A semi technical magazine devoted to publishing articles on new techniques of raising vegetables, fruits and flowers from India and countries having similar agricultural conditions. Special issues are also brought out on topical issues. It is bimonthly. Subscription Information for Print Version
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Impact of important ICAR-CISH technologies
The ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow has pioneered the development and dissemination of varieties and technologies to enhance productivity, quality, and marketability of fruits in Subtropical region of the country. The impact of CISH developed guava varieties Lalit and Shweta, technologies such as ICAR FUSICONT, CISH Metwash and the effect of cluster-based programs was evaluated. Adoption of varieties have led to increased yield, adoption of ICAR FUSICONT increased the productivity, adoption of GAP led to decreased use of chemicals and increased exports besides promoting entrepreneurship, and generated significant economic benefits. The study underscores the importance of large-scale adoption of these varieties and technologies to maximize economic and social benefits for all stakeholders.
Cluster-based approach, Economic surplus, Good Agricultural Practices, Post-harvest technologies, Subtropical fruits
Copyright (c) 2026 Indian Horticulture https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Dried and dehydrated fruit products for commercial markets
Subtropical fruits such as mango, guava, aonla, bael, and jamun encounter considerable post-harvest losses ranging from 20% to 30% due to high perishability. ICAR-CISH Lucknow has innovated novel products by using drying and dehydration methodologies, such as osmotic dehydration, freeze-drying, infrared drying, and microwave-assisted drying, to mitigate these losses. The application of these methods enhances shelf life, minimizes transportation expenses, and maintains both nutritional and sensory attributes. Products like freeze-dried fruit powders and cubes, leathers, candies, and pulp blocks/ cubes address the increasing domestic and international demand for nutritious and convenient snack options. The technologies developed by the institute, in conjunction with its Agri-Business Incubation program, facilitate the advancement of commercialization and promote rural entrepreneurship.
Freeze-drying, Rural entrepreneurship, Osmotic dehydration, Subtropical fruits, Value-added products
Fruit based nutri-bars for rural and urban nutrition security
The ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) has developed advanced technologies for raw mango, ripe mango, guava nutri bites, and jamun fruit bars aimed at improving nutritional content and facilitating fruit utilization. These products utilize the abundant antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral composition of these fruits, providing nutritious and convenient snack options. This technology enhances shelf life, minimizes postharvest losses, and facilitates value addition for agricultural producers. It additionally fosters entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture via scalable processing techniques. These advancements improve food security and deliver nutritious, commercially viable products for consumers.
Bioactive compounds, Fruit-based snacks, Nutritional security, Shelf-stable bars Value-addition
Nutraceutical supplements from subtropical fruits
Nutraceuticals, derived from food sources with health-promoting properties, are increasingly recognized as essential components of preventive healthcare and functional foods. The growing prevalence of chronic diseases and rising consumer demand for natural remedies have accelerated the global expansion of the nutraceutical market. Subtropical fruits such as mango, jamun, guava, bael, aonla, and wood apple serve as valuable sources of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and glycosides, with well documented therapeutic benefits. Advanced processing technologies like infrared drying and nano-encapsulation further enhance the bioavailability, stability, and shelf life of fruit-derived products. Nutraceutical-enriched food supplements developed from subtropical fruits at ICAR-CISH Lucknow are briefly highlighted in this article, emphasizing their role in nutrition and health.
Bioactive compounds, Functional foods, Nano-encapsulation, Nutraceutical supplements, Subtropical fruits
Micro-encapsulation of fruit extracts for food applications: An innovative approach
Fruit extracts are rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and vitamins, which offer significant health benefits. However, their direct incorporation into food systems is limited by low stability, poor solubility, and susceptibility to degradation during processing and storage. Microencapsulation and bigel technologies have emerged as effective strategies to overcome these challenges by enhancing compound stability, bioavailability, and controlled release. Microencapsulation and bigel systems using fruit extracts, particularly mangiferin from mango and anthocyanins from jamun, have been standardized at ICAR-CISH Lucknow. Extraction, stabilization protocols, and wall material interactions were optimized to preserve color, phytochemical content, and sensory properties. These innovations enable the development of value-added, fruit-based functional foods with improved stability, enhanced health benefits, and greater consumer appeal, contributing to healthier and market-ready food products.
Anthocyanins, Bioactive compounds, Functional foods, Mangiferin, Microencapsulation
Innovation-led value chain management in mango and banana
Among fruit crops, mango and bananas are the most important crops hovering 50% share in fruits area substantially dominated by mango. Fruit crops production witnessed significant increase from 28.6 million metric tonne (MMT) in 1991–92 to 118.76 MMT in 2024-25. Subtropical production, however, faces distinct constraints: variable climates, short and uneven fruiting periods, cultivar-specific postharvest sensitivity, and fragmented, small holder based value chains that depress farm-gate prices and heighten losses. Persistent gaps include limited pre- and postharvest technologies suited to subtropical cultivars, weak cold-chain and controlled-atmosphere capacity, inadequate extension and aggregation services, inconsistent grading standards, low uptake of processing, and poor market information and finance access. The production and processing for premium markets faced stringent competition from the imports. These challenges arise from biological factors, infrastructure deficits, seasonal gluts, and limited product diversification. ICAR CISH developed innovation led solutions in value chain management of mango, banana and honey with four interoperable pillars: (1) improved on-farm interventions— canopy management, bagging of fruits, IPM based biointensive pest disease management system; (2) cost-effective postharvest options—low cost precooling, better packaging, modular cold-chains, and basic ethylene and decay control; (3) value addition—community processing, standardized grading, aggregation models, and quality/ origin branding; and (4) enabling systems—capacity building, cooperatives, inclusive finance, and digital market information. An implementation roadmap emphasizes scalable pilots, public–private partnerships, and gender-responsive approaches to reduce losses and raise incomes.
Cold-chain logistics, Good Agricultural Practices, Postharvest loss reduction, Sea-freight export protocols, Value chain management
Sustaining the export of mango and banana through value-chain development
Mango and banana are high-value tropical fruits critical to South and Southeast Asian economies and diets. Subtropical production faces challenges including variable climates, irregular fruiting, cultivar-specific postharvest sensitivity, and fragmented smallholder value chains, leading to low farm-gate prices and high losses. Key gaps include limited pre- and postharvest technologies, weak cold chain and controlled-atmosphere capacity, inconsistent grading, low processing adoption, and poor market and finance access. Addressing these requires four pillars: improved on-farm practices, cost-effective postharvest interventions, value addition, and enabling systems. Scalable pilots, public–private partnerships, and gender-inclusive approaches can enhance efficiency, reduce losses, and increase farmer incomes.
Cold-chain and export logistics, Good Agricultural Practices, Postharvest management, Subtropical horticulture, Value-chain development
Bio-smart technologies for increasing shelf life and postharvest disease management in fruits for distant and export markets
Postharvest management is critical for ensuring fruit quality, especially when targeting distant and export markets where prolonged storage and transit pose major challenges. Fruits are highly perishable, and postharvest diseases such as anthracnose, stem-end rot, and sooty mould often cause significant economic losses. Conventional chemical treatments, though effective, raise concerns regarding food safety, residue levels, and environmental sustainability. Bio-smart technologies have emerged as promising alternatives by utilizing natural and ecofriendly interventions. These include secondary metabolite-based formulations, bio-control agents, organic-based fruit coatings, edible films, plant-based extracts, ethylene control mechanisms, and temperature and relative humidity alterations. These approaches for shelf life extension and maintaining fruit freshness not only prolong shelf life and reduce postharvest diseases but also ensure compliance with international quality standards. Adoption of these bio-smart interventions can play a pivotal role in reducing postharvest losses, enhancing fruit quality for consumer acceptability, and improving the export competitiveness of Indian fruits globally.
Bio-control agents, Edible coatings, Ethylene scavengers, Postharvest disease management, Shelf life extension
Successful management of wilt diseases in mango, guava and banana: An integrated approach
Wilt diseases in perennial fruit crops such as mango, guava, and banana pose a major threat to sustainable production owing to the soil-borne nature of the pathogens and limited management options. Mango wilt (Ceratocystis fimbriata), guava wilt complex (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. psidii), and banana wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) collectively cause severe yield losses, orchard decline, and long-term soil infestation, rendering conventional control measures largely ineffective. To address this challenge, ICAR–CISH, Lucknow, has developed and validated integrated wilt management strategies and modules encompassing soil health restoration, deployment of resistant/tolerant rootstocks, fungicide application, use of bioformulations (ICAR-FUSICONT), and farmers’ participatory management practices. Field validation of the mango wilt management module across multiple hotspot areas has achieved effective disease suppression, leading to improved plant vigour, enhanced productivity, and prolonged orchard longevity. The success of this integrated, eco-smart approach provides a sustainable, scalable, and resilient solution for managing soil-borne wilt pathogens in major subtropical fruit crops.
Bioformulations, Integrated wilt management, Soil-borne pathogens, Subtropical fruit crops, Wilt diseases
Green solutions for mango insect pest management: A bio-rational perspective
Mango crops are affected by numerous insect pests, primarily hoppers, fruit flies, mealy bugs, borers, and thrips. Extensive use of chemical pesticides has led to pest resistance, resurgence, residue accumulation, and environmental pollution. This necessitates the adoption of environmentally friendly, bio-rational pest management practices. Bio-rational pest management relies on biodegradable, target-specific, and residue-free options, such as cultural, botanical, microbial, mechanical, and ICT-based approaches. Successful pest management in mango orchards depends on the correct application of multiple strategies, including orchard sanitation, pruning, neem formulations, microbial bio-pesticides, pheromone traps, and bio-agent applications. Digital and online tools, combined with "smart traps," IoT, and remote monitoring, enhance early warning systems, precision, and decision-making, supporting ecologically sound, economically viable, and sustainable protection strategies for mango orchards.
Bio-rational pest management, Botanical and microbial pesticides, ICT and smart traps, Mango insect pests
Molecular revolution in plant health: Rapid assays for fungal wilt pathogens of subtropical fruits
Early generation molecular tools, such as PCR-RFLP, Bio-PCR, and colony PCR, allowed direct pathogen identification but faced challenges of cross-reactivity. Second-generation assays, including multiplex PCR and LAMP-PCR, improved detection efficiency and field applicability. Next-generation diagnostics have leveraged genomic and transcriptomic insights, resulting in highly sensitive qRTPCR, multiplex nested RT-PCR, and comparative genomics-based assays. Notably, unique Ceratocystis fimbriata–specific genes (Cf-PME and Cf-XYL) were identified and developed into a semi-quantitative colony PCR assay, enabling early and precise detection of the mango wilt pathogen directly from infected tissues.
Fusarium detection, Mango wilt, Molecular diagnostics, Next-generation diagnostics PCR-based assays
Bio-formulations for sustainable fruit production through bio-intensive management
The decline in populations of beneficial organisms, threats to human health, and environmental hazards caused by the excessive use of chemicals in crop production have prompted the search for safer alternatives. India ranks 12th in the world and 3rd in Asia in terms of pesticide consumption. Growing health consciousness has encouraged the adoption of bio-intensive organic farming. Microbes play a vital role in maintaining soil health, enhancing nutrient availability to plants, and managing crop pests. ICAR-CISH has developed and promoted products such as ICAR-FUSICONT, CISH-Bio-enhancer, CISH-Bio-zapper, and CISH-Beauveria bassiana for plant health promotion and pest management.
Beauveria bassiana, CISH-Bio-enhancer, CISH-Bio-zapper, ICAR-FUSICONT, Subtropical fruit crops
Low cost-hydroponics systems for urban and peri-urban farming
Urbanization and rapid industrialization are shrinking natural resources, while the ever-growing population suffers from malnutrition instead of enjoying guaranteed food security for every citizen of India. This situation necessitates adopting innovative approaches to ensure food and nutritional security. Hydroponics, a soilless farming technology, offers significant advantages, such as higher water use efficiency, pesticide-free production, and suitability for limited spaces. While high-tech hydroponics systems are often capital-intensive, low-cost hydroponic models using locally available materials—such as plastic bags, scrap containers, PVC pipes, polythene tubes, and coconut coir—can be effectively adopted for urban horticulture. ICAR-CISH Lucknow has developed low-cost designs using inexpensive materials in liquid and aggregate hydroponics, enabling year-round production of vegetables, herbs, and small fruits on rooftops and balconies. Promoting low-cost hydroponics can transform urban horticulture, enhance livelihoods, and contribute to a sustainable urban food system.
Nutrient solution, Rooftop gardening, Soilless cultivation, Urban horticulture, Vertical farming
Innovative eco-safe technologies for residue free fruit production
Producing good-quality fruits with minimal residue load is crucial for securing better prices in domestic and international markets. Pre-harvest fruit bagging in mango and guava has been standardized as cost-effective and eco-friendly practice for improving fruit quality. Fruits are covered with double-layer nonwoven bags (28 × 20 cm, 80 gsm for mango; 18 × 24 cm, 55 gsm for guava). Bagging is done 28–35 days after fruit set in mango and 35–40 days in guava, and bags remain until harvest. The bag mouth should be closed to prevent pest entry, with perforations to exchange air circulation. Bagging enhances fruit colour, firmness, and shelf life, and significantly reduces pest and disease damage (thrips injuries, fruit fly, physical scratches of fungal spot, etc). Consequently, bagged mango and guava fruits fetch higher market prices and are widely adopted by farmers.
Eco-friendly practices, Fruit bagging, Pest and disease management, Pre-harvest fruit bagging, Shelf life enhancement
Smart orchard management: Precision technology for sustainability and quality fruit production
Smart orchard management has emerged as a cutting-edge concept that integrates sensor technology, weather monitoring, the Internet of Things (IoT), automation, decision-support tools, and traceability to optimize orchard operations. ICARCISH, Lucknow, has developed smart orchards for mango and guava to modernize subtropical fruit production systems. Unlike conventional practices, smart orchard systems employ real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation to provide site-specific decisions that enhance productivity, fruit quality, and resilience to climate change. By adopting sensor-based monitoring of soil moisture, plant health, and weather parameters, along with precision irrigation, targeted integrated pest management (IPM), and AI-powered decision support, mango and guava orchards can achieve higher productivity, improved fruit quality, and reduced environmental impact.
Digital decision support, IoT-enabled sensors, Multispectral imaging, Smart irrigation, Traceability systems
Low cost, semi-automated hybrid bioreactor system for clean plant production of horticultural crops
Temporary immersion system (TIS) bioreactors for micropropagation of fruit crops have emerged as an ideal choice due to reduced production costs, rapid biomass accumulation, substantially higher multiplication rates, prevention of hyperhydricity through improved gas exchange, and ease of automation. This paper provides a detailed overview of micro-propagation of fruit crops using different TIS bioreactors.
Bioreactor-mediated propagation, Clean plant production, Micropropagation, Nutri-smart plantlets, Temporary Immersion System
Climate resilient and nutri-smart fruit varieties
Long-term research and advanced breeding strategies on subtropical fruit crops have led to the development of climate-resilient varieties that cater to economic stability, consumer preferences, and industry standards. ICAR-CISH has identified and released several climate-resilient fruit varieties through the State Variety Release Committee (SVRC) of Uttar Pradesh and the Central Variety Release Committee (CVRC), New Delhi, for the Uttar Pradesh region. This paper highlights varieties officially released in 2024 and 2025, exemplifying the institute’s efforts to strengthen the resilience and productivity of subtropical fruit crops.
Abiotic stress tolerance, Climate resilient, High-yielding fruit varieties, Nutri-smart cultivars, Subtropical fruit breeding
From orchard to opportunity: Building resilient and sustainable horticulture system
The ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow, is a premier research institute functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. The institute has evolved over decades in response to the scientific, economic, and social needs of fruit growers in the subtropical belt of India. Its genesis, growth, and achievements are closely intertwined with the horticultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, especially the Kakori–Malihabad region near Lucknow, which has long been celebrated as a cradle of mango cultivation, harbouring more than 30,000 ha of the GI-tagged Dashehari cultivar.
Dashehari, Guava, ICAR-CISH, Kakori-Malihabad Region, Mango
Pummelo: A future fruit for human health and wellness
Pummelo (Citrus grandis/Citrus maxima), the largest citrus fruit, is emerging as a promising crop for human health and climate resilience. Increasing climate variability and rising demand for nutraceutical-rich foods highlight its significance. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, dietary fibre, potassium, and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, limonoids, and carotenoids, which impart antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Pummelo demonstrates tolerance to heat, drought, and certain pests and diseases, making it suitable for diverse agroclimatic conditions. Its thick rind, longer shelf life, and suitability for processing and transport enhance its commercial and export potential. Thus, pummelo holds great promise for nutritional security, sustainable horticulture, and future health-oriented food systems.
Antioxidant properties, Climate resilience, Nutraceutical value, Nutritional security, Phytochemicals
Innovation from the Himalayas: Natural farming paves the way for sustainable apple production
Apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh faces declining productivity, rising input costs, and soil degradation due to prolonged chemical-based farming. Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF) has emerged as a sustainable alternative emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance. Trials conducted at RHR&TS Mashobra during 2020–24 evaluated SPNF in apple orchards under different rootstock–variety combinations. The results indicated improved soil microbial activity, higher earthworm population, enhanced organic carbon, and better plant growth. SPNF practices, including Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, mulching, intercropping, and natural pest management, contributed to superior fruit quality attributes such as firmness and ascorbic acid content. Economically, SPNF recorded higher net returns (₹12,74,640/ha) compared to conventional farming (₹8,30,840/ha), demonstrating its potential as a viable, eco-friendly, and profitable approach for sustainable apple production in Himalayan regions.
Apple cultivation, Himachal Pradesh, Natural farming, Subhash Palekar Natural Farming, Soil health, Sustainable agriculture
Environmental evaluation: A unique Decomposer in the Syrphid Family, Syritta pipiens L. (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Syritta pipiens, a widely distributed syrphid species, holds a distinctive ecological position due to its saprophagous larval habits. While most syrphid larvae are predators or plant feeders, the immature stages of S. pipiens utilize organically rich, decomposing substrates as developmental sites, thereby contributing to the turnover of biological waste. Adults, which rely on floral resources, act as effective pollinators and are sensitive to habitat modifications, making them valuable indicators of environmental quality. Occasional reports of this species from forensic investigations further highlight its diverse ecological associations. This article outlines the distribution, morphology, habitat selection, ecological significance, and research potential of S. pipiens, emphasizing its utility in ecosystem functioning, environmental assessment, and decomposition studies.
Biological waste, Ecosystem functioning, Nutrient cycling, Pollination, Saprophagous larvae
Emerging insect pests problems in basil (Ocimum basilicum) and their management
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) also known as ‘Tulsi’, is an important medicinal and aromatic plant, widely cultivated in India for its essential oil, used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and traditional medicine. However, increased cultivation has led to rising insect pest problems, causing significant yield and quality losses. Basil is attacked by leaf-eating insect pests, such as leaf folder, perilla leaf moth, Helicoverpa armigera, tobacco caterpillar, and Bihar hairy caterpillar, as well as sap-sucking pests like lace bugs, aphids and thrips. These pests damage foliage, shoots, buds, and flowers, resulting in reduced photosynthesis, stunted growth, and lower essential oil yield. Climate variability and intensive monocropping have further aggravated pest incidences. Timely diagnosis of pest problems, regular monitoring, and preventive measures are essential for effective management. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies involving neem based formulations, biological control, mechanical removal, pheromone and light traps, and conservation of natural enemies ensure sustainable and residue free basil production. This article provides practical guidelines for farmers and extension personnel to manage key insect pests and safeguard basil cultivation.
Basil, Tulsi, Ocimum basilicum, emerging insect pest, management, IPM
Advancing tuber crops research: New initiatives
Tuber crops like cassava, sweet potato, yam, and aroids are vital for global food security, and their improvement is being revolutionized by genome editing, omics, and AI. Genome editing, especially CRISPR/Cas, enables precise trait modification for disease resistance, nutrition, and climate resilience. Omics technologies viz., genomics, metabolomics, and phenomics provide insights into genetic variation, biochemical pathways, and trait expression, while integrated multi-omics enhances predictive breeding and biomarker discovery. Traditional breeding remains essential but it is strengthened by these tools. AI and machine learning accelerate data integration, linking genotype to phenotype, predicting complex traits, and enabling climate-smart, resilient, nutritionally rich and highyielding tuber crop development.
AI and Machine Learning, CRISPR/Cas, Genome editing, Omics technologies
Copyright (c) 2025 Indian Horticulture https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Entrepreneurial prospects for tuber crops technologies in India
The tropical tuber crops including cassava, sweet potato, yams, elephant foot yam, taro, arrowroot, and Chinese potato have played a significant role in ensuring food and nutritional security in tribal areas, but they now stand at a crossroads. The growing transition toward healthy eating and disciplined lifestyles, along with a strong political will for self-reliance, has reshaped the role of tropical tubers in the country. Among them, cassava contributes substantially to industrial production, particularly through starch and sago, while sweet potato is emerging as a healthy food that provides balanced nutrition for both children and adults. Elephant foot yam and greater yam have established themselves as commercial vegetables with stable market prices. In contrast, minor tubers such as arrowroot and Chinese potato serve niche industrial applications as well as direct consumption markets.
Agri-business incubation, Export, ICAR-CTCRI, Organic tuber farming, Tuber crop entrepreneurship
Adding value to tuber crops: Unlocking new opportunities
ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute has developed a range of innovative technologies for value addition and postharvest utilization of tropical tuber crops. Rich in starch with unique physico-chemical properties, these crops are processed into extruded foods like pasta, noodles, spaghetti, kurkure-type snacks and fried products from composite flours with good nutritional and sensory quality. Cassava starch, being renewable, abundant, low-cost, film-forming and biodegradable, is a promising material for eco-friendly packaging and a key feedstock for bioethanol production. Modified starches with tailored properties further widen applications, including superabsorbent gels for healthcare and agriculture, nanocomposites for sustained drug delivery, corrugating adhesives, graft copolymers for oil drilling, and textile sizing. Anthocyanins from sweet potato tubers and leaves provide safe natural food colourants, while cassava stems and leaves can be used for particle boards and biopesticides. Thus, tropical tuber crops offer vast opportunities for sustainable food and industrial applications.
ICAR-CTCRI, Ready to cook food, Savory snacks, Starch, Value-addition
Nutraceutical value of tropical tuber crops
Tropical root and tuber crops viz., cassava, sweet potato, yams, taro, tannia, elephant foot yam, and minor species like arrowroots are vital for food security, nutrition, and income in developing countries. Rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, they offer both dietary energy and health promoting benefits. Orange and purple-fleshed varieties provide β-carotene and anthocyanins that help combat vitamin A deficiency and oxidative stress. Phytochemicals from yams, aroids, and minor tubers exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic activities. The growing recognition of these nutritional and functional benefits highlights the potential of tropical tuber crops in combating malnutrition and lifestyle-related diseases while fostering value addition and livelihood security.
Aroids, Bioactive compounds, Cassava, Functional foods, Sweet potato, Yams, Traditional medicine
Tuber crop diversity among tribal communities
Tribal communities in India cultivate and conserve a wide diversity of tropical tuber crops, which form the backbone of their food and livelihood systems. These crops include greater yam, cassava, sweet potato, aerial yam, taro, elephant foot yam, yam bean, and arrowroot, which are maintained not only in homesteads but also in jhum fields, thereby ensuring the conservation of local landraces. Local landraces are highly adaptable and climate resilient. Odisha leads the country in sweet potato area and production, with tribal farmers in districts such as Koraput, Kandhamal, and Rayagada, etc. Similarly, aerial yam is widely cultivated in the Eastern and Western Ghats, while elephant foot yam and taro are common across tribal belts of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and the North Eastern states. Yam bean and arrowroot are minor tuber crops patronized by tribal communities for food, nutrition traditional folk medicines. Naturally biofortified types are available in case of crops such as sweet potato, yams, and taro, etc. Thus, the conservation and diversified cultivation of tuber crops by tribal communities ensure food and nutritional security and the conservation of valuable genetic resources.
Crop diversification, Food and nutritional security, ICAR-CTCRI, Indigenous knowledge, Tribal agriculture
Key biotic stresses affecting tuber crops
Across the humid tropics, cassava, sweet potato, yams, taro, and elephant foot yam face intense biotic pressure. Insects, mites, weevils, fungi, viruses, nematodes, weeds, rodents and wild boar cause 20-90% yield losses, degrade tuber quality, and raise production costs. Vegetative propagation and vectors (whiteflies, aphids) hasten disease spread. Together with abiotic stresses, these factors are elevating the risk of emerging diseases, notably cassava stem/root and elephant foot yam leaf-pseudostem rot. An integrated IPM-IDM approach involving the use of clean seed systems, resistant/tolerant varieties, early surveillance, good drainage, community coordination, and rigorous post-harvest hygiene is central to safeguarding yield and income.
Fungal disease, Insects, Plant virus, Vertebrate pest
Nutritional disorders in tropical tuber crops: Diagnosis and management
Tropical tuber crops such as cassava, sweet potato, yams, taro, and elephant foot yam are commonly cultivated in acidic, nutrient-deficient soils, making them vulnerable to nutritional disorders. These disorders arise due to imbalances or deficiencies of essential nutrients, including primary (N, P, K), secondary (Ca, Mg, S), and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B). Diagnosis is primarily through visual symptom observation, soil analysis, and plant tissue analysis. Each nutrient displays characteristic symptoms—such as chlorosis, necrosis, or distorted growth—depending on its mobility within the plant. Management includes soil amendments, foliar applications, and use of customized fertilizers based on crop specific nutrient requirements. Strategies like foliar sprays of urea, SOP, CaNO2, and micronutrients (Zn, B, Fe) are used to mitigate acute symptoms. Prophylactic measures, including lime or dolomite application in acidic soils, are also critical. Early detection and targeted nutrient management are essential for maintaining crop health and improving productivity in tropical tuber crops.
Micronutrient deficiency, Nutrient management, Nutritional disorders, Soil and plant analysis, Tuber crops
Innovative approaches for quality planting material production in tropical tuber crops
Tropical tuber crops such as cassava, sweet potato, yams, taro, and elephant foot yam are vital food security crops, especially in marginal and adverse environments. However, their vegetative mode of propagation and low multiplication rates hinder the rapid dissemination of improved varieties. This paper highlights innovative approaches for quality planting material production to overcome these challenges. Techniques such as the minisett method and tissue culture-based meristem propagation have significantly enhanced multiplication ratios and ensured disease-free planting material. Decentralized models like Seed Villages and Decentralized Seed Multipliers (DSM) have empowered farmers with access to timely, high-quality seed. Additional innovations such as poly tunnel nurseries, vertical farming, and contract farming are also being integrated to scale up production and expand cultivation to non-traditional areas. These farmer-centric strategies have shown promising results in improving productivity, profitability, and self-reliance, contributing to the larger vision of ensuring food and nutritional security under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ initiative.
Decentralized seed multipliers, ICAR-CTCRI, Minisett technique, Seed villages, Tissue culture