Plant Science & Botany

Advances in Plant Pathology
Exploring Contemporary Research and Progressive Practices

Editors: N. H. Shankar Reddy, PhD
A. Praveen, PhD
C. Gunaseeli, MSc
Vigneshwaran K., MSc

Advances in Plant Pathology

In Production
Pub Date: April 2026
Hardback Price: $240 US | £180 UK
Hard ISBN: 9781779643759
E-Book ISBN: 9781779643766
Pages: est 565 w/ index
Binding Type: Hardback / ebook
Notes: 7 color and 46 b/w illustrations

The field of plant pathology is undergoing a transformative era, driven by advances in molecular biology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. With the growing global challenges of climate change, evolving pathogens, and food security concerns, there is an urgent need to develop innovative solutions to safeguard agriculture. This new volume, Advances in Plant Pathology: Exploring Contemporary Research and Progressive Practices, addresses this demand by providing an up-to-date and comprehensive guide on the latest developments in plant disease research and management.

The volume explores historical perspectives on plant disease research as well as cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing the field today, delving into crucial areas of plant pathology, starting with an exploration of pioneering work in plant disease research and progressing to topics such as molecular diagnostics, genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9, and next-generation sequencing. These tools are not only redefining how we detect and manage plant diseases but are also enhancing plant immunity and resistance at a molecular level.

The book also emphasizes emerging and re-emerging plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses, presenting them as new threats to global agriculture. Additionally, it underscores the significance of plant quarantine systems, biocontrol agents, and integrated disease management strategies in protecting crops sustainably. Forward-looking chapters examine how AI and robotics are transforming plant disease detection and control, marking a new frontier in precision agriculture.

By blending foundational concepts with forward-thinking innovations, this book provides a holistic view of plant pathology’s evolving landscape. It will serve as an essential resource for researchers, students, and professionals in agriculture and plant sciences, as well as those interested in tackling the global challenges facing modern agriculture.

CONTENTS:

Preface

PART I: FOUNDATIONS AND CHALLENGES IN PLANT DISEASE RESEARCH

1. Plant Disease Research in India: Past Foundations, Present Advances, and Future Horizons
Balamurugan K., Livitha R., and Deepana M.

2. Adapting to Change: Plant Pathogens as Challenges in Modern Agriculture
G. B. S. Manikanta Chowdary and N. H. Shankar Reddy

3. Emerging and Re-emerging Plant Diseases: Fungi, Bacteria, and Viruses: New Threats to Agriculture
Karmel Reetha A. and Lalitha Pavani Solasa

4. Plant Quarantine: Guardians at the Gates: Vanguard Against Epidemics and the Entry of Plant Pathogens
N. H. Shankar Reddy, C. Gunaseeli, and Kavitha Mahableshwar Pujari

5. Karnal Bunt: The Enigmatic Challenge in Plant Quarantine
C. Kannan, R. Sudharsan, A. Vanitha, and T. Anupriya

6. Rust Never Sleeps: The Battle Against Wheat Stem Rust
C. Kannan, A. Vanitha, R. Sudharsan, and T. Anupriya

PART II: ADVANCES IN MOLECULAR TOOLS AND PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS

7. Advanced Molecular Tools and Techniques in Detection and Diagnosis of Plant Diseases
Rathinakumar G., Gopinath V., Akshaya C. K., and Nisha Thakur

8. Next-Generation Sequencing in Plant Disease Research: Revolutionizing Plant Disease Diagnostics, Research, and Management
Anbu A., Jeevanantham S., and Barath B,

9. CRISPR-Cas 9: Future in the Present in Genome Editing and Enhancing Plant Immunity Against Plant Diseases
C. Gunaseeli and N. H. Shankar Reddy

10. Molecular Dynamics of Plant (Host)-Pathogen Interaction: The Continuous Battle for Survival and Coexistence
N. H. Shankar Reddy, C. Gunaseeli, P. Ramanjineyulu, and K. Vigneswaran

11. Plant Resistance: The Battle Against Pathogen Chemical Weapons
A. Vanitha, R. Sudharsan, and T. Anupriya

PART III: SUSTAINABLE DISEASE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS

12. Bio-Control Agents: Safeguarding Crops Against Plant Diseases and Exploring Future Prospects
M. V. Ruppavalli, D. Shanmuga Priya, and Meghasree Devaiah

13. Integrated Plant Disease Management for Sustainable Crop Production
A. Praveen, S. Jeevanantham, and C. Kannan

14. Evolution of Breeding as a Dependable Strategy in Plant Disease Management
T. Deepthi, G. Abhilasha, G. Jyoshna Rani, and N.H. Shankar Reddy

15. AI and Robotics: Revolutionizing Plant Disease Detection and Plant Protection
Vigneshwaran K. and N.H. Shankar Reddy

Index


About the Authors / Editors:
Editors: N. H. Shankar Reddy, PhD
Assistant Professor, Kadiri Baburao College of Agriculture and Horticulture, C.S. Puram, Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India

N. H. Shankar Reddy, PhD, is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Kadiri Baburao College of Agriculture and Horticulture, C.S. Puram, Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India. He has authored two books in plant pathology published by Kalyani Publishers. He has also published numerous research articles in prominent national and international journals and book chapters and has presented papers and posters at various conferences and seminars. He has actively participated in numerous seminars, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and symposiums at both national and international levels. He has received various awards and also holds a patent. He is a lifetime member of All India Agricultural Students Association (AIASA). In addition to his research, he has two years of teaching experience and 11 month's extension work experience in promoting organic farming. He earned his BSc in Agriculture, MSc in Plant Pathology, and PhD in Plant Pathology from Annamalai University, Chidambaram. He has cleared ASRB (ICAR) National Eligibility Test (NET).


A. Praveen, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, SRS Institute of Agriculture and Technology, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India

A Praveen, PhD, is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the SRS Institute of Agriculture and Technology, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India. Renowned for his PhD research on the efficacy of marine macro algae and bio-agents in combating plant diseases, he has made significant contributions to agricultural research. He has authored seven research papers, one review article, and 10 book chapters, showcasing his expertise and dedication to advancing the understanding and treatment of plant diseases. His enthusiasm for teaching and research is apparent through his active involvement in eight seminars, 16 conferences, seven workshops, three training sessions, and eight symposiums, both nationally and internationally, where he has been honored with two awards for best poster and oral presentations. He is a member of various academic and professional circles. He holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Agriculture, with a focus on plant pathology.


C. Gunaseeli, MSc
Research Scholar, Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, India

C. Gunaseeli, MSc, is a Research Scholar in the Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, India. She has published numerous research articles, book chapters, and newsletters in prominent national and international journals. She has actively participated in numerous seminars, conferences, workshops, training sessions, webinars, and symposiums at both national and international levels, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge in plant pathology. She earned her BSc in Agriculture and MSc in Plant Pathology, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Plant Pathology at Annamalai University, Chidambaram.


Vigneshwaran K., MSc
Pathology Intern, Crop Wings, India

Vigneshwaran K., MSc, is currently working part-time as a Pathology Intern at Crop Wings. Previously, he worked as a Marketing Officer at Shefa Agricare Technologies. He has actively participated in various conferences, workshops, and training programs, acquiring extensive hands-on experience in agricultural practices, including nursery technology, tissue culture, organic farming, and mushroom production. His accomplishments have earned him various awards. He has also contributed to peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in leading national and international journals, further establishing his prominence in the scientific community. He earned his BSc in Agriculture at the Alpine Institute and Management of Technology, Dehradun, followed by an MSc in Plant Pathology from Annamalai University. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Plant Pathology at Annamalai University.





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