The Plant Health Theme is dedicated to protecting crop productivity, resilience, and quality by developing science-based solutions to manage diseases, insect pests, and other biological threats affecting ICRISAT’s mandate crops across Asia and Africa. Working closely with breeding, seed systems, and crop management teams, the theme helps safeguard agricultural production while supporting sustainable and climate-resilient farming systems.
Our research focuses on understanding the biology, epidemiology, evolution, and management of major crop diseases and pests. We identify and characterize sources of resistance and tolerance, support their deployment in breeding programs, and develop integrated approaches that combine host-plant resistance, biological control, agronomic practices, and targeted interventions for effective crop protection.
The theme also plays a critical role in pest and disease surveillance, diagnostics, and early warning systems. Through advanced diagnostic tools and monitoring approaches, we support the rapid detection and management of emerging threats, helping to reduce crop losses and strengthen agricultural resilience.
In addition to crop protection, the theme works on seed health, mycotoxin management, beneficial microorganisms, and plant-microbe interactions that contribute to crop health, nutrient use efficiency, and stress resilience. Research on grain and seed storage, seed-borne pathogens, and phytosanitary measures supports the safe movement, conservation, and use of germplasm and seed.
Our modern facilities enable research on the impacts of climate variability and climate change on pests, diseases, and crop health. Through predictive modelling, controlled-environment studies, and field-based research, we develop strategies to address emerging plant health challenges in dryland agricultural systems.
The theme also houses ICRISAT’s Plant Quarantine Unit, which supports compliance with international phytosanitary standards and facilitates the safe exchange, conservation, and utilization of genetic resources worldwide.
Key Areas of Focus
Plant disease and insect pest biology, ecology, and epidemiology
Disease resistance and pest tolerance screening and deployment
Pest and disease surveillance, diagnostics, and early detection systems
Characterization of pathogens, pests, and beneficial microorganisms
Integrated pest and disease management strategies
Biological control and nature-based crop protection solutions
Plant health under climate variability and climate change
Seed health testing, diagnostics, and phytosanitary compliance
Mycotoxin detection, mitigation, and food safety
Grain and seed storage health
Plant-microbe interactions and beneficial microbial solutions
Capacity strengthening and training in plant health management
Highlights of Impact
Affordable Aflatoxin Testing
The theme developed cost-effective ELISA-based technologies for estimating aflatoxin contamination in food, feed, and human blood samples. By significantly reducing testing costs, these technologies have supported the establishment of more than 20 aflatoxin testing laboratories across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, helping strengthen food safety systems and facilitate international trade.
Disease Resistance in Pearl Millet
Research on disease resistance identified stable sources of resistance to major diseases in pearl millet, broadening the genetic base of breeding materials and supporting the management of ergot, smut, downy mildew, and blast. These contributions have strengthened breeding programs and enhanced crop resilience.
Disease Resistance in Chickpea and Pigeonpea
The theme has identified and shared numerous disease-resistant donor lines that have been widely used in crop improvement programs around the world. These genetic resources have contributed to the development of improved varieties with resistance to major diseases affecting chickpea and pigeonpea production.
Climate Change and Plant Health Research
ICRISAT established a dedicated climate change research facility to better understand how changing environmental conditions influence pests, diseases, and crop health, and to develop adaptive management strategies for farmers.
Biological and Nature-Based Solutions
The theme has advanced the use of biological control agents, beneficial microorganisms, and nature-based approaches for managing pests and diseases. These solutions support more sustainable crop protection while reducing reliance on chemical inputs.
Innovative Disease Management Solutions
Research has identified highly effective seed treatment and disease management options for key dryland crops, providing farmers with improved tools to protect yields and seed quality.
Seed Health Assessment and Germplasm Protection
Extensive seed health testing and diagnostics have supported the long-term conservation of healthy germplasm within ICRISAT’s genebank and ensured the safe movement of genetic resources for research and breeding.
Through research, innovation, partnerships, and capacity strengthening, the Plant Health Theme contributes to healthier crops, more resilient farming systems, and improved food security across the drylands of Asia, Africa, and beyond.
