BHU Researchers Discover New Fungus Species Affecting Vetiver
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | BHU researchers discovered a new phytopathogenic fungus, Epicoccum indicum, causing leaf spot disease in Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver). Published in Fungal Diversity on December 19, 2024. |
| Fungus Name | Epicoccum indicum |
| Plant Affected | Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver) |
| Disease Caused | Leaf Spot Disease |
| Institution | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
| Lead Researchers | Dr. Raghvendra Singh, Soumyadeep Rajwar |
| Publication | Fungal Diversity (December 19, 2024) |
| Previous BHU Discoveries | 2022: Neokamalomyces indicus (Banyan leaves, potential in antibiotics & cancer treatment) 2024: Nyssopsoraceae (Rust fungus on Toona sinensis leaves in Uttarakhand) |
| Vetiver Uses | Medicinal properties (pain relief, anti-inflammatory, anti-infection) |
| Location of BHU | State: Uttar Pradesh City: Varanasi |
| Chief Minister of UP | Yogi Adityanath |