Chak-hao (Oryza sativa L.), an aromatic black glutinous rice native to Manipur, is valued for its unique fragrance and high nutraceutical value, including iron, vitamin E and antioxidants. The present study aimed to isolate and characterise beneficial rhizospheric and endophytic microbes that could enhance Chak-hao rice cultivation. A total of 170 bacterial and 55 fungal isolates were obtained from different Chak-hao varieties collected from the farmers’ fields across four districts of Manipur. These isolates were screened for plant growth-promoting traits such as phosphate solubilisation, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, nitrogen fixation and antagonistic activity against harmful fungal pathogens. The study showed 51.94 % phosphate solubilisation, 41.26 % produced IAA and 9.2 % exhibited nitrogen-fixing ability. Based on multiple plant growth promoting traits, 11 promising isolates were selected for molecular characterisation. The 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) sequencing identified these isolates as belonging to Bacillus, Enterobacter and Pseudomonas genera, with Bacillus species being predominant. Microbial inoculation significantly improved grain yield, straw yield and aroma-associated compounds compared to the untreated control (p ≤ 0.05, Duncan’s multiple range test). The study reveals the potential of indigenous beneficial microbes as eco-friendly biofertilisers and biocontrol agents for sustainable Chak-hao rice cultivation, quality grain improvement and conservation of unique Chak-hao rice germplasm Manipur.
T. Elizabeth, N. Chumchanbeni, S. Bireswar et al.· Plant Science Today· 0 citations
Shifting cultivation (Jhum) is a common farming method in the Northeastern hill areas of India. Jhum system of farming is traditionally prevalent throughout the hilly regions of Nagaland. Jhum is frequently misrepresented as being environmentally destructive. The multilayered diversity in the Jhum system, however, serves as the ecological basis for disease suppression in Jhum fields. At the genetic level, farmers keep and use landraces and traditional types of rice, maize, beans and millets, many of which have built-in resistance to pathogens that are common in the area. Diversity at the species level, such as co-cultivating functionally complementary crops like legumes (which fix nitrogen (N), aromatic herbs (which repel pests) and root crops (which stabilise soil), adds spatial heterogeneity that limits the capacity of pests and pathogens to disseminate efficiently. The vertical layering of the plant structures and uneven field shapes make conditions less like monoculture, which stops the movement of insects that carry diseases and the spread of fungal spores through the air. These actions together create an environment of systemic stability that protects the agroecosystem from both living and non-living stressors. Combining these native ecological strategies with scientific research findings on eco-friendly disease management approaches investigating the effectiveness of biocontrol agents and botanicals in controlling plant pathogens pertinent to the crops of Nagaland provides a comprehensive view of the resilience of Jhum systems. In this context, laboratory and field trials executed to evaluate the biocontrol agents like Trichoderma spp. and plant-based treatments from the area against important crop pathogens by various researchers are reviewed here. Combining modern science with traditional ecological knowledge, biological control techniques can improve disease resistance and promote sustainable agriculture practices in traditional Jhum farming systems.
A. N. Tiameren, B. Susanta· Plant Science Today· 0 citations
