Browsing by Author "Anirudha Chattopadhyay"

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Biodiversity and periodical/seasonal distribution of Nematode trapping fungi from different habitats
(Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, 2015) R.K. Singh; S.K. Pandey; Anirudha Chattopadhyay
Nematophagous fungi are a group of micro fungi that are ubiquitous in nature and have been well distributed in variety of ecological habitats and environment worldwide. Their diversity and distribution in soil is mainly associated with various soil parameters, especially with soil organic matter content. This experiment is carried out to explore the biodiversity and seasonal distribution of Nematode trapping fungi from different habitats like decaying woody soil, decaying leafy soil and agricultural rhizospheric soil. For this study, periodical isolation of these fungi in the month of January 2014 and May 2014 was carried out from samples taken from various randomly selected eight locations of three different habitats. In both the season, the higher level of diversity in terms of the population density and species richness was recorded in decaying leafy soils, followed by in decaying woody soil, but in agricultural rhizospheric soil it was less. Moreover, the recorded species are evenly distributed mostly in decaying leafy soil and decaying woody soil whereas, agricultural rhizospheric soil is mainly dominated by single species i.e., A. oligospora with 30 % occurrence frequency. This is significantly correlated with variation in quantified nematode population and estimated C:N ratio of the samples of different habitats. These findings clearly indicate the role of these group of fungi in maintaining the fertility status of soil and the importance of their conservation and possible utilization in enhancing the soil health of agricultural soil.
Detection and diagnosis of seed-borne and seed-associated nematodes
(Springer Singapore, 2020) R.K. Singh; Sumit Kumar Pandey; Anirudha Chattopadhyay
Seed is a very good carrier of phytonematodes, especially for long distance dissemination. This transmission occurs either directly through seed infection or via seed contamination. Although in low rate, this transmission becomes a serious concern when trans-boundary movement of invasive alien nematode species flares up in epiphytotic proportion. Hence, detection and diagnosis of seed-borne and seed-associated nematode are significant for their protection. So far, various conventional methods are mostly employed for detection, but advancement of modern approaches, viz. serological or molecular techniques, speeds up the process with more accurate detection. Their robustness and specificity with greater resolution help in identification and discrimination of different species of seed-borne phytonematodes, thus strengthening phytosanitary programme and ensuring low risk in world trade. It also helps in pest risk analysis (PRA) of any pests having quarantine importance and development of national standards for import of seed and planting materials. Besides these, for the identification of pest-free area, production of certified seeds, and promotion of export quality raw plant products, detection of seed and seed-associated nematodes is very essential. Hence, detection is always considered as primary step for crop protection. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.
Early detection of wilt in Cajanus cajan using satellite hyperspectral images: Development and validation of disease-specific spectral index with integrated methodology
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Amitava Dutta; Rashi Tyagi; Anirudha Chattopadhyay; Debtoru Chatterjee; Ankita Sarkar; Brejesh Lall; Shilpi Sharma
Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), a legume of nutritional significance, is highly prone to wilt disease caused by fungal pathogen, Fusarium udum, that leads to 15–30 % of crop mortality in India. While early detection of wilts in legume is crucial for remedial measures, it has been poorly addressed till date using traditional field based manual methods. The present study aimed to design an integrated two-step wilt detection methodology, and develop a disease-specific spectral index for Cajanus cajan exploiting spectral enrichment of ASI-PRISMA hyperspectral dataset. Initially, Modified Red Edge Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Normalized Difference Nitrogen Index, and Photochemical Reflectance Index were combined for generation of relative agricultural stress map and in parallel, Minimum Noise Fraction transformation and Pixel Purity Index (PPI) based endmember maps/spectra were generated. Integration of high agricultural stress areas/pixels with PPI endmembers successfully established the desired spectrum for the diseased Cajanus cajan plants. Subsequently, the novel two-step methodology was validated through ground truthing. In addition, a plant (C. cajan)-specific normalised difference disease/stress index was developed for rapid assessment of C. cajan health status, after exhaustive search for band combinations and separability analysis. To assess the robustness of the proposed two-step methodology and spectral index for disease detection in Cajanus cajan, another site was investigated. A total of seven DLR DESIS and EnMAP, and ASI-PRISMA hyperspectral images were exploited using the proposed methodology for wilt detection in C. cajan. It was established from the field experiments that hyperspectral imaging could efficiently detect the wilted C. cajan plants in the area. In conclusion, using spaceborne hyperspectral images, developed disease spectral index values of ≤0.55 and agricultural stress values ≥ 3 could jointly detect the wilt at an early stage in C. cajan. When compared with commonly used multispectral satellite imageries, the developed methodology for hyperspectral imagery based signature analysis could efficiently detect the diseased Cajanus cajan plants at least 23 weeks in advance. This is the first report on employing satellite hyperspectral imagery for the detection of the wilt in C. cajan. The field deployment of hyperspectral imaging based precise foreknowledge regarding the wilt in legumes would help the stakeholders to make more informed decisions for quick mitigation. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.
Evaluation of Trichoderma spp. as a plant growth promoter and antagonist of major pulse pathogens
(Indian Society of Pulses Research and Development (ISPRD), 2023) Mantasha Arif; Vipin Verma; Aishwarya Priyadarshini; Lovkush Satnami; Aalok Mishra; Mariya Ansari; Anirudha Chattopadhyay; Dawa Dolma Bhutia; Ankita Sarkar
Trichoderma spp. is mostly used for the management of soil-borne diseases and some foliage and fruit diseases in a variety of crop plants. It can help the environment by reducing agrochemical pollution, promoting plant growth, and enhancing plant resistance in addition to preventing plant diseases. Trichoderma spp. also functions as a secure, affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly biocontrol agent for several crop species. In the present study, we obtained different Trichoderma isolates from rhizospheric soil samples of different locations and tested them for their antagonistic activity against major pulse pathogens. Among seven isolates, three isolates, viz., Pipal TH-2, ATH-Kashipur, and Mz/AP-2 were found to be highly effective by inhibiting the growth of Fusarium udum (64.04 to 78.65%), Fusarium ciceris (77.77 to 82.12%), Sclerotium rolfsii (59.09 to 69.30%), Macrophomina phaseolina (52.42 to 62.72%) and Alternaria alternata (80.12 to 83.22%). These isolates were also tested for growth-promoting traits (PGPR) in the present study and isolates having both plant growth-promoting ability and biocontrol potentiality were selected and preserved for further studies. These isolates of Trichoderma spp. would be a crucial partner for achieving the Green Earth goal due to their contribution to the sustainable growth of agriculture. © 2023 Indian Society of Pulses Research and Development (ISPRD). All rights reserved.
Evolution and adaptation of phytopathogens in perspective of intensified agroecosystem
(Apple Academic Press, 2017) Rakesh K. Singh; Anirudha Chattopadhyay; Sumit K. Pandey
In recent times, increasing problem of evolution and adaptation of plant pathogens in an intensified agroecosystem have become evident from growing incidence of plant disease epidemics with associated yield loss occurring either in large scale or in small pockets of various parts of the world. The dynamics of evolution of phytopathogens is very complex and is influenced by various deriving forces like genetic homogeneity, change in agroecological factors which exert directional selection pressure in the favor of evolution, and emergence of new virulent races/ pathotypes. These new pathogenic variants are highly competent on invading new ecological niches, due to their tremendous genomic plasticity and higher adaptability to changing environmental conditions. Individual groups of pathogens take different paths to evolve and they also adopt different mechanisms in different time and space. In this content, we try to present the various evolutionary mechanisms adopted by different groups of plant pathogens in different agroecosystems and we also try to point out possible driving factors promoting the evolution and adaptation of plant pathogens in an intensified agroecosystem. Remodulation of existing agroecosystem by creating genetic heterogeneity and agroecological diversity would be the suitable approach to slow down the process of evolution. Introduction of improved monitoring system with advanced diagnostic facilities for the detection and spread of new variants and strengthening plant quarantine activity will also be helpful to prevent the entry and establishment of new pathogens or pathogenic variants in an uninvaded area. Therefore, appropriate integration of all these multidisciplinary approaches in groups are emphasized and justified to combat this situation. © 2017 by Apple Academic Press, Inc.
Histochemical marker: dissecting phenylpropanoid pathway for identifying dry root rot resistant sources in cowpea
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Mitesh R. Prajapati; Jyotika Purohit; Dineshbhai B. Makwana; Anuj Kumar Singh; Bindu K. Panickar; Ankita Sarkar; A. Abdul Kadir Jailani; Anirudha Chattopadhyay
Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)] is one of the important grain legumes of arid and semi-arid agroclimatic zones, mostly grown as food for humans and feed for cattle. However, its production has plateaued due to its cultivation in low-input conditions, such as low-fertility soils in rainfed areas. Additionally, climate change exacerbates various biotic stresses affecting plants. One significant biotic stress is dry root rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid., which has emerged as a major threat, especially in the era of climate change like erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells. Extended periods of moisture stress combined with high temperatures increase the incidence of dry root rot in cowpea. Thus, the current study was conducted to identify the dry root rot resistant genotypes of cowpea. For that, twenty four genotypes of cowpea were screened in field during summer and rainy season of 2023 and only four entries, viz., DC 18 − 1, GC 2105, RC 101 and Pusa Falguni showed resistant reactions in both seasons. Further, in vitro testing was done to confirm the durability of the resistance. Leaves of resistant (DC 18 − 1, GC 2105, RC 101, and Pusa Falguni), susceptible (PGCP 82, Pant lobia-7) and highly susceptible (CPD-331, GC 2006) inoculated genotypes showed higher levels of enzyme activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). A significant increase in the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in the inoculated genotypes was observed after the invasion of pathogen. In contrast, in the case of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) three inoculated resistant genotypes (DC 18 − 1, GC 2105, RC 101), one susceptible and highly susceptible inoculated genotypes (CPD-331 and PGCP 82) significantly recorded a higher level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) than the uninoculated genotypes. In lignin deposition, the resistant genotypes (DC 18 − 1, GC 2105, RC 101, and Pusa Falguni) had a higher level of lignin deposition than susceptible and highly susceptible genotypes. Thus, the histochemical dissection of the plant defense mechanism would be an important approach for the differentiation of the root rot-resistant and susceptible genotypes of cowpea and further selection of resistant genotypes. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Patologia Vegetale (S.I.Pa.V.) 2025.
Metagenomic exploration of plastic degrading microbes for biotechnological application
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2020) Jyotika Purohit; Anirudha Chattopadhyay; Basavaraj Teli
Since the last few decades, the promiscuous and uncontrolled use of plastics led to the accumulation of millions of tons of plastic waste in the terrestrial and marine environment. It elevated the risk of environmental pollution and climate change. The concern arises more due to the reckless and unscientific disposal of plastics containing high molecular weight polymers, viz., polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, polyurethane, and polyethylene, etc. which are very difficult to degrade. Thus, the focus is now paid to search for efficient, eco-friendly, low-cost waste management technology. Of them, degradation of non-degradable synthetic polymer using diverse microbial agents, viz., bacteria, fungi, and other extremophiles become an emerging option. So far, very few microbial agents and their secreted enzymes have been identified and characterized for plastic degradation, but with low efficiency. It might be due to the predominance of uncultured microbial species, which consequently remain unexplored from the respective plastic degrading milieu. To overcome this problem, metagenomic analysis of microbial population engaged in the plastic biodegradation is advisable to decipher the microbial community structure and to predict their biodegradation potential in situ. Advancements in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics analysis allow the rapid metagenome screening that helps in the identification of total microbial community and also opens up the scope for mining genes or enzymes (hydrolases, laccase, etc.) engaged in polymer degradation. Further, the extraction of the core microbial population and their adaptation, fitness, and survivability can also be deciphered through comparative metagenomic study. It will help to engineer the microbial community and their metabolic activity to speed up the degradation process. © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers.
Microbial Exudates as Biostimulants: Role in Plant Growth Promotion and Stress Mitigation
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2023) Mariya Ansari; B. Megala Devi; Ankita Sarkar; Anirudha Chattopadhyay; Lovkush Satnami; Pooraniammal Balu; Manoj Choudhary; Muhammad Adnan Shahid; A. Abdul Kader Jailani
Microbes hold immense potential, based on the fact that they are widely acknowledged for their role in mitigating the detrimental impacts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which were extensively employed during the Green Revolution era. The consequence of this extensive use has been the degradation of agricultural land, soil health and fertility deterioration, and a decline in crop quality. Despite the existence of environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives, microbial bioinoculants encounter numerous challenges in real-world agricultural settings. These challenges include harsh environmental conditions like unfavorable soil pH, temperature extremes, and nutrient imbalances, as well as stiff competition with native microbial species and host plant specificity. Moreover, obstacles spanning from large-scale production to commercialization persist. Therefore, substantial efforts are underway to identify superior solutions that can foster a sustainable and eco-conscious agricultural system. In this context, attention has shifted towards the utilization of cell-free microbial exudates as opposed to traditional microbial inoculants. Microbial exudates refer to the diverse array of cellular metabolites secreted by microbial cells. These metabolites enclose a wide range of chemical compounds, including sugars, organic acids, amino acids, peptides, siderophores, volatiles, and more. The composition and function of these compounds in exudates can vary considerably, depending on the specific microbial strains and prevailing environmental conditions. Remarkably, they possess the capability to modulate and influence various plant physiological processes, thereby inducing tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, these exudates facilitate plant growth and aid in the remediation of environmental pollutants such as chemicals and heavy metals in agroecosystems. Much like live microbes, when applied, these exudates actively participate in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere, engaging in continuous interactions with plants and plant-associated microbes. Consequently, they play a pivotal role in reshaping the microbiome. The biostimulant properties exhibited by these exudates position them as promising biological components for fostering cleaner and more sustainable agricultural systems. © 2023 by the authors.
Nematophagous Fungi in Antioxidant-Mediated Defense Against Plant Parasitic Nematodes
(Springer Nature, 2021) S. Saranya; Basavaraj Teli; Jyotika Purohit; R.K. Singh; Anirudha Chattopadhyay
Nematophagous fungi play vital role in plant growth promotion and antioxidant defense response against many plant parasitic nematodes as well as plant pathogens. Huge bio-diversity and wider adaptability to various soil habitats, make them prominent predacious fungi that can be utilized in integrated pest management practices for sustainable crop production. Oxidative stress generated in the plants due to various biotic and abiotic factors leads to the imbalance in the host cellular mechanisms resulting in the cell death. Application of nematophagous fungi is one of the option to mitigate the oxidative stress. External root application of these nematophagous fungi not only parasitised on the plant parasitic nematodes with the help of trapping structure, but also induced the production of the various antioxidants to maintain the free radical ion synthesis directly and indirectly in the host plants. Thus, nematophagous fungi act as the best alternative for the management of plant parasitic nematodes and other pathogens to mitigate the oxidative stress and to maintain the plant health through antioxidant production. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.
Omics insight on fusarium head blight of wheat for translational research perspective
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2020) Basavaraj Teli; Jyotika Purohit; Md. Mahtab Rashid; A. Abdul Kader Jailani; Anirudha Chattopadhyay
In the scenario of global warming and climate change, an outbreak of new pests and pathogens has become a serious concern owing to the rapid emergence of arms races, their epidemic infection, and the ability to break down host resistance, etc. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one such evidence that depredates major cereals throughout the world. The symptomatological perplexity and aetiological complexity make this disease very severe, engendering significant losses in the yield. Apart from qualitative and quantitative losses, mycotoxin production solemnly deteriorates the grain quality in addition to life endangerment of humans and animals after consumption of toxified grains above the permissible limit. To minimize this risk, we must be very strategic in designing sustainable management practices constituting cultural, biological, chemical, and host resistance approaches. Even though genetic resistance is the most effective and environmentally safe strategy, a huge genetic variation and unstable resistance response limit the holistic deployment of resistance genes in FHB management. Thus, the focus must shift towards the editing of susceptible (S) host proteins that are soft targets of newly evolving effector molecules, which ultimately could be exploited to repress the disease development process. Hence, we must understand the pathological, biochemical, and molecular insight of disease development in a nutshell. In the present time, the availability of functional genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics information on host-pathogen interaction in FHB have constructed various networks which helped in understanding the pathogenesis and coherent host response(s). So now translation of this information for designing of host defense in the form of desirable resistant variety/genotype is the next step. The insights collected and presented in this review will be aiding in the understanding of the disease and apprise a solution to the multi-faceted problems which are related to FHB resistance in wheat and other cereals to ensure global food safety and food security. © 2020 Bentham Science Publishers.
Plant Defence Regulation Role Play of Mycorrhizal Fungi
(CRC Press, 2024) Mariya Ansari; Aalok Mishra; Anirudha Chattopadhyay; Arpan Mukherjee; Ankita Sarkar
The agriculture system of today is exhaustive and demands a frameshift of the conventional agricultural concept if ecological balance has to be sustained. Regenerative agriculture brings forward such a concept, which encompasses a solution to the ecological and biodiversity crises, along with ensuring food safety and security. Regenerative agriculture aims to sustain the resources for the present and the future by adopting various regenerative practices and methodologies. The diversified role of mycorrhiza in crop production makes it a promising candidate for achieving this target. Mycorrhiza, which evolved parallelly with plants millions of years ago, plays a key role in soil biodiversity, soil health, fertility, nutrient cycling, nutrient re-allocation, C-sequestration, crop yield, and stress alleviation through various mechanisms. The abundance of mycorrhiza, even in polluted/degraded soil areas, and its reclamation and ameliorating properties make it an important component of regenerative agriculture. Numerous ongoing researches and experiments on such associations give a conclusive idea about the compatibility and multi-dimensional role of mycorrhiza in regenerative agriculture. Incorporation and utilization of such a two-way beneficial association in regenerative agriculture become imperative due to their association with 90% of plant species. Their widespread contribution makes mycorrhizal a potential biofertilizer, biodegrader, and bioprotector of the future regenerative agriculture system. © 2024 CRC Press.