Lathyrus sativus commonly known as grasspea is a nutrient dense legume crop with tolerance for various abiotic stresses like drought and flood and has potential for climate smart agriculture. It is also a reservoir of nutrients and pharmacological compound that can contribute to human health. Grasspea has received little attention from breeders and researchers in the past due to the presence of neurotoxic compound in its seeds and other plant parts that causes a disease called neurolathyrism. However, in the current climate change scenario, interest on grasspea research is renewed due its hardiness to both drought and flooding. Several genomic resources in grasspea have been developed from the last 10 years. As per NCBI data, 246 transcriptome sequences of grasspea have been published. Two genome assemblies and one reference genome sequence have recently been published. This article discusses about currently sequenced grasspea genomes and how it can be utilized for improving the grasspea.
Fusarium spp. is a group of soil-borne fungi with many different species. In cucurbits, this genus cause major diseases out of which vascular wilt disease and fruit rot are of highly significance on the basis of the economic losses it causes annually to the cucurbit crops. Vascular wilt of cucurbits is caused by Fusarium oxysporum which has a host specific formae speciales (f. sp.) such as F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis which cause vascular wilt of melon (muskmelon and cantaloupe). These formae speciales also show cross-infectivity and can infect other non-host species in the family cucurbitaceae. Fruit/crown/foot rot of cucurbits is due to F. solani which is a post-harvest disease and infects mostly pumpkin and squash. The formae specials in this disease is common to the family cucurbitaceae i.e. Fusarium solani f. sp. cucurbitae. Although less specific to the cucurbits, other species of Fusarium such as F. proliferatum, F. equiseti, F. pallidoroseum F. semitectum, F. verticillioides etc. can also be found associated with the cucurbit diseases. F. oxysporum and F. solani are the primary culprits, whereas several other Fusarium species contribute to diseases in cucurbits, hampering its yield as well as quality.
Nanotechnology holds significant promise in addressing numerous challenges faced by today’s modern agriculture, including crop protection, nutrient management, as well as environmental sustainability. This the novel technology that revolutionizes crop protection by enabling target-based delivery of pesticides, early pest/pathogen detection, and controlled release of nutrients through nanomaterials, nanobiosensors, nanocapsules etc. Nanoparticles have dimensions ranging from 1-100 nanometers (nm) that act differently in comparison to their bulk-sized counterparts as they are smaller in size, have a larger surface area, greater charge, increased solubility and more stability. This leads to decreased usage and better efficacy of chemicals, minimized environmental contamination, as well as improved plant resilience against several stresses eventually increasing food security. Through minimizing the chemical load, it also reduces pollution and improves water usage. It also offers advanced monitoring which leads to smart farming. Hence, nanotechnology is the key for success to a long-term future in crop protection which can transform the agricultural sector more effectively and sustainably.
Goats and sheep play a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods through milk, meat, wool, and income generation. However, their productivity is severely threatened by mycoplasmosis, a group of diseases, caused by Mycoplasma species, which lack a cell wall and are difficult to diagnose and treat. These infections can affect multiple organs, leading to pneumonia, mastitis, arthritis, eye infections, and reproductive problems, often resulting in economic losses and animal suffering. Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and Contagious Agalactia (CA) are among the most damaging conditions, particularly in goats. Diagnosis relies on laboratory confirmation using culture, PCR, or serological methods, as clinical signs often resemble other diseases. Since success of treatment varies greatly, prevention is key. Vaccination (where available), strict hygiene, biosecurity, and responsible antibiotic use are essential to limit outbreaks. Educating farmers to recognize symptoms and practice early intervention can protect herd health, safeguard milk yield, and ultimately sustain rural farming communities.
