RAJAN, Ph.D.

Department of Plant Quarantine,

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources,

New Delhi 110 012.

INDIA

ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE (1984- 2002)

· About 1.35 million samples of various agrihorticultural crops and their wild relatives were examined for associated nematodes to prevent their introduction or further spread into the country.

· Out of 14538 samples found infested / contaminated with nematodes, 1460 were salvaged by hot water treatment (HWT), 7932 by nematicidal dips and 5086 with mechanical cleaning. Only 60 samples (<1%) were rejected and autoclaved / incinerated.

· More than 60 species of plant parasitic nematodes belonging to 32 genera were intercepted from imported seeds/ planting material, several of which are not yet reported from India .

· Plant Quarantine Treatments were standardized to eliminate the nematodes from seds / planting material imported at high cost and labor.

· Nematode surveys were carried out in the experimental farms of NBPGR Regional Stations, spread all over India .

· 6000 accessions of groundnut, 1500 of foxtail millet, 460 of paddy, 180 of faba bean, 139 of alfa-alfa and 186 of Trifolium spp. Were examined for seed borne nematodes.

· Associated in organizing four training courses in Plant Quarantine.

· Studies were carried out on survival, an-hydrobiosis, culturing and morphometrics of white tip nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi.

· Studies were carried out on hatching, hatching exuderates, biotypes, lipid content and morphometrics of populations of cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae.

· Being a faculty member of prestigious Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) taught course, PGR-110 for M.Sc. ( Plant Genetic Resources) students of Post Graduate School .

· Attended International Nematology Course at University of California , Davis , California USA ; Summer School at Division of Nematology, IARI, New Delhi

· Published 52 papers / abstracts in National and International journals / books.

· Participated in two international and 15 national symposia / conferences.

· Granted Post Doctoral Fellowship (Nematology) from European Commission/ European Union.

RESEARCH ACCOMPLISHMENTS

· I am an employee of Plant Quarantine Division, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. Since last fifteen years, engaged in "Quarantine Examination" of plants, seeds and vegetatively propagated germplasm for pests and pathogens, especially nematodes. Interception, identification of plant parasitic and virus-transmitted nematodes are main duties. Exotic and indigenous germplasm under exchange are salvaged, using appropriate techniques. Each year around 80-90 thousand samples are exchanged through the quarantine division (Publication No. 12, 18, 26).

· Research program is focused on development of new salvaging techniques for quarantine laboratories. Under the program treatments are devised for the species of plants for which no nematode eradication technique is available. Experiments are conducted to formulate measures (hot water and nematicidal dip treatments), to kill 100% nematodes without affecting plants / seeds adversely. Pratylenchus (root lesion nematode) has been eradicated from germplasm of apple, peach, roses etc on several occasions (Pub. - 26).

· Post-entry quarantine: Heavy risk materials are grown in environmentally controlled glasshouses for one season. During the season, plants are looked for symptoms of different diseases and disease causing pests and pathogens including nematodes. Infected plants/ seeds are discarded/ incinerated (Pub. - 27).

· Nematode Surveys: With an objective to know nematode-population changes in the farm areas of N.B.P.G.R., (at Headquarters and at eleven regional stations, located throughout the country) surveys are carried out frequently. The aim is to control the damage to crops and timely check the spread of any exotic nematode species in the field. Nematode distribution maps have been prepared for the areas under survey. Nematodes are deposited in the Bureau's collection (Pub. - 21, 22).

· Seed Borne Nematodes: Suspected seeds of known hosts and of wild plants are examined for the nematodes. Seeds of Setaria italica, Vicia faba and paddy have been reported to harbor nematodes in anhydrobiotic stages. Seeds of an important timber tree, Fraxinus americana were found to harbor anhydrobiotic stages of Aphelenchoides besseyi . This being a new host record for the nematode is important from quarantine point of view. Similarly for the first time in India , seeds of Italian millet, Setaria italica collected from Pune, India revealed the presence of the nematode in the region. Further, investigations indicated that the nematode could not complete its life cycle on Italian millet under dry climatic conditions of New Delhi. Utilizing the information infected seeds were multiplied and made nematode free, in New Delhi farm. The investigations in the studies have several other practical utilities (Pub. - 16, 18, 22, 27, 29, 30, 31).

· Morphological Abnormalities in the form of intersexes are not rare in nematodes. Though in all the cases abnormal genital organs have been reported within the body. Under the present studies females of A.besseyi showed abnormalities in the form of an out growth of female sex organs (Pub. - 14, 20).

· Studies on two biotypes of Heterodera avenae: Two ecotypes of Heterodera avenae, one from India and another from United Kingdom were compared for morphology, dormancy, survival capabilities, temperature requirements, hatching, lipid utilization and phastgel electrophoresis. The presence of exuderates in hatching medium of H.avenae was reported using Western blots probed with different biotinylated lectins (Pub. - 28, 32, 33, 36).

· Pest Risk Analysis (PRA): Chances of establishment of pine wilt nematode ( Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in Himalayan region of India was studied. Vectors of the disease were recorded from the region. Prevailing environmental conditions and stresses in the region were studied for drawing conclusions. PRA for rose, in India was studied and assessed (Pub. - 9, 34, 35).

· Studies on "white tip disease of rice": Surveys carried out in different regions emphasized the economic importance of the nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi, in the country. Effect of storage temperature (liquid nitrogen) and moisture on survival of the nematode and infected seeds were studied. Laboratory experiments revealed that moderate humid conditions impose all stages of the nematode to undergo anhydrobiosis. This enabled practical use of the finding in multiplication of the nematode ( A.besseyi) through efficient and quick culturing methods. For the first time, anhydrobiotic nematodes on filter paper strips have been used as inoculum. This may find its application in culturing of entomophilic nematodes in future, for which studies are being carried out (Pub. - 19, 20, 29, 30).

· Studied on host range and morphometrics of four isolates of the nematode, A.besseyi, revealed that Cuttack ( Eastern India) and Pune (Western India ) populations are similar and therefore formed one group while populations from Hyderabad (Southern India ) and Philippines formed another group, suggesting thereby the occurrence of at least two races of A.besseyi. Another finding of the studies is that geographical isolation is not the only factor which determines the morphometrics of a population (Pub. 20, 22).

· Screening of plant germplasm for nematode resistance: Germplasm collections of tomato, brinjal and pulses have been screened for resistance against Meloidogyne incognita while wheat lines were screened against Heterodera avenae (Pub. - 3, 6, 23, 24, 25).

· Comparative assessment for several techniques known for extraction and separation of Heterodera cysts was carried out. As a result few, comparatively efficient and labor saving techniques have been adopted by Nematology labs. Effect of chemicals used for extraction and separation on biology of the nematode was also studied (Pub. - 1, 2, 4, 8, 13, 15, 17).

· At the white cyst stage of H.avenae, it was found that there is no dormancy and larvae hatched out immediately when such cysts are placed in water at 10 C. Methods for storage of cysts during off season were also calibrated (Pub. - 5,7).

· Studies on Plant Genetic Resources (PGR): Papers on Farmer's Rights, Compensation for PGR, Patenting Rights and Plant Biodiversity were presented. A chapter for the book was written and a book was edited on the subject (Pub. - 37, 38, 39).

· Quarantine and Biosafety aspects of transgenic and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's): Transgenic soybean lines imported from USA were grown under containment / environmentally controlled conditions for studying occurrence of quarantine pests and their salvaging.

REASONS FOR APPLYING / FUTURE PLANS:

I plan to do systematic surveys and based on results, if required control / management measures for fields and orchards could be recommended. Crop rotation and nematicidal applications for control of nematodes are my special interests. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Spread Sheet, internet and E-mail will support me to do the desired jobs efficiently. Studies in Plant Pathology, Agricultural Chemicals and Agricultural Statistics at Post Graduate level will provide me desired understanding of the problem / subject. Having seventeen years experience of working with scientists of Plant Patology, Virology, Entomology, Nematology and assistance of two technical staff give me enough confidence to work and supervise a team of workers to achieve the expected results in time.

RESEARCH PROJECTS HANDLED / HANDLING (1978 - 99):

1. Studies on techniques for extraction of cysts of Heterodera avenae and H.zeae (1978-80).

2. Evaluation of cyst extraction techniques and their effect on biology of Heterodera avenae, H.zeae and H.cajani (1980-84).

3. Interception, identification and recording of plant parasitic and virus trasmitted nematodes for material under exchange (1984 - till date).

4. Survey of nematodes in farm area of NBPGR and screening of germplasm collections against nematodes (1988 - till date).

5. To devise new techniques for salvaging nematode infested material (1988 - 1993).

6. Studies on seed borne diseases of nematodes (1990 - till date).

7. Morphology and Biology of two ecotypes of cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae (1993 - 1994).

8. National containment / quarantine facility for transgenic material under exchange (1998- 2002).

9. Seed health testing of germplasm of different agri-horticultural crops for pest free conservation in gene banks (1999 - 2004).

TEACHING:

I have been teaching "post graduate" students; on Plant Quarantine, Nematode Morphology and Nematode Control. I am fortunate to be a faculty member of prestigious Post Graduate School, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi . Nematode specimens and cultures for practical classes have been prepared as an additional aid. I have an active program of integrating teaching and research at post graduate level in Plant Genetic Resources and Plant Quarantine.

SYSTEMATICS AND NEMATODE COLLECTIONS:

Nematode specimens (from surveys or from plant / seed material under exchange) have been processed and kept in the museum for ready reference and teaching students.

EDUCATION:

· B.Sc. (Graduation) 1975-78, Biology, Hans Raj College , Delhi University , Delhi 110 007.

· M.Sc. (Post- Graduation) 1978-80, Nematology and Plant Pathology (as minor) from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.

· Ph.D. (Doctorate) 1980-84, Nematology (major) Agricultural Chemistry and Agricultural Statistics (as minors), from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi .

· Post Doctorate 1993-94 Department of Entomology and Nematology, Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom .

PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS:

· International Course in Nematology (6- 31^st July, 1992 ) University of California , Davis , USA .

· Post Doctoral Research " Morphology and Biology of two ecotypes of cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae" at Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, United Kingdom . (1993-94)

· Summer School "Problems and Progress in Nematology during the past one decade" Department of Nematology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012. 1- 30^th August, 1997 .

· Visited several Nematology Laboratories in USA , England , Scotland and India . Learnt several new techniques, participated in symposia and meetings there.

· Winter School “Physiological and Molecular Nematology” 14 Nov- 4 December 2000, at I.A.R.I., New Delhi .

DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Scientist (Nematology)

November 1984 - November 1989

Rs 2200-4000

(pay scale in Indian Rupees)

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi 110 012.

Scientist (Senior Scale) Nematology

November 1989 - November 1997

Rs 3000-5000

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi 110 012.

Senior Scientist (Nematology)

November 1997 - till date

Rs 12000- 18000

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi 110 012.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION AND AWARDS / FELLOWSHIPS RECEIVED:

· Life Member of " Nematological Society of India ".

· Life Member of "Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources".

· French Government Fellowship for Post Doctorate Studies in France with Dr. R. Rivoal, INRA, Renne, France (not availed).

· US- AID grant for visiting different laboratories and training in USA .

· European Commission (EC/EU) Fellowship (1993-1994) for Post Doctoral Research at Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, United Kingdom .

List of Publications :

1. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1981) Evaluation of extraction and separation techniques for recovery of cysts of Heterodera zeae . Indian Journal of Nematology 11(1): 103-104.

2. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1982) An evaluation of techniques of extraction and separation for cysts of Heterodera avenae and H.zeae. Indian Journal of Nematology 12(1): 132-146.

3. Gopal Swarup and Rajan (1984) Crop losses due to nematodes. Indian Plant Protection Bulletin 36(2&3): 103-108.

4. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1984) Evaluation of cyst extraction techniques and their effect on biology of Heterodera cajani . Indian Journal of Nematology 15: 75-82.

5. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1985) Dormancy in cereal cyst nematode Heterodera avenae. Indian Journal of Nematology 15: 118-119.

6. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1985) Control of nematodes - a critical appraisal. Recent Advances in Plant Pathology, Editor A. Husain et al. Pp. 396-413. Print House, Lucknow .

7. Rajan (1985) Effect of storage conditions on viability of cysts of Heterodera avenae. Indian Journal of Nematology 15(2): 283.

8. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1985) Effect of cyst extraction techniques on biology of Heterodera zeae. Indian Journal of Nematology 15(2): 284.

9. Rajan (1985) Save pine from "Pine wood nematode" Green and Glory, N.A.A.R.M., Hyderabad , pp 5-6.

10. Gopal Swarup and Rajan (1985) Mechanism of insect control by nematodes. In "Non insect Pests and Predators", IARI , New Delhi , pp 49-59.

11. Rajan, Varaprasad, K.S. and Swarup, G. (1986) Physiological and biochemical effects of nematode infection of plants. In Vistas in Plant Pathology (Eds Varma, A. and Verma, J.P.) Malhotra Publishing House, New Delhi 110064. Pp 221-236.

12. Rajan (1986) Nematode dispersal along with germplasm collections. National Conference on Plant Parasitic Nematodes of India - Problems and Progress, I.A.R.I. New Delhi , P 102.

13. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1986) A note on evaluation of stains for differentiation of cysts and eggs from debris. Indian Journal of Nematology 16: 116-117.

14. Rajan, Varaparsad, K.S., Mathur, V.K. and Rao, B.R.R. (1987) On the association of some plant parasitic nematodes with corkwood trees, Duboscia myoproides and remarks on abnormalities in males of Meloidogyne incognita. Indian Journal of Nematology 17(1); 19-22.

15. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1988) Effect of cyst extraction techniques on biology of Heterodera avenae. Indian Journal of Nematology 18(1): 12-17.

16. Arjun Lal, Mathur, V.K. and Rajan (1987) Role of plant quarantine in checking dispersal of nematodes with true seeds. National symposium on Plant Genetic resources, New Delhi , pp 60.

17. Rajan and Gopal Swarup (1988) Effect of cyst extraction techniques on biology of Heterodera avenae. Indian Journal of Nematology 18(1): 12-17.

18. Rajan and Mathur, V.K. (1988) On collection of Plant Genetic resources and nematode dispersal. Plant protection Bulletin Vol 40(2): 9-12.

19. Rajan, Mathur, V.K. and Arjun Lal (1989) Improved culturing techniques for Aphelenchoides besseyi by inducing anhydrobiosis. Indian Journal of Nematology 19(1): 10-13.

20. Rajan, Arjun Lal and Mathur, V.K. (1989) Abnormalities in the female reproductive system of Aphelenchoides besseyi. Indian Journal of Nematology 19(1): 64-65.

21. Arjun Lal, Mathur, V.K. and Rajan (1989) Description of Telotylenchus marudharensis sp.n. with a note Safianema anchilisoosoma (Nematoda: Tylenchida) from Thar Region , India . Indian Journal of Nematology 19(1): 51-54.

22. Gokte, N.; Mathur, V.K., Arjun Lal and Rajan (1989) Fraxinus americana - a new host record for Aphelenchoides besseyi. Indian Journal of Nematology 19(1): 80.

23. Arjun Lal, Rajan and Mathur, V.K. (1989) Screening of Sem and tomato germplasm against root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 2(2): 174-175.

24. Arjun Lal, Rajan and Mathur, V.K. (1989) Evaluation of wheat gemplasm against the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae. Woll.) Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 2(1): 44-48.

25. Arjun Lal, Rajan and Mathur, V.K. (1989) Evaluation of wheat germplasm against the cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae Woll) Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 2(2): 178-179.

26. Rajan, Mathur, V.K. and Arjun Lal (1989) Treatment of vetiver planting material for eradication of Heterodera zeae. In : National seminar on Advances in seed Science and Technology. Dec. 14-16, 1989 pp.51.

27. Arjun Lal, Mathur, V.K. and Rajan (1989) Role of plant quarantine in checking dispersal of nematodes with true seeds. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 2(1): 44-48.

28. Rajan , Mathur, V.K. and Arjun Lal (1990) Reaction of resistant “Nema Snap” French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) to root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica). Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 60: 269-71.

29. Rajan and Arjun Lal (1990) Nematode detection techniques in plant germplasm for conservation. Training Manual NBPGR, Chapter 14 pp 122-134.

30. Arjun Lal; Mathur, V.K. & Rajan (1990) Interception of Hetrodera zeae on Vetiver plants imported from the United Republic and variations observed. FAO Plant Protection Bulletin 39 (1) :44

31. Gokte, N., Mathur, V.K., Arjun Lal & Rajan (1991) On the occurrence of Aphelenchoides besseyi and some free living species in Stylosanthes hamata seeds. Nematologica Mediterania 20: 63.

32. Mathur, V.K. ; Arjun Lal; Gokte, N. & Rajan (1994) Plant parasitic nematodes intercepted from imported plant germplasm. Indian Journal of Nematology 24: 232-234.

33. Rajan and Mathur, V.K. (1995) Molecular approaches for the management of plant parasitic nematodes. "National Symposium on perspectives in Ecofriendly approaches to plant Protection". Abstract: 69-71.

34. Rajan and Chaudhry, R (1995) Effect of storage temperature and moisture on survival of the white tip nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi and infested paddy, Oryza sativa seeds. Annals of Plant Protection Science 4: 16-21.

35. Arjun Lal and Rajan (1995) Germplasm material of paddy and foxtail millet found infected with seed borne nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi. India Seed borne Diseases: 10.

36. Arjun Lal and Rajan (1996) Techniques for detection and extraction of nematodes in germplasm material for orthodox seeds for conservation. Training Programme on Conservation: Feb 13-23, 1996 .

37. Rajan and Chaudhry, R. (1996) Effect of storage temperature and moisture on survival of the white tip nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi and infested paddy, Oryza sativa seeds. Annals of Plant Protection Science 4(1): 16-21.

38. Rajan and Ibrahim, S.K. (1997) Secretion of glycoprotein during hatching of Heterodera avenae. Indian Journal of Nematology 27 (1): 6-11.

39. Rajan (1997) Lipid utilization of hatched and unhatched larvae of Heterodera avenae (Woll). Abstract published in the Proceedings of First National Symposium on Pest Management in Horticultural Crops, Environmental Implications and Thrusts. October 15-17' 1997. Bangalore pp.137.

40. Rajan (1998) Chances of establishment of pinewilt nematode in India . International Journal of Nematology 8 (2) :163-178.

41. Rajan (1998) Pest Risk Assessment (PRA) on nematode diseases of roses. Abstract in ISPGR Dialogue on " Issues in Management of Plant Genetic Resources'' Dec 1-2, 1998 .

42. Ibrahim, S.K.; Rajan and Perry, R. N. (1998) Characterization of the hatching fluid from Heterodera avenae. Nematologica 44: 171-180.

43. Rajan and Khetrapal, R.K. (1998) Treat to Basmati Rice. Biofutur 180:9 (in French).

44. Paroda, R. S.; Mangla Rai; Gautam, P.L.; Malik, S.K.; Rajan and Radhamani, J. (Eds) (1998) Agrobiodiversity - Conservation, Management and Use. National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi – 110 012.

45. Rajan (1998) Agrobiodiversity Mission and Concerns. In “Agrobiodiversity – Conservation, Management and Use”. Editors - R.S.Paroda et.al. National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi 110 012. Pp 1-10.

46. Rajan (2000) Pest Risk Assessment of nematode diseases of rose in India . Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources 13 (1) 59-64.

47. Arjun Lal & Rajan (2000) Plant Quarantine: a Practical Approach to Nematode problems associated with the movement of seeds and planting materials. National Nematology Symposium on Integrated Nematode Management for Sustainable Agriculture in the New Millennium. November 23-243, 2000; Bhubaneswar , pp 1-2.

48. Rajan (2000) Characterization of an Indian and a United Kingdom populations on cereal cyust nematode on International Differentials. National Nematology Symposium on Integrated Nematode Management for Sustainable Agriculture in the New Millennium. November 23-243, 2000; Bhubaneswar , pp. 13-14.

49. Khetarpal, R.K.; Rajan & Kavita Gupta (2000) Role of Plant Protection in WTO Regime. Indian Society of mycology and Plant Pathology, West Zone Meeting. Abstract Gujrat Agricultural University, Anand , India pp. 6.

50. Khetarpal, R.K.; Kavita Gupta and Rajan (2001) Seed health management in WTO regime at National Seminar on Seed Science and Technology. In the New Millennium: Vistas and Vision Aug 6-8, 2001 , University of Mysore .