Interception of pathogens associated with imported plant genetic resources in India

In order to prevent inadvertent introduction of exotic pathogens in India, 31 fungi and one bacterium were intercepted in crop germplasm belonging to 26 species from 21 countries during 2011. A number of economically important pathogens, not yet reported in India (Phomopsis longicolla); having more virulent races (Bipolaris maydis, Puccinia helianthi); wide host range (B. sorokiniana, Fusarium solani, F. verticillioides and Macrophomina phaseolina); and pathogens from unrecorded hosts such as Cephalosporium maydis on Capsicum annuum; Bipolaris sorghicola on Solanum lycopersicum and Raphanus sativus; F. verticillioides on Arachis duranensis, Calopogonium mucunoides, Calotropis ensiformis and Stylosanthes viscosa; M. phaseolina on Aeschynomene falcata; Periconia circinataon C. annuum and Phoma glomerata on C. mucunoides were intercepted and infected/contaminated samples were salvaged prior to release. Therefore, salvaging of the infected/contaminated material is of paramount importance to release pest-free material for biosecurity in the country.