<div style="text-align: justify;">The aim of the present study is to identification and classification of different associated fungi from the seeds of Eruca sativa. Total 10 species of fungal pathogens belonging to 7 genera are isolated from the Saudi (Ss) and Indian seeds of Eruca sativa. Saudi seeds affected by the fungal pathogens namely, A. niger, A. flavus, A fumigates, Mucor spp., Pencillium spp., while Indian seeds affected by Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigates, Aspergillus terreus, Pencillium spp., Mucor spp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Humicola insolens, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum. However, many of the soil borne or seed borne associated fungal pathogens spread the diseases in plants as well as in human beings. So the present study reveals that, the proper identification of fungal pathogens and their symptoms are easily recognized. Then the prevention care could be taken during the agriculture and high yield produced before the spread of symptoms and diseases. &nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Study of Associated Fungal Pathogens on Seeds of Eruca sativa Mill., (Gargeer)&nbsp;</div>

<div>Background: This study hypothesizes that specific environmental conditions-particularly moisture and nutrient levels significantly influence the production of aflatoxins in Aspergillus niger isolated from paddy crops. Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites with serious implications for food safety, especially in improperly stored grains. Understanding the metabolic responses of A. niger under such stress conditions is essential for designing effective storage and post-harvest management strategies. 
 
Methods: The dominant fungal strain, designated as Monika AN-03, was isolated from infected rice grains collected from local storage warehouses. The strain was identified at the species level as Aspergillus niger through 18S rRNA gene sequencing and the sequence was submitted to NCBI under accession number OR083359. Morphological characteristics of the strain were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to confirm conidial structure. To analyze the metabolic profile, the strain was cultured under nutrient-rich conditions and metabolite extraction was carried out. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed to detect and quantify secondary metabolites, particularly aflatoxins. 
 
Result: The LC-MS analysis revealed distinct peaks corresponding to aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, confirming the ability of A. niger strain AN-03 to produce mycotoxins under conducive environmental conditions. These findings highlight the strain&rsquo;s pathogenic potential and raise concerns about fungal contamination in storage environments. The data suggest that environmental stressors can activate specific metabolic pathways responsible for toxin biosynthesis, underlining the necessity for effective monitoring and environmentally sustainable control strategies in post-harvest grain management.</div>

LC-MS Profiling for Studying the Impact of Environmental Factors on Fungal Pathogen Metabolism in Paddy Fields

<div>Background: Collar rot of lentil caused by Sclerotium rolfsii became a major problem for early sown lentil in North-eastern plain zones of India, as it associated with high yield losses every year. The disease cause huge loss in yield due to which, area under this crop is consistently decreasing. In global perspective, losses of 10-20 million dollars associated with S. rolfsii with yield depletion ranging from 1-60% in fields. The resistance and susceptibility of a potential host plant depends on the virulence of isolates of S.rolfsii. So the objectives of this study is to observe the potentiality of different isolates those were collected from major lentil growing districts of West Bengal and tested their virulence on three popular varieties of lentil. However the pathogenecity of S.rolfsii in this region never been tested before. This information could be a strong background for effective management of pathogen for future research. 
 
Methods: Collar rot infected samples were collected from different geographical locations of West Bengal during (Nov-Dec, 2018). And then the collected samples were isolated in Department of Plant Pathology, BCKV, Nadia, W.B. and were confirmed by their morphological characters.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The isolates from different geographical locations showed differences in their virulence. Among the all isolates SRC2 considered as most virulent as it causes highest diseases incidence as well as mortality percentage in all selected varieties of lentil. Two varieties, &nbsp;HUL-57 and BM-6 not so much popular among the farmers but can be consider as resistant to collar rot in case of early sowing condition.</div>

<div>Pathogenicity Study of Sclerotium rolfsii Isolates on Popular Lentil Varieties in Net House Condition</div>

<div>Background: Avian colibacillosis is considered as major cause of morbidity and mortality in poultry. It is a common bacterial disease of poultry and many virulence factors of E. coli are associated with the disease. The current study was aimed to investigate the presence of some virulence factors of E. coli isolated from the cases of colibacillosis. 
 
Methods: In present study, total 150 samples (liver, heart, lungs, air sacs and feaces) of chicken exhibiting pathological conditions of colibacillosis were collected from various poultry farms (organized and backyard) situated in and around Mhow and Indore cities. E.coli was isolated and identified from the samples on the basis of cultural characteristics and biochemical test. All E. coli isolates were further subjected to evaluate the presence of virulence factors such as biofilm production, haemolysis, invasiveness and molecular detection of fimH and stx1 gene. 
 
Result: Out of these 51.33% of incidence of E. coli was recorded. E. coli O84 and O149 serotypes were found most prevalent. Out of 77 isolates, 46 (59.7%) and 45 (58.4%) were positive for biofilm formation by tube method and modified CRA method, respectively.&nbsp;All E. coli isolates were showing invasiveness in congo red binding assay while none of the isolates was found haemolytic. Molecular detection revealed the presence of fimH (508bp) gene in 33.3% of tested samples while stx1 gene could not be detected in any isolates.</div>

<div>Studies of Virulence Factors of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Avian Colibacillosis by In vitro Method and PCR</div>

<div>Background: Benthic macro invertebrates have a sedentary and long life span, sensitive community response to organic loading, thermal impacts, substrate alteration and toxic pollution. They are regarded as the most informative bio indicators of water pollution. Macro invertebrates and water quality are interrelated to each other, as macro invertebrates are a potential indicator of water quality and therefore have been most frequently used in biomonitoring studies. 
 
Methods: The study area is the tailrace of Dikhow River, a 65 km. a southern tributary of the mighty river Brahmaputra. The stretch was demarcated into five sectors longitudinally. The study was done for a period of two years during which sampling collection was done using sampling methods. Appropriate sized net was used to sample macroinvertebrates. Identification was done using standard identification keys. Pollution tolerance of the species was measured using standard protocols. Using tolerance values, family biotic Indices were measured by Hilsenhoff standard protocols. 
 
Result: Number of pollution sensitive macroinvertebrates were found to be minimum in almost all stations indicating the level of pollution in the stations. Macroinvertebrates with higher tolerance levels were recorded in maximum numbercompared with the standard values to assess the water quality. A total of thirteen (13) species (Rhynchobdellasp, Physellasp, Soletelinasp, Gammarussp, Fenneropeneussp, Isotomussp, Caeniussp, Gomphussp, Lethocerussp, Hydrophylussp, Chaobarussp, Chironomussp) have been recorded during the study period. Among them the species with high pollution tolerance values were recorded in higher number during the study. While compared the family biotic indices as recorded from the stations with the standard data, then station I and station III have been found to&nbsp; be significant organic pollution and other three stations were found to be Fairly significant organic pollution.</div>

A Study of River Water Quality using Macroinvertebrates as Bio Indicator: A Case Study

Background: Canine pyometra, is a pathological condition that results in the accumulation of purulent exudate in the uterus due to hormonal imbalance in female dogs. This is the most prevalent hormonally mediated reproductive disorder and life threatening disease of intact female dogs. The objective of the present study was to assess the physiological, haematological and biochemical changes and isolate the pathogenic microorganism present in the uterus of pyometra bitches. 
 
Methods: This study was carried out in ten bitches with a history of lethargy, depression, in appetence, polydipsia, occasional vomiting and vaginal discharge presented for treatment at the Veterinary Poly Clinic, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The disease was diagnosed by history, clinical signs, physical examination, imaging techniques haematology and biochemical study. The involvement of the pathogenic organism was confirmed by microbial examination of the pus-filled uterus after the ovariohysterectomy. 
 
Result: The result showed that physiological parameters rectal temperature, heart rate and respiration rate were increased in pyometra affected dog than healthy one. The haematological parameters of red blood cell count, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were decreased in pyometra affected dogs than healthy dogs. Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis and eosinophilia condition also observed in pyometra affected dogs. Biochemically, increased Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) creatinine and hyperprotenimia were observed in pyometra dogs. Increased activity of hepatic enzyme Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also observed in pyometra dogs. The major pathogenic microorganisms involved in pyometra are Escherichia coli (40.25%), Staphylococcus (20.46%), Streptococcus (20.32%), Pseudomonas (6.41%), Proteus (6.32%) and Pasteurella (6.24%). Thus the dogs with pyometra show significant changes in physiological, haematological, biochemical parameters and growth of pathogenic microorganism in uterine fluid were the important indications of pyometra affected dogs.

Microbiological and Haemato-biochemical Studies in Canine Pyometra

<div style="text-align: justify;">Environment is an important aspect of plant ecology and global environmental change is of major concern that is caused by natural and human activities which alter greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. The increase in concentration of greenhouse gases is foreseen to continue to raise average global temperature. Elevated concentration of carbon dioxide with increased temperature influences the plant-disease interactions. The environment has an influence over the development as well as temporal and spatial dissemination of plant diseases. The result of change in environment can either be favorable, non favorable or impartial, as these changes can either lessen, expand or have no influence on diseases as each disease may be attributed differently to these variations in accordance to an area or time of year. Variation in environmental conditions is said to be influencing plants in natural ecosystems all around the world and change in climate directly impacts crops, along with their synergy in accordance with the microbial population. The important elements governing magnification and spread of plant diseases are temperature, moisture, light and carbon dioxide concentration. Environment change causes a significant impact on germination, reproduction, sporulation, spore dispersal, along with perforation by pathogens as a vulnerable host will not be invaded by a pernicious pathogen if the environmental conditions are not facilitative for disease. The environment influences all life stages of host as well as that of a pathogen and as a result induces an opposition to various pathosystems. Resistance mechanisms of plants, including effector-triggered immunity (ETI), pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and defence network of hormones, are particularly influenced by environmental elements. Pathogenic virulence mechanisms like fabrication of virulence proteins and toxins, and also spore germination and survival are governed by factors such as atmospheric carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity. A large number of in-vitro experiments to understand interactions between plants and pathogens rely on predetermined pathosystems by making use of ascertained environmental conditions which take into consideration relatively small part of vital plant&ndash;pathogen&ndash;environment interactions occurring in natural ecosystem. Thus, there is a need to research effectiveness of disease management strategies that is, to assess current management strategies to understand multifaceted nature of environment-pathogen interactions for production of crops that are irrepressible to environment change.</div>

Environment-Pathogen Interaction in Plant Diseases

<div>Background: Haemonchosis is one of the major parasitic infestations in small ruminants. Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic parasite that localises in the abomasum of affected animals and exerts its pathogenicity by blood-sucking activity, adversely affecting the health and productivity of animals.&nbsp; In recent years, there is widespread development of anthelmintic resistance against Haemonchus spp. Therefore, a sustainable strategy needs to be implemented to effectively control haemonchosis in goats. The aim of the present study was to find out the efficacy of herbal anthelmintic drug (Carica papaya aqueous seed extract) and haemato-biochemical alterations in Haemonchus infection. 
 
Methods: In this study, goats were screened for Haemonchus spp. by the FAMACHA technique. Hemato-biochemical examination was done before and after the therapeutic trial. Herbal anthelmintic drug was prepared from Papaya seed. In-vitro and in-vivo trial were carried out to test the efficacy of prepared herbal anthelmintic drug.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The present study showed that FAMACHA can be used for the early screening of Haemonchus spp. in a herd. Significant improvement in haemato-biochemical examination was found in the group treated with the prepared herbal anthelmintic drug. Thus, the herbal anthelmintic (Carica papaya seed extract) can be a good alternative for controlling Haemonchosis in goats.&nbsp;</div>

Clinico-therapeutic Studies on Haemonchosis in Goats

Crop pathogens pose a significant threat to global food security, causing substantial economic losses and food safety concerns. The identification and quantification of compounds produced by these pathogens are crucial for understanding their diagnosis by biochemistry, virulence mechanisms and predict for disease control. Initially, diagnosed by mass spectrometry such as GCMS and LCMS are powerful analytical techniques used for the identification and quantification of compounds in various fields, including environmental science, pharmaceuticals and food analysis. This study aims to explore the application of mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of crop pathogens, focusing on the identification and quantification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and secondary metabolites produced by fungal and bacterial pathogens. The study will also evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of GCMS and LCMS for crop pathogen analysis, including sensitivity, resolution, selectivity, range of applications, sample preparation requirements, cost and data interpretation challenges. The results will provide valuable insights into the potential of GCMS and LCMS for crop pathogen diagnosis and highlight areas for further research and development in this field.

Mass Spectrometry in Crop Pathogens Diagnosis: A Comprehensive Review

<div>Background: Different lentil-growing regions in India have reported that the lentil wilt poses a serious threat to crop cultivation because it can result in 100 percent crop losses. The fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis is the pathogen responsible for the disease. This infection is carried through the seed and soil. 
 
Methods: To understand the current status of the wilt pathogen in the total of twenty-two lentil-growing areas in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the present study was conducted over the course of the two consecutive years 2017-18 and 2018-19, to track the incidence and prevalence of the disease. Observations were made on the numbers of diseased plants and number of infected fields to record incidence and prevalence of the lentil wilt, repectively. Moreover, twenty two isolates were collected to examine the different spores, pathogenicity levels and degree of correlation between both of them.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The data showed that the pathogen was present in every area at 100 per cent prevalence, with a disease incidence within 6.22-26.25 per cent. Data derived from 100 per cent availability of the pathogen inoculum in all lentil-growing regions over the course of two years predicts the emergence of the wilt disease threat to the crop. The observations indicate that the pathogen&rsquo;s inoculum level had increased as the incidence of the disease increased during the subsequent crop season. It was also observed that spore size somewhat affects the pathogenicity of the isolates.Therefore the present study was conducted to observe the impact of wilt pathogen on different lentil grown areas and to alarm the farmers about this emerging threat.</div>

Prevalence and Pathogenicity of the Isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lentis in Different lentil Grown Areas of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh