Neha BaruahA newly discovered microbe is jeopardizing sesame cultivation in Midnapore, West Bengal, sparking alarm among farmers and agricultural experts. Revered as the “Queen of Oil,” sesame has a storied history and notable health benefits, yet its full potential remains untapped due to the need for enhanced varieties.
The Significance of Sesame
Sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops, prized for its oil, which is rich in antioxidants and heart-friendly properties. Despite these benefits, sesame oil is not a primary cooking oil in India, leaving the crop’s potential underutilized. Improved varieties are essential for maximizing production.
Pioneering Research
Professor Gaurab Gangopadhyay and his team at the Bose Institute have spent 14 years improving sesame crops using advanced breeding techniques. Their fieldwork in East and West Midnapore uncovered an unexpected challenge that could undermine their efforts.
A Mysterious Disease
Researchers observed a strange phenomenon in sesame plants during their field visits. After flowering, plants reverted to their vegetative state. White flowers turned green and failed to mature, prompting an in-depth investigation into the cause.
Unveiling Candidatus Phytoplasma
The team identified the culprit as Candidatus Phytoplasma, a cell wall-less bacterium that inhabits the nutrient-rich phloem of plants. This microbe spreads through sap-sucking insects such as leafhoppers and plant-hoppers, making it a formidable threat.
Consequences for Sesame Crops
The disease deforms flowers, giving them a leafy appearance and significantly reducing yield. Farmers are incurring heavy losses, jeopardizing the economic sustainability of sesame farming in the region. Urgent action is required to combat this emerging threat and secure the future of sesame cultivation.
Neha Baruah
