Fostering Microbe Synergy in Agroforestry: Unveiling the Power of Microbial Partnerships for Sustainable Agricultural Practices Lellapalli Rithesh, Pooja, Prashant Chauhan, Abhishek Kumar Agroforestry and Climate Change Mitigation Harnessing Multitrophic Interactions for Sustainable Plant Protection and Ecosystem Resilience, 2026 Agroforestry integrates crops and trees within the same landscape to maximize ecological interactions and benefits. A key advantage is biodiversity conservation, which is vital amid ongoing deforestation and soil degradation. Microbial biodiversity, functioning as the core of agroforestry ecosystems, supports sustainable production of food, fiber, and nontimber forest products. Microorganisms play a crucial role in improving soil health, facilitating nutrient cycling, and enhancing plant resilience. Symbiotic and free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing organisms, and stress-tolerant microbes are particularly significant for sustaining productivity under both biotic and abiotic stresses. Microbial diversity 120in agroforestry systems is shaped by plant species composition, habitat conditions, and management practices, which together promote ecosystem services essential for sustainable development. Research increasingly highlights the potential of microbial consortia to strengthen plant growth and soil fertility while reducing environmental stress. However, despite abundant knowledge, microbial innovations remain underutilized in practical agroforestry. Harnessing the functional potential of the plant microbiome offers a promising pathway to improve agroforestry health and resilience. This chapter therefore emphasizes the importance of understanding plant–microbe, plant–plant, and microbe–microbe interactions to enhance soil health and achieve sustainable agroforestry systems..
Deciphering the morphological, molecular, and pathogenic variability in Fusarium species associated with potato dry rot disease Pooja, Prashant Chauhan, Rahul Kumar Tiwari, Anil Kumar Saini, Ankit Kumar, Lellapalli Rithesh Frontiers in Microbiology, 2025 Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), a member of the Solanaceae family, is a staple crop with vital importance for global food security. Various biotic and abiotic stresses affect potato crops in the field as well as in post-harvest conditions. Among biotic stresses, Fusarium dry rot, caused by the Fusarium species complex, is considered a major threat to potato cultivation. Fusarium is one of the most serious pathogens that causes dry rot in potatoes, resulting in huge yield losses. In addition, the pathogen variability depends on the ecogeographical region of potato cultivation. Therefore, to investigate the diversity, pathogenicity, and ecological variability of Fusarium species associated with dry rot in potatoes, 55 dry rot samples of potatoes infected with Fusarium spp. were collected, and from these samples, 53 Fusarium isolates were retrieved and characterized through micromorphological and molecular methods. The studies revealed that the isolated Fusarium spp. from the samples belonged to three species, namely Fusarium sambucinum, F. oxysporum, and F. solani. Among the collected species, F. sambucinum was the most dominant species with a high percentage of occurrence frequency. Furthermore, the pathogenicity tests of each isolate were conducted through the tuber inoculation method. The study revealed that out of all isolates, F. sambucinum was highly pathogenic to the susceptible potato cultivar Kufri Pukhraj. This study highlights the predominance and pathogenicity of Fusarium sambucinum among Fusarium species causing dry rot in potatoes, providing critical insights for developing targeted management strategies to mitigate yield losses and enhance potato crop resilience.
Genetic diversity and resistance assessment among maize genotypes against banded leaf and sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii) utilizing SSR markers Poonam Kumari, Prashant Chauhan, Parvesh Kumar, Ravika Journal of Phytopathology, 2023 A field investigation was carried out during the consecutive kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to assess the resistance response of 38 maize genotypes against banded leaf and sheath bight (BLSB). The trials were conducted at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal (India) under artificial epiphytotic conditions. Throughout both seasons, six genotypes (HKI 163, HKI 193‐2, HKI 488, IQPMH‐18‐2, HKI 194‐7 and HKI 1128) exhibited resistant reactions, one genotype (HM 8) showed susceptible reaction, whereas 19 genotypes showed moderately resistant response to BLSB. To analyse molecular aspects of BLSB resistance, genomic DNA was extracted and PCR amplification was performed using 22 SSR markers. Ten SSR markers (bnlg238, bnlg161, bnlg127, bnlg339, bnlg615, bnlg1272, phi077, phi080, phi035 and umc1275) revealed distinct banding patterns in resistant and susceptible genotypes. Among these, marker bnlg339 exhibited a band size of 120 bp across 14 genotypes, with six (HKI 163, HKI 193‐2, HQPM 5, IQPMH‐18‐2, HKI 194‐7 and HKI 1128) classified as resistant and eight (HKI 193‐1, HKI 1657, HKI 1378, HPQM 1, HKI 1659, HPQM 2, T Bio 259 ER and HKI 191‐2‐5) as moderately resistant, resembling the amplified profile of the resistant check genotype (HKI 163). Similarly, the markers phi080 and bnlg1272 exhibited differential amplified profile of approximately 150 bp and 240 bp, respectively, in 10 (five resistant and five moderately resistant) and 12 (four resistant and eight moderately resistant) maize genotypes throughout the study. The percentage of polymorphism for the SSR markers varied from 0 to 100%, with an average value of 95.45% per primer among all genotypes. The identification of resistant and moderately resistant genotypes and characterization of specific SSR markers associated with resistance offer practical tools for breeders to develop BLSB‐resistant maize varieties, ultimately enhancing crop resilience and food security.
Use of microbial agents and botanicals for the management of potato dry rot caused by Fusarium species complex (FSC) Pooja, P Chauhan, AK Saini, A Kumar, A Kumar Journal of Plant Pathology 107 (4), 2233-2248 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Impact of weather parameters and integrated disease management practices on banded leaf and sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii ) and … P Kumar, R Mehra, P Kumari, P Chauhan, R Kumar, H Singh, V Gandhi, ... European Journal of Plant Pathology 173 (3), 647-663 , 2025 2025
Deciphering the morphological, molecular, and pathogenic variability in Fusarium species associated with potato dry rot disease Pooja, P Chauhan, RK Tiwari, AK Saini, A Kumar, L Rithesh Frontiers in Microbiology 16, 1478798 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Latest progress (2020–2024) in bacterial endophyte research with special reference to plant disease management: achievements and challenges A Kumar, P Chauhan, A Kumar, Pooja, T Mishra, A Padiyal, Y Walia, ... Discover Plants 2 (1), 234 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Physio-biochemical insights of endophytic microbial community for crop stress resilience: An updated overview A Kumar, P Sangwan, V Kumar, AK Pandey, Pooja, A Kumar, P Chauhan, ... Journal of Plant Growth Regulation 44 (6), 2641-2664 , 2025 2025 Citations: 15
Genetic diversity and resistance assessment among maize genotypes against banded leaf and sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii) utilizing SSR markers P Kumari, P Chauhan, P Kumar, Ravika Journal of Phytopathology, 1-14 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Host response of elite maize inbreds and hybrids against maydis leaf blight under epiphytotic conditions A Kumar, H Singh, P Chauhan, N Soni, M Leharwan, NK Yadav Cereal Research Communications 51 (4), 945-952 , 2023 2023
Epidemiology and Management of Downy Mildew of Isabgol: A Review AK RS Chauhan, Harbinder Singh, Narender Singh, Prashant Chauhan, NK Yadav Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology 41 (9), 741-750 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Utilization of primary and secondary biochemical compounds in cotton as diagnostic markers for measuring resistance to cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) PK Chauhan, N Mehta, RS Chauhan, A Kumar, H Singh, MK Lal, ... Frontiers in Plant Science 14, 1716 , 2023 2023 Citations: 16
Recent insights into metallic nanoparticles in shelf-life extension of agrifoods: Properties, green synthesis, and major applications RSCKC Ankit Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Chaman Vats, Pooja Sangwan, Vikash Kumar ... Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 6, 1025342 , 2022 2022 Citations: 21
Epidemiology, Source of Resistance and Management of Blue Mould Rot Disease of Aonla (Indian Gooseberry) to Identify Research Priorities and Knowledge Gaps, a Review AKS R.S. Chauhan, Prashant Chauhan, Harbinder Singh, N.K. Yadav, Abhishek Kumar Annals of Plant Sciences 11 (5), 5119-5127 , 2022 2022
Multiple modules for the management of banded leaf and sheath blight of maize in India SK Aggarwal, KS Hooda, PK Bagaria, H Kaur, R Gogoi, P Chauhan, ... Indian Phytopathology 75 (4), 1065-1073 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
Evaluation of maize germplasm for rust ( Puccinia sorghi ) resistance and cold tolerance in north western plain zone of India. P Sharma, MC Kamboj, N Singh, H Singh, P Chauhan 2020
Efficacy of newer molecules, bioagents and botanicals against maydis leaf blight and banded leaf and sheath blight of maize VK Malik, M Singh, KS Hooda, NK Yadav, PK Chauhan The plant pathology journal 34 (2), 121 , 2018 2018 Citations: 65
Management of Cotton Leaf Curl Disease by Altering Sowing Time and Spacing PK Chohan, J Beniwal, N Mehta, A Kumar Trends Biosci 10 (13), 2332-2334 , 2017 2017 Citations: 2
Studies on effect of age of fruit, age of inoculum and inoculum load on development of alternaria fruit rot of brinjal caused by Alternaria alternata . MS Bochalya, KS Shekhawat, RS Rajendra Singh, PK Chohan 2013 Citations: 7
Studies on mycelial growth and cultural characteristics of Alternaria alternata causing alternaria fruit rot of brinjal on different solid media. MS Bochalya, KS Shekhawat, RS Rajendra Singh, PK Chohan 2013 Citations: 1
Effect of meteorological parameters on growth and sporulation of alternaria alternata causing alternaria fruit rot of brinjal MS Bochalya, KS Shekhawat, A Kumar, R Singh, PK Chohan Journal of Agrometeorology 14 (2), 187-189 , 2012 2012 Citations: 7
Management of Alternaria alternata causing alternaria fruit rot of brinjal ( Solanum melongena ) under in vitro conditions. MS Bochalya, KS Shekhawat, AK Anil Kumar, RS Rajendra Singh, ... 2012 Citations: 17
Pathogenic variability in Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. causing leaf blight of wheat in India PK Chohan, SS Karwasra Plant Disease Research 26 (2), 160-161 , 2011 2011
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Efficacy of newer molecules, bioagents and botanicals against maydis leaf blight and banded leaf and sheath blight of maize VK Malik, M Singh, KS Hooda, NK Yadav, PK Chauhan The plant pathology journal 34 (2), 121 , 2018 2018 Citations: 65
Recent insights into metallic nanoparticles in shelf-life extension of agrifoods: Properties, green synthesis, and major applications RSCKC Ankit Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, Chaman Vats, Pooja Sangwan, Vikash Kumar ... Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 6, 1025342 , 2022 2022 Citations: 21
Management of Alternaria alternata causing alternaria fruit rot of brinjal ( Solanum melongena ) under in vitro conditions. MS Bochalya, KS Shekhawat, AK Anil Kumar, RS Rajendra Singh, ... 2012 Citations: 17
Utilization of primary and secondary biochemical compounds in cotton as diagnostic markers for measuring resistance to cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) PK Chauhan, N Mehta, RS Chauhan, A Kumar, H Singh, MK Lal, ... Frontiers in Plant Science 14, 1716 , 2023 2023 Citations: 16
Physio-biochemical insights of endophytic microbial community for crop stress resilience: An updated overview A Kumar, P Sangwan, V Kumar, AK Pandey, Pooja, A Kumar, P Chauhan, ... Journal of Plant Growth Regulation 44 (6), 2641-2664 , 2025 2025 Citations: 15
Studies on effect of age of fruit, age of inoculum and inoculum load on development of alternaria fruit rot of brinjal caused by Alternaria alternata . MS Bochalya, KS Shekhawat, RS Rajendra Singh, PK Chohan 2013 Citations: 7
Effect of meteorological parameters on growth and sporulation of alternaria alternata causing alternaria fruit rot of brinjal MS Bochalya, KS Shekhawat, A Kumar, R Singh, PK Chohan Journal of Agrometeorology 14 (2), 187-189 , 2012 2012 Citations: 7
Latest progress (2020–2024) in bacterial endophyte research with special reference to plant disease management: achievements and challenges A Kumar, P Chauhan, A Kumar, Pooja, T Mishra, A Padiyal, Y Walia, ... Discover Plants 2 (1), 234 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Epidemiology and Management of Downy Mildew of Isabgol: A Review AK RS Chauhan, Harbinder Singh, Narender Singh, Prashant Chauhan, NK Yadav Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology 41 (9), 741-750 , 2023 2023 Citations: 5
Multiple modules for the management of banded leaf and sheath blight of maize in India SK Aggarwal, KS Hooda, PK Bagaria, H Kaur, R Gogoi, P Chauhan, ... Indian Phytopathology 75 (4), 1065-1073 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
Genetic diversity and resistance assessment among maize genotypes against banded leaf and sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii) utilizing SSR markers P Kumari, P Chauhan, P Kumar, Ravika Journal of Phytopathology, 1-14 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Use of microbial agents and botanicals for the management of potato dry rot caused by Fusarium species complex (FSC) Pooja, P Chauhan, AK Saini, A Kumar, A Kumar Journal of Plant Pathology 107 (4), 2233-2248 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Management of Cotton Leaf Curl Disease by Altering Sowing Time and Spacing PK Chohan, J Beniwal, N Mehta, A Kumar Trends Biosci 10 (13), 2332-2334 , 2017 2017 Citations: 2
Deciphering the morphological, molecular, and pathogenic variability in Fusarium species associated with potato dry rot disease Pooja, P Chauhan, RK Tiwari, AK Saini, A Kumar, L Rithesh Frontiers in Microbiology 16, 1478798 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Studies on mycelial growth and cultural characteristics of Alternaria alternata causing alternaria fruit rot of brinjal on different solid media. MS Bochalya, KS Shekhawat, RS Rajendra Singh, PK Chohan 2013 Citations: 1
Impact of weather parameters and integrated disease management practices on banded leaf and sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii ) and … P Kumar, R Mehra, P Kumari, P Chauhan, R Kumar, H Singh, V Gandhi, ... European Journal of Plant Pathology 173 (3), 647-663 , 2025 2025
Host response of elite maize inbreds and hybrids against maydis leaf blight under epiphytotic conditions A Kumar, H Singh, P Chauhan, N Soni, M Leharwan, NK Yadav Cereal Research Communications 51 (4), 945-952 , 2023 2023
Epidemiology, Source of Resistance and Management of Blue Mould Rot Disease of Aonla (Indian Gooseberry) to Identify Research Priorities and Knowledge Gaps, a Review AKS R.S. Chauhan, Prashant Chauhan, Harbinder Singh, N.K. Yadav, Abhishek Kumar Annals of Plant Sciences 11 (5), 5119-5127 , 2022 2022
Evaluation of maize germplasm for rust ( Puccinia sorghi ) resistance and cold tolerance in north western plain zone of India. P Sharma, MC Kamboj, N Singh, H Singh, P Chauhan 2020
Pathogenic variability in Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoem. causing leaf blight of wheat in India PK Chohan, SS Karwasra Plant Disease Research 26 (2), 160-161 , 2011 2011