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Short-duration and early-bulking potato varieties are well-suited for commercial cultivation in the subtropical Indo-Gangetic plains of India. To maximize seed tuber yield, prevent late-season exposure to aphid vectors, and facilitate the timely planting of wheat crops during the rabi season, it is essential to cut the haulms (vines) of seed potatoes at the earliest possible time. A study was conducted to standardize the optimal vine-killing date for two popular potato varieties in the north-western plains of India, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Jyoti, by examining variations in seed yield across different vine-killing dates and assessing the incidence of aphid vectors transmitting potato viruses. Tubers were planted on 15 October for two consecutive seasons, and haulms were cut at 70, 80, and 90 days after planting (DAP), with continuous monitoring of aphid populations. Results showed that total tuber yield and tuber numbers increased with delayed vine-killing. Similarly, the yield and number of oversized tubers significantly rose as the vine-killing date was extended. However, seed-size and undersized tuber yields were largely unaffected, while the number of undersized tubers decreased between 70 and 90 DAP. Further, the gain in total tuber yield and yield of over-sized tubers occurred mainly during 70–80 DAP for Kufri Pukhraj in contrast to Kufri Jyoti where maximum increase occurred between 80 and 90 DAP. Therefore, it is concluded that the optimum time of vine killing for maximum seed tuber yield is directly linked to the tuber growth cycle of individual variety. The period of maximum incidence of aphid vectors varied between the two years. Based on the incidence of Myzus persicae, the seed crops in north-western plains of India should not be extended beyond last week of December although real time monitoring of the aphid incidence is recommended.

The present experiment was conducted during 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Regional Station, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh to evaluate the best spacing combination and dehaulming time for enhancing the seed size potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers and profitability under north-central plains of India. Experiment was conducted in a split-plot design (SPD) comprised of 5 spacing combinations, viz. S1, Ridge and furrow 60 cm × 20 cm (Control); S2, Ridge and furrow 60 cm × 15 cm; S3, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing); S4, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 15 cm plant to plant spacing); and S5, Flatbed triple row 90 cm bed width (three rows at 20 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) in main plot and 2 haulm killing dates, viz. 70 and 80 days after planting in sub plots. The treatment S5, Flatbed triple row 90 cm bed width (three rows at 20 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) spacing combination significantly increased the number and weight of seed size tubers, net seed size and total tuber yield when dehaulming was done after 80 days. The highest increase in seed size and total tubers over control reported when dehaulmed at 70 days. However, the treatment S3, Flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) with 80 days haulm killing recorded highest seed size tuber 58.03% and benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 2.51:1 among all other treatment combinations. Though, treatment S3 i.e. flatbed paired row 90 cm bed width (two rows at 40 cm × 20 cm plant to plant spacing) with 80 days haulm killing combination require higher seed rate but can be an economically viable option for enhancing seed size tuber percent and B:C ratio.

Soil salinity has emerged as a critical abiotic stress in potato production, whereas wilt disease, caused by Fusarium solani, is the significant biotic stress. An experiment was performed to decipher the occurrence of wilt incidence by F. solani FJ1 under the influence of salinity in both in vitroand pot culture conditions. High salt concentration negatively influenced root and shoot development in the variety “Kufri Jyoti” but positively affected the mycelial growth and sporulation behaviours of F. solani FJ1. There was abundant whitish mycelial growth with enhanced biomass and high sporulation (microconidia production) in F. solani FJ1 cultured on salt-supplemented media. Moreover, under high salinity conditions (EC 2–8 dS m−1), severe wilting and rotting of vascular bundles were observed in plants artificially inoculated with F. solani FJ1. The mortality rate of potato plants was significantly higher under individual and combined stresses as compared to control. The wilt index of individual and combined stressed plants was also substantially higher compared to the control. Additionally, compared to the control, there was a significant decrease in total chlorophyll content and membrane stability index of the leaves under combined stress. However, the total phenols were increased under stress conditions. The total sugar content of potato plants decreased in infected plants, but increased when exposed to salt stress or a combination of salt stress and pathogen infection. F. solani infection also increased the activity of peroxidase (POX) and decreased the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and catalase (CAT). These results suggest that Fusarium wilt and dry rot will be a more severe disease for potato cultivation in saline soils.

Potato is a globally significant crop, crucial for food security and nutrition. Assessing vital nutritional traits is pivotal for enhancing nutritional value. However, traditional wet lab methods for the screening of large germplasms are time- and resource-intensive. To address this challenge, we used near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for rapid trait estimation in diverse potato germplasms. It employs molecular absorption principles that use near-infrared sections of the electromagnetic spectrum for the precise and rapid determination of biochemical parameters and is non-destructive, enabling trait monitoring without sample compromise. We focused on modified partial least squares (MPLS)-based NIRS prediction models to assess eight key nutritional traits. Various mathematical treatments were executed by permutation and combinations for model calibration. The external validation prediction accuracy was based on the coefficient of determination (RSQexternal), the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD), and the low standard error of performance (SEP). Higher RSQexternal values of 0.937, 0.892, and 0.759 were obtained for protein, dry matter, and total phenols, respectively. Higher RPD values were found for protein (3.982), followed by dry matter (3.041) and total phenolics (2.000), which indicates the excellent predictability of the models. A paired t-test confirmed that the differences between laboratory and predicted values are non-significant. This study presents the first multi-trait NIRS prediction model for Indian potato germplasm. The developed NIRS model effectively predicted the remaining genotypes in this study, demonstrating its broad applicability. This work highlights the rapid screening potential of NIRS for potato germplasm, a valuable tool for identifying trait variations and refining breeding strategies, to ensure sustainable potato production in the face of climate change.

IntroductionPotato is considered to be complete food that will not only ensure food security but also alleviate poverty. Seed production of potato requires specific temperatures and conditions. In response to the growing emphasis on sustainable production, there has been an increasing focus on research on tuber seed production.MethodsIn our study, we have employed bibliometric analysis to investigate the trends in potato seed research and assess its correlation with sustainable development. Tabular analysis and network analysis are employed in the study to understand the prominent authors and institutions and research trends across time. For this purpose, Biblioshiny and Vosviewer software were used. The steps of bibliometric analysis were used, which included data retrieval from Dimensions software. Owing to its limitations, a major analysis was conducted without affecting the results.Result and discussionIt was found from the analysis that it was SDG 2 that was mostly linked with the theme of potato seed production. The results depicted an increasing trend of publications and citations. Co-authorship analysis of authors showed high linkage among groups of authors that formed clusters while other authors remained disconnected. Among countries United States, China and the United Kingdom had a higher impact on publications and citations. Our analysis showed that there is still scope for collaboration among countries as there is no evidence of multidisciplinary interlinkages. By understanding the current research landscape, identifying influential works and authors, and uncovering collaboration patterns, we can pave the way for future advancements in potato seed production. Ultimately, this research contributes to achieving sustainable agriculture and ensuring food security for future generations.

Introduction: Beta-thalassemia plagues India and thalassemia screening of pregnant women is crucial. Hemoglobin (Hb) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Hb-HPLC) is the gold standard, however in distant places it is rarely an option. While data on the use of red blood cell (RBC) indices to screen pregnant women for thalassemia trait is still developing, a sensitive and specific RBC index is needed to test for beta thalassemia. In service situations, these affordable indices may be useful without HPLC. Objective: We aimed to determine the role of red blood corpuscle indices as a screening tool to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and hemoglobinopathies in pregnant women and to find out the most sensitive and the most specific index. Methods: With ethical approval, 500 patients were evaluated from February 2020 to August 2021. Complete blood Counts and peripheral blood smears were performed. Participants with microcytic hypochromic anemia were included. On these patients, the RBC indices (i) Shine and Lal, (ii) Mentzer's index, (iii) red cell distribution width index, and (iv) Srivastava were calculated. Ferritin, iron, and total iron-binding capacity levels were also tested. Hb-HPLC was utilized as the gold standard. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare continuous variables between groups. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated for various metrics. A P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: Hb-HPLC showed 29 (5.8%) heterozygous beta thalassemia and 471 (94.2%) IDA. Based on the updated cutoff value (4.727), Srivastava Index was the best screening tool. Conclusion: RBC indices can distinguish IDA from beta thalassemia in pregnant women and are valuable screening tools in service settings.

Abstract Bacterial genome size reflects bacterial evolutionary processes and metabolic lifestyles, with implications for microbial community assembly and ecosystem functions. However, to understand the extent of genome‐mediated microbial responses to environmental selections, we require studies that observe genome size distributions along environmental gradients representing different conditions that soil bacteria normally encounter. In this study, we used surface soils collected from 237 sites across the globe and analyzed how environmental conditions (e.g., soil carbon and nutrients, aridity, pH, and temperature) affect soil bacterial occurrences and genome size at the community level using bacterial community profiling. We used a joint species distribution model to quantify the effects of environments on species occurrences and found that aridity was a major regulator of genome size with warmer and drier environments selecting bacteria with smaller genomes. Drought‐induced physiological constraints on bacterial growth (e.g., water scarcity for cell metabolisms) may have led to these correlations. This finding suggests that increasing cover by warmer and drier ecosystems may result in bacterial genome simplifications by a reduction of genome size.

Abstract Nutritional composition, of potato was evaluated to establish frying processing conditions to estimate the sensory profile and acceptability of different slice thickness.The slice thickness were set to 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5mm. The variables studied were: time, temperature and potato varieties. The comparisons evaluated were: chip colour, frying time, effect of different slice thickness, oil absorption to different thickness, content of reducing sugars, sucrose and phenols after frying of slices. Potato chips are sold in organized sectors and un-organised sectors sale chips through street vendors all over the India. Perception or profiling of chips of different thickness data and their sensory evaluation part has not been done so far. Two processing varieties, Kufri Chipsona-1 and Kufri Chipsona-3 (110 maturity days) were analysed for different thickness regulating different temperature of 170, 180 and 190°C. Associated parameters reducing sugars, sucrose and phenols were analysed before and after frying.The temperature of 170 and 180 °C was found to be suitable temperature for acceptable chip colour quality. Slice thickness of 0.5mm reduced the oil absorption. Reduction in reducing sugars was found to be maximum (77.9 %) in variety Kufri Chipsona-1, at 180°C with 0.2mm thickness followed by at 170°C with the same thickness (77.0%) in variety Kufri Chipsona-1. Phenol content in processed chips, markedly was more than raw potato phenol values. Sensory evaluation results in overall acceptance of 0.2mm thick slices than 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5mm thick slices.

The potato apical leaf curl disease is caused by tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus-potato (ToLCNDV-potato), which severely alters a plant’s starch metabolism, starch hydrolysing enzymes, and antioxidant mechanism. In this study, the result suggested that ToLCNDV-potato significantly (p < 0.01) affected the morphological parameters and photosynthetic pigment system in both the cultivars of potato, viz., Kufri Pukhraj (susceptible) and Kufri Bahar (tolerant). However, the impact of ToLCNDV-potato was lower in Kufri Bahar. Moreover, the viral infection in potato showed significant (p < 0.01) enhancement in the leakage of plant oxidative metabolites such as proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) which was further confirmed with higher electrolyte leakage. The viral infection imbalance of starch metabolism in the leaves ultimately affects the carbohydrate profile. ToLCNDV-potato significantly lowered starch synthesis, enhanced the accumulation of sucrose, glucose, fructose and—which was further validated by enzymatic estimation of β-amylase—α-amylase and phosphorylase activity in the leaves of both cultivars. The antioxidant enzymes, viz., catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, were reported to be enhanced in both the cultivars due to ToLCNDV-potato infection. The higher enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity was observed in Kufri Bahar, which signifies its resistant attributes. These findings in the potato plant broaden our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of starch metabolism and antioxidant activity and provide proof of concept for breeding potato for ToLCNDV-potato tolerance.

Potato dry rot disease caused by multiple Fusarium species is a major global concern in potato production. In this investigation, the tubers of cultivars Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Frysona were artificially inoculated with an individual or combined inoculum of Fusarium sambucinum and Fusarium solani. Fusarium sambucinum caused a significantly higher lesion development (p < 0.01) than Fusarium solani, irrespective of cultivars. The combined inoculum of both the Fusarium species caused significantly higher rot development (p < 0.005) in inoculated tubers. Analyses of starch and amylose content revealed that individual or mixed infection of fungi caused a significant reduction (p < 0.005) in these parameters compared to healthy tubers. The increased starch digestibility due to fungal infection caused a higher glycemic index and glycemic load. The resistant starch also deteriorated in the infected potato tubers as compared to the control. Kufri Jyoti showed a higher starch and amylose content reduction in response to the treatments compared to Kufri Frysona. The correlation analysis demonstrated a negative correlation in lesion diameter and rot volume with starch and amylose content (p < −0.80). However, the glycemic index and resistant starch were positively correlated with lesion development. Altogether, these findings highlight the progressive deterioration of quality parameters, which will be a critical concern for processing industry stakeholders and consumers.

Introduction: Worldwide pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has led to people being afflicted by COVID-19 with an ever-rising mortality leading to 1,079,029 deaths as on October 13, 2020 (covid19.who.int). Due to the rising incidence and mortality associated with COVID 19 in India with 7,175,880 confirmed cases and 109,856 deaths reported till October 13, 2020, it was imperative to have an early and effective predictor of clinical outcome to augment the present management of COVID 19 patients. Objective: The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate whether elevated D-dimer levels at admission in a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed COVID-19 patients could predict the severity of disease and outcome. Methods: D-dimer levels of patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 were retrospectively evaluated for patients admitted at this tertiary care hospital in India from March 28, 2020 to June 2, 2020. D-dimer levels on admission along with the clinicopathological profile of the patients were retrieved from the records held and intensive care unit (ICU) as well as death events were collected to calculate the optimum cutoff using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The subjects were divided into two groups and D-dimer levels between uncomplicated cases and those requiring ICU admission or died during the course of disease compared to assess the predictive value of D-dimer. Results: A total of 70 patients were included in this study admitted in this tertiary care hospital whose complete D-dimer records were available and retrieved retrospectively. Ten deaths occurred during hospitalization in the study period. Patients with mean D-dimer levels ≥4026.56 μg/ml (fibrinogen equivalent units [FEU]) had a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality as compared to those who with lower mean D-dimer levels of 1268.66 μg/dl (FEU) with P < 0.001. The optimum cutoff value of D-dimer to predict in-hospital ICU admission or mortality at our hospital was 857.9 μg/L (FEU) with a sensitivity of 93.3% and a specificity of 69.09% and a negative predictive value of 97.44%. Conclusion: A D-dimer level > 857.9 μg/L (FEU) at admission portends a worse outcome for COVID-19 patients.

Malnutrition, unhealthy diets, and lifestyle changes are the major risk factors for overweight and obesity-linked chronic diseases in humans adversely impact achieving sustainable development goals. Colored grains are a source of anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids, that contribute positively to human health. This review focuses on genetic variation harnessed through breeding and biotechnology tools for developing anthocyanin-rich grain crops. Agronomic practices, genotype × environment interactions, different stresses, seed development and seed maturity are factors that impact the content and composition of anthocyanins. Significant progress has been made in characterizing genes associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis in cereal and other crops. Breeding has led to the development and release of grain anthocyanin-rich crop cultivars in Europe, America and in some countries in Asia. Notably, genetic engineering utilizing specific transcription factors and gene editing has led to the development of anthocyanin-rich genetic variants without any significant yield penalty. A variety of food products derived from colored grains or flours are now available in grocery stores and supermarkets worldwide. The public perception about anthocyanin-rich food is positive, but availability, affordability, and willingness to pay a higher price than before limit consumption. Together with other seed nutrition traits in breeding programs the inclusion of anthocyanins can ensure the development of cultivars that meet nutrition needs of humans, especially in the developing world.

Introduction: Cystic lymphangioma (CL) is a multiloculated congenital malformation of the lymphatic system occurring in approximately 1 in 6,000–12,000 births, and it mostly presents at birth. The CL is of a variable size and it can be found at any age and in any part of the body. This study was carried out to observe the effect of intralesional aqueous bleomycin on giant CL presenting in adult and pediatric cases. Materials and Methods: This is an observational study conducted in the department of pediatric surgery and plastic surgery from January 2012 to January 2020. All the diagnosed cases of lymphangioma measuring more than 5 cm in size and managed during this period were reviewed. The cases who had lesions with a vascular component or who had any history of previous surgery or any form of treatment were excluded from the study. A total of 19 cases were included in the study. The primary mode of management of CL at the present center is intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy (IBS). This is the standard protocol followed at our center to treat the cases with CL. Relevant demographic and clinical data of all the included patients were collected on a structured proforma, and data were analyzed. Result: Four cases had a favorable outcome in a single session, seven cases showed a favorable response after the second session, and three cases showed a favorable response after the third session. Two cases showed a partial response even after the fourth session and were considered nonresponders, one of whom was operated on and the other who was satisfied with a partial response and was not willing to undergo surgical excision. No major complications were observed in the present series. A few cases developed mild pain with or without fever, but none of them required hospitalization. Conclusion: Intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy (IBS) is a safe, effective, and economical treatment option for the management of large cystic lymphangiomas and it avoids surgery-related complications.Level of Study: IV evidence studyType of Study: Retrospective observational study

Potatoes are developed vegetatively from tubers, and therefore potato virus transmission is always a possibility. The potato leafroll virus (PLRV) is a highly devastating virus of the genus Polerovirus and family Luteoviridae and is regarded as the second-most destructive virus after Potato virus Y. Multiple species of aphids are responsible for the persistent and non-propagating transmission of PLRV. Due to intrinsic tuber damage (net necrosis), the yield and quality are drastically diminished. PLRV is mostly found in phloem cells and in extremely low amounts. Therefore, we have attempted to detect PLRV in both potato tuber and leaves using a highly sensitive, reliable and cheap method of one-step reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA). In this study, an isothermal amplification and detection approach was used for efficient results. Out of the three tested primer sets, one efficiently amplified a 153-bp product based on the coat protein gene. In the present study, there was no cross-reactivity with other potato viruses and the optimal amplification reaction time was thirty minutes. The products of RT-RPA were amplified at a temperature between 38 and 42 °C using a simple heating block/water bath. The present developed protocol of one-step RT-RPA was reported to be highly sensitive for both leaves and tuber tissues equally in comparison to the conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. By using template RNA extracted employing a cellular disc paper-based extraction procedure, the method was not only simplified but it detected the virus as effectively as purified total RNA. The simplified one-step RT-RPA test was proven to be successful by detecting PLRV in 129 samples of various potato cultivars (each consisting of leaves and tubers). According to our knowledge, this is the first report of a one-step RT-RPA performed using simple RNA extracted from cellular disc paper that is equally sensitive and specific for detecting PLRV in potatoes. In terms of versatility, durability and the freedom of a highly purified RNA template, the one-step RT-RPA assay exceeds the RT-PCR assay, making it an effective alternative for the certification of planting materials, breeding for virus resistance and disease monitoring.

Modern times are facing a massive crisis with rising global energy demand and carbon dioxide emission due to the consumption of fossil fuels. The depletion of petroleum-derived fuel has created a demand for an alternative fuel source. Fossil fuels are also regarded as conventional fuels, are the prime sources of non-renewable energy, whose loss cannot be sustained in years. According to the 2019 global statistical review of world energy, there is a 0.5% increased carbon dioxide emission rate and 1.3% primary energy consumption worldwide. These increased rates are a triggered alarm to humankind and the environment. Meanwhile, renewable sources such as biofuel show a potential usage with low carbon dioxide emission, less polluting and can be created from biomass in the forms of organic waste. Moreover, they are effective against greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and the impact of changing climate from transports and vehicles. Today the biofuel research is performed globally because of the two fundamental properties, sustainability and renewability. There are many effective biomass production sources and fall into three categories, including the First generation, Second generation and Third generation biofuel. The first generation comprises food crop-related biomass, whereas the second generation includes lignocellulosic biomass, and the third generation features potential renewable sources in the form of algal biomass. The paper aims to review the various sources of biofuels and the methods used in the production, and discuss its advantages and sustainability.

Most cultivated potatoes are tetraploid, and the tuber is the main economic part that is consumed due to its calorific and nutritional values. Recent trends in climate change led to the frequent occurrence of heat and drought stress in major potato-growing regions worldwide. The optimum temperature for tuber production is 15–20 °C. High-temperature and water-deficient conditions during the growing season result in several morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular alterations. The morphological changes under stress conditions may affect the process of stolon formation, tuberization, and bulking, ultimately affecting the tuber yield. This condition also affects the physiological responses, including an imbalance in the allocation of photoassimilates, respiration, water use efficiency, transpiration, carbon partitioning, and the source–sink relationship. The biochemical responses under stress conditions involve maintaining ionic homeostasis, synthesizing heat shock proteins, achieving osmolyte balance, and generating reactive oxygen species, ultimately affecting various biochemical pathways. Different networks that include both gene regulation and transcription factors are involved at the molecular level due to the combination of hot and water-deficient conditions. This article attempts to present an integrative content of physio-biochemical and molecular responses under the combined effects of heat and drought, prominent factors in climate change. Taking into account all of these aspects and responses, there is an immediate need for comprehensive screening of germplasm and the application of appropriate approaches and tactics to produce potato cultivars that perform well under drought and in heat-affected areas.

The interaction between selective nutrients and linked genes involving a specific organ reveals the genetic make-up of an individual in response to a particular nutrient. The interaction of genes with food opens opportunities for the addition of bioactive compounds for specific populations comprising identical genotypes. The slight difference in the genetic blueprints of humans is advantageous in determining the effect of nutrients and their metabolism in the body. The basic knowledge of emerging nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics can be applied to optimize health, prevention, and treatment of diseases. In addition, nutrient-mediated pathways detecting the cellular concentration of nutrients such as sugars, amino acids, lipids, and metabolites are integrated and coordinated at the organismal level via hormone signals. This review deals with the interaction of nutrients with various aspects of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics along with pathways involved in nutrient sensing and regulation, which can provide a detailed understanding of this new leading edge in nutrition research and its potential application to dietetic practice.

Malnutrition, unhealthy diets, and lifestyle changes have become major risk factors for non-communicable diseases while adversely impacting economic growth and sustainable development. Anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids that are rich in fruits and vegetables, contribute positively to human health. This review focuses on genetic variation harnessed through crossbreeding and biotechnology-led approaches for developing anthocyanins-rich fruit and vegetable crops. Significant progress has been made in identifying genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in various crops. Thus, the use of genetics has led to the development and release of anthocyanin-rich potato and sweet potato cultivars in Europe and the USA. The purple potato ’Kufri Neelkanth’ has been released for cultivation in northern India. In Europe, the anthocyanin-rich tomato cultivar ‘Sun Black’ developed via the introgression of Aft and atv genes has been released. The development of anthocyanin-rich food crops without any significant yield penalty has been due to the use of genetic engineering involving specific transcription factors or gene editing. Anthocyanin-rich food ingredients have the potential of being more nutritious than those devoid of anthocyanins. The inclusion of anthocyanins as a target characteristic in breeding programs can ensure the development of cultivars to meet the nutritional needs for human consumption in the developing world.

Karnataka is one of the important potato growing states in peninsular India. Potato is mainly cultivated in Hassan, Belgaum, Chikkaballapur, Chickmagalur, Kolar, Bangalore Rural and Dharwad districts. It is grown as rain-fed kharif crop in Hassan, Belgaum, Chickmagalur and Dharwad districts and as rabi crop in Chickmagalur, Chikkaballapur, Kolar and Bangalore Rural districts under protective irrigation. Due to non-availability of quality planting material to Karnataka farmers, potato productivity is limited. Seed imported from North India (Punjab) is very expensive and incur about 50% of total production cost and small and marginal farmers cannot afford to procure quality seed every year as no certified seed is being produced locally. International Potato Center (CIP) has recommended an innovative low cost ware house facility as a model during 2014 and 2016 to retain farmers’ seed for subsequent planting seasons saving their seed input cost by 40%.

Plant health and productivity is strongly influenced by their intimate interaction with deleterious and beneficial organisms, including microbes and insects. Of the various plant diseases, insect-vectored diseases are of particular interest, including those caused by obligate parasites affecting plant phloem such as Candidatus (Ca.) Phytoplasma species and several species of Ca. Liberibacter. Recent studies on plant-microbe and plant-insect interactions of these pathogens have demonstrated that plant-microbe-insect interactions have far reaching consequences for the functioning and evolution of the organisms involved. These interactions take place within complex pathosystems and are shaped by a myriad of biotic and abiotic factors. However our current understanding of these processes and their implications for the establishment and spread of insect-borne diseases remains limited. This article highlights the molecular, ecological, and evolutionary aspects of interactions among insects, plants, and their associated microbial communities with a focus on insect vectored and phloem-limited pathogens belonging to Ca. Phytoplasma and Ca. Liberibacter species. We propose that innovative and interdisciplinary research aimed at linking scales from the cellular to the community level will be vital for increasing our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning plant-insect-microbe interactions. Examination of such interactions could lead us to applied solutions for sustainable disease and pest management.

Agricultural intensification is placing tremendous pressure on the soil’s capacity to maintain its functions leading to large-scale ecosystem degradation and loss of productivity in the long term. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find early-indicators of soil health degradation in response to agricultural management. In recent years, major advances in soil meta-genomic and spatial studies on microbial communities and community-level molecular characteristics can now be exploited as ‘biomarker’ indicators of ecosystem processes for monitoring and managing sustainable soil health under global change. However, a continental scale, cross biome approach assessing soil microbial communities and their functional potential is essential to identify the unifying principles governing the susceptibility of soil biodiversity to land conversion is lacking. Herein we conducted a meta-analysis from a dataset generated from 102 peer-reviewed publications as well as unpublished data to explore how properties directly linked to soil nutritional health ( total C and N; C:N ratio), primary productivity (NPP) and microbial diversity and composition (relative abundance of major bacterial phyla determined by next generation sequencing techniques) are affected in response to agricultural management across the main biomes of Earth (arid, continental, temperate and tropical). In our analysis, we found strong statistical trends in the relative abundance of several bacterial phyla in agricultural (e.g. Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi) and natural (Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria) systems across all regions and these trends correlated well with many soil properties. However, main effects of agriculture on soil properties and productivity were biome-dependent. Our meta-analysis provides evidence on the predictable nature of the microbial community responses to vegetation type. This knowledge can be exploited in future for developing a new set of indicators for primary productivity and soil health.