Theme: Agriculture & Allied
10.Nature derived herbicides (bioherbicides) targeting invasive weeds (e.g., Lantana Camara, Sorghum halepense).
Brief Overview: Bioherbicides, derived from plants or microbes, provide an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides by disrupting weed growth through natural mechanisms. They are safe for the environment, crops, and organisms, avoiding soil pollution and health risks associated with synthetic chemicals.
11.Nature derived pesticides (biopesticides) targeting pathogens, particularly viruses, by stimulating systemic immune responses in plants.
Brief Overview: Natural biopesticides from plants, microbes, or minerals offer an eco-friendly alternative to chemicals, targeting pathogens and viruses by boosting plant immune responses, enhancing defence mechanisms, and improving crop health and yield.
12.Accurate and rapid detection methods for mycotoxins, especially aflatoxins, in food and high-value agricultural products.
Brief Overview: There is a growing need for rapid, cost-effective, and reliable mycotoxin detection in agricultural products to ensure quality, prevent contamination, and comply with food safety regulations for global trade.
13.Efficient post-harvest technologies for rapid, real-time detection and/or prevention of spoilage in high-value agricultural produce, especially cereals and fruits.
Brief overview: There is a commercial need for rapid, accurate, and cost-effective preservation methods to minimize spoilage from microbes, pests, and environmental factors. Technologies like natural preservatives, coatings, and storage solutions are key to maintaining product quality.
14.Bacteriophage based alternatives for disease management in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Brief Overview: Bacteriophage-based solutions offer a natural, targeted method to combat bacterial infections in crops and livestock, promoting animal health, reducing antibiotic use, and providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical bactericides preventing AMR.
15.Technologies for large-scale production of Germacrene D, Menthofuran and Sabinene Hydrate and Viridiflorol.
Brief Overview: The synthesis of key chemicals like Germacrene D, Menthofuran, Sabinene Hydrate and Viridiflorol faces challenges such as complex multi-step protocols and harsh conditions, leading to low yields and unscalable for large-scale production. Improved, scalable methods are needed for efficient large-scale production.