Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research

Myosin‑1 and polyketide synthase (PKS) proteins are the two major proteins profoundly known to facilitate fungal infection in host tissues and disease development. In our novel investigation, we co-cultured C. falcatum with fine-cut sugarcane stalks and examined the peptide abundance of myosin‑1 and PKS proteins in C. falcatum during red rot disease of sugarcane using nanoLCMS-MS technique. The results indicated the presence of eleven myosin‑1 and twenty eight polyketide synthase proteins in C. falcatum. Further, we found that two myosin‑1 (A1C4A5 and Q7SDM3) and five PKS (F9XMW3, K2QVI8, A0A2G5IC96, A7UMW1, and I1RF58) proteins were present only in the C. falcatum samples cultured with sugarcane stalks. The peptide abundance of remaining myosin‑1 and polyketide synthase proteins was significantly induced in C. falcatum samples cultured with sugarcane stalks, compared to control. The results of qRT-PCR-based real-time expression analysis of myosin‑1 (A1C4A5 and Q7SDM3), and polyketide synthase (F9XMW3 and I1RF58) genes also substantiated the findings of proteomics. String network analysis of myosin‑1 (Q7SDM3) and PKS‑1 (F9XMW3) proteins indicated a strong association with other proteins implicated in fungal pathogenesis. The present study suggests that myosin‑1 and polyketide synthase proteins are the two crucial proteins complicated in the process of fungal pathogenesis.

Red rot of sugarcane caused by Colletotrichum falcatum continues to be a serious threat to sugarcane production in India especially in the subtropical region. Elite varieties with red rot resistance succumb to new variants of the pathogen that leads to recurrent epidemics of the disease, resulting in enormous crop/economic losses. Recently, C. falcatum pathotype CF13 responsible for breakdown of disease resistance in the popular cv Co 0238 has been characterized and designated. Since the disease incidence and severity continue to affect the crop over large areas in the subtropical states in India, further studies were conducted to assess pathogenicity of 176 C. falcatum isolates, including eight designated pathotypes on a set of 10 host differentials at five locations in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar states and analysed the distribution of the pathotypes under field conditions. Among the 176 isolates, a majority of 112 isolates were from the popular variety Co 0238 (63.6%) which occupied about 50–60% of cane area in the subtropical region and the remaining isolates were isolated from the cvs CoJ 85, Co 89003, CoJ 64, CoPk 05191, CoS 08279, CoS 8436, Co 0118, Co 98014, CoJ 88, CoS 07250, CoS 08272, etc. The pathogenicity and virulence behaviour of the new isolates further confirmed the continued virulence of the isolates from the cv Co 0238, and all these isolates maintained a close similarity with the pathotypes CF13. In contrast, the isolates from other varieties exhibited differential reactions on Co 0238 depending on the location. In Punjab conditions, other host isolates exhibited an avirulent behaviour on Co 0238, whereas majority of them exhibited a virulent behaviour in Uttar Pradesh. Comparison of the pathogenic virulence of 112 Cf0238 isolates with 57 other host isolates across the locations in the subtropical region clearly revealed a uniform distribution of the pathotype CF13 with small islands of the pathotype CF08 in Punjab, Haryana and Bihar and overlapping behaviour of few isolates. These findings suggest immediate replacement of the variety Co 0238 to reduce the dominance of the pathotypes CF13 along with integrated disease management practices to contain the pathogenic virulence of C. falcatum to protect the new varieties from the pathogen attack.

The abiotic factors particularly temperature known to affect the proliferation and distribution of parasitoids in the crop ecosystem and the functional response offers valuable insights into assessing the effectiveness of parasitoids. The parasitoid, Aenasius arizonensis Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is an important natural enemy of the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). The current experiment evaluated the performance of temperature-tolerant (36ºC) and control strain (27ºC) of A. arizonensis against varying densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64) of the third instar P. solenopsis nymphs in the laboratory conditions of respective temperatures, 65 ± 5% RH and 12L: 12D photoperiod. Results indicated a type II functional response in A. arizonensis at both temperatures. According to Holling's disc equation, the control strain exhibited a searching efficiency (à) of 1.29 ± 0.11 h⁻¹ and a handling time (Th) of 0.11 ± 0.00 days, while the temperature-tolerant strain showed a slightly lower searching efficiency of 1.18 ± 0.15 h⁻¹ and a handling time of 0.12 ± 0.01 days with higher maximum parasitization rate of 8.76 for control strain and 8.03 for tolerant strain. Roger’s random attack equation reported higher searching efficiencies of 2.35 ± 0.81 h⁻¹ and 2.89 ± 0.95 h⁻¹, and lower handling times of (Th) 0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.14 ± 0.01 days for control and temperature-tolerant strains, respectively. It results in maximum parasitization rate of 8.25 nymphs/day for control strain and 7.06 for the tolerant strain. Despite minor variations, both strains demonstrated effective control potential. Thus, the temperature-tolerant strain of A. arizonensis is equally viable for augmentative biological control of P. solenopsis, especially in regions experiencing rising temperatures during the cotton-growing season.

Autumn sugarcane planting provides ample scope for intercropping of ‘rabi’ season crops in available space between sugarcane rows. The component crops can grow with sugarcane because of the lesser tillering in winter. The intercrop affects the overall productivity and soil quality parameters. Thus, a field experiment was conducted from 2020–2021 to 2023–2024 for four consecutive years with the objectives (1) to assess the effect of different intercrops/ intercropping systems on soil quality parameters, (2) to assess the effect on system productivity, (3) to work out the economics of different intercropping systems, and (4) to suggest the most remunerative cropping systems for subtropical India. Nine treatments viz., T1: Sugarcane Sole, T2: Sugarcane + Mustard, T3: Sugarcane + Garlic, T4: Sugarcane + Onion, T5: Sugarcane + Carrot, T6: Sugarcane + Maize (green cobs purpose), T7: Sugarcane + Coriander (green leaf), T8: Sugarcane + Linseed, T9: Sugarcane + Lentil in different row arrangements were applied in field experiment conducted in randomized block design under three replications. Results briefly indicated that intercropping compatible crops with autumn-planted sugarcane improved soil quality parameters, viz., soil organic carbon, soil microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration, and available nutrient contents after harvesting the sugarcane crop. During 2020–2021 to 2023–2024, various intercrops reduced the mean sugarcane yield by 3.17% (sugarcane + garlic) to 20.05% (sugarcane + maize). However, system productivity could be improved up to 141.1% over the mean yield of sole cane (103.1 t/ha). Intercropping coriander (leaf purpose), garlic, and maize (cobs purpose) with autumn sugarcane was most remunerative compared to other intercrops. Sugarcane + coriander intercropping recorded the highest B:C ratio (2.69); however, the mean B:C of intercrops was 1.91 versus 1.52 with sole cane planting over the four years, indicating the intercropping systems' profitability.

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of placement and scheduling of N & K fertilizers on crop growth, yield attributes and sugar yield in subtropical India. Experiment was laid out in split plot design keeping two methods of placement of fertilizers (N & K) in main plots (M1: broadcast method; M2: band placement method) and four nutrient management schedules in subplots (S1: recommended dose of N (RDN) + recommended dose of K (RDK) in five splits; S2: RDN + RDK in six splits; S3: RDN + RDK in seven splits; and S4: recommended dose of fertilizer (150 kg N, 26 kg P and 50 kg K/ha). The mean net photosynthetic rate (NPR) during tillering, grand growth and maturity stage was recorded as 15.59 µ mol m−2 s−1, 15.41 µ mol m−2 s−1 and 10.18 µ mol m−2 s−1, respectively. Band placement of fertilizers recorded the higher transpiration rate and stomatal conductance in sugarcane leaves. Band placement of fertilizer increased the leaf area index (LAI) at the grand growth stage to 5.280. Applying N and K in three splits enhanced LAI to 5.637 at the grand growth stage. Placement methods and nutrient management schedules significantly influenced the harvest stage’s total dry matter accumulation (TDMA). Band placement also increased TDMA in sugarcane by 12.99% (31.61 t/ha) compared to broadcasting. However, application of N and K in five splits enhanced TDMA by 29.57% (35.10 t/ha) over three splits. Microbial activities in soil were also determined through microbial biomass C & N and respiration. The higher mean soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC-180.6 mg CO2-C/ kg soil/day) was recorded under N and K band placement. About 9.92% higher sugar yield was obtained under band placement than broadcasting (11.57 t/ha). The schedule of fertilizer applications also significantly influenced growth and yield attributes, as well as sugarcane and sugar yields. Splitting five doses of fertilizers brought 18% and 19.26% higher sugarcane and sugar yields, respectively, than three splitting. Thus, it was concluded that the band application of N and K fertilizers in five splits could be recommended for sustaining sugarcane yield and soil quality parameters. In addition, scheduling of N and K (150 kg N and 26 kg P/ha, respectively) applied in five splits (10% basal and remaining at 45, 75, 90 and 120 days after planting), improved the sugarcane growth, yield and sugar yields and proved superior to other schedules in sustaining soil quality parameters in subtropical India.

Sugar crops such as sugarcane, sugar beet, and sweet sorghum are vital to global agriculture, serving as key sources of sweeteners, biofuels, and industrial raw materials. However, their productivity and sustainability are increasingly threatened by abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, chilling, and heavy metal toxicity. These stresses affect complex polygenic traits, necessitating precise and efficient genetic interventions for developing stress-resilient cultivars. This review aims to explore the potential of CRISPR/Cas genome editing technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPRa, CRISPRi, prime editing, and base editing, in enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in sugar crops. These advanced genome editing tools facilitate targeted modifications, enabling gain-of-function mutations and regulatory network studies to accelerate genetic improvement. A particular focus is given to transcription factor families such as DREB, NAC, and WRKY, which regulate key genes associated with osmoprotection, stomatal regulation, and stress signaling pathways. Furthermore, strategies for generating transgene-free edited plants, including Preassembled CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoproteins-Based Genome Editing, the CASE toolkit, Hi-Edit technology, and Transgene Killer CRISPR technology, are also emphasized. By integrating CRISPR-based strategies with conventional breeding, this review article aims to provide a framework for developing resilient sugar crop varieties capable of withstanding environmental challenges. Additionally, regulatory considerations for genome-edited crops are discussed to highlight the implications for commercial adoption. The insights will contribute to sustainable sugar crop production by leveraging precise genome editing approaches to enhance stress tolerance.

The central region is relatively well-developed as compared to the other regions in Uttar Pradesh (UP), consisting of ten districts viz. Barabanki, Fatehpur, Hardoi, Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Khiri, Lucknow, Raibareilly, Sitapur, and Unnao. It is an eco-region that ranges from dry sub-humid to semi-arid. The agriculture in the central region is mainly irrigated, diverse, complex, and risky owing to increasing vulnerability to the frequent and unseasonal extreme weather conditions. The central region has been filled with significant wisdom and understanding of indigenous and traditional agriculture practices (TAPs) that farmers have been following for a long time. The people of this region practice a variety of Indigenous technical knowledge (ITKs) for natural resource management (soil, water, and nutrients), crop protection, post-harvest management, environmental management, and ways to predict-assess-mitigate climate anomalies. These indigenous techniques are region/area-specific, dependable, effective, and long-lasting. However, the introduction of modern agricultural practices has pushed the use of chemical-based inputs and high-yielding varieties (HYVs), but it has also resulted in ignorance of Indigenous knowledge of ITKs and a greater preference for high-profit-oriented agriculture practices. Many examples of blending ITK with improved practices in central UP are crop residue and soil mulching which reduces cost by Rs. 2500–3000/ha, water saving by 20%, and yield enhancement by 20%, saving of fertilizers by 25% with integrated nutrient management (INM) practices, and promotion of agroforestry models for enhancing productivity. As a result, identifying and documenting relevant and profitable ITKs/TAPs in central is essential. Furthermore, an appropriate coalition between traditional and modern knowledge and technology systems has immense potential to increase food security in the central region of UP.

Brown rot disease of Plum (Prunus salicina) was prevalent year-round, peaking in May, with symptoms of brown rot on plum fruits. The pathogen, isolated in May 2023–2024 in New Delhi, India, was identified as Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae through morphological and phylogenetic characterization. This is the first report of L.pseudotheobromae causing brown rot on Plum in India.

Seed germination is one of the most critical stages of plants’ life cycle, significantly influencing early seedling growth and development. Environmental stressors such as salinity, drought, cold heat and heavy metal toxicity during the seed germination and seedling stages can severely impact crop growth and productivity. Reduced water quality, quantity and prolonged use of recycled wastewater for irrigation, global warming, etc. are considered potential factors contributing to land degradation and rising salinity of arable lands. Plants grown under saline conditions face several physiological and metabolic alterations that ultimately reduce crop growth and productivity. As defense response, plants have developed a range of morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms to mitigate negative effects of salinity stress. Out of these, plant hormones are known to modulate cell signaling at different crop growth stages positively or negatively, especially during the seed germination and seedling stages, under both stress and non-stress conditions. The major phytohormones associated with seed germination under salinity stress include abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), jasmonates (JAs), gibberellins (GAs), salicylic acid (SA), brassinosteroids (BRs), melatonin, and auxin. Crosstalk among these hormones plays a crucial role in understanding the salinity tolerance mechanisms in plants. This review aims to summarize the roles of different phytohormones during seed germination and seedling stages during salinity stress, including their signaling and molecular aspects. Additionally, the role of exogenous applications of different phytohormones in salt stress mitigation has also been discussed. The information presented here will be useful for molecular biologists as well as plant breeders seeking to develop strategies for crop improvement under salinity stress conditions.

Lentil is an essential edible legume crop, especially for developing countries, due to the presence of high‐quality proteins, fibers, essential vitamins, and mineral nutrients. The short height of this crop is often linked with a slow pace of growth, favoring the suitable space and time for weed incursion. Consequently, the developmental period during the crop growth cycle is shortened, leading to a decline in crop productivity. To control the menace of weeds and sustain the yield potential of lentils, we have evaluated the impact of imazethapyr spray on the osmotic behavior of lentil crops. Further, we have investigated the kinetics of PAL (phenylalanine ammonia lyase) and GST (glutathione‐s‐transferase) to elucidate the process of imazethapyr detoxification by lentil crop at the seedling stage. The results of the present study demonstrated that imazethapyr spray reduced the RWC (relative water content) in the range of 3.10–40.48% across the applied doses of 0.5 RFD (recommended field dose), 1 RFD, 1.25 RFD, 1.5 RFD, and 2 RFD, during different sampling periods from 0 HBT (hours before treatment) to 120 HAT (hours after treatment). On the other hand, proline content increased across different doses of imazethapyr and sampling hours. Proline content was highest at 2 RFD and varied in the 112.12–309.49% range during different sampling hours. Similarly, total soluble sugar content increased (18.15–151.66%) in response to varying imazethapyr doses across different sampling hours. The kinetic study of PAL and GST indicated progressive increases in the Vmax (maximum velocity) and Km (Michelis‐Menten constant) of both enzymes. Vmax of PAL varied from 1.09–2.31 μmol of t‐cinnamic acid produced (h‐1 mg‐1 protein), whereas that of GST varied from 35.59–83.33 μmol of CDNB (1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene) across the imazethapyr doses.

Pokkah boeng (PB) caused by Fusarium sp. complex is a re-emerging disease that causes significant yield loss in sugarcane cultivation. Recently, the crown mealybug, Phenacoccus saccharifolii (Green), association aggravated the disease severity due to rapid spread which leads to an outbreak of the disease. The molecular association between crown mealybug and Fusarium sp. pathogens in the infected cane is not yet revealed. To understand the crown mealy bug association, the insects were collected from infected PB canes from different locations in Tamil Nadu. They were identified as P. saccharifolii based on morphological and molecular analysis of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and D2-D3 region of large ribosomal subunit gene (28S rRNA). Microflora were isolated from both the external and internal parts of P. saccharifolii. Fungal cultures were found to be present only in the external parts and they were confirmed as Fusarium sacchari based on morphological and molecular analysis using ITS and TEF-1α markers. Further, DNA was extracted from the mealy coating wax and confirmed the presence of F. sacchari using the TEF-1α gene. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirms the presence of microconidia in the waxy threads of P. saccharifolii. The results of the pathogenicity assay using Fusarium isolates showed symptoms of chlorosis and necrosis. The pot culture experiment proved the association of crown mealybug with F. sacchari in aggravating the disease incidence. To our knowledge, this may be the first report on the molecular confirmation of crown mealybug in association with PB disease.

F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is a soil borne species complex having both virulent as well as non-pathogenic strains. In order to accurately diagnose virulent strains, appropriate genic regions must be targeted. In this study, an FGB1 (fungal-specific β-glucan-binding lectin) gene-based PCR, qPCR and LAMP assays were developed and validated among closely related species of F. oxysporum. Conventional PCR showed amplification of a F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris specific band. qPCR assay could detect 0.6 fg/ µL of pathogenic DNA with no amplification in no template control. The LAMP assay was highly specific and could detect F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris among eleven other similar fungal outgroups. The assay could detect 3.21 fg/µL of pathogenic DNA within 15 minutes having higher sensitivity as compared to conventional PCR assay. The LAMP assay was further validated on plant and soil samples collected from chickpea fields at two different locations and time intervals. The results obtained clearly indicated that with the help of LAMP diagnostic assay, early onset of the disease could be predicted which might help in the timely management of Fusarium wilt.

Black soybean has been cultivated for centuries by resource-poor communities in Asian countries for preparing ethno-dietary recipes, traditional medicine, and fodder. This invaluable legume not only offers diversity and resilience to cropping system but also exhibits adaptability to the challenging traditional farming systems in marginal environments. Owing to its rich nutrient content and the presence of various bioactive compounds, it offers health-boosting effects as well as exhibits its suitability for the development of functional foods and addressing malnutrition among impoverished rural communities. India is one of black soybean grower among Asian countries and presently, cultivation of this legume has remained confined to small-scale farming systems mainly as mixed crop in the Northwest Himalayan region and also in some parts of Central India. However, unlike its yellow counterpart, this crop has received limited attention in terms of focused research efforts and government policies, largely due to its perceived lack of competitiveness for production and utilization. Despite paucity of basic research on crucial aspects such as plant type improvement, yield enhancement, reduction of antinutritional factors, processing methods, and value addition tailored to meet consumer preferences, this legume has been largely neglected. Consequently, the diffusion of this crop beyond its niche area of cultivation has been constrained in the country.

The increasing demand for organic fodder has highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural practices that optimize both yield and quality. However, research on integrated organic nutrient management in multi-crop systems remains limited, especially concerning its impact on forage productivity and nutritive value. This study aims to investigate the effects of integrated organic nutrient amendments on the yield and quality of multi-crop system. Conducted during the period 2018 to 2021 using a randomized complete block design, the experiment encompassed seven treatments, each replicated three times. These treatments comprised of different combination of farmyard manure (FYM), Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and foliar spray of panchagavya for maize (M), berseem (B), and cowpea (C) and a treatment with recommended dose of fertilizers. The treatment includes T1: 100% RDN through FYM (M) - No application (B) - No application (C); T2: 50% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (M) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (B) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (C); T3: 75% RDN through FYM + PGPR (M) - PGPR (B)- PGPR (C); T4: 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR (M) - PGPR (B) - PGPR (C); T5: 75% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (M) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (B) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (C); T6: 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (M) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (B) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (C), and T7: 100% RDF (M)- 100% RDF (B)- 100% RDF (C). Research findings revealed that the T6 treatment, involving T6: 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (M) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (B) – PGPR + 3% foliar spray of panchagavya (C), yielded significant improvements in both green fodder of maize (35.4, 37.0, and 38.6 t ha⁻¹), berseem (58.2, 60.0, and 60.6 t ha⁻¹) and cowpea (25.7, 27.5, and 28.3 t ha⁻¹) during 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively. Furthermore, T6 significantly enhanced forage quality, as evidenced by higher crude protein (6.4–14.8%), ether extract (19.2–40.1%), and total ash (6.5–22.1%) contents, coupled with reductions in fiber components. These findings highlight the effectiveness of integrated organic nutrient amendments in enhancing both yield and quality, offering a sustainable strategy to improve livestock feed and promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Red rot, caused by Colletotrichum falcatum, is one of the most destructive diseases of sugarcane that affects the production sugarcane to a huge extent in India. In the present study, moderately red-rot resistant Saccharum officinarum cv. BO91 was inoculated with virulent C. falcatum (CF8) at grand growth phase. Stalk samples were taken at different time intervals to analyze the differentially abundant proteins through nanoLCMS/MS-based proteome analysis. The results indicated that the total number of identified peptides were significantly high (4026) in healthy sugarcane stalks, compared to fungal infected stalks. C. falcatum infection caused a drastic reduction in the number of peptides in sugarcane stalks at different time intervals (2565 at 3 h, 2610 at 6 h, and 2111 at 24 h). However, we found 97 exclusively abundant proteins in fungal infected stalks of sugarcane. Plenty of these proteins have already been functionally characterized in different other crop plants for their association with defense responses. The defense-related proteins included 30S ribosomal protein S15, bifunctional purine biosynthesis protein, CaM-binding domain-containing protein, kaurene synthase-3, DUF family protein, Ig-like domain repeat protein, methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein, O-fucosyltransferase family protein, coproporphyrinogen III oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, phosphoglycerate kinase, receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase, scarecrow/scarecrow-like protein, and porphobilinogen deaminase. Though majority of commercially grown sugarcane cultivars are susceptible to the red rot pathogen, the proteome of BO91 cultivar displayed the differential abundance of a number of proteins involved in the stimulation of defense responses.

Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is a valuable fruit crop mainly grown in the North Indian states of India due to its high-quality juice content. Psylla (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama), whitefly (Dialoeurodes citri Ashmead), sooty mould (Capnodium citri) and dieback (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) pests are the most important biotic constraints affecting its fruit yield up to 70 percent. To manage these pests, farmers often use mixture of non-label claim pesticides (quinalphos 25%EC, lambda-cyhalothrin 2.5%EC, diafenthiuron 50%WP, chlorantraniliprole 18.5 %, cymoxanil 8 % + mancozeb 64 % WP, etc.) without achieving the desired effect. Hence, area-wide implementation of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy in Kinnow mandarin was implemented during 2021–2023 covering 5 villages at Hisar, Haryana. Among the IPM strategy, installing yellow sticky traps @ 20/ha, neem seed kernel extract spray @ 5 %, and imidacloprid 17.8SL @ 0.3 % reduced the whitefly and psylla populations. The spray of 1 % starch and dipping infected fruits in a bleaching solution @ 0.1 % reduced the severity of sooty mould disease. Pruning and destruction of dead twigs followed by a spray of copper oxychloride 50 WP @ 0.3 % were found very effective too. The lowest average population of psylla and whitefly were recorded in T1-IPM compared to T2-farmer practice and T3-control, respectively. Minimum average disease severity of sooty mould and dieback was noticed in T1-IPM compared to T2-farmer practice while the highest disease severity was recorded in T3-control. Population dynamics of psylla, whitefly and sooty mould, dieback severity, and Area Under Diseases Progress Curve (AUDPC) were found to vary during 11th to 52nd standard meteorological week (SMW). They were observed to be highest in T3-control treatment, followed by T2-farmer practice and T1-IPM. The highest natural enemy's populations (Coccinellid, Chrysoperla, and spider) were recorded in T3-control followed by T1-IPM, and then in T2-farmer practice treatment. The highest average fruit yield and B: C ratio was recorded in T1-IPM compared to T2-farmer practice and T3-control treatment. The validated IPM strategies can be adopted by Kinnow mandarin growing farmers as an economically viable option for the management of psylla, whitefly, sooty mould, and dieback pests.

Potatoes are crucial to food security and feeding the world’s rising population. However, various biotic and abiotic stress factors, such as late/early blight, bacterial wilt, and necrotic ringspot and cold storage warehouse temperature, pH, and moisture, respectively, affect crop productivity and nutrition. This study aims to investigate the impact of cryopreservation on gene expression in potato tubers, evaluating its feasibility for germplasm conservation and potential contributions to food security. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes, highlighting those involved in essential metabolic and developmental processes. Potato tubers were cryopreserved and later germinated to explore genetic differences following germination. High-throughput sequencing and analysis were performed on total mRNA from cryopreservation and germination stages. De novo transcriptome assembly was performed on processed raw reads, while BUSCO measured transcriptome assembly quality. The average quality data of 6.5 GB per sample (> Q20) and GC percentage of filtered clean reads were 88.92–89.23% and 43–46%, respectively. BUSCO’s assembly was 85% complete, and raw reads aligned to the assembled transcriptome from 78.7 to 83.2%. Cellular components, molecular function, and biological processes dominated Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Expression analysis revealed differentially expressed genes that showed how cryopreservation can alter gene expression to plan germplasm conservation, as it requires gene information. The differential expression analysis for each stage showed 798 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (115 upregulated and 683 downregulated), 592 (54 upregulated and 538 downregulated), 923 (149 upregulated and 774 downregulated), and 1035 (649 upregulated and 386 downregulated) in the untreated and chemical treatment samples (1st stage), chemically treated and cryopreserved samples (2nd stage), cryopreserved and germinated samples (3rd stage), and untreated and germinated samples (4th stage), respectively. Photosynthesis and abiotic stress response genes were the most differentially expressed, while genes needed for average plant growth and development, such as citric acid cycle, cell elongation, root size determination, seed germination, and flowering, were the least. This study demonstrates that cryopreservation does not adversely impact essential genes for potato tuber growth, suggesting its viability as a safe method for germplasm conservation and potential use in sustainable potato production and food security strategies.

Sugarcane is one of the most important cash crops in the world. The crop has the potential to perform comparatively better under adverse climatic conditions. Employment opportunities, livelihood security, and environmental concerns are the main focus of interest amidst changing climatic scenarios with increasing population pressure and deteriorating natural resources. Hence, it becomes essential to achieve the target of sustainable development goals (SDGs). Meeting food energy demand and supply gaps without interrupting environmental sustainability is the key challenge to scientists, policymakers, and environmental planners worldwide. The farming community is highly sensitive to climatic abnormality that is highly impacted by resource scarcity such as depletion of water resources and land degradation. This situation may further worsen for sustainability in the future. In recent years, consequences of both intensive agricultural practices and anthropogenic activities have deteriorated the natural agroecosystem substantially. At present, modern agriculture has targeted the adoption of advanced technological interventions that can serve as more efficient for resource utilization besides time-saving production-enhancing processes and practices. Multiple cropping has been practiced in many parts of the world as a way to maximize land productivity and resource use efficiency. Sugarcane is a long-duration crop and takes about 90–120 days for canopy development, which allows for growing intercrops during the early stage, especially in autumn planted crops. The main purpose of sugarcane cultivation is to generate more farm income to meet the basic financial requirements of a growing community. High-value crops, especially medicinal and aromatic plants, are known as industrial crops having tremendous scope to generate farm income. The length of the growing period of selected high-value crops is not more than 6 months, and few of them like Tulsi and marigold have crop duration of just 60–70 days, which may be easily adjusted in a sugarcane-based cropping system. There is a great need to develop a system approach by diversifying the proportion of existing cropping systems of sugarcane through commercial crops in system mode to provide employment opportunities throughout the year and generate higher income at each level of the farming community. Hence, this book chapter will include the concept, merit, and demit of crop diversification, agronomy of various component crops under diversification, and identification of the best cropping system for higher sugarcane yield, energy efficiency, environmental friendliness, and more profitable through diversification of existing cropping system with high-value crops.

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, during 2021–2023 to assess the effect of bioproducts with and without NPK on growth, yield and quality of sugarcane and to assess the effect on soil quality parameters in a sugarcane (plant)–ratoon system. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments under three replications. The treatments were applied as T1—75% Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF-150, 26 and 50 kg, NPK/ha)); T2—75% RDF + DKC @ 25 kg/ha (DKC25); T3—75% RDF + JK @ 2.0 L/ha (two sprayings at 60 and 90 days after planting-JK2); T4—75% RDF + DKC25 + JK2; T5—DKC50 + JK2; T6—100% RDF; T7—Absolute control (no NPK). An average improvement of 1.02 Mg/ha in soil organic carbon (SOC) was observed after harvesting of ratoon crop compared to initial status (13.55 Mg/ha). However, applying 75% RDF along with DKC25 and JK2 improved the SOC by 1.695 Mg/ha/yr after completing a sugarcane (plant)-ratoon crop cycle. The application of 75% RDF + DKC25 + JK2 improved the availability of P and recorded an improvement of 86.6%. Overall, the mean microbial population trend in soil was recorded in the order of bacteria > actinomycetes > fungi. Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN) also increased with the application of bioproducts along with 75% RDF. During the tillering stage, the highest mean PAR incident was recorded as 1509 µ mol/m2/s. In the sugarcane plant crop, the mean photosynthetic rate was recorded as 16.14 µ mol/m2/s, which decreased to 14.11 µ mol/m2/s during grand growth and further declined to 9.29 µ mol/m2/s during the maturity stage. The highest mean sugarcane yield (96.6 t/ha) was recorded with the application of 75% RDF + DKC + JK @ 2 L per ha. Overall mean cane yield with plant crop was about 22.97% higher than the ratoon crop (70.86 t/ha hectare). Thus, it could be concluded that integrated use of both products DKC @ 25 kg/ha and JK @ 2 L/ha (two foliar sprayings at 60 and 90 days after planting) along with 75% of RDF for sugarcane (plant) or ratoon crop increased the highest sugarcane and sugar yields in plant–ratoon system. Soil chemical and biological properties were also maintained at higher level with application of both bioproducts along with 75% of RDF. Thus, the integrated application of both bioproducts (DKC and JK) with 75% RDF could be recommended to improve the crop yield, sustain soil fertility and enhance the profitability of the sugarcane-based production system.

Cercospora beticola, a widespread pathogen causing leaf spot disease in multiple crops, heavily impacts global agriculture, affecting up to 63% of agricultural regions worldwide. The cmdA gene, crucial for encoding calmodulin, a calcium-binding protein, plays a vital role in various C. beticola processes, including the production of cercosporin toxin, essential for its pathogenicity. Through phylogenetic and haplotype analyses of 56 sequences, the genetic diversity of the cmdA gene was explored. Two primary clades were identified: clade I, with broad geographic distribution across nine countries, and clade II, represented by sequences from four countries. Seven distinct haplotypes were identified, with haplotype 5 being predominant. Haplotype diversity was calculated at 0.83745. Population genetics analysis revealed a significantly high Tajima value of 6.48675, indicating substantial haplotype diversity within the global C. beticola population. These findings offer valuable insights into the evolutionary dynamics and geographic distribution of C. beticola, with potential implications for crop management strategies.