Research Projects

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) is a devastating disease affecting rice plants, causing losses of up to 50-75%. Typically controlled with antibiotics like streptomycin and tetracycline, the Indian government has banned the import, manufacture, or formulation of these drugs due to the risk of antimicrobial resistance. To combat BLB, new strategies are needed. Rice volatile compounds, which have protective effects against insects, are yet to be explored for their inhibitory effect on pathogens, particularly Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae. The proposal aims to identify volatile compounds from rice plants that could protect against BLB and use them as plant protection molecules. Ten resistant genotypes will be selected to study differences in volatile release patterns compared to susceptible genotypes. Additionally, the wax present in leaf cuticles of different rice genotypes could also play a role in pest resistance.