BHU Discovers New Phytopathogenic Fungus, Epicoccum indicum
Researchers at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi have made a significant discovery in plant pathology. They have identified a new species of phytopathogenic fungus, Epicoccum indicum, which causes leaf spot disease in Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver). This finding is crucial for agricultural research, as vetiver is widely used for medicinal and environmental purposes.
A research team led by Senior Assistant Professor Raghvendra Singh and research scholar Soumyadeep Rajwar classified this new species using morpho-cultural characteristics and multigene molecular phylogenetic analysis. Their study was published in the prestigious journal Fungal Diversity on December 19, 2024. This marks another milestone for BHU in fungal biodiversity research.
Vetiver is a valuable plant known for its medicinal uses in treating pain, inflammation, and infections. However, the newly discovered Epicoccum indicum poses a threat to its cultivation. Identifying this fungus is the first step toward developing disease management strategies to protect vetiver crops.
Understanding the fungal strain’s genetic structure will help researchers develop early detection methods and preventive solutions for farmers. This is particularly important for sustainable agriculture, as uncontrolled fungal infections can reduce vetiver’s yield and quality.
BHU has been at the forefront of mycological research in recent years. In November 2022, its scientists, in collaboration with the Agharkar Research Institute and Kerala Forest Research Institute, discovered a new fungal genus, Neokamalomyces indicus, from banyan tree leaves. This fungus is being studied for its potential in antibiotics and cancer treatments .
In January 2024, BHU researchers also identified a new rust fungus family, Nyssopsoraceae, found on Toona sinensis leaves in Uttarakhand. Rust fungi are known to cause severe damage to agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, making this an important breakthrough for plant disease control .
The discovery of Epicoccum indicum highlights the importance of fungal biodiversity studies for agriculture and medicine. With climate change and evolving plant diseases, identifying new pathogens can help in the development of:
BHU’s continued work in fungal research reinforces its role as a leader in plant pathology. This discovery not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also aids farmers and researchers in finding natural ways to protect crops from emerging plant diseases.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | BHU researchers discovered a new phytopathogenic fungus, Epicoccum indicum, causing leaf spot disease in Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver). The study, led by Dr. Raghvendra Singh and Soumyadeep Rajwar, was published in Fungal Diversity on December 19, 2024. |
| Fungus Name | Epicoccum indicum |
| Plant Affected | Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) |
| Disease Caused | Leaf Spot Disease |
| Institution | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
| Lead Researchers | Dr. Raghvendra Singh, Soumyadeep Rajwar |
| Publication | Fungal Diversity (December 19, 2024) |
| Previous BHU Discoveries | 2022: Neokamalomyces indicus (Banyan leaves, potential in antibiotics & cancer treatment) 2024: Nyssopsoraceae (Rust fungus on Toona sinensis leaves in Uttarakhand) |
| Vetiver Uses | Medicinal properties (pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anti-infection) |
| Location of BHU | State: Uttar Pradesh City: Varanasi |
| Chief Minister of UP | Yogi Adityanath |
| Governor of UP | Anandiben Patel |
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