The Division of Crop Protection was established in the VIII five-year plan when the Directorate of Pulses
Research attained the status of Indian Institute of Pulses Research on 5thSeptember 1993. The Division
comprises of Plant Pathology, Agricultural Entomology and Nematology sections and engaged in basic and
applied strategic research on management of major insect pests; plant pathogens (fungus, bacteria, virus,
etc.) and nematodes affecting the mandate crops of the Institute. The Division is equipped with latest
facilities for molecular studies on pests and pathogens.

Major Research Programmes

• Biological and molecular diversity of insect-pests, pathogens and nematodes.
• Bio-ecology of major and emerging pests and diseases.
• Characterization of Biological Control agents and development of biopesticide for pest and disease
  management.
• Host plant resistance against major insect pests, pathogens and nematodes.
• Refinement of Integrated Pest and disease Management modules.
• Pest monitoring and development / validation of pest forecasting models for major insect pests and
  diseases.
• Management of stored grain pests infesting major pulses.

Infrastructure / Facilities

The Division has well equipped laboratories for research on biological control, bio-ecology, molecular biology
and storage entomology. The Laboratories are equipped with latest equipments viz., Thermocycler, Gel
documentation system, Fermenter, semi-automated microtome and microscopes with image acquisition and analysis
system, ELISA, Deep Freezers, refrigerated centrifuge, Refrigerated incubator shakers, Electrophoresis system,
BODs and plant growth chambers, climate-controlled insect culture rooms, Water purification system etc. A
Whitefly Culture Room has been established in the division for virus transmission studies. The Division is
maintaining sick plots for pigeonpea, chickpea and lentil wilts and micro-plots for Meloidogyne incognita,
M. Javanica, Heterodera cajani and Pratylenchus thornei.

Services

• Diagnostic services to the farmers for insect pests, diseases and nematodes of mandate crops.
• Advisory services on pest management to State Agriculture Department and farmers.
• Testing of newer molecules of pesticides and biorationals developed by industry/institutes.
• Supply of pure cultures of storage insect-pests infesting pulses to students and organizations for
  research purposes.
• Guidance to M.Sc. and Ph.D. students.

Achievements

1. Host Plant Resistance

1.1 Pigeonpea

• Ten pigeonpea lines viz., IPAC 3, IPAC-42, IPAC-79, KPBR-80-2-1, DPPA 85-12, DPPA 85-7, DPPA 85-8,
  DPPA 85-13, IPAPB 7-2-1-7, and WD 5-4 were identified as resistant to PSB showing disease incidence
  between 0–10 percent.
• Genotypes BDN1, BDN2, MA3, ICP 8858, ICP 8859, ICP 8863, ICP 9174, KPL 43, KPL 44, DPPA 85-12, DPPA
  85-7, DPPA 85-8, DPPA 85-13, and PI 397430 were resistant to both race 2 and race 4 of Fusarium
  udum.
• Genotypes IPAC 3-2, IPAC-42, IPAC-79, IPAC 66-7, IPAC 66-9, IPAPB 7-2-1-7, and WD 5-4 were
  identified as resistant to Phytophthora stem blight.
• Accessions ICP 7035, 8860, 8862, 9174, PR 5149, PI 397430 sel., DPA 85-11, 85-12, 85-13, 85-14, and
  lines KPL 43 and KPL 44 have been identified to possess resistance to both wilt and sterility mosaic
  diseases. Lines KPL 43 and KPL 44 were also found moderately resistant against Phytophthora stem
  blight.
• Pigeonpea entries ICP7542, PDA92-2E possessed resistance, and PDA 93-IE, ICPL 129880(B), ICP
  88022-1, PDA 92-3, KWR 92-02, DA 11, MA 2, NDA 99-7, MA-2 possessed moderate resistance to pod fly,
  Melanagromyza obtusa.
• Accessions MA-7, TT-10, H-84-5, TDRG-4, IPA-8F, BRG-11-1, BRG 10-2, RVKT 260 and accessions of wild
  relatives ICWP 016 (Cajanus albicans), ICWP 062 (C. platycarpus), ICWP 086 and
  ICWP 097 (C. scarabaeoides) were identified as resistant to Meloidogyne javanica.
• Accession MAL-9 was identified as resistant against pigeonpea cyst nematode, Heterodera
  cajani.
• Accessions ICWP 062 and ICWP 069 of Cajanus platycarpus, a wild relative of pigeonpea, were
  identified as resistant against Heterodera cajani.
• The screening method involving key modifications in the existing ‘Free-choice’ and ‘No-choice’ tests
  was developed for the identification of sources of resistance in pulse crops to bruchids. The
  methodology challenged the genotypes to intense oviposition by the bruchids in both the tests and
  incubated infested seeds for F1 adult emergence after providing sufficient time for insect
  development under controlled conditions.
• Identified four accessions of Rhynchosia bracteata (IC15815, IC15816, IC15817, IC618509)
  against all three bruchid species.
• Identified the accessions of Cajanus scarabaeoides (IC15698, ICP15700, ICP15725, ICP15882,
  ICP15883, ICP15685, ICP15689, ICP15711, SG/DD-701, ICP15922, ICP15712, ICP15727, SG/DD-15, SG/DD-64,
  ICP15690, SG/DD-13) against Callosobruchus chinensis and C. maculatus.


Stem rot disease in pigeonpea



Phytophthora stem blight in
pigeonpea



Rust disease in fieldpea

Root knot nematode infestation in
pigeonpea

Root knot nematode infestation in
chickpea

Heterodera cajani cyst attached to roots

Root knot galls in pigeonpea

2. Bio-ecology

• The bruchids field-infestation windows in mungbean, cowpea and pigeonpea was identified including the
  impact of field-carry-over infestation on stored grains. The field infestation was commenced from 3rd,
  4th, and 8th Weeks After Flowering Initiation (WAFI) in three pulses, respectively.
• For the first time from India, major bruchid species (Callosobruchus maculatus, C.
  analis, C. chinensis, C. theobromae, Acanthoscelides obtectus)
  prevailing in edible pulse storage ecosystems across the nation were characterized, including their
  distribution vis-à-vis states, regions, and storage scales.
• For the first time from India, the present resistance status in populations of major bruchid species
  prevailing in India was reported against the only available and recommended insecticide — phosphine.
• Pigeonpea pods of about 15–20 days old were preferred for oviposition by pod fly (Melanagromyza
  obtusa), which is considered a critical stage for insecticide application.
• Pod fly incidence increased abruptly when maximum temperature exceeded 27°C and minimum temperature rose
  above 12°C.
• Economic threshold levels (ETL) of gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in chickpea and
  pigeonpea have been worked out. One larva can damage 20–25 pods in its lifetime. It attains ETL about a
  fortnight later when 5–6 male moths per trap per night are recorded during post-winter months.
• Grain yield of urdbean cv. Uttara was reduced by 50.9% in Heterodera cajani-infested plots
  compared to un-inoculated plots. Heterodera cajani infection also reduced the total protein
  content of the grains.
• Viability of eggs of Heterodera cajani in cysts was recorded for more than three years but less
  than four years without a host in moist and dry soil.
• Twelve nematode genera were reported from chickpea rhizosphere in the Bundelkhand region. The most
  frequently encountered genera were Tylenchorhynchus spp., followed by Pratylenchus
  spp. and Tylenchus spp. Eleven nematode genera were reported from pigeonpea fields in Hamirpur
  district of Bundelkhand, wherein the most frequently encountered nematodes were
  Tylenchorhynchus sp. and Tylenchus sp., followed by Heterodera cajani.


Nature of infestation, symptoms and damage by
bruchids on stored pulses



Predominant species of bruchids

Field infestation of bruchids in different pulses

PCR plant virus diagnostic kit

The circular genome map of the SpobMNPV
isolate

4. Distribution map of yellow mosaic disease causing viruses

The Country-wide Distribution Map of Yellow Mosaic Disease (YMD)-causing viruses is an interactive digital
tool that visualizes the spread and prevalence of begomoviruses infecting legume crops across India
(https://www.icar-iipr.org.in/country-wide-distribution-map/). Based on PCR detection and sequencing of
viral DNA (DNA-A and DNA-B), it compiles 581 molecular reports from 119 locations across five agro-climatic
zones and 53 host species. The map reveals the dominance of MYMIV, followed by MYMV and HgYMV, highlighting
their regional distribution, host range, and mixed infections. It serves as a vital resource for plant
breeders and researchers, supporting virus monitoring and the development of zone-specific YMD-resistant
cultivars. Integration of virus diversity, climatic data, and host interactions makes it a comprehensive,
real-time, and updatable web-based application for YMD management.

An outline map of India showing (A) 119 locations
across five agro-climatic zones: North Hill Zone (NHZ), North East Plain Zone (NEPZ), North West Plain
Zone (NWPZ), Central Zone (CZ), and South Zone (SZ), where (B) reports of legumoviruses were made
(MYMIV, MYMV, DoYMV, HgYMV, RhYMV, RhYMIV, VbSMV, and CsYMV), which revealed Mungbean yellow mosaic
India virus (MYMIV) as the most predominant species in India. An illustration of these five zones in
India is shown as an inset at the top right corner. Source:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1451986/full

Screenshot of web-based application

5. Biological control (Characterization, Conservation & Formulation development)

• Two native Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains viz., F8.IIPR and Ak2.IIPR were identified
  and
  characterized for their insecticidal potency for eco-friendly management of gram pod borer
  (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) and Bihar hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua
  Walker).
• IIPR Lep-kill® and IIPR Pulse Guard® were developed and tested in
  pigeonpea, urdbean, and chickpea for effective insect management.
• Spilosoma obliqua Multiple Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (SpobMNPV) was identified and
  characterized against S. obliqua. The polh gene sequence of SpobMNPV was submitted
  to
  NCBI (KT877650).
• COI gene sequences of Spilosoma obliqua, Maruca vitrata, Oleparicini, and
  Olepa sp. were submitted to NCBI (KX810194; KY559101; KY559102; and KY559103,
  respectively).
• An insect pathogenic virus, HearNPV-IIPR05 isolate, was identified against Helicoverpa
  armigera. Phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequences of three core genes
  (Polh, Lef-8, Pif-1) revealed that the isolate belonged to the genus
  Alphabaculovirus and Group II NPVs.
• Five entomopathogenic nematode isolates were characterized and identified as Steinernema
  siamkayai and found to be potential biocontrol agents against the pupal stage of
  Helicoverpa armigera.
• A total of 200 native isolates of Trichoderma spp. belonging to nine species (T.
  harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, T. asperellum, T. afroharzianum,
  T. aureoviride, T. atrobrunneum, T. brevicompactum, T.
  asperelloides, and T. virens) and 100 isolates of PGPRs (Pseudomonas and
  Bacillus spp.) were identified and characterized from the rhizosphere of pulse crops.
• A potent salt-tolerant isolate (IIPRTh-3) and two heavy metal-tolerant isolates (IIPRTh-31 and
  IIPRTh-33) of Trichoderma were identified and characterized for their stress tolerance and
  biocontrol potential.
• Mycolytic genes (Ech-42 and Xyn-2) were characterized from potential
  Trichoderma isolates. Whole genome sequences of isolates IIPRTh-31 and IIPRTh-33 have been
  deposited in NCBI.
• A novel bacterial strain, Pseudomonas guariconensis (IIPRMKCP-9), was identified and
  characterized from chickpea rhizosphere, showing significant biocontrol and plant growth-promoting
  (PGP)
  potential.
• Biogenic synthesis of Zn, Ag, and Fe nanoparticles was achieved using two potential
  Trichoderma
  isolates for effective management of wilt and root rot diseases.
• GC–MS-based metabolite profiling of potential Trichoderma isolates was conducted for the
  development of metabolite-based bioformulations.
• Three talc-based formulations — DALHANDERMA (IIPRTh-31), Pulse
  Booster
  (IIPRTh-33), and Pulse Bio Guard (IIPRTh-3) — and one liquid formulation,
  Dalhan Bio-consortia, were developed and certified by ICAR.
• Ten strains of nematode egg parasitic fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, were isolated and
  characterized, and a potential strain IIPR-Pl-11 was identified for the management of root-knot
  nematode
  (Meloidogyne incognita) in pulses.
• Seven isolates of obligate bacterial hyperparasite of the genus Meloidogyne, Pasteuria
  penetrans, were isolated and characterized.
• Liquid Emulsion and Rhizo-nil SP (Soluble Powder) formulations
  were
  developed and evaluated for root-knot nematode management in mungbean.

Biocontrol formulations developed by the
Institute

Dalhanderma- talc based Trichoderma
formulation

6. Pest Management

• Among 11 bio-rationals / chemical insecticides evaluated against M. vitrata, the lowest pod damage
  (4.8%) with high-cost benefit ratio was recorded in Indoxacarb 14.5 SC treated plots followed by
  Spinosad 45SC (5.2%) as against 15.4% in untreated control
• Yield losses due to powdery mildew and rust in fieldpea can be easily avoided if sowing is done during
  the first week of November. For late sown crop, one or two foliar sprays at ten-day intervals, of
  wettable sulphur @ 0.3 % starting at the onset of the disease can take care of both powdery mildew and
  rust.
• One to two foliar sprays of carbendazim 50 WP @ 0.025% or thiophanate methyl 70% WP @ 0.05% have been
  found very effective in controlling Cercospora leaf spot disease in mungbean.
• Seed treatment with 3% carbosulfan has been found most effective in management of root knot nematode in
  chickpea. Carbosulfan in combination with carbendazim (0.1%) is also effective. Among neem-based
  formulations, Nimbecidine (0.2%) is superior in nematode management.
• Field sanitation + seed treatment + intercropping/mixed cropping of sorghum and use of moderately
  resistant cultivars has reduced wilt incidence in pigeonpea
• Intercropping of mustard with chickpea has been found effective in management of gram pod borer and root
  knot nematode.
• Urdbean + Sorghum (3:1) followed by Wheat, Urdbean followed by Wheat + Mustard (8:1) reduced population
  of parasitic (RK) nematode significantly (76-83%).
• Non host crops of pigeonpea cyst nematode such as linseed, pearl millet, maize or wheat are required to
  grow for at least 2 years to reduce the cyst population in Heteroderacajani infested fields.
• Application of neem seed powder in soil @ 12.5 kg/ha + farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha in combination with seed
  treatment with carbosulfan 3% (w/w) controlled root-knot nematode and increased yield in urdbean.
• Prophylactic treatment for bruchid management: Mix 120 grams of Deltamethrin 2.5% WP powder in 3 liters
  of water and spray this entire solution to 100 square meters area on empty areas in and around storage
  rooms, gunnage and gangways.
• Curative control of bruchids: Fumigation of stored grain/seeds with Aluminium phosphide 56 % W/W @ 3
  tablets (3 gram tablets) or one tablet/pouch (10 gram tablet or pouch) per tonne under complete
  airtightness for seven days is recommended to eliminate the bruchid infestations, completely.
• An alternate fumigant Ethyl Formate was identified with lethal toxicity values against egg, grubs and
  adults of flour beetle (LC50- 0.015, 0.017 and 0.021 mg/L respectively), eggs of Callosobruchus
  maculatus (LC50- 0.011 mg/L), adults of Sitophilous oryzae (LC50- 0.017 mg/L) and lesser grain borer
  (LC50- 0.014 mg/L).
• An alternate contact insecticides Clothianidin 50 WDG and Spinosad 45 SC were identified as highly
  effective in controlling studied bruchid species on three different surfaces.

ENP infected Galleria Larvae

Pulse Beetle infestation in cowpea

Pod borer in chickpea and pigeonpea

6. Variability in wilt pathogens of pigeonpea, chickpea , lentil and Field pea

• More than 500 isolates of Fusarium udum were collected from major pigeonpea-growing regions
  across the country and characterized using seven wilt differentials. Based on their pathogenic
  reactions, the isolates were classified into five distinct F. udum races prevailing in
  India.
• Fifty representative isolates of Fusarium udum were characterized using ITS, TEF, and
  Histone-3
  gene sequences, which have been submitted to NCBI.
• Six races of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (Foc) were identified in India based
  on
  the differential reactions of 326 representative isolates collected from chickpea-growing regions
  across
  the country.
• Fifty isolates of Phytophthora cajani were identified and characterized using ITS and COX
  gene
  primers from major pigeonpea-growing areas, and the sequences have been submitted to NCBI.
• A specific and cost-effective medium, Pigeonpea Milling By-product Agar (PMBA), was
  developed to promote rapid growth and sporulation of Phytophthora cajani infecting
  pigeonpea.
• Twenty isolates of Erysiphe pisi were characterized, and their sequences have been
  submitted to
  NCBI.
• A specific baiting technique was developed for the isolation of Phytophthora cajani from
  infected pigeonpea tissues.
• More than 80 populations were collected from diverse (small-, medium-, to large-scale) pulse storage
  ecosystems of India and characterized for bruchid species diversity. It was found that three
  Callosobruchus species are predominant and destructive across grain legumes, with the
  species
  C. analis—often overlooked—being equally cosmopolitan and destructive as the other two
  species.

CROP PROTECTION DIVISION

Scientific staff and their area of specialization

Name	Dr. Mohd Akram
Designation	Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology) and Head (Acting)
Specialization	Molecular diagnostics of viral and fungal pathogens
Email	mohd.akram@icar.org.in akram23859@gmail.com