Dr. Rizwan Ali Ansari, Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Aligarh Muslim University in India, is a highly accomplished scholar in the field of Plant Pathology/Nematology. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the same institution, where he has actively engaged in cutting-edge research and development strategies that have revolutionized the field.
Dr. Ansari has formulated innovative management modules that leverage a wide array of microorganisms, antagonists, and organic additives to combat a diverse range of soil-borne plant pathogens that infest numerous agricultural crops. He has also attended several prestigious national and international conferences, where his contributions have earned him coveted accolades from renowned scientific societies such as the Society of Plant Protection Sciences (SPSS), Indian Phytopathological Society of India (IPS) and the Nematological Society of India (NSI).
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Plant Science, Plant Science, Plant Science
Molecular Identification and RNA-Based Management of Fungal Plant Pathogens: From PCR to CRISPR/Cas9 Rizwan Ali Ansari, Younes Rezaee Danesh, Ivana Castello, Alessandro Vitale International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026 Fungal diseases continue to limit global crop production and drive major economic losses. Conventional diagnostic and control approaches depend on time-consuming culture-based methods and broad-spectrum chemicals, which offer limited precision. Advances in molecular identification have changed this landscape. PCR, qPCR, LAMP, sequencing and portable platforms enable rapid and species-level detection directly from plant tissue. These tools feed into RNA-based control strategies, where knowledge of pathogen genomes and sRNA exchange enables targeted suppression of essential fungal genes. Host-induced and spray-induced gene silencing provide selective control without the long-term environmental costs associated with chemical use. CRISPR/Cas9 based tools now refine both diagnostics and resistance development, and bioinformatics improves target gene selection. Rising integration of artificial intelligence indicates a future in which disease detection, prediction and management connect in near real time. The major challenge lies in limited field validation and the narrow range of fungal species with complete molecular datasets, yet coordinated multi-site trials and expansion of annotated genomic resources can enable wider implementation. The combined use of molecular diagnostics and RNA-based strategies marks a shift from disease reaction to disease prevention and moves crop protection towards a precise, sustainable and responsive management system. This review synthesizes the information related to current molecular identification tools and RNA-based management strategies, and evaluates how their integration supports precise and sustainable approaches for fungal disease control under diverse environmental settings.
Phytomycobiomes and Ecosystem Services: Mechanisms, Evidence and Routes to Application Rizwan Ali Ansari, Kobilov Ergash Egamberdievich, Madjidova Tanzila Raximovna, Yarmatova Dilbar Sa’dinovna, Belyalova Leylya Enverovna, Aminjonov Sharifkul Abbasovich, Abdullayev Davlat Muqumovich, Tukhtaev Mustafa Kurbonovich Journal of Fungi, 2026 Phytomycobiomes refer to the fungal consortia that inhabit plant tissues and the rhizosphere. Their documented functions include nutrient mobilization, carbon retention, stress mitigation and pathogen suppression, although measurable effects often depend on plant and soil conditions. In this review, we examine the current evidence for their ecological relevance and assess the molecular approaches most commonly used to characterize them. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, endophytes and saprotrophic taxa indicate measurable gains in nutrient acquisition, disease resistance and soil aggregation, although long-term consistency is rarely evaluated. Each function appears to have an explicit mechanistic attribution, with direct links between fungal groups, enzymatic pathways and measurable ecosystem outcomes. Several sequencing-based techniques are available, yet none offer complete accuracy. Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) amplicon surveys provide rapid taxonomic coverage but suffer from primer bias; shotgun metagenomics offers functional insight but at significant financial cost; and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays remain useful for targeted quantification, whereas long-read technologies show promise but still lack widespread adoption. The field faces a number of unresolved constraints, including limited knowledge of host range, inconsistent performance under fluctuating environmental conditions and the absence of a standardized bioinformatic pipeline. Despite these limitations, we regard phytomycobiomes as viable candidates for replacing or reducing synthetic inputs, provided their application is guided by context-specific evidence rather than broad generalization.
New insights into synergistic interactions of root-knot nematode and wilt causing fungi on pigeon pea in sandy loam soil Rizwan Ali Ansari, Irshad Mahmood, Rose Rizvi, Mohamed Cassim Mohamed Zakeel Journal of Umm Al Qura University for Applied Sciences, 2025 A study under pot conditions was undertaken to know the relationship between plant biomass and inoculum densities of Meloidogyne incognita. Similarly, plant biomass—Fusarium udum relationship was also observed. Results revealed that increased inoculum densities resulted in corresponding decrease in plant biomass markers. Compared to control plants, 2000 nematode inoculation caused significant damage in phytobiomass (23.07–26.32%) of pigeon pea. 2.0 g F. udum inoculation caused significant impairment in different plant growth characteristics (22.96–26.02%) over control plants at P < 0.05. The interactive study revealed that concomitant, M. incognita + F. udum inoculation caused the maximum reduction (33.68–56.66%) in plant biomass. Next to this, M. incognita inoculation 15 days prior to F. udum and F. udum inoculation 15 days prior to M. incognita caused an impairment of (28.55–50.11%) and (23.99–43.33%), respectively. However, they were statistically either at par or non-significant over each other. Disease assay revealed that M. incognita multiplication rate was correspondingly augmented upon the rise of nematode concentration, conversely, the reproduction factor was progressively decreased. Pathogens interactive facet revealed that M. incognita inoculated plants showed a higher root galls (99.40), eggs (79.20), fecundity (199.80), and nematode population (13,785.60). The presence of F. udum suppressed nematode multiplication ability. However, concomitant inoculation of M. incognita and F. udum aggravated percent wilt severity (65.48%) thus exhibiting a synergistic interaction between the vascular pathogens.
Nematode-Bacteria Disease Complexes and Their Sustainable Management Mujeebur Rahman Khan, Rizwan Ali Ansari, Marceline Egnin, Conard Bonsi Nematode Disease Complexes in Agricultural Crops, 2025 Nematode–bacteria disease complexes represent a critical multipathogenic etiological scenario with significant implications in crop health and agricultural productivity. The disease complexes resulting from the interaction between plant nematodes and phytobacteria exhibit aggravated disease severity leading to substantially greater yield reductions than those caused by either pathogen alone. The interactions between these pathogens are wide in occurrence, and of great economic significance. The nematode-induced physical and physiological alterations in the host lead to degradation of plant tissues and disruption of vital processes such as root exudation, nutrient uptake, etc. These alterations contribute in promoting the bacterial infection in the host in causing stunting and wilting of the plant, and reducing the yield. The commonly occurring and economically significant nematode–bacteria disease complexes involves Ralstonia, Xanthomonas, Agrobacterium and Pectobacterium. The management of these disease complexes presents significant challenges to plant protectionists and crop growers. Integrating biocontrol, chemical, cultural and host resistance strategies that target both nematodes and bacteria may offer sustainable solutions, enhancing plant resilience and ensuring better crop yields. This chapter updates the current understanding of nematode–bacteria disease complexes, the probable and actual mechanisms involved, and identifies areas where sincere research efforts are needed. The chapter also explores the sustainable management strategies of disease complexes.
Role of Biostimulants in Improving Plant Growth under Abiotic Stresses Muskan Parveen, Noor Fatima, Rizwan A. Ansari, Irshad Mahmood, Rose Rizvi Optimizing Plant Health Under Abiotic Stress Environments Ensuring Food and Nutritional Security, 2025 The global food production system is currently under threat due to climate change, which is a crucial factor limiting yields. Unfavorable environmental circumstances resulting from climate change lead to a diminishment in soil fertility, posing a significant risk to food security. There is a dire need for novel approaches to sustainable food production and security in modern agriculture. To combat challenges posed by climate change, such as drought, salt, and temperature stress, biostimulants have shown great promise in agriculture. Biostimulants, which are non-nutrient matter or microbes that can promote plant growth and health, have the potential to offer environmentally friendly and economically advantageous solutions that could introduce novel techniques to enhance agricultural practices and crop productivity. These substances are effective at low concentrations, efficiently favoring the plant’s essential processes and enabling high-quality and high-yield output. With current understanding and phenotypic findings, biostimulants may regulate and modulate plants’ physiological processes to promote growth and boost quality and yield. In this regard, this chapter intends to discuss the use of biostimulants in plant growth as well as their impact on plants exposed to abiotic challenges.
Preface Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management, 2024
Preface Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration, 2024
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration Rizwan Ali Ansari, Rose Rizvi, Irshad Mahmood Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration, 2024 This book comprehensively overviews the latest research findings, methodologies, and techniques for mycorrhizal management in agricultural systems.
Effect of varying inoculum densities of Meloidogyne javanica on biomass and forskolin content of Coleus forskohlii S Sharma, RA Ansari, TA Khan Indian Phytopathology, 1-7 , 2026 2026
Molecular Identification and RNA-Based Management of Fungal Plant Pathogens: From PCR to CRISPR/Cas9 RA Ansari, Y Rezaee Danesh, I Castello, A Vitale International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27 (2), 1073 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Role of Biostimulants in Improving Plant Growth under Abiotic Stresses M Parveen, N Fatima, RA Ansari, I Mahmood, R Rizvi Optimizing Plant Health under Abiotic-Stress Environments, 155-169 , 2026 2026
Phytomycobiomes and Ecosystem Services: Mechanisms, Evidence and Routes to Application RA Ansari, KE Egamberdievich, MT Raximovna, YD Sa’dinovna, ... Journal of Fungi 12 (1), 1 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
New insights into synergistic interactions of root-knot nematode and wilt causing fungi on pigeon pea in sandy loam soil RA Ansari, I Mahmood, R Rizvi, MCM Zakeel Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Applied Sciences 11 (3), 468-482 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Nematode–Bacteria Disease Complexes and Their Sustainable Management MR Khan, RA Ansari, M Egnin, C Bonsi Nematode Disease Complexes in Agricultural Crops, 142-168 , 2025 2025
Nanotechnology and plant disease management I Mahmood, RA Ansari, R Rizvi CRC Press , 2024 2024 Citations: 9
Arbuscular mycorrhizal technology in sustainable agriculture: current knowledge and challenges in agroforestry G Boyno, RA Ansari, ED Durak, H Güneş, R Çevik, S Demir Mycorrhizal symbiosis and agroecosystem restoration, 173-195 , 2024 2024 Citations: 16
Propagation of mycorrhizal fungi and their strength in plant health ameliorations S Patil, RA Ansari, C Gurikar, S Bhavan, K Hariprasad Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration, 77-98 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on soil health amelioration and plant fitness under hostile environment OA Fabiyi, RA Ansari, R Rizvi, A Sumbul, I Mahmood Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration, 227-248 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Impact of environmental gases on mycorrhizal symbiosis and its influence on ecosystem functioning under the current climate change scenario RA Ansari, A Sumbul, R Rizvi, I Mahmood Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration, 51-76 , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: a potential agent for phytonematodes management in diverse agro-climatic zones N Keshari, K Kranti, NK Gunda, RA Ansari Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration, 147-169 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Bio-Fabrication of Nanomaterials and Their Application in Plant Disease Management: Scope, Challenges and Strategies DSS Ibrahim, RA Ansari, SE El-Abeid, M Mostafa, FM Saeed, ... Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management, 169-186 , 2024 2024
Nanoengineering for Sustainable Crop Health: Leveraging the Potential of Nanotechnology in Enhancing Disease Resistance and Yield Improvement M Hubballi, RA Ansari, R Rizvi, N Fatima, N Totsline, AM Archana, ... Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management, 187-208 , 2024 2024
Nanosensors: An Emerging Tool for Early Detection of Plant Pathogens in Sustainable Agriculture SE El-Abeid, RA Ansari, MA Mosa, AG Soliman, AM Saleh, DSS Ibrahim Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management, 61-70 , 2024 2024 Citations: 6
Exploring the Potential of Nanomaterials in a Crusade against Plant Disease Management AR Siddiqui, RA Ansari, A Sumbul, R Rizvi, N Fatima, S Safiuddin, ... Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management, 45-60 , 2024 2024
Maximizing the Potential of Nanoparticles for Sustainable Plant Pathogen Management: Addressing Phytotoxicity and Residues G Rautela, A Zafar, A Sumbul, RA Ansari, I Mahmood, AR Siddiqui, ... Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management, 130-146 , 2024 2024
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Agroecosystem Restoration RA Ansari, R Rizvi, M Irshad Springer Nature, Singapore , 2024 2024 Citations: 13
Sustainable management of soil-borne plant pathogens DSS Ibrahim, M Mostafa, AAM Abdellatif, RA Ansari Earth Systems Protection and Sustainability: Volume 1, 35-56 , 2022 2022 Citations: 14
Screening of Vigna radiata Against Root Knot Nematode M. incognita in Greenhouse Conditions HR Kumar, RA Ansari, S Ansari, A Rizvi, Rose, Sumbul, I Mahmood Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences An International Journal 13 (1 … , 2022 2022
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Azotobacter: A potential bio-fertilizer for soil and plant health management A Sumbul, RA Ansari, R Rizvi, I Mahmood Saudi journal of biological sciences 27 (12), 3634-3640 , 2020 2020 Citations: 332
Optimization of organic and bio-organic fertilizers on soil properties and growth of pigeon pea RA Ansari, I Mahmood Scientia Horticulturae 226, 1-9 , 2017 2017 Citations: 170
PGPR: current vogue in sustainable crop production RA Ansari, R Rizvi, A Sumbul, I Mahmood Probiotics and plant health, 455-472 , 2017 2017 Citations: 83
Plant health under biotic stress RA Ansari, I Mahmood Springer Nature, Singapore , 2019 2019 Citations: 68
Siderophores: augmentation of soil health and crop productivity RA Ansari, I Mahmood, R Rizvi, S Sumbul, A Probiotics in agroecosystem. Springer Nature, Singapore, 291-312 , 2017 2017 Citations: 68
Organic soil amendments: potential tool for soil and plant health management RA Ansari, A Sumbul, R Rizvi, I Mahmood Plant Health under biotic stress: volume 1: organic strategies, 1-35 , 2019 2019 Citations: 66
Plant health under biotic stress RA Ansari, I Mahmood Springer Nature, Singapore , 2019 2019 Citations: 64
Management of phytonematodes: recent advances and future challenges RA Ansari, R Rizvi, I Mahmood Springer , 2020 2020 Citations: 62
Oil-cake amendments: Useful tools for the management of phytonematodes A Sumbul, R Rizvi, I Mahmood, RA Ansari Asian Journal of Plant Pathology 9 (3), 91-111 , 2015 2015 Citations: 57
Parasitic association of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on guava RA Ansari, TA Khan e J Sci Technol 5 (12), 65-67 , 2012 2012 Citations: 57
Nanoparticles’ synthesis and their application in the management of phytonematodes: An overview OA Fabiyi, RO Alabi, RA Ansari Management of phytonematodes: recent advances and future challenges, 125-140 , 2020 2020 Citations: 53
Plant health under biotic stress: volume 1: organic strategies RA Ansari, I Mahmood Springer , 2019 2019 Citations: 48
Determination of disease incidence caused by meloidogyne spp. and or fusarium udum on pigeonpea in Aligarh district: A Survey RA Ansari, I Mahmood Trends in Biosciences 10 (24), 5239-5243 , 2017 2017 Citations: 38
Diversity and community structure of phytonematodes associated with guava in and around Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India RA Ansari, K TA Trends Biosci 5 (3), 202-204 , 2012 2012 Citations: 38
Role of Trichoderma spp. in the Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Infesting Important Crops DSS Ibrahim, MM Elderiny, RA Ansari, R Rizvi, A Sumbul, I Mahmood Management of Phytonematodes: Recent Advances and Future Challenges, 259-278 , 2020 2020 Citations: 36
Potential role of plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria in alleviation of biotic stress I Mahmood, R Rizvi, A Sumbul, RA Ansari Plant Health Under Biotic Stress: Volume 2: Microbial Interactions, 177-188 , 2019 2019 Citations: 36
Potential role of bio-inoculants and organic matter for the management of root-knot nematode infesting chickpea M Akram, R Rizvi, A Sumbul, RA Ansari, I Mahmood Cogent Food & Agriculture 2 (1), 1183457 , 2016 2016 Citations: 36
Sustainable management of root-knot disease of tomato by neem cake and Glomus fasciculatum R Rizvi, G Singh, Safiuddin, R Ali Ansari, S Ali Tiyagi, I Mahmood Cogent Food & Agriculture 1 (1), 1008859 , 2015 2015 Citations: 29
Plant-growth-promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)-based sustainable management of phytoparasitic nematodes: current understandings and future challenges RA Ansari, R Rizvi, A Sumbul, I Mahmood Management of phytonematodes: recent advances and future challenges, 51-71 , 2020 2020 Citations: 27
Plant health under biotic stress BK Kashyap, MK Solanki, AK Pandey, S Prabha, P Kumar, B Kumari, ... Plant Heal Under Biot Stress, 219-36 , 2019 2019 Citations: 24