Team of researchers at National Institute of Plant Genome Research

Scientists Unravel the Fungus Responsible for Sheath Blight Disease in Rice

  • Research Stash
  • News
  • 2.4K

A team of scientists at National Institute of Plant Genome Research has unraveled the genomic diversity associated with aggressiveness of two Indian strains of Rhizoctonia solani, the fungal pathogen that causes the dreaded Sheath Blight disease in rice.

Team of researchers at National Institute of Plant Genome Research
Team of researchers at National Institute of Plant Genome Research

The researchers have identified several genes and gene families in the strain that might account for their disease aggressiveness. This genomic insight is expected to help develop rice varieties resistant to sheath blight disease.

Sheath Blight disease is a major issue in rice cultivation. It can cause up to 60 percent reduction in rice yield. It is difficult to breed disease-resistant rice varieties, as there is a lack of natural source of disease resistance. Consequently, controlling the disease in a sustainable manner has remained a challenge.

Now, a solution could be in the offing following the new findings. The researchers, who have been working to characterize the Indian strains of the fungal pathogen for the past four to five years, decided to study the genome of two of the hyper-aggressive strains.

Their analysis revealed that there has been expansion and emergence of various genes and gene families in both these Indian strains. In the process, they have identified various pathogenicity-associated genes and gene families that might account for their disease aggressiveness.

Rhizoctonia solani infected rice
Rhizoctonia solani infected rice

Speaking to India Science Wire, leader of the team, Dr. Gopaljee Jha said, “Our team sequenced the genome of the two aggressive fungus strains called BRS11 and BRS13 and compared them with the already available genome of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA group. We have identified several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and insertion or deletion of bases in both these genomes”.

Asked about future plans, he said, “Further characterization of the identified genes will be helpful to understand their role in the pathogenesis of the fungus. The genetic manipulation of the pathogenicity-associated genes in rice through various biotechnological approaches may prove helpful in developing sheath blight resistant rice”.

In addition to Dr. Jha, the researchers included Srayan Ghosh, Neelofar Mirza, Poonam Kanwar, and Kriti Tyagi. They have published a report on their study in the research journal Functional and Integrative Genomics.

By Umashankar Mishra

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for the latest Science & Tech news. You can also find us on Twitter & Facebook.

Rate

Now, a solution could be in the offing following the new findings. The researchers, who have been working to characterize the Indian strains of the fungal pathogen for the past four to five years, decided to study the genome of two of the hyper-aggressive strains.

Their analysis revealed that there has been expansion and emergence of various genes and gene families in both these Indian strains. In the process, they have identified various pathogenicity-associated genes and gene families that might account for their disease aggressiveness.

Rhizoctonia solani infected rice
Rhizoctonia solani infected rice

Speaking to India Science Wire, leader of the team, Dr. Gopaljee Jha said, “Our team sequenced the genome of the two aggressive fungus strains called BRS11 and BRS13 and compared them with the already available genome of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA group. We have identified several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and insertion or deletion of bases in both these genomes”.

Asked about future plans, he said, “Further characterization of the identified genes will be helpful to understand their role in the pathogenesis of the fungus. The genetic manipulation of the pathogenicity-associated genes in rice through various biotechnological approaches may prove helpful in developing sheath blight resistant rice”.

In addition to Dr. Jha, the researchers included Srayan Ghosh, Neelofar Mirza, Poonam Kanwar, and Kriti Tyagi. They have published a report on their study in the research journal Functional and Integrative Genomics.

By Umashankar Mishra

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for the latest Science & Tech news. You can also find us on Twitter & Facebook.

" }
New Coordinated Effort for Malaria Research Unveiled

New Coordinated Effort for Malaria Research Unveiled

The Indian Council of Medical Research has put together a programme to bring the various stakeholders on a single platform to identify and prioritize research work needed to meet the target to eliminate the disease by 2030. Called Malaria Elimination Research Alliance India, the programme took off today with the first meeting of the stakeholders.

  • News
  • 1.4K
Read more
Children Are at Higher Risk from Fluoride Contaminated Drinking Water

Researchers Identify the Major Sources of Fluoride Contamination

The researcher concluded that the accumulation of fluoride in water is not due to evapotranspiration or due to calcite precipitation. Fertilizers are sources of fluoride contamination.

  • News
  • 1.3K
Read more
106th Indian Science Congress Set to Begin

106th Indian Science Congress Set to Begin

Jalandhar city in Punjab is all set to host the 106th edition of the Indian Science Congress, which is beginning tomorrow and will go on until January 7

  • News
  • 1.9K
Read more

Internet is huge! Help us find great content

Newsletter

Never miss a thing! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated.

About

Research Stash is a curated collection of tools and News for S.T.E.M researchers

Have any questions or want to partner with us? Reach us at hello@researchstash.com

Navigation

Submit