. graminearum in the grain was determined and DON contamination determined by direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Incidence and severity of FHB differed significantly (p ≤...

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) is an important virus infecting wheat and barley plants and transmitted by several species of aphids in Iraq. Pseudomonas fluorescence and Azospirillum irakense at 10 8 CFU/ml, Sea force extract and Elsa fungicide at 1 ml/L were used to induce resistance in the plant against BYDV. The four elements were applied before and after virus-plant inoculation. Results show that all elements stimulated plant growth as estimated by plant heights and chlorophyll concentrations, and elicited significant reduction in disease incidence as determine by BYDV-disease scoring symptoms. The applications of these elements twice (before and after virus inoculation) were found to be more efficient in promoting plant growth and reducing virus disease score. The plant heights, chlorophyll concentrations and BYDV-disease scores were 82.25, 85.59, 74.38, 76.26 cm, 54.19, 45.81, 47.98, 47.85 µg/cm 2 and 2.0, 3.2, 2.8, 3.3 for P. fluorescence, A. irakense, Sea force extract, and Elsa fungicide treatments, respectively as compared to 62.08 cm, 38.10 µg/cm 2 and 1.2 in control treatments for the same parameters. P. fluorescence was more efficient in reducing disease incidence (2.0) as compared to 3.2 with A. irakense, 2.8 with Sea force extract, 3.3 with Elsa, and 5.4 with control. The partially resistant lines, (IBA 99, Arivate and Karonea) were found to be more responsive to treatments than the susceptible ones (Hashmia and Kara).

Potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) was identified by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using PLRV polyclonal antibodies. Extracts from virus infected potato leaves was found to react with PLRV antibodies but not with antibodies of PVY, PVX, PVA and PVM. Extracts from Thuja orientalis and Artimisia campestris at 6 g/L was found to inhibit multiplication of PLRV by 81.72 and 63.6% respectively. Lower effect on the virus (57.8 and 45.7% of inhibition) were observed by the two extracts in plants generated from infected tubers. Extracts application before virus inoculation protected the plants from infection for 10 days by artimisia and 8 days by thuja. No harmful effect was detected on the treated plants as determined by foliage dry weight.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is an important vegetable and widely cultivated in polyethylene covered houses in Iraq. A new virus, Eggplant blister mottled virus (EBMV), was isolated in previous study, from naturally infected eggplant and was characterized as potyvirus. The virus is considered now as the most important virus infecting eggplants and causing heavy damage to yields. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of three products, Vit-org nutrient, 2-nitromethyl phenol, and Thuja extract on the multiplication of EBMV in eggplants. Results of the study showed that the application of the three products on EBMV-inoculated eggplants at 2.5 and 1 ml L, and 6 g L caused a reduction in ELISA reactions absorbance to 0.073, 0.091, and 0.092, respectively, which reflect a reduction in virus concentration. The application of the products on eggplants at the same concentrations followed by virus inoculation, after 24 h of protecting the plants against virus infection for 18, 10 and 12 days, respectively accompanied by retardation of symptoms development in 26, 16 and 20 days for the three products, respectively. The treated eggplants neither developed visible symptoms nor contained detectable concentrations of virus during these periods. Vit-org nutrient was found to be more efficient in protecting the plants against EBMV in both post and pre-applications.

RNA silencing appears as one of the most exciting discoveries in the field of molecular biology of the last decade. Double-stranded small RNA species ranging from 20 to 26 nt, named siRNAs, were initially identified as a plant defense mechanism to target viral RNA upon infection. siRNAs can bind to a complementary RNA and induce its degradation. In addition, single stranded miRNAs have been characterized as endogenous small non-coding RNAs involved in mRNA inhibition of translation or cleavage in both plants and animals. A broad range of physiological processes are related to this class of RNAs such as control of development, defense against viral infection and cancer. RNA silencing involves several RNA processing enzymes which are well conserved between plants and animals. However plants have developed specific features of RNA silencing that will be reviewed here. Plants and C. elegans are the only organisms capable of producing double stranded RNA from single stranded molecules when these possess specific qualitative and quantitative features. RNA dependent RNA polymerases (RDR) are the critical enzymes for this step. A special focus will be made in this review on the recent progress in characterizing the ability of plants to send short and long distance signals from the initially silenced cell.

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) is one of the most destructive viruses which cause significant economic losses in many cucurbits crops in Egypt. The purpose of this study was to use biological and molecular techniques to characterize zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) strain isolated from open fields of Sharqia Governorate. ZYMV was isolated from infected zucchini plants showing virus like symptoms, samples were collected from open fields of Sharqia Governorate In different seasons (2019-2020). The fruit samples of zucchini exhibited severe mosaic, blisters, yellowing and malformation. The isolated virus was detected biologically to different species belonging six families as (Cucurbitaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Leguminoseae, Graminaceae, Solanaceae and Asteracea) by mechanical inoculation, serologically by DAS-ELISA (Double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and also the stability of ZYMV was studied, found that Thermal inactivation point (TIP), Dilution end point (DEP) and Longevity in vitro (LIV)] were 65ºC, 10-4, and 96 hours, respectively. Purified virus sample was negatively stained and examined under electron microscopy (EM) revealed flexuous filamentous particles approximately (680-840) nm long and (12-14) nm in diameter. ZYMV was molecularly identified by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the size of the potyvirus P1 gene was shown to be about 600 bp using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. ZYMV P1 gene was quite similar, with a nucleotide sequence similarity of 98 % between several ZYMV previously isolated.

Sustainable development of agriculture is essential, and there is unanimity that diversification of the cropping systems could support sustainable production. Grain legumes are essential in farming systems in terms of food and nutrition security and income generation. Under legume-based cropping systems, these crops are a potential remedy to pest and disease issues, low nutrient supply, biodiversity protection, and food and nutrition insecurity. In this chapter, we highlight the production systems of legumes and their use in sustainable agricultural production. Specifically, we have looked at the benefits of having a legume cropping system in the agroecosystem, production, and farming systems. The function of legumes in improving the potential of crop productivity is a promising approach to tackling the challenges of poor crop yields and improvement in sustainable production. Due to health and environmental benefits, the focus should shift to breeding grain legumes that can fully ex...

Aim: To investigate patho-dyanamics of Erwinia tracheiphila on Cucurbita pepo with biochemical, molecular characterization and eco-friendly management approaches. Methodology: Variability study of Erwinia tracheiphila was done by collecting the isolates from different places in Odisha. Disease severity was calculated and analyzed from 2016-18 to predict trend of emergence and disease progress. Molecular detection of pathogen was done through 16S rRNA sequencing. Biochemical characterization and identification of pathogenic nature of Erwinia tracheiphila was performed through Ortho-Nitrophenyl β-Galactoside, Esculin hydrolysis, Citrate and Malonate utilization in the presence of different carbohydrate molecules. Efficacy of eight different plant oils were tested by in-vitro inhibition zone (IVIZ) assay against Erwinia tracheiphila as eco-friendly management approaches. Results: Analysis of disease severity data from 2016-18 ranged between 29% to 33%. Molecular detection of causal pat...

Cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) is an important plantation crop and played a crucial role in Indian economy. This tropical nut and fruit are used under a variety of cooked foods, bakery industry and various other culinary purposes. Cashew is highly demanding and valuable in market for its outstanding test among all nuts. The true fruit of cashew is drupe type and nut grow at end of the cashew apple. In India, Maharashtra ranks first in cashew production followed by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. In Andhra Pradesh, cashew nut cultivated mainly in 8 different districts of coastal region which occupies total 1.83 lakhs ha with a production of 99,000 Tonnes. Tough India has gained such an important position but every year cashew production faced biotic stress related drastic loss. Problems encircling cashew production areproper land condition, getting skilled labour, sufficient funding or investment, Government loans, maximize exposure of products through marketing. Additionally, value added tax and turnover tax by the Government are considered to be the major problem. Various state Governments like Andhra Pradesh, giving 50% subsidy to farmers to encourage in cashew production and to fight against major biotic stresses like pestalotia leaf spot (Pestalotia heterocornis), anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporides), gummosis (Lasiodiplodia theobromine), bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas citri pv. anacardii), the major pest such as tea mosquito bug, leaf folder, leaf Webber, stem and root borer leaf minor etc. The present article is a comprehensive draft on major biotic stress related challenges on cashew production in India.

La fusariose de l'épi est une maladie du blé induite par un complexe de plusieurs espèces de champignons des genres Fusarium et Microdochium, ayant des caractères épidémiologiques différents, productrices ou non de toxines. Le fait que ces espèces ne présentent pas la même sensibilité intrinsèque aux fongicides, et que certaines aient sélectionné des résistances peut limiter l'efficacité actuelle de ces méthodes de lutte. La réduction programmée de l'usage des produits phytosanitaires associée à l'apparition de ces résistances a conduit ARVALIS-Institut du végétal associé aux unités Bioger et MycSA de l'INRA à proposer un projet de recherche dans le cadre de l'appel à projet Recherche finalisée et innovation des instituts techniques agricoles, soutenu par le CASDAR. L'objectif de ce projet, baptisé EcoFusa, visait, par la mise à disposition des outils moléculaires de quantification des principales espèces Fusarium et Microdochium, à mieux comprendre les interactions entre blé, pathogènes et toxines à travers leurs modulations par les pratiques agronomiques et le climat. Trois grands axes ont été développés (i) la quantification des principales espèces fongiques du complexe fusarien présentes sur le territoire français en relation avec les pratiques agricoles et le climat; (ii) l'évaluation de pratiques alternatives aux fongicides; (iii) l'optimisation des traitements fongicides.

Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR) have been found to be highly beneficial for plants as they help defend against fungal diseases commonly found in soil. They play an important role in plant growth, health and productivity. They increase seedling tolerance to drought, high temperatures, toxic heavy metals, high or low pH and even extreme soil acidity. The use of PGPR has proven to be an environmentally best way to increase the crop yield by facilitating plant growth through either a direct or indirect mechanism. Tea is grown all over the Assam and cultivated in major areas where chemical fertilizers are used. So, the use of PGPR can minimise the application of chemical fertilizer for the production of organic tea. This review highlights the future research works which are needed in many areas of Assam by the use of beneficial strains of PGPR to reduce the use of pesticide for commercial production of organic tea for healthy consumption by the people at large

Mung bean is attacked by several viral diseases but the most devastating is mung bean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) and its vector Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) when occurred in severe condition. The vulnerable germplasm and conducive environmental conditions contribute towards severe epidemics of MYMV and its vector population. In present investigation, 12 varieties/lines were screened out and correlated with epidemiological factors (minimum and maximum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind speed). Four varieties/lines namely NM-92, NM-2006, Azri 2006, and NM-121 were found most effective for cultivation under prevailing environmental conditions. All environmental factors were significantly correlated with MYMV disease severity and whitefly population except rainfall and wind speed. Maximum disease severity was recorded maximum at maximum temperature (38 °C), minimum temperature (28 °C) and relative humidity (65%). Similarly, whitefly population increased with increase in maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity ranging from 30-38 °C, 20-28 °C and 45-65%, respectively. It was concluded that with progress in temperature (minimum and maximum) and relative humidity, MYMV disease incidence and its vector population also increased.

Alternaria alternata is the predominant fungal pathogen responsible for moldy-core decay in the ‘Red Delicious’ apple fruits. The failure of registered fungicides to control the disease necessitated the search for alternative methods. Here we report that DL-β-aminobutyric acids (BABA) and potassium phosphite are capable of controlling moldy-core in apple fruits in the laboratory and the field. Laboratory tests involving inoculation of wounded mature fruits revealed that decay by A. alternata was 40 to 58% inhibited by 50 μg/ml and completely inhibited by 500 μg/ml of potassium phosphite. DL-BABA, R-BABA, and S-BABA at a concentration of 500 μg/ml inhibited decay formation by 82 to 90%. Potassium phosphite, BABA, and S-BABA inhibited decay formation even when applied 6 to 48 h postinoculation. In vitro tests indicated that BABA compounds did not affect conidial germination or mycelial growth, whereas potassium phosphite partially inhibited both developmental stages of the fungus. Res...

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) is one of the most destructive viruses which cause significant economic losses in many cucurbits crops in Egypt. The purpose of this study was to use biological and molecular techniques to characterize zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) strain isolated from open fields of Sharqia Governorate. ZYMV was isolated from infected zucchini plants showing virus like symptoms, samples were collected from open fields of Sharqia Governorate In different seasons (2019-2020). The fruit samples of zucchini exhibited severe mosaic, blisters, yellowing and malformation. The isolated virus was detected biologically to different species belonging six families as (Cucurbitaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Leguminoseae, Graminaceae, Solanaceae and Asteracea) by mechanical inoculation, serologically by DAS-ELISA (Double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) and also the stability of ZYMV was studied, found that Thermal inactivation point (TIP), Dilution end point (DEP) and Longevity in vitro (LIV)] were 65ºC, 10-4, and 96 hours, respectively. Purified virus sample was negatively stained and examined under electron microscopy (EM) revealed flexuous filamentous particles approximately (680-840) nm long and (12-14) nm in diameter. ZYMV was molecularly identified by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the size of the potyvirus P1 gene was shown to be about 600 bp using sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. ZYMV P1 gene was quite similar, with a nucleotide sequence similarity of 98 % between several ZYMV previously isolated.

The study was aimed at evaluating the antifungal properties of the ethanolic extracts of Jatropha curcas seeds and various fungicides; benlate, captan, difolatan and dithane M-45 against the causative agent of bole rot of coconut seedlings; Ceratocystis paradoxa. Five different concentrations of J. curcas seed; 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% were tested against C. paradoxa using the pour plate method. The extract of ethanol of the Jatropha seed showed a maximum zone of inhibitory potentials at 100% (0.5mm) and 75% (0.5mm) compared to others which did not produce zone of inhibition. The various fungicides were also tested for antifungal properties at different concentrations; 500ppm, 1000ppm, 1500ppm and 2000ppm against C. paradoxa. Amongst the fungicides tested, benlate and captan had higher zones of inhibition of 0.5mm and 0.5mm respectively for all the concentrations. This result therefore confirms the efficacy of benlate (0.5mm) and captan (0.5mm) as well as 75% and 100% concentratio...

Two trials were conducted during 2005 to determine efficacy of tribenuron methyl in weed control in tribenuron-tolerant sunflower. Split application of Granstar 75-WG (15+ 15 g/ha) provided better control of Cirsium arvense Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Xantibium strumarium ...

The practice of incorporating organic manures and fermented liquid biofertilizers of different origins and compositions can supply valuable nutrients to the soil. To ascertain the effect of fermented liquid organic nutrient formulations (FLONFs) on the rhizospheric microbial population, growth characteristics, nutritional status, and yield of brinjal, a field experiment was conducted in consecutive seasons in 2017 and 2018. Fermented liquid biofertilizers (panchagavya and jeevamrut) were prepared and applied along with organic manures to brinjal plants in ten treatment combinations in three replications. The treatment (T4) involving the combined use of organics and FLONFs contributed significantly to the soil dehydrogenase enzyme activity (4.9 mg TPF h−1 g−1 soil), phosphatase enzyme activity (25.5 mmoles PNP h−1 g−1 soil), and urease enzyme activity (0.27 mg NH4+ g−1 soil). The mean bacterial count, fungal count, and actinomycete levels were 203.3 × 108 cfu g−1, 4.34 × 103 cfu g−1,...

In vitro experiments showed that ammonium bicarbonate and aqueous extracts of oregano were effective in inhibiting conidia germination and germ-tube elongation of Venturia inaequalis. Complete inhibition was achieved by 1% ammonium bicarbonate, 2% oregano extract and 0.01% synthetic fungicide difenoconazole. Two orchard experiments were conducted on the highly susceptible cv. Mutsu to apple scab to investigate the efficacy of ammonium bicarbonate alone or in combination with an aqueous extract of oregano for the control of apple scab. In 2008 and 2009, except for the applications of 1% aqueous extract of oregano, the applications of ammonium bicarbonate (0.5 and 1%) and difenoconazole (0.01%) to trees at 10-day intervals significantly reduced disease incidence and severity on leaves and fruit compared to the watertreated control. In both years, the efficacy of 0.5 and 1% ammonium bicarbonate in inhibiting both disease incidence and severity on leaves and fruit was equally effective in all monthly assessments from June to September. Combining 0.5 and 1% ammonium bicarbonate with 1% aqueous extract of oregano did not significantly improve the efficacy of stand-alone applications of treatments in the final assessment in 2008 and 2009. All treatments were neither phytotoxic to leaves and fruit nor did they adversely affect quality parameters of fruit including physiological disorders and taste both at harvest and after storage. These results indicate that ammonium bicarbonate treatment may be applied as an alternative chemical for the control of apple scab.

Experiments were conducted to analyze effects of high temperature stress on wheat at pre-anthesis growth stage. Twenty four wheat genotypes exposed to a sub optimal temperature (>35˚C) which showed altered physiological, biochemical and agronomic characteristics. Accumulation of proline, presence of new protein bands and higher antioxidant enzyme activity in leaves of G.7 and G.17 reflects their better adaptive response under heat stress conditions. G.17 and G.19 showed least reduction in number of spikelets per spike, biological yield and 100 grain weight. It was inferred that the genotypes G.7, G.17 and G.19 exhibited greater heat tolerance and could be recommended for cultivation under heat stress conditions.

Cauliflower is widely grown throughout the world. Alternaria leaf spot of Cauliflower caused by Alternaria brassicae is the most destructive disease at the curd stage and seed setting stage, attributed to causing 30-50% losses and in severe cases reaching up to 98% in seed crop. In the present investigation, the pathogen Alternaria brassicae was found to produce typical symptoms of the disease as small, irregular brown spots with concentric rings, also surrounded by a yellow chlorotic halo. Later on, lesions were found to coalesce forming irregular, brown to dark brown patches with concentric rings. The disease is difficult to manage alone with fungicides or bio agents or botanicals. Hence the present study was undertaken to manage the disease effectively by application of fungicides, bio agents, botanicals and their combinations. During the investigation on integrated management under sick pot conditions, the combination of T. viride + Neem + Azoxystrobin (10.81% Percent Disease Index) was found most effective with inhibition of disease by 79.02%. This was followed by T. viride + Azoxystrobin (11.63% Percent Disease Index) with inhibition of the disease by 77.40% compared to the control 51.52% Percent Disease Index.

The objectives of this study were to quantify the grain yield breeding progress and identify the changes in numerical yield components and grain filling traits of six-rowed winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars under different nitrogen (N) fertilization treatments: 0 kg ha-1 N (0N, control) and 100 kg ha-1 N (100N). Field trials were conducted during two (2015-2016 and 2016-2017) growing seasons in a southern Pannonian location, Novi Sad, Serbia with fifteen six-rowed winter barley cultivars. The rate of genetic gain in grain yield was 0.055 t ha-1 yr-1 at 0N, while at 100N genetic gain was 0.061 t ha-1 yr-1 , indicating that modern winter barley cultivars use the applied N fertilizer more efficiently than older cultivars. Grain yield progress was mainly associated with increased grain number per unit area, grain number per spike, grain weight and harvest index. A positive linear correlation was determined between fruiting efficiency and the year of cultivar release, while changes in spike dry weight at anthesis as influenced by the year of cultivar release were not significant. Breeding progress in grain weight was more related with grain filling and maximum grain filling rate, while grain weight association with grain filling duration was less pronounced. Therefore, further grain yield improvement in six-rowed winter barley should be achieved by simultaneous increase in grain weight and grain number per spike, while maintaining high values of harvest index.

Anthracnose is an important disease affecting mature olive fruits, causing significant yield losses, and poor fruit and oil quality. In Portugal, high anthracnose incidence was recorded during 2003–2007 with 41% of 908 orchards surveyed displaying disease symptoms. In another 14% of the orchards, the pathogen was recorded in symptomless plants. Disease severity was on average 36%, frequently reaching 100%. In Portugal, anthracnose is endemic to neglected orchards of susceptible cultivars, but under favourable conditions it can also severely affect less susceptible cultivars. Pathogens were genetically heterogeneous, with Colletotrichum acutatum genetic group A2 as the most frequent (80%), followed by group A4 (12%) and group A5 along with C. gloeosporioides (3–4%), while groups A3 and A6 of C. acutatum were sporadic. Important geographic variations were observed in the frequencies of these populations, accompanied by year‐to‐year populational shifts. Epidemiology and histopathology ...