HAU scientists make landmark discovery in strawberry crown rot disease
2
Hisar: In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, identified 'colletotrichum nymphaeae' as the causal organism behind crown rot disease in strawberries, which is a major threat to fruit yield.
This is the first-ever report of this pathogen causing crown rot in strawberries in India.
University vice-chancellor Prof B R Kamboj highlighted the importance of early scientific interventions to manage emerging crop diseases and ensure the long-term sustainability of fruit production. He noted that the university's scientists are working actively to develop effective management strategies and expressed confidence in finding viable solutions soon.
The research findings were accepted for publication in Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, a globally recognised journal published by Elsevier, with a NAAS rating of 8.8. The journal acknowledged this study as the first formal documentation of Colletotrichum nymphaeae as a crown rot pathogen in strawberries from India, marking a significant contribution to global plant pathology research.
HAU's director of research, Rajbir Garg, said that Hisar has become one of the largest strawberry-producing clusters in North India, with around 700 acres under cultivation.
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Strawberries grown in Saharwa village of Hisar are even reaching international markets. Inspired by Saharwa's success, farmers from nearby villages — Chanana, Harita, and Miran — have also taken up strawberry cultivation, helping transform the region into a high-value fruit farming hub.
The foundation of the strawberry cluster in Hisar was laid in 1996 by HAU scientists. Since then, the region has seen steady growth in production despite ongoing biological challenges.
Among these, crown rot disease has become a particularly serious concern, threatening both yield and profitability.
Adesh Kumar, lead researcher of the study, said the research team is focused on understanding the disease outbreak and developing targeted strategies to reduce its impact. Their aim is to ensure the safety and sustainability of strawberry cultivation in the region.
Contributing members of the research team include HAU scientists Anil Kumar Saini, Sushil Sharma, Rakesh Gehlot, Anil Kumar, Rakesh Kumar, K.C. Rajesh Kumar, Vikas Kumar Sharma, Romi Rawal, R.P.S. Dalal, and PhD scholar Shubham Saini.
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