Context
-
Indian Scientists have identified that high-temperature drought conditions and low soil moisture content are favorable conditions for dry root rot (DRR), a disease that damages the roots or girdles the trunk in chickpea.
-
This work will be useful for the development of resistant lines and better management strategies.
About Dry root rot disease
- Dry root rot disease causes reduced vigour, dull green leaf colour, poor new growth, and twig dieback.
- If extensive root damage occurs, the leaves suddenly wilt and dry on the tree.
Credit: PIB - The increasing global average temperature is leading to appearance of many new plant disease-causing pathogens at a rate hitherto unheard of, one of them being Macrophomina phaseolina, a soil-borne necrotrophic that causes root rot in chickpea.
- Currently, the central and southern states of India have been identified as the prime chickpea DRR hotspots with an overall 5 – 35% disease incidence.
- Macrophomina survives in a wide range of environmental conditions, even at extremes of temperature, soil pH, and moistures.
- In chickpea, DRR is highly prevalent during the flowering and podding stages coinciding with high temperature and drought conditions.
Visit Abhiyan PEDIA (One of the Most Followed / Recommended) for UPSC Revisions: Click Here
IAS Abhiyan is now on Telegram: Click on the Below link to Join our Channels to stay Updated
IAS Abhiyan Official: Click Here to Join
For UPSC Mains Value Edition (Facts, Quotes, Best Practices, Case Studies): Click Here to Join