PHYTOPATHOGENIC BACTERIA AN IMMINENT THREAT TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION (HB 2026)

The field of Plant Bacteriology/Phytobacteriology is rapidly advancing and changing due to recent advances in genomics and molecular plant bacteriology as well as global spread of bacterial plant diseases and emergence of new bacterial plant pathogens. So, there is a need to integrate understanding of bacterial taxonomy, genomics and basic plant bacteriology that reflects state of the art knowledge about plant-disease mechanisms. In the present book, first eight chapters contain general information about bacteria, classification of plant pathogenic bacteria and molecular mechanisms of virulence and pathogenesis of phytopathogenic bacteria. The book contains description of 62 specific bacterial diseases of plants. Some of the described diseases, namely, bacterial blight of rice, wilt of solanaceous plants, soft rot of fleshy fruits and vegetables, citrus canker, citrus huanglongbing etc. are of international importance and cause huge economic losses to the mankind.

· Contains latest and updated information on plant pathogenic bacteria until July 2025.

· Presents classification of the bacteria and associated nomenclature based on Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, II edition and International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. Seventy-one genera of bacteria containing plant pathogenic species are described and their plant pathogenic species are listed.

· Discusses practical and thoroughly tested disease management strategies that would help control enormous losses caused by these diseases.

· Reviews role of Type I - VI secretions and peptide- or protein containing toxins produced by bacterial plant pathogens.

· Briefs about plants and plant products that acts as carriers of human enteric bacterial pathogens, for example emphasizing the role of seed sprouts as a common vehicle in causing food-borne illness.

The author has 55 years’ experience in research, teaching and transfer of technology in Plant Pathology. Retired as Professor and Head of the Department of Plant Pathology, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India in 2003 and then served there as Emeritus Scientist (ICAR, New Delhi, India) from July 2003 to July 2005. Taught various courses in plant pathology and plant bacteriology disciplines, including advanced courses in plant bacteriology. Guided 10 Ph. D. and 13 M. Sc. students in the field of plant bacteriology. Published more than 125 research papers in reputed national and international research journals related to plant pathology and plant bacteriology.

Life member of five professional societies and held different positions in the executive committees of these societies. Attended the VII International Conference on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria held in Budapest, Hungary in 1989 and the VIII International Conference on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria held in Versailles, France in 1992. As Member of the National Organising Committee, organised the IX International Conference on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria held in Chennai, India in 1996 and also chaired one session in this conference. Chaired/co-chaired various sessions of different professional societies, the Jeersannidhi Lecture Award and acted as member of panel of judges for Prof. M. J. Narasimhan Academic Award Contest. Attended various national/international symposia, conferences, meetings and workshops of different professional societies.

Acted as paper setter and external examiner of four universities and Agricultural Scientists’ Recruitment Board, New Delhi. Acted as an expert of selection committees for different posts and as an external examiner of 17 Ph. D. and 10 M. Sc. students of different universities. Acted as reviewer/referee of various national and international research journals.