Plant diseases caused by bacteria and fungi are the major reasons for significant loss in crop yields. To address this issue, many strategies have been developed and new bioanalytical tools have been utilized with an aim to control microbe derived diseases.
Particularly important is the use of mass spectrometry (MS) and MS based proteomics approach to identify and characterize plant peptides and proteins as anti-microbial agents for plant protection. Further, concerted effort to quantitate proteins associated with specific plant pathogen interactions would lead to identification of molecular players involved in plant defense mechanisms.
India, being a hub of unique and diverse classes of flora and fauna, the primary focus will be on MS based screening, identification, and characterization of anti-microbial peptides and proteins from natural sources. The molecules thus identified are expected to be used as potential leads to control plant diseases and cultivate plants with increased tolerance or resistance to various phytopathogens.
