Research

Agricultural Sciences

Title :

Deciphering the resistance mechanism through leaf volatiles and wax components in rice against bacterial leaf blight ( Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae) disease

Area of research :

Agricultural Sciences

Focus area :

Plant Pathology, Biotechnology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Arup Kumar Mukherjee, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) Cuttack, Odisha

Timeline Start Year :

2024

Timeline End Year :

2027

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) is a devastating disease affecting rice plants, causing losses of up to 50-75%. Typically controlled with antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline, the Indian government has banned the import, manufacture, or formulation of these drugs due to the risk of antimicrobial resistance. To combat BLB, new strategies are needed. Rice volatile compounds, which have protective effects against insects, are yet to be explored for their inhibitory effect on pathogens, particularly Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae. The proposal aims to identify volatile compounds from rice plants that could protect against BLB and use them as plant protection molecules. Ten resistant genotypes will be selected to study differences in volatile release patterns compared to susceptible genotypes. Additionally, the wax present in leaf cuticles of different rice genotypes could also play a role in pest resistance.

Co-PI:

Dr. Arabinda Mahanty, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) Cuttack, Odisha-753006, Dr. Totan Adak, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) Cuttack, Odisha-753006, Dr. Korada Rajasekhara Rao, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) Cuttack, Odisha-753006

Total Budget (INR):

33,63,724

Organizations involved