Bacterial Blight of Rice

Bacterial Blight of Rice offers a comprehensive and authoritative account of one of the most destructive diseases threatening global rice production. Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the staple food for more than half of the world’s population, suffers severe yield losses―often 30–60%―from bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Although nearly 50 resistance (Xa) genes have been deployed in breeding programmes, the rapid evolution of Xoo races continues to undermine durable resistance, demanding a deeper understanding of pathogen diversity and host–pathogen interactions.

This book brings together foundational knowledge and the latest scientific advances to deliver a comprehensive account of bacterial blight. It covers disease history, symptoms, diagnostics, population biology, and pathotyping, with strong emphasis on Xoo genomics, hrp gene clusters, and effector-driven pathogenesis mediated by the type III secretion system. Cutting-edge resistance and management strategies―including gene pyramiding, genome-enabled breeding, genome editing, and eco-friendly, sustainable disease control―are presented in a clear, practical framework.

Distinctive for its systematic organization and research-backed content, the book also provides hands-on guidance for key techniques such as pathogen inoculation and virulence screening. Designed as both a textbook and a reference, it will be invaluable to students, researchers, breeders, extension professionals, policymakers, and progressive farmers.

Kalyan K. Mondal has over two decades of experience in bacterial blight research and has led multiple funded projects on Xoo type III secretion system effectors. His translational research enabled the development of seven bacterial blight–resistant rice varieties, significantly strengthening rice productivity. He also serves as an expert reviewer for the EuroXanth DokuWiki under the European COST programme.

Dr. Kalyan K. Mondal, an eminent plant pathologist, has made pioneering contributions to the understanding and management of bacterial diseases of crops. He earned his B.Sc. (Ag.) Hons. and M.Sc. (Ag.) in Plant Pathology from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidyalaya, West Bengal, in 1991 and 1993, respectively, followed by a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, in 1999. After beginning his scientific career as Scientist at CSKHPKV, Palampur (2001–2006), he joined ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, where he served as Senior Scientist (2006–2012) and Principal Scientist (2012–2023). Since August 2023, he has been serving as Joint Director (Research) at ICAR-NIBSM, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

As a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University, California, USA, Dr. Mondal received advanced training on the bacterial Type-III Secretion System (T3SS) and its role in subverting plant defense. He is credited with the first comprehensive elucidation of the effector repertoire of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) in rice and X. axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap) in pomegranate, and with functionally establishing the critical role of these effectors in disease development. He also generated the first complete genome sequence of Xoo race 4, a virulent Indian strain of global importance.

Dr. Mondal’s translational research has had far-reaching impact on Indian agriculture. He was actively involved in the development and commercialization of seven bacterial blight-resistant rice varieties―Pusa 1592, Pusa 1718, Pusa 1728, Pusa 1847, Pusa 1885, Pusa 1886, and Samba 1853―harboring the resistance genes xa13 and Xa21, which have significantly enhanced productivity and resilience in rice cultivation.

For his outstanding contributions, Dr. Mondal has been elected Fellow of NAAS (2023), NABS (2020), ARRW (2021), IPS (2013), and SARP (2020), and is also a Member of NASI (2013). His research excellence has been recognized with numerous national awards, including the Nanaji Deshmukh ICAR Award (2021), Dr. B.P. Pal Memorial NABS Best Scientist Award (2022), Prof. J.P. Verma Memorial Award (2016), Prof. M.K. Patel Memorial Young Scientist Award (2008), and the Prof. M.J. Narasimhan Academic Merit Award (2001).

Beyond research, Dr. Mondal has made impactful contributions to scientific leadership and policy through his roles in national task forces, project review panels, and editorial boards. He has served as Task Force Member (DBT–Agricultural Biotechnology), Project Reviewer (DST-SERB), Member of IMC (ICAR-NBAIM, 2016–2019), Editor of Indian Phytopathology (2017–2019), Joint Secretary of the Indian Phytopathological Society (2020–2023), and currently as Vice President of the Biotic Stress Management Society (2024–present).

With over 50 publications in high-impact international journals, and as the author of the widely acclaimed textbook Plant Bacteriology (Kalyani Publishers), Dr. Mondal has established himself as a thought leader in plant pathology. He also serves as a reviewer for prestigious journals including BMC Microbiology, Plant Disease, Frontiers in Microbiology, MPMI, Microbial Pathogenesis, Scientific Reports, PMPP, and Plant Pathology. His expertise has been showcased globally through invited lead talks and guest lectures in international conferences across the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Thailand, and the USA.