Microbe with Cell Wall Lacking

Type: Mollicutes bacteria.

Habitat: Nutrient-rich phloem and sieve cells of plants.

Transmission: Phloem feeder insects like leafhoppers, plant-hoppers, psyllids, and dodders.

Effect on Plants: Disfigurement and virescence of floral parts, giving a leafy appearance.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Significance: Oldest indigenous oilseed crop with remnants found in Harappa and Mohenjodaro

Names in India: Til (Hindi, Bengali), Tal (Gujarati), Nuvvulu (Telugu), Ellu (Tamil, Kannada).

Climate Requirements for Sesame

Temperature: Optimal range is 25 to 35°C. Temperatures above 40°C with hot winds reduce oil content.

Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy loams with adequate moisture.

Climate: Semi-arid regions including Western, Central, Eastern, Southern India, and lower Himalayas.

Season: Kharif in arid and semi-arid tropics; Rabi or summer in cooler areas.

Geographical Spread of Sesame

Cultivated across India up to a latitude of 1200 meters in India or 1600 meters.

Major Producers: West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Uses of Sesame Oil

Medicinal properties, contains antioxidants. Beneficial for heart health.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.The term ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ was recently in the news, it is related to which among the following?

(a) A new species of insect identified in tropical rainforests.

(b) A newly discovered genus of bacteria that infects plants.

(c) A new type of marine algae responsible for harmful algal blooms.

(d) A genetic modification technique used in agriculture to increase crop yield.

Answer: b

Explanation:

Candidatus Phytoplasma refers to a group of bacteria that infect plants and cause diseases such as yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf deformation. These bacteria are transmitted by insect vectors like leafhoppers and can lead to significant crop losses.

The term "Candidatus" is used when a species has been identified but not yet formally described due to the lack of sufficient data for classification.

The term has been in the news due to its association with plant diseases, especially in agriculture, impacting food security and crop production.