Researchers have discovered a new microbe that poses threat to sesame crops in Midnapore, West Bengal. Sesame, known as the “Queen of Oil,” is an ancient oilseed crop with a rich history in Indian agriculture. Its oil is renowned for its health benefits, particularly for heart patients. Despite its advantages, sesame oil is not commonly used as the primary edible oil in India.
Importance of Sesame
Sesame seeds have been found in archaeological sites such as Harappa and Mohenjodaro. This marks the crop’s long-standing significance. Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants. It also has medicinal properties. However. varieties need genetic enhancement to maximise these benefits.
Research
Professor Gaurab Gangopadhyay and his team at Bose Institute have dedicated fourteen years to improving sesame varieties through molecular marker-assisted breeding. Their efforts have led to the development of several improved sesame varieties. However, they have recently encountered a peculiar disease affecting these crops.
The Disease and Its Cause
During field visits, researchers observed that sesame plants were reverting to a vegetative state after flowering. The flowers, which initially had white and pink hues, turned green. This unusual behaviour prompted further investigation. The team identified a new microbe, Candidatus Phytoplasma, as the causative agent. This bacterium lacks a cell wall and thrives in the phloem of plants.
Transmission and Symptoms
The transmission of Candidatus Phytoplasma occurs primarily through phloem-feeding insects like leafhoppers and plant-hoppers. These pests are notorious for infecting various economically important crops, including tobacco and maize. The disease manifests through disfigured floral parts and a leafy appearance, severely impacting crop yield.
Research Significance
About the effects of Phytoplasma on sesame’s metabolic pathways is crucial. The recent study published in the Plant Molecular Biology Reporter sheds light on the molecular responses of sesame plants to this infection. This multi-target approach could provide vital information about complex biological systems and enhance knowledge of plant-pathogen interactions.
Future Directions
There is a pressing need for further research to develop resistant sesame varieties. Farmers must also be educated about the disease and its vectors. Improved agricultural practices could mitigate the impact of this new threat.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the significance of sesame as an oilseed crop in India.
- What are the characteristics of Phytoplasma bacteria? How do they affect plant health?
- Estimate the economic impact of diseases caused by phloem-feeding insects on crop production.
- Point out the historical importance of sesame in ancient Indian agriculture and its relevance .
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the significance of sesame as an oilseed crop in India.
- Sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops, with archaeological evidence dating back to Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
- It is rich in antioxidants and has numerous health benefits, particularly for heart health.
- Despite its advantages, sesame oil is underutilized as the primary edible oil in India.
- Improving Indian sesame varieties can enhance yield and nutritional benefits.
- Sesame plays a vital role in the economy, providing livelihoods for farmers and contributing to agricultural diversity.
2. What are the characteristics of Phytoplasma bacteria? How do they affect plant health?
- Phytoplasma are wall-less bacteria that live in the phloem of plants, making them unique among plant pathogens.
- They are transmitted primarily by phloem-feeding insects like leafhoppers and plant-hoppers.
- Infected plants exhibit symptoms such as virescence (green flowers) and disfigurement of floral parts.
- Phytoplasma can disrupt normal plant growth and development, leading to reduced yields.
- They affect the interconnected metabolic pathways, causing complex disease symptoms in various crops.
3. Estimate the economic impact of diseases caused by phloem-feeding insects on crop production.
- Phloem-feeding insects can reduce crop yields, impacting food security and farmer income.
- Diseases caused by these pests lead to increased production costs due to the need for pest management strategies.
- Infected crops may have lower market value, affecting overall agricultural profitability.
- Such diseases can cause widespread economic losses in major crops like sesame, tobacco, and maize.
- Long-term infestations can disrupt agricultural practices and lead to decreased crop diversity.
4. Point out the historical importance of sesame in ancient Indian agriculture and its relevance.
- Sesame has been cultivated in India for thousands of years, with significance in ancient civilizations like Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
- It was used not only as a food source but also in religious and cultural rituals, symbolizing prosperity.
- Historically, sesame oil was valued for its medicinal properties and dietary benefits.
- Its cultivation has contributed to biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices in India.
- Today, sesame remains relevant as a nutritious crop, supporting both health and economic stability in rural areas.
