Undergraduate courses as per 6^th Dean Committee:

PL PATH-111 Fundamentals of Plant Pathology (2+1) Sem. II

Theory

Introduction to Plant Pathology: Concept of disease in plants; Different terms used in Plant Pathology, History of Plant Pathology with special references to India; Causes of plant diseases: Inanimate and animate causes; Classification of plant diseases; Parasitism and pathogenesis; Development of disease in plants: Disease triangle, Disease cycle; Survival and dispersal of plant pathogens; Role of enzymes, toxins and growth regulators in plant disease development; Host defense mechanisms; Fungi: Morphology, reproduction and classification; Bacteria: Morphology, reproduction and classification of phytopathogenic bacteria; Other plant pathogens: Mollicutes; Flagellant protozoa; Fastidious Vascular Bacteria (FVB); Green algae and parasitic higher plants; Viruses and viroids, virus transmission; Principles of plant disease management: Disease management with chemicals, host resistance, cultural and biological methods; Integrated Disease Management (IDM).

Practical

Study of the microscope; Acquaintance with laboratory materials and equipments; Study of different plant disease symptoms; Microscopic examination of general structures of fungi; Simple staining of bacteria: Direct and indirect staining, Gram’s staining of bacteria; Microscopic examination of fungal and bacterial diseased specimens; Preparation of culture media; Isolation of plant pathogens: Fungi, bacteria and viruses; Purification of plant pathogens; Study on plant disease diagnosis: Koch’s postulates; Characteristics, formulation, methods of application and calculation of fungicides

PL PATH- 212 Fundamentals of Nematology (1+1) Sem. II

Theory

Introduction: History of phytonematology, habitat and diversity, economic importance of nematodes. General characteristics of plant parasitic nematodes. Nematode: definition, general morphology and biology. Classification of nematodes up to family level with emphasis on groups containing economically important genera. Classification of nematodes on the basis of feeding/parasitic habit. Symptomatology, role of nematodes in disease development. Interaction between plant parasitic nematodes and diseasecausing fungi, bacteria and viruses. Nematode pests of crops: Rice, wheat, vegetables, pulses, oilseed, fiber crops, citrus, banana, tea, coffee and coconut. Different methods of nematode management: Cultural, Physical, Biological, Chemical, Plant Quarantine, Plant resistance and Integrated Nematode Management (INM).

Practical

Sampling methods, collection of soil and plant samples. Extraction of nematodes from soil and plant tissues following Cobb’s sieving and decanting technique, Baermann funnel technique, Maceration technique, Root incubation technique. Picking and counting of plant parasitic nematodes. Identification of economically important plant parasitic nematodes up to generic level with the help of keys and description: Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus; Anguina, Heterodera, Tylenchulus, Xiphinema, and Helicotylenchus. Study of symptoms caused by important nematode pests of cereals, vegetables, pulses, plantation crops. Methods of application of nematicides and organic amendments.

PL PATH-311  Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops and their Management

 (2+1) Sem. I

Theory

Symptoms, etiology, disease cycle, epidemiology and management of major diseases of the following field and horticultural crops: Field crops- Rice (blast, brown spot, sheath blight, false smut, bacterial leaf blight, bacterial leaf streak, tungro, Khaira); Wheat (rusts, loose smut, Karnal bunt); Maize (banded leaf and sheath blight, southern and northern leaf blights, downy mildews, stalk rots); Sorghum (smuts, grain mold, anthracnose); Bajra (downy mildew, ergot) Finger millet (blast, leaf spot); Groundnut (early and late leaf spots, rust, collar rot, wilt); Soybean (Rhizoctonia blight, bacterial spot, seed and seedling rot, mosaic); Gram (Ascochyta blight, wilt, grey mold); Pea (downy mildew, powdery mildew, rust); Black gram and Green gram (web blight, Cercospora leaf spot, anthracnose, yellow mosaic); Sugarcane (red rot, smut, grassy shoot, ratoon stunting, wilt, Pokkah boeng); Mustard (Alternaria blight, white rust, downy mildew, Sclerotinia stem rot); Sunflower (Sclerotinia stem rot, Alternaria blight); Cotton (anthracnose, vascular wilts, leaf curl, black arm). Horticultural crops: Citrus (canker, gummosis); Guava (wilt, anthracnose); Banana (sigatoka, Panama wilt, bacterial wilt, bunchy top); Papaya (foot rot, leaf curl, mosaic); Pomegranate (bacterial blight); Apple (scab, powdery mildew, fire blight, crown gall); Peach (leaf curl); Grapevine (downy mildew, powdery mildew, anthracnose); Strawberry (leaf spot); Coconut (bud rot, Ganoderma wilt), Tea (blister blight); Coffee (rust); Mango (anthracnose, malformation, bacterial blight, powdery mildew); Potato (early and late blight, black scurf, leaf roll, mosaic); Tomato (damping off, wilt, early and late blight, leaf curl, mosaic); Brinjal (Phomopsis blight and fruit rot, Sclerotinia blight); Chilli (anthracnose and fruit rot, wilt, leaf curl); Cucurbits (powdery and downy mildew, wilts); Cruciferous vegetables (Alternaria leaf spot, black rot, cauliflower mosaic); Beans (anthracnose, bacterial blight); Okra (yellow vein mosaic); Ginger (soft rot), Turmeric (leaf spots); Coriander (stem gall); Rose (dieback, powdery mildew, black leaf spot) and Marigold (Botrytis blight, leaf spots).

Practical

Identification and histopathological studies of selected diseases of field and horticultural crops covered in theory. Acquaintance with fungicides, antibiotics and biopesticides and their use in management of diseases of horticultural crops. Field visit for the diagnosis of field problems. Collection and preservation of plant diseased specimens for herbarium.

Elective Courses

PL PATH-411 Plant Disease Diagnosis (0+2) Sem. I

Practical

Field and laboratory diagnosis of important diseases and disorders of field crops, vegetables, fruits, forests and ornamental plants. Diagnosis and differentiation of disorders due to biotic and abiotic causes, nutritional imbalances, genetic variations and phytotoxemia. Conventional and molecular methods for identification of plant diseases/pathogens. Visit to Plant Clinic and diagnostic labs.

PL PATH -412 Post -harvest Diseases and their Management (2+1) Sem. I

Theory

National and international status of post -harvest diseases and their economic implications. Types of post -harvest problems incited by biotic and abiotic factors, their symptoms and toxicosis. Factors affecting development of post -harvest pathogens leading to quiescent infection and their perpetuation. Effect of handling and storage practices on the development of post -harvest diseases. Relationships between post -harvest pathogens and their antagonists. Important post – harvest diseases of vegetables, fruits and cereals. Mycotoxins, their management and health hazards. Knowledge of Codex Alimentarious for each product and commodity. Disease management strategies for post -harvest diseases involving conventional and improved practices.

Practical

Description of important post -harvest pathogens, their isolation and identification. Identification of important post – harvest diseases of vegetables (viz., cucurbitaceous vegetables, potato, onion, chilli, brinjal, tomato, pea, beans), fruits (viz., mango, citrus, guava, papaya, grapes, pear, strawberry, banana, apple) and cereals (viz., wheat, rice and maize). Mycotoxin detection and their management. Demonstration of various methods of post -harvest disease management. Good Practices and new innovations in packaging vegetables and fruits. Evaluation of bioagents, GRAS compounds and fungicides in controlling post –harvest food spoilage under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Visit to a packing house and cold stores. Visit to ICAR -Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology (CIPHET) and Punjab Horticultural Postharvest Technology Centre (PHPTC).

PL PATH -413  Diseases in Protected Cultivation Systems and their Management  (2+1) Sem. I

Theory

Overview and significance of different protected cultivation systems vis – à -vis plant health. General considerations for planning and construction of greenhouses for prevention of diseases. Disease prevalence in protected structures versus open field conditions. Environmental conditions in protected systems and their impact on diseases. Major diseases and disorders of important vegetables – tomato, capsicum, cucumber, brinjal and ornamentals – orchids, gerbera, chrysanthemum, gladiolus under different protected cultivation systems. Disease dynamics in protected cultivation systems. Integrated management of major diseases/disorders under protected structures.

Practical

 Field visits to greenhouses/low -tunnel cultivation structures and open -field farms to observe environmental conditions and disease patterns. Identification of major diseases and disorders prevalent under protected cultivation systems. Impact of different irrigation techniques in protected cultivation on disease outbreaks. Sanitation practices and soil solarization in protected structures. Biological control of diseases in protected cultivation, management of diseases using clean seed, seed treatment and chemicals. Visit to naturally ventilated and controlled environment greenhouses

PL PATH -414 Phytopathometry and Plant Disease Epidemiology (2+2) Sem. I

Theory

Introduction to Phytopathometry – Definition, scope, significance, historical perspectives and its applications in Plant Pathology. Creation of artificial epidemics under field and laboratory conditions. Methods for plant disease assessment. Disease progress curves on arithmetic and transformed scales. Soil/seed and air -borne diseases. Simple and compound interest diseases. Measurement of infection rate. Methods of sampling and surveying. Methods of estimating yield losses – critical point, multiple point and area -under -curve models. Relationship between disease prevalence and yield loss. Environmental factors affecting epidemics. Methods of disease prediction. Disease forecasting services around the globe. Application of remote sensing and image analysis in phytopathometry.

Practical

Disease survey/surveillance and sampling techniques in phytopathometry. Geotagging and creation of disease maps using GIS. Field and lab techniques for disease measurement. Remote sensing and digital imaging techniques in disease assessment. Disease measurement scales and indices (nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio scales). Standard Area Diagrams. Creating disease epidemics for air/soil/seed borne diseases and plotting the dynamics of an epidemic. Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). Estimation of yield losses using critical point, multiple point and area -under – curve models. Disease severity and yield loss relationships. Measurement of resistance and calculation of Susceptibility Index (Sx). Measurement of Infection rate. Quantification of soil and air -borne inoculum. Statistical analysis in phytopathometry – experimental designs in disease quantification studies, data handling and interpretation. Use of statistical softwares. Forecasting epidemics and modelling disease spread, economic impact assessment

PL PATH -415 Techniques in Phytopathology (0+4) Sem. I

Practical

General laboratory instructions. Microscopy and its applications. Isolation and purification of plant pathogens. Measurement of growth of plant pathogens. Standardization of spore concentration using haemocytometer. Micrometry and size of pathogens. Growth media and their sterilization. Maintenance and preservation of cultures. Inoculation techniques for different plant pathogens. Seed health testing assays. Techniques for assessment of soil and air microflora. Calculation of fungicide concentrations. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of chemicals and bioagents against plant pathogens. Preparation of Bordeaux mixture, Bordeaux paste and Bordeaux paint. Fungicide and bioagent formulations and their application methods. Fungicide classification. Safe use of agrochemicals and pesticide labels.

PL PATH -416  Biocontrol and Integrated Disease Management (2+2) Sem. I

Theory

History and principles underlying biological, host resistance, chemical, physical, cultural and legislative measures of plant disease management. Integrated disease management. Scope and factors affecting biological control. Mechanisms of bio – control. Characterization of bioagents and their commercial formulations. Limitations of biocontrol. Commercial production and distribution system of bioagents. Historical developments and classification of fungicides and antibiotics. Mode of action, uptake, translocation, disease control and factors affecting their efficacy and field performance. Registration, commercial development and compatibility of fungicides with other chemicals. General account of plant protection appliances. Development of resistance in pathogens against fungicides. Non – target effects of fungicide use. Methods of screening for disease resistance. Seed certification standards and phytosanitary measures. Eco – friendly disease management practices.

Practical

Isolation and Identification of bio -control agents. Evaluation of bio -control agents against plant pathogens in vitro and in vivo. Production and application procedures of bioagents. Laboratory evaluation of fungicides and antibiotics by various methods against different groups of pathogens. Methods of application of fungitoxicants. Absorption, translocation and persistence of different fungitoxicants. Integration of bio -control agents with other methods of plant disease control.

Undergraduate courses as per 5^th Dean Committee:

Diploma Courses

Pl. Path. 51 Diseases of Field Crops (1+1) Sem. I

Importance and concept of plant diseases. Symptoms and causes of diseases. Study of important diseases of wheat, rice, maize, barley, cotton, sugarcane, sorghum, gram, moong, mash, red gram, rapeseed and mustard and groundnut. Economic aspects of disease control.

Practical: Diagnosis by studying symptoms of important diseases of field crops. Demonstration of important methods of plant disease management.  Practical field training in the use and operation of plant protection equipments.

Pl. Path. 52 Diseases of Fruit and Vegetable Crops (1+1) Sem. II

Symptomatology, etiology and management of diseases of citrus, guava, mango, peach, pear, plum, ber, papaya, grapes, potato, tomato, brinjal, chillies, okra, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, radish, turnip, onion, garlic and cucurbitaceous vegetables.

Practical: Diagnosis by studying symptoms of important diseases of fruit and vegetable crops. Preparation of fungicidal formulations.

Undergraduate Courses

Pl. Path.102 Fundamentals of Plant Pathology (3+1) Sem. II

Theory

Plant Pathology-concepts, terms, scope, objectives, causes and importance of plant diseases. History of plant pathology with special reference to Indian work. Pathogenesis, disease triangle, tetrahedron. Classification of plant diseases. Plant pathogens- fungi, bacteria, fastidious vascular bacteria, nematodes,  phytoplasmas, spiroplasmas, viruses, viroids, algae, protozoa and phanerogamic parasites with examples of diseases caused by them. Symptoms due to diseases and abiotic stresses. Fungi- definition, characters, somatic structures, type of thalli, fungal tissues, modifications of thallus, reproduction. Nomenclature- bionomial system and rules. Classification of fungi- key to divisions, sub-divisions, orders and classes. Bacteria and molliutes- morphological characters, methods of classification and reproduction. Viruses- nature, structure, replication and transmission. Phanerogamic plant parasites. Nematodes- morphology, reproduction, classification, symptoms and nature of  damage. Growth and reproduction of plant pathogens. Liberation/ dispersal and survival of plant pathogens. Types of parasitism and variability in plant pathogens. Role of enzymes/toxins and growth regulators in disease development. Defence mechanisms in plants. Epidemiology and factors affecting disease development. Principles and methods of plant disease management. Fungicides/antibiotics- formulations, classification, mode of action, resistance development and management.

Practical: Acquaintance with laboratory equipment. Microscopy. Collection and preservation of plant disease specimens. Preparation of culture media, isolation and Koch’s postulates. Structures of fungi. Symptoms of various plant diseases. Study of representative fungal genera. Staining and identification of plant pathogenic bacteria. Transmission of plant viruses. Study of phanerogamic plant parasites. Morphological features and identification of plant parasitic nematodes. Sampling and extraction of nematodes for soil and plant material. Preparation of nematode mounting. Fungicides  and their formulations. Methods of pesticide application and their safe use. Calculation of fungicide sprays concentration.

Pl. Path. 104 Introductory Plant Pathology 2+1 Sem.II

(For students of B.Sc. (Hons.) Hort.)

Theory

Plant Pathology-concepts, terms, scope, objectives. Causes and importance of plant diseases. History of plant pathology with special reference to Indian work. Plant Pathogenesis and disease triangle. Classification, characters and reproduction of fungi, bacteria, nematodes, phytoplasmas, spiroplasmas, viruses, viroids, algae, protozoa and phanerogamic parasites with examples of diseases caused by them. Symptoms due to diseases and abiotic stresses. Dispersal and survival of plant pathogens. Types of parasitism and variability in plant pathogens. Role of enzymes/toxins and growth regulators in disease development. Defense mechanisms in plants. Epidemiology and factors affecting disease development. Principles and methods of plant disease management. Fungicides/antibiotics – Formulations and classification.

Practical: Acquaintance with laboratory equipments. Microscopy. Collection and Preservation of plant disease specimens. Preparation of culture media, isolation and Koch’s postulates. Structures of fungi. Symptoms of various plant diseases. Study of representative fungal genera. Staining and identification of plant pathogenic bacteria. Transmission of plant viruses. Study of phanerogamic plant parasites. Morphological features and identification of Plant Parasitic nematodes. Sampling and extraction of nematodes for soil and plant material. Preparation of nematode mounting. Fungicides and their formulations. Methods of pesticide application and their safe use. Calculation of fungicide sprays concentration.

Pl. Path. 106 Introduction to Plant Pathology 1+1 Sem.I

(For students of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agri. Business)

Theory

Definition, objectives, significance of plant pathology and economic losses. History of Plant Pathology. Types of plant diseases based on etiology, parts affected, geographical distribution, crops infected, sources of inoculum and symptoms. Introduction to fungi, bacteria, fastidious vascular bacteria, viruses, viroids, phytoplasmas, sprioplasmas, nematodes, phanerogamic parasites and abiotic causes of plant diseases. Epidemiology, elements of an epidemic, factors affecting the development of epidemic. Principles of plant disease management. Physical methods, biological methods, chemical methods, ISR/SAR and IDM approaches for disease management. Fungicide industry in India and world. Some important examples of plant diseases of agro- industrial importance and their management viz. rusts & smuts of wheat, blast of rice, red rot of sugarcane, angular leaf spot & leaf curl of cotton, damping off & root knot nematode disease of vegetables, early & amp; late blight of potato and tomato, ripe fruit rot & anthracnose of chilies, foot rot & canker of citrus, anthracnose of guava, scab of apple.

Practical: Study of compound microscope. Collection and preservation of diseased specimens. Study of symptoms and diagnosis of economically important plant diseases. Identification of important plant pathogens. Preparation of culture media. Methods of sterilization and disinfection. Isolation techniques. Study of plant disease  controlling chemicals and their commercial formulations. Calculation of spray concentration. Methods of pesticide application and their safe use. Visit to pesticide testing laboratory.

Pl. Path. 301 Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops & their Management –I

2+1 Sem. I

Theory

Symptoms, etiology, disease cycle and management of diseases of following crops: i). Field crops: Rice – blast, brown spot, bacterial blight, sheath blight, false smut, foot rot, khaira, tungro; Maize – stalk rots, downy mildews, leaf spots; Sorghum – smuts, grain mold, anthracnose; Bajra – downy mildew, ergot; Cotton – anthracnose, vascular wilt, black arm, leaf curl; Groundnut – early and late leaf spots, wilt, collar rot, peanut bud necrosis; Soybean – Rhizoctonia blight, bacterial spot, seed and seedling rot, mosaic; Pigeonpea – Phytophthora blight, wilt, sterility mosaic; Finger millet – blast, leaf spot; Black gram and Green gram – Cercospora leaf spot, anthracnose, web blight, yellow mosaic; Castor – Phytophthora blight; Tobacco – black shank, black root rot, mosaic. ii) Horticultural crops: Guava – wilt, anthracnose; Banana – Panama wilt, bacterial wilt, Sigatoka, bunchy top; Papaya – foot rot, leaf curl, mosaic; Pomegranate – bacterial blight; Brinjal – Phomopsis blight and fruit rot, Sclerotinia blight, little leaf, root knot nematode; Tomato – damping off, wilt, early and late blight, buck eye rot, leaf curl, mosaic; Okra – yellow vein mosaic; Beans – anthracnose, bacterial blight; Ginger – soft rot; Turmeric – leaf spots; Colocasia –  Phytophthora blight; Coconut – wilt, bud rot; Tea – blister blight; Coffee – rust. Practical: General symptoms of plant diseases. Identification of symptoms and pathogens of selected diseases of rice, maize, sorghum, bajra, finger millet, cotton, groundnut, soybean, pigeonpea, black gram, green gram, castor, tobacco, guava, banana, papaya, pomegranate, brinjal, tomato, okra, ginger, turmeric, colocasia, coconut, coffee and tea. Field visits for the diagnosis of field problems. Collection and preservation of plant diseased specimens for herbarium.

Pl. Path. 302 Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops & their Management – II

2+1 Sem. II

Theory

Symptoms, etiology, disease cycle and management of diseases of following crops: i). Field crops: Wheat – rusts, smuts, bunts, powdery mildew, Alternaria blight, ear cockle; Barley – smuts, stripe disease; Sugarcane – red rot, smut, wilt, grassy shoot, ratoon stunting, Pokkah boeng; Sunflower – Sclerotinia stem rot, Alternaria blight; Mustard – Alternaria blight, white rust, downy mildew, Sclerotinia stem rot; Gram – wilt, grey mould, Ascochyta blight;Lentil – rust, wilt; Pea – downy mildew, powdery mildew, rust; Berseem- stem rot. ii). Horticultural crops: Mango – anthracnose, malformation, bacterial blight, powdery mildew, black tip; Citrus-gummosis, scab, die back, canker, greening; Grape vine – downy mildew, powdery mildew, anthracnose; Apple – scab, powdery mildew, fire blight; Peach – leaf curl, crown gall; Strawberry – leaf spot; Potato – early & late blight, black scurf, common scab, leaf roll, mosaic; Cruciferous vegetables- Alternaria leaf spot, Black rot; Cucurbits – downy mildew, powdery mildew, wilt, mosaic; Onion and garlic – purple blotch, Stemphylium blight, downy mildew; Chillies -anthracnose and fruit rot, wilt, leaf curl; Coriander – stem gall; Marigold- Botrytis blight; Rose – dieback, powdery mildew, black leaf spot; Gladiolus – Botrytis blight.

Practical: Identification of symptoms and pathogens of selected diseases of wheat, barley, sugarcane, sunflower, mustard, gram, lentil, peas, berseem, mango, citrus, grapevine, apple, peach, strawberry, potato, cruciferous vegetables, cucurbits, onion, garlic, chilli, coriander, marigold, rose and gladiolus. Field visits for the diagnosis of field problems. Collection and preservation of plant diseased specimens for herbarium.

Pl. Path. 303 Management of Post-harvest and Seed-borne Diseases

1+1 Sem.I

(For students of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agri. Business)

Theory

Economic significance of post-harvest and seed -borne diseases. Historical development in post-harvest and seed pathology. Objectives of post-harvest and seed pathology. Seed processing, treatment and storage. Seed transmission, seed contamination, accompanying pathogens, false seed transmission. Processing, seed treatment, seed packaging, packaging materials. Functional requirement of packing materials. Epidemiology and factors affecting disease development. Study of important post-harvest and seed-borne diseases (transport, storage & market) of vegetables, fruits, oilseeds etc. Management strategies for post harvest and seed borne diseases. Biotechnological approaches of disease management. IPR and related issues. IDM modules for important post-harvest and seed – borne diseases. Storage/field fungi responsible for production of toxins and their effects on consumption. Mycotoxins in seed and post harvest produce.

Practical: Study of post-harvest disease symptoms caused by fungi, bacteria, virus, nematodes etc., Methods of diagnosis of various post-harvest diseases. Methods of estimation of disease severity and losses. Seed health testing techniques. Methods of detection and identification of seed-borne pathogens. Bio-control agents, their efficacy and application for management of post harvest and seed-borne diseases. Study of fungicides, bactericides, nematicides and their formulations. Bioassay of fungicides. Seed treatment techniques for the control of seed-borne diseases. Study of seed packaging & storage techniques. Visit to vegetable and fruit markets, bio-pesticide/ pesticide firms. Visit to processing warehouse and testing laboratories.

Pl. Path. 304 Diseases of Horticultural Crops & their Management

3+1 Sem. II

(For students of B.Sc. (Hons.) Hort.)

Theory

Etiology, symptoms, mode of spread, epidemiology and integrated management of the diseases under protected conditions and of fruits, plantation, medicinal, aromatic, vegetables, ornamental, and spice crops viz –Mango, litchi, banana, grape, citrus, guava, sapota, papaya, jack fruit, pineapple, pomegranate, ber, apple, pear, peach, plum, almond, walnut, strawberry.Tomato, brinjal, chilli, bhindi, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, knol-khol, pea, beans, beet root, onion, garlic, fenugreek, ginger, potato, areca nut, coconut, oil palm, coffee, tea, cocoa, cashew, rubber, betel vine, senna, neem, hemp, belladonna, pyrethrum, camphor, costus, crotalaria, datura, dioscorea, mint, opium, Solanum khasianum, Tephrosia, turmeric, pepper, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, coriander, clove, cinnamon. Jasmine, rose, crossandra, tuberose, gerbera, anthurium, geranium, marigold, gladiolus. Important post-harvest diseases of fruit, plantation, medicinal, aromatic, vegetables, ornamental and spice crops and their management. Etiology, symptoms and integrated management of important plant parasitic nematodes of fruits – (tropical, sub-tropical and temperate) vegetables, tuber, ornamental, spice and plantation crops.  Role of nematodes in plant disease complex.

Practical: Observations of disease symptoms, identification of causal organisms and host parasite relationship of important diseases of fruits, plantation, medicinal, aromatic, vegetables, ornamental and spice crops. Collection and preservation of diseased plant specimen.

Ent.-Pl. Path.202 Principles of Integrated Pest and Disease Management

2+1 Sem. II

Theory

Categories of insect pests and diseases. IPM – Introduction, history, importance, concepts, principles and tools. Economic importance of insect pests, diseases and pest risk analysis. Methods of detection and diagnosis of insect pests and diseases.Importance, calculation and dynamics of EIL and ETL. Methods of pest control – host plant resistance, cultural, mechanical, physical, legislative, biological and chemical control. Recent technologies for pest management. Pesticides and their misuse; first aid and antidotes. Insecticides Act 1968. Spray technology. Ecological management of crop environment. Survey, surveillance and forecasting of insect pests and diseases. Development and validation of IPM module. Implementation and impact of IPM. IPM modules for insect pests and diseases. Safety issues in pesticide uses. Political, social and legal implications of IPM. Case histories of important IPM programmes.

Practical: Methods of diagnosis and detection of various insect pests and plant diseases. Sampling techniques for estimation of insect-pest and disease indices. Measurement of incidence of insect pests and diseases. Assessment of crop yield losses. Working out economics of IPM. Identification of biocontrol agents and natural enemies. Mass multiplication of Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, NPV and various parasitoids and predators. Pesticide appliances and their maintenance. Calculation of pesticide quantity for preparing spray material. Plan and assess preventive strategies (IPM module) and decision making. Monitoring of crop attacked by insect pests and diseases. Awareness campaign at farmers’ fields.

Ent.-Pl. Path. 203 Fundamentals of Crop Protection 2+1 Sem. I

[For students of B. Tech. (Biotechnology)]

Theory

Insects – their general body structure and modifications. Importance of insects in agriculture. Insect metamorphosis and development stages. Insect diversity. Feeding stages of insects and kinds (modifications) of mouth parts. Concepts in population build-up of insects – GEP, DB, EIL, ETH and pest status. Categories of insect-pests. Causes of insect-pests outbreak. General symptoms of insects attack. Principles and methods of insect-pests management. Integrated Pest Management concept. Bioecology and management of important pests of major crops and storage products. Importance and scope of plant pathology. Concept of disease in plants. Nature and classification of plant diseases. Importance and general characters of fungi, bacteria, fastidious bacteria, nematodes, phytoplasmas, spiroplasmas, viruses, viroids, algae, protozoa and phanerogamic  parasites. Pathogenesis due to obligate and facultative parasites. Variability in plant pathogens. Conditions necessary for development of disease epidemics. Survival and dispersal of plant pathogens. Management of key diseases and nematodes of major crops.

Practical: Familiarization with generalized insect’s body structure and appendages. Life stages. Acquaintance with insect diversity. Identification of important insect-pests of cereals, cotton, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, fruit and vegetables crops and stored- grains, and their symptoms of damage. Acquaintance with useful insects: predators, parasitoids, pollinators, honey bees and silk worms. Acquaintance to plant pathology laboratory equipment. Preparation of culture media for fungi and bacteria. Demonstration of Koch& spostulates. Study of different groups of fungicides and antibiotics and methods of their evaluation. Diagnosis and identification of important diseases of cereals, cotton, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, fruit and vegetables crops and their characteristic symptoms. Acquaintance with various pesticidal formulations. Principles and working of common plant protection appliances. Calculation for preparing spray material.

Ent.-Pl.Path. 491 Agro-Industrial Attachment 0+4 Sem. I

Theory

Pesticide and Biopesticide Industries, Biocontrol Agents Production Units, Plant

Quarantine Station, Virus free Potato Tuber Production Units.

Ent.-Pl.Path.492: Experiential Learning in Production Technology for Bioagents

0+20 Sem. II

POSTGRADUATE COURSES

M.Sc. Courses

Pl.Path.-501 Mycology (2+1) Sem-I

UNIT-I
Introduction, definition of different terms, basic concepts. Importance of mycology in agriculture, relation of fungi to human affairs. History of mycology. Importance of culture collection and herbarium of fungi. Somatic characters and reproduction in fungi. Modern concept of nomenclature and classification, Classification of kingdom fungi: Stramenopila and Protists.

UNIT-II
The general characteristics of protists and life cycle in the Phyla Plasmodio-phoromycota, Dictyosteliomycota, Acrasiomycota and Myxomycota. Kingdom Stramenopila: characters and    life    cycles    of    respective    genera   under Hypochytriomycota, Oomycota and Labyrinthulomycota.
UNIT-III
Kingdom fungi: General characters, ultrastructure and life cycle patterns in representative genera under Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota; Archiascomycetes, Ascomycetous yeasts, Pyrenomycetes, Plectomycetes, Discomycetes, Loculoascomycetes, Erysiphales and anamorphs of ascomycetous fungi.

UNIT-IV
Basidiomycota; general characters, mode of reproduction, types of basidiocarps and economic importance of Hymenomycetes. Uridinales and Ustilaginales; variability, host specificity and life cycle pattern in rusts and smuts. Mitosporic fungi; status of asexual fungi, their teliomorphic relationships, Molecular characterization of plant pathogenic fungi.

Practical:

Detailed comparative study of different groups of fungi; Collection of cultures and live specimens. Saccardoan classification and classification based on conidiogenesis. Vegetative structures and different types of fruiting bodies produced by slime molds, stramenopiles and true fungi. Myxomycotina: Fructification, plasmodiocarp, sporangia, plasmodium and aethalia.   Oomycota; somatic and reproductory structures of Pythium, Phytophthora, downy mildews and Albugo, Zygomycetes: Sexual and asexual structures of Mucor, Rhizopus, General characters of VAM fungi. Ascomycetes; fruiting structures, Erysiphales, and Eurotiales; general identification characters of Pyrenomycetes, Discomycetes, Loculoascomycetes and Laboulbeniomycetes, Basidiomycetes; characters, ultrastructures and life cycle patterns in Ustilaginomycetes and Teliomycetes, Deuteromycetes; characters of Hyphomycetes and Coelomycetes and their teliomorphic and anamorphic states, Collection, preservation, culturing and identification of plant parasitic fungi. Application of molecular approaches and techniques for identification of fungal pathogens.

Pl.Path.-502 Plant Virology 2+1 (Sem.I)

UNIT-I
History and economic significances of plant viruses. General and morphological characters, composition and structure of viruses. Myco-viruses, arbo and baculo viruses, satellite viruses, satellite RNAs, phages, viroids and prions. Origin and evolution of viruses and their nomenclature

and classification.

UNIT-II
Genome organization, replication in selected groups of plant viruses and their movement in host. Response of the host to virus infection: biochemical, physiological, and symptomatical changes. Transmission of viruses and virus-vector relationship. Isolation and purification of viruses.

UNIT-III
Detection and identification of plant viruses by using protein and nucleic acid based diagnostic techniques. Natural (R-genes) and engineering resistance to plant viruses. Latest diagnostic tools.

UNIT-IV
Virus epidemiology and ecology (spread of plant viruses in fields, host range and survival).  Management of diseases caused by plant viruses.

Practical:

Study of symptoms caused by plant viruses (followed by field visit). Isolation and biological purification of plant virus cultures. Bioassay of virus cultures on indicator plants and host differentials. Transmission of plant viruses (Mechanical, graft, vector and study of disease development). Plant virus purification (clarification, concentration, centrifugation, high resolution separation and analysis of virions), Electron microscopy for studying viral particle morphology. Antisera production. Detection and diagnosis of plant viruses with serological (ELISA), Lateral flow assay, RCA, nucleic acid non-PCR–LAMP, micro array & PCR based techniques. Exposure to basic bio-informatic tools for viral genome analysis and their utilization in developing detection protocols and population studies (BLASTn tool, Primer designing software, Bioedit tool, Claustal X/W, MEGA Software).

Pl.Path.-503 Plant Pathogenic Prokaryotes (2+1) Sem.-II

UNIT-I
Prokaryotic cell: History and development of Plant bacteriology, history of plant bacteriology in India. Evolution of prokaryotic life, Prokaryotic cytoskeletal proteins. Structure of bacterial cell. Structure and composition of gram negative and gram positive cell wall; synthesis of peptidoglycan; Surface proteins; Lipopolysaccaride structure; Membrane transport; fimbrae and pili (Type IV pili); Mechanism of flagellar rotatory motor and locomotion, and bacterial movement; Glycocalyx (S-layer; capsule); the bacterial chromosomes and plasmids; Operon and other structures in cytoplasm; Morphological feature of fastidious bacteria, spiroplasmas and Phytoplasmas.

UNIT-II
Growth and nutritional requirements. Infection mechanism, role of virulence factors in expression of symptoms. Survival and dispersal of phytopathogenic prokaryotes.

UNIT-III
Taxonomy of phytopathogenic prokarya: Taxonomic ranks hierarchy; Identification, classification and nomenclature of bacteria, phytoplasma and spiroplasma. The codes of Nomenclature and characteristics. Biochemical and molecular characterization of phytopathogenic prokaryotes.

UNIT-IV
Variability among phytopathogenic prokarya: general mechanism of variability (mutation); specialized mechanisms of variability (conjugation; transformation; transduction; transposition); and horizontal gene transfer.

UNIT-V
Bacteriophages, L form of bacteria, plasmids and bdellovibrios: Structure; Infection of host cells; phage multiplication cycle; Classification of phages, Use of phages in plant pathology/bacteriology, Lysogenic conversion; H Plasmids and their types, plasmid borne phenotypes.Introduction to bacteriocins. Strategies for management of diseases caused by phytopathogenic prokaryotes.

Practical:

Study of symptoms produced by phytopathogenic prokaryotes. Isolation, enumeration, purification, identification and host inoculation of phytopathogenic bacteria.  Stains and staining methods.  Biochemical and serological characterization. Isolation of genomic and plasmid DNA. Use of antibacterial chemicals/antibiotics. Isolation of fluorescent Pseudomonas. Preservation of bacterial cultures. Identification of prokaryotic organisms by using 16S rDNA, and other gene sequences. Diagnosis and management of important diseases caused by bacteria and mollicutes.

Pl.Path.-504 Plant Nematology 2+1 Sem.II

UNIT-I
Characteristics of Phylum Nematoda and its relationship with other related phyla, history and growth of Nematology; nematode habitats and diversity- plant, animal and human parasites; useful nematodes; economic importance of nematodes to agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

UNIT-II
Gross morphology of plant parasitic nematodes; broad classification, nematode biology, physiology and ecology.

UNIT-III
Types of parasitism; nature of damage and general symptomatology; interaction of plant-parasitic nematodes with other organisms.

UNIT-IV
Plant nematode relationships, cellular responses to infection by important phytonematodes; physiological specialization among phytonematodes.

UNIT-V
Principles and practices of nematode management; integrated nematode management.

UNIT-VI
Emerging nematode problems, Importance of nematodes in international trade and quarantine.

Practical: Studies on kinds of nematodes- free-living, animal, insect and plant parasites; nematode extraction from soil; extraction of migratory endoparasites, staining for sedentary endoparasites; examination of different life stages of important plant parasitic nematodes, their symptoms and histopathology.

Pl.Path.-505 Principles of Plant Pathology 2+1 Sem.I

UNIT-I
Importance, definitions and concepts of plant diseases, history and growth of plant pathology, biotic and abiotic causes of plant diseases.

UNIT-II
Growth, reproduction, survival and dispersal of important plant pathogens, role of environment and host nutrition on disease development.

UNIT-III
Host parasite interaction, recognition concept and infection, symptomatology, disease development- role of enzymes, toxins, growth regulators; defense strategies- oxidative burst; Phenolics, Phytoalexins, PR proteins, Elicitors. Altered plant metabolism as affected by plant pathogens.

UNIT-IV
Genetics of resistance; ‘R’ genes; mechanism of genetic variation in pathogens; molecular basis for resistance; marker-assisted selection; genetic engineering for disease resistance.

Practical: Basic plant pathological techniques. Isolation, inoculation and purification of plant pathogens and proving Koch’s postulates. Techniques to study variability in different plant pathogens. Purification of enzymes, toxins and their bioassay. Estimation of growth regulators, phenols, phytoalexins in resistant and susceptible plants.

Pl.Path.-506 Techniques for Detection and Diagnosis of Plant Diseases 0+2 Sem.II

Practical: Detection of plant pathogens 1. Based on visual symptoms, 2. Biochemical test 3. Using microscopic techniques, 4. Cultural studies; (use of selective media to isolate pathogens). 5. Biological assays (indicator hosts, differential hosts) 6. Serological assays 7. Nucleic acid based techniques (Non-PCR– LAMP, Lateral flow assay, microarray & PCR based- multiplex, nested, qPCR, immuno capture PCR, etc.). Phenotypic and genotypic tests for identification of plant pathogens. Molecular identification (16S rDNA and 16s-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region sequences-prokaryotic organisms; and eukaryotic organism by ITS region) and whole genome sequencing. Volatile compounds profiling by using GC- MS and LC-MS. FAME analysis, Fluorescence in-situ Hybridization (FISH), Flow Cytometry, Phage display technique, biosensors for detection of plant pathogens. Genotypic tools such as genome/specific gene sequence homology comparison by BLAST (NCBI and EMBL) and electron microscopy techniques of plant virus detection and diagnosis.

Pl.Path.-507 Principles of Plant Disease Management (2+1) Sem-I

UNIT-I
Principles of plant disease management by cultural, physical, biological, chemical, organic amendments and botanicals methods of plant disease control, integrated control measures of plant diseases. Disease resistance and molecular approach for disease management.

UNIT-II
History of fungicides, bactericides, antibiotics, concepts of pathogen, immobilization, chemical protection and chemotherapy, nature, properties and mode   of   action   of   antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral chemicals. Label claim of fungicides.

UNIT-III
Application of chemicals on foliage, seed and soil, role of stickers, spreaders and other adjuvants. Deleterious effects of chemical application and safety measures.

Practical: Phytopathometry. Methods of in vitro evaluation of chemicals, antibiotics, bio agents against plant pathogens. Field evaluation of chemicals, antibiotics, bio agents against plant pathogens. Soil solarisation, methods of soil fumigation under protected cultivation. Methods of application of chemicals and bio control agents. ED and MIC values, study of structural details of sprayers and dusters. Artificial epiphytotic and screening of resistance.

Pl.Path.-508 Epidemiology and Forecasting of Plant Diseases 1+0 Sem.II

UNIT-I
Epidemic concepts, simple interest and compound interest disease, historical development. Elements of epidemics and their interaction. Structures and patterns of epidemics. Modelling, system approaches and expert systems in plant pathology.

UNIT-II
Genetics of epidemics. Models for development of plant disease epidemics. Common and natural logarithms function fitting, area under disease progress curve and correction factors, inoculum dynamics. Population biology of pathogens, temporal and spatial variability in plant pathogens.

UNIT-III
Epidemiological basis of disease management. Survey, surveillance and vigilance.  Remote sensing techniques and image analysis. Crop loss assessment.

UNIT-IV
Principles and pre-requisites of forecasting, systems and factors affecting various components of forecasting, some early forecasting and procedures based on weather and inoculum potential, modelling disease growth and disease prediction. Salient features of important forecasting models.

Pl.Path.-509 Disease Resistance in Plants 2+0 Sem.II

UNIT-I
Introduction and historical development, dynamics of pathogenicity, process of infection, variability in plant pathogens, gene centres as sources of resistance, disease resistance terminologies. Disease escape, non-host resistance and disease tolerance.

UNIT-II
Genetic basis of disease resistance, types of resistance, identification of physiological races of pathogens, disease progression in relation to resistance, stabilizing selection pressure in plant pathogens.

UNIT-III
Host defence system, morphological and anatomical resistance, pre-formed chemicals in host defence, post infectional chemicals in host defence, phytoalexins, hypersensitivity and its mechanisms. Genetic basis of relationships between pathogen and host, Gene-for-gene concept, protein-for-protein and immunization basis, management of resistance genes. Strategies for gene deployment.

Pl.Path.-510 Ecology of Soil Borne Plant Pathogens 1+1 Sem.I

UNIT-I
Soil as an environment for plant pathogens, nature and importance of rhizosphere and rhizoplane, host exudates, soil and root inhabiting fungi. Interaction of microorganisms.

UNIT-II
Types of biocontrol agents. Inoculum potential and density in relation to host and soil variables, competition, predation, antibiosis and fungistasis. Conducive and suppressive soils.

UNIT-III
Biological control- concepts and potentialities for managing soil borne pathogens. Potential of biocontrol agents in managing plant diseases.

Practical

Quantification of rhizosphere and rhizoplane microflora with special emphasis on pathogens; pathogenicity test by soil and root inoculation techniques, correlation between inoculum density of test pathogens and disease incidence, demonstration of fungistasis in natural soils; suppression of test soil- borne pathogens by antagonistic microorganisms. Isolation and identification of different biocontrol agents. Study of various plant morphological structures associated with resistance, testing the effect of root exudates and extracts on spore germination and growth of plant pathogens. Estimating the phenolic substances, total reducing sugars in susceptible and resistant plants. Estimating the rhizosphere and root tissue population of microorganisms (pathogens) in plants.

Pl.Path.-511 Chemicals and Botanicals in Plant Disease Management 2+1 Sem.II

UNIT-I
History and development of chemicals; definition of pesticides and related terms; advantages and disadvantages of chemicals and botanicals.

UNIT-II
Classification of chemicals used in plant disease management and their characteristics.

UNIT-III
Chemicals in plant disease control, viz., fungicides, bactericides, nematicides, antiviral chemicals and botanicals. Issues related to label claim.

UNIT-IV
Formulations, mode of action and application of different fungicides; chemotherapy and phytotoxicity of fungicides.

UNIT-V
Handling, storage and precautions to be taken while using fungicides; compatibility with other agrochemicals, persistence, cost-benefit ratio, factor affecting fungicides. New generation fungicides and composite formulations of pesticides.

UNIT-VI
Efficacy of different botanicals used and their mode of action. Important botanicals used against diseases. General account of plant protection appliances; environmental pollution, residues and health hazards, fungicidal resistance in plant pathogens and its management.

Practical: Acquaintance with formulation of different fungicides and plant protection appliances. Formulation of fungicides, bactericides and nematicides; in vitro evaluation techniques, preparation of different concentrations of chemicals including botanical pesticides against pathogens; persistence, compatibility with other agro-chemicals; detection of naturally occurring fungicide resistant mutants of pathogen; methods of application of chemicals.

Pl.Path.-512 Detection and Management of Seed Borne Pathogens 2+1 Sem.II

UNIT-I
History and economic importance of seed pathology in seed industry, plant quarantine and SPS under WTO. Morphology and anatomy of typical monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous infected seeds.

UNIT-II
Recent advances in detection of plant pathogens in seed and seedlings, their establishment and subsequent development. Localization and mechanisms of seed transmission in relation to seed infection and seed to plant transmission of pathogens.

UNIT-III
Seed certification and tolerance limits, types of losses caused by seed-borne diseases in true and vegetatively propagated seeds, evolutionary adaptations of crop plants to defend seed invasion by seed- borne pathogens. Epidemiological factors influencing the transmission of seed-borne diseases, forecasting     of     epidemics     through    seed-borne infection.

UNIT-IV
Production of toxic metabolites affecting seed quality and its impact on human, animal and plant health, management of seed-borne pathogens/ diseases and procedure for healthy seed production. Seed health testing, methods for detecting microorganism.

Practical: Conventional and advanced techniques in the detection and identification of seed-borne fungi, bacteria and viruses. Relationship between seed-borne infection and expression of the disease in the field. Seed health testing.

Pl.Path.-513 Biological Control of Plant Pathogens 1+1 Sem.I

UNIT-I
Concept of biological control, definitions, importance, principles of plant disease management with bioagents, history of biological control, merits and demerits of biological control.

UNIT-II
Types of biological interactions, competition: mycoparasitism, exploitation for hypovirulence, rhizosphere colonization, competitive saprophytic ability, antibiosis, induced resistance, mycorrhizal associations, operational mechanisms and its relevance in biological control.

UNIT-III
Factors governing biological control, role of physical environment, agroecosystem, operational mechanisms and cultural practices in biological control of pathogens, pathogens and antagonists and their relationship, biocontrol agents, comparative approaches to biological control of plant pathogens  by resident and introduced antagonists, control of soil-borne, seed-borne and foliar diseases. Compatibility of bioagents with agrochemicals and other antagonistic microbes.

UNIT-IV
Commercial production of antagonists, their delivery systems, application and monitoring, biological control in IDM, IPM and organic farming systems, biopesticides available in market. Quality control system of biocontrol agents.

Practical: Isolation, characterization and maintenance of antagonists, methods to study the process of antagonism and antibiosis. Bioefficacy of antagonists against pathogens in vitro and in vivo conditions. Preparation of different formulations of selected bioagents and their mass production. Quality parameters of biocontrol agents. Exposure visit(s) to commercial biocontrol agents production unit(s).

Pl.Path.-514 Integrated Disease Management 2+1 Sem.II

UNIT-I
 Introduction, definitions, concept and tools of disease management, components of integrated disease management- their limitations and implications.

UNIT-II
Integrated Disease Management (IDM)- basic principles, host resistance, biological, physical, chemical and cultural disease management.

UNIT-III
IDM in important crops- rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, chickpea, rapeseed-mustard, pearl millet, pulses, vegetable crops, fruit, plantation and spice crops.

Practical: Application of physical, biological and cultural methods, Use of chemical and biocontrol agents, their compatibility and integration in IDM. Demonstration of IDM and multiple disease management in crops of regional importance as project work.

Pl.Path.-515 Diseases of Field and Medicinal Crops 2+1 Sem.II

“Introduction, symptomatology, etiology, disease cycle, factors affecting disease development and management of following:

UNIT I

Diseases of Cereal crops- Rice, wheat, barley, pearl millet, sorghum and maize

UNIT II

Diseases of Pulse crops- gram, urdbean, mungbean, lentil, pigeonpea, soybean and cowpea.

UNIT III

Diseases of Oilseed crops- rapeseed and mustard, sesame, linseed, sunflower, groundnut, castor.

UNIT IV

Diseases of Cash crops- cotton, sugarcane.

UNIV V

Diseases of Fodder crops- berseem, oats, guar, lucerne.

UNIT VI

Medicinal crops- neem, plantago, liquorice, mulathi, rosagrass, sacred basil, mentha, ashwagandha, Aloe vera”

Practical: Detailed study of symptoms and host parasite relationship of important diseases of above mentioned crops. Collection and dry preservation of diseased specimens of important crops.

Pl.Path.-516  Diseases of Fruits, Plantation and Ornamental Crops 2+1 Sem.I

“Introduction, symptomatology, etiology, disease cycle, factors affecting disease development and management of following:

 UNIT I

Diseases of fruits like apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, cherry, walnut, almond, strawberry, citrus, mango, grapes, guava, ber, banana, pineapple, papaya, litchi, fig, pomegranate, date palm custard apple.

UNIT II

Diseases of plantation crops such as tea, coffee, rubber and coconut.

UNIT III

Diseases of ornamental plants such as roses, gladiolus, tulip, carnation, gerbera, orchids, marigold, chrysanthemum and turf.”

Practical: Detailed study of symptoms and host parasite relationship of representative diseases of plantation crops. Collection and dry preservation of diseased specimens of important crops.

Pl.Path.-517 Diseases of Vegetable and Spices Crops 2+1 Sem.II

“Introduction, symptomatology, etiology, disease cycle,  factors affecting disease development and management of following:

UNIT I

Diseases of tuber, bulb, leafy vegetable, crucifers, cucurbits and solanaceaous vegetables. Diseases of crops under protected cultivation.

UNIT II

Diseases of different spice crops such as black pepper, nutmeg, saffron, cumin, coriander, turmeric, fennel, fenugreek and ginger.

UNIT III

Biotechnological approaches in developing disease resistant transgenics.”

Practical: Detailed study of symptoms and host pathogen interaction of important diseases of vegetable and spice crops.

Pl.Path.-518  Post Harvest Diseases 2+1 Sem.I

UNIT I

Concept of post-harvest diseases, definitions, importance with reference to management and health, principles of plant disease management as pre- harvest and post-harvest, Types of post-harvest problems both by biotic and abiotic factors.

UNIT II

Role of physical environment, agro-ecosystem leading to quiescent infection, operational mechanisms and cultural practices in perpetuation of pathogens; pathogens and antagonist and their relationship, role of biocontrol agents and chemicals in controlling post-harvest diseases, approaches to control plant pathogens by resident and introduced antagonists.

UNIT III

Integrated approaches in controlling diseases and improving the shelf life of produce using nutritional, bio-control agents and other agents, control of aflatoxigenic and mycotoxigenic fungi and associated health hazards.

UNIT IV

Study of symptoms, toxicosis of various pathogens, knowledge of Codex Alimentarious for each product and commodity. Physical and biological agents/practices responsible for development/ prevention of post-harvest diseases- traditional and improved practices.”

Practical: Isolation, characterization and maintenance of post- harvest pathogens, application of antagonists against pathogens in vitro and   in vivo condition. Bioefficacy of different fungicides and bioagents. Study of different post-harvest disease symptoms on cereals, pulses, oilseed, commercial crops, vegetables, fruits and flowers. Visit to cold storage/ waxing units.

Pl.Path.-519 Plant Quarantine and Regulations 1+0 Sem.I

“UNIT I

Historical developments in plant quarantine, Definitions of pest, and transgenics as per Govt. notification; Organizational set up of plant quarantine in India. Relative importance; quarantine – domestic and international. Quarantine restrictions in the movement of agricultural produce, seeds and planting material; case histories of exotic pests/diseases and their status.

UNIT II

Acts related to registration of pesticides and transgenics. History of quarantine legislations, Salient features of PQ Order 2003. Environmental Acts, Industrial registration; APEDA, Import and Export of bio-control agents.

UNIT III

Identification of pest/disease free areas; contamination of food with toxigens, microorganisms and their elimination; Symptomatic diagnosis and other techniques to detect pest/pathogen infestations; VHT and other safer techniques of disinfestation/salvaging of infected material.

UNIT IV

WTO    regulations; non-tariff   barriers; Pest risk analysis, good laboratory practices for pesticide laboratories; pesticide industry; Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures. Visit to plant quarantine station and PEQ facilities.”

Pl.Path.-591 Masters Seminar 1+0 Sem.I

Pl.Path.-591 Masters Seminar 1+0 Sem.II

Pl.Path.-599 Masters Seminar 0+30 Sem.I

Pl.Path.-599 Masters Seminar 0+30 Sem.II

Ph.D. Courses

Pl.Path.-601 Advances in  Mycology 2+1 (Sem.I)

“UNIT I

General introduction, historical development and advances in mycology. Recent taxonomic criteria, morphological criteria for classification. Serological, chemical (chemotaxonomy), molecular and numerical (computer based assessment) taxonomy. Interaction between groups: Phylogeny, Micro conidiation, conidiogenesis and sporulating structures of fungi imperfection.

UNIT II

Population biology, pathogenic variability/ vegetative compatibility. Heterokaryosis and parasexual cycle. Sex hormones in fungi. Pleomorphism and speciation in fungi. Mechanism of nuclear inheritance. Mechanism of extra-nuclear inheritance. Biodegradation.

UNIT III

Ultra structures and chemical constituents of fungal cells, functions of cell organelles. Mitosis, meiosis, gene action and    regulation. Effect of fungal interaction       with host plants and    other microorganisms; parasitism, symbiosis and commensalism.

UNIT IV

Genetic improvement of fungal strains. Fungal biotechnology. Fungi mediated synthesis of nano particles – characterization process and application. Mycotoxins problems and its management”

Practical: Isolation, purification and identification of cultures, spores and mating type determination. Study of conidiogenesis-Phialides, porospores, arthospores. Study of fruiting bodies in Ascomycotina. Identification of fungi up to species level. Study of hyphal anastomosis. Morphology of representative plant pathogenic genera from different groups of fungi. Molecular characterization of fungi.

Pl.Path.-602 Advances in Plant Virology 2+1 Sem.I

UNIT I

“Origin, evolution and interrelationship with animal viruses. Virus morphology, structure, architecture, replication (overview of host and viral components required), assembly and virus specific cytological effects in infected plant cells. Mechanisms leading to the evolution of new viruses/strains: mutation, recombination, pseudo-recombination, component reassortment etc.

UNIT II

Major vector groups of plant viruses and their taxonomy, virus-vector relationship, molecular mechanism of virus transmission by vectors. Terminologies used in immunology and serology. Classification, structure and functions of various domains of Immunoglobulins. Production of Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies for detection of viruses. Immuno/serological assays (Slide agglutination tests, Test tube precipitation test, Double agar diffusion test, ELISA (DAC, DAS, TAS), Dot Immuno Binding Assay, and nucleic acid based assays for detection of plant viruses.

UNIT III

Polymerase Chain Reaction based (PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR, multiplex PCR, Nested PCR, Real time/q PCR) and non PCR based: LAMP, Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), dot blot hybridization. Plant virus genome organization (General properties of plant viral genome- information content, coding and non-coding regions), replication, transcription and translational strategies of pararetroviruses, geminiviruses, tobamo-, poty-, bromo, cucumo, ilar, tospoviruses, satellite viruses and satellite RNA.

UNIT IV

Gene expression, regulation and viral promoters. Genetic    engineering    with    plant viruses, viral suppressors,   RNAi   dynamics   and   resistant genes Virus as potential vectors, genetically engineered resistance, transgenic plants. Techniques and application of tissue culture for production of virus free planting materials. Phylogenetic grouping system based on partial/complete sequences of virus genomes and using of next generation sequencing technology in plant virus discovery.”

Practical: Purification of viruses, SDS-PAGE for molecular weight determination, production of polyclonal antiserum, purification of IgG and conjugate preparation. Acquaintance with different serological techniques (i) DAC- ELISA (ii) DAS-ELISA (iii) TAS-ELISA (iv) DIBA (v) Western blots (vi) (ab) 2- ELISA. Nucleic acid isolation, DOT-blot, southern hybridization, probe preparation and autoradiography. PCR application and viral genome cloning of PCR products, plasmid purification, enzyme digestion, sequencing, annotation of genes, analysis of viral sequences (use of Genbank, blast of viral sequences and phylogeny). Bioinformatics analysis tools for virology (ORF finder, Gene mark, Gene ontology, BLAST, Clustal X/W, Tm pred and Phylogeny programs).

Pl.Path.-603 Advances in Plant Pathogenic Prokaryotes 2+1 Sem.II

“UNIT I

Prokaryotic cell: Molecular basis for origin and evolution of prokaryotic life, RNA world, prokaryotic cytoskeletal proteins. Flagella structure, assembly and regulation. Structure and composition (bacteria) cell wall/envelop, Types of secretion systems (TI to TIV) and their molecular interaction, fimbriae and pili (Type IV pili), Bacterial chromosomes and plasmids, other cell organelles. Growth, nutrition and metabolism in prokaryotes (Embden Meyerhof pathway, Phosphoketolase Pathway and Entner Doudoroff Pathway).

UNIT II

Current trends in taxonomy and identification of phytopathogenic prokarya: International code of nomenclature, Polyphasic approach, New / special detection methods for identification of bacterial plant pathogens. Taxonomic ranks hierarchy; Identification, Advances in classification and Nomenclature.

UNIT III

Bacterial genetics: General mechanism of variability (mutation), specialized mechanisms of variability. Transposable genetic elements in bacteria-integron and prophages, Mechanism of gene transfer. Pathogenicity islands, horizontal gene transfer, Bacterial Pan-Genome.

UNIT IV

Bacteriophages: Composition, structure and infection. Classification and use of phages in plant pathology/bacteriology. Host pathogen interactions: Molecular mechanism of pathogenesis: Pathogenicity factors of soft rot, necrosis, wilt, canker etc. Immunization, induced resistance/ Systemic Acquired Resistance, Quorum sensing. Bacterial pathogenicity and virulence: Molecular mechanism of virulence and pathogenesis, bacterial secretion systems, pathogenicity of bacterial enzymes that degrade the cell walls, Role of hrp/hrc genes and TALE effectors. Synthesis and regulation of EPSs.

UNIT V

Beneficial Prokaryotes-Endophytes, PGPR, Phylloplane bacteria and their role in disease management. Endosymbionts for host defence. Advances in management of diseases caused by prokaryotes: genetic engineering, RNA silencing; CRISPR cas9″

Practical: Pathogenic studies and race identification, plasmid profiling of bacteria, fatty acid profiling of bacteria, RFLP profiling of bacteria and variability status, Endospore, Flagella staining, Test for secondary metabolite production, cyanides, EPS, siderophore, specific detection of phytopathogenic bacteria using species/ pathovar  specific  primers.  Basic techniques in diagnostic kit development, Molecular tools to identify phytoendosymbionts. Important and emerging diseases and their management strategies

Pl.Path.-604 Molecular Basis of Host-Pathogen Interaction 2+1 Sem.II

UNIT I

History of host plant resistance and importance to Agriculture. Importance and role of biotechnological tools in plant pathology. Basic concepts and principles to study host pathogen relationship. Molecular genetics, imaging and analytical chemistry tools for studying plants, microbes, and their interactions.

UNIT II

Different forms of plant-microbe interactions and nature of signals/effectors underpinning these interactions. Plant innate immunity: PAMP/DAMP. Molecular basis of host-pathogen interaction-fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes; recognition system, signal transduction.

UNIT III

Induction of defence responses- HR, Programmed cell death, reactive oxygen species, systemic acquired resistance, induced systemic resistance, pathogenesis related proteins, phytoalexins and virus induced gene silencing.     Molecular     basis     of     gene-for-gene hypothesis; R-gene    expression    and transcription profiling, mapping and cloning of resistance genes and marker-aided selection, pyramiding of R genes. Gene for gene systems: Background, genetics, phenotypes, molecular mechanisms, races, breakdown of resistance (boom-and-bust cycles), Coevolutionary-arms race and trench warfare models, Metapopulations, cost of resistance, cost of unnecessary virulence, GFG in agricultural crops vs. natural populations, Durability of resistance, erosion of quantitative resistance.

UNIT IV

Pathogen population genetics and durability, viruses vs cellular pathogens. Gene deployment, cultivar mixtures. Disease emergence, host specialization. Circadian clock genes in relation to innate immunity. Biotechnology and disease  management; development of disease resistance plants using  genetic engineering approaches, different methods of gene transfer, biosafety issues related to GM crops.

Practical: Protein, DNA and RNA isolation, plasmid extraction, PCR analysis, DNA and Protein electrophoresis, bacterial transformation. Gene mapping and marker assisted selection. Development and use of molecular markers in identification and characterization of resistance to plant pathogens and their management

Pl.Path.-605 Principles and Procedures of Certification 1+0 Sem.I

UNIT I

Introduction to certification. International scenario of certification and role of ISTA, EPPO, OECD etc. in certification and quality control. Case studies of certification systems of USA and Europe. National Regulatory mechanism and certification system including seed certification, minimum seed certification standards. National status of seed health in seed certification. Methods for testing genetic identity, physical purity, germination percentage, seed health etc. Fixing tolerance limits for diseases and insect pests in certification and quality control programmes.

UNIT II

Methods used in certification of seeds, vegetative propagules and in vitro cultures. Accreditation of seed testing laboratories. Role of seed/planting material health certification in national and international trade.

Pl.Path.-606 Plant Biosecurity and Biosafety 2+0 Sem.II

UNIT I

History of biosecurity, Concept of biosecurity, Components of biosecurity, Quarantine, Invasive Alien Species, Biowarfare, Emerging / resurgence of pests and diseases. Introduction and History of biosecurity and its importance.

UNIT II

National Regulatory Mechanism and International Agreements/Conventions viz., Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures. World Trade Organization (WTO), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, pest risk analysis, risk assessment models, pest information system, early warning and forecasting system, use of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) for plant biosecurity, pest/disease and epidemic management, strategies for combating risks and costs associated with agroterrorism event, mitigation planning, integrated approach for biosecurity.

UNIT III

Biosafety, policies and regulatory mechanism, Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and its implications, Issues related to release of genetically modified crops. Emerging/resurgence of pests and diseases in the changing scenario of climatic conditions. Issues related to release of genetically modified crops.

Pl.Path.-691 Doctoral Seminar-I 1+0 Sem.I

Pl.Path.-691 Doctoral Seminar-I 1+0 Sem.II

Pl.Path.-692 Doctoral Seminar-I 1+0 Sem.I

Pl.Path.-692 Doctoral Seminar-I 1+0 Sem.II

Pl.Path.-699 Doctoral Research 0+75 Sem.I

Pl.Path.-699 Doctoral Research 0+75 Sem.II