Two-Day National Conference by- Indian Phytopathological Society (Central Zone) and the Deccan Society of Plant Pathologists (DSPP) held in PJTAU

The Indian Phytopathological Society (Central Zone) and the Deccan Society of Plant Pathologists, in collaboration with the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, PJTSAU, organized a two-day national conference titled "Recent Advances in Plant Pathology and Innovative Approaches in Plant Disease Management" (RAPPID) on December 12–13, 2024, at the University Auditorium, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar. The event was inaugurated by the chief guest, Sri G. Chinnareddy, Vice Chairman of the Telangana State Planning Board, in the presence of dignitaries such as Dr. R. Sharada Jyalaxmi (VC, ANGRAU), Dr. D. Raji Reddy (VC, SKLHU), Dr. Gopal (VC, Dr. YSR Horticultural University), Dr. J. Satyanarayana (Dean of Agriculture), Dr. B. Vidya Sagar (President, IPS Central Zone), and Dr. Rajesha (Councillor, IPS Central Zone). The chief guest emphasized the importance of adopting advanced technologies like CRISPR-Cas, resistant genotypes, biocontrol agents, and organic formulations to tackle the challenges posed by climate change, while Dr. Sharada Jyalaxmi highlighted the significance of molecular tools for pathogen detection and management. Dr. Raji Reddy stressed the need for integrating weather monitoring systems for proactive disease management, and Dr. Gopal called for the development of effective plant protection strategies for quality horticultural production. The DSPP (Deccan Society of Plant Pathologists) recognized several distinguished individuals with awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Dr. R. Sharada Jyalaxmi and Dr. Gopal, the Outstanding Research Award for Dr. M. Srinivas Prasad and Dr. K. Vemana, the Best Women Scientist Award for Dr. B.K.M. Lakshmi and Dr. B. Parameshwari, the Best Scientist Award for Dr. V. Ramya and Dr. M. Madhavi, the Best Young Scientist Award for Dr. V. Suresh and Dr. G. Padmaja, the Best Ph.D. Thesis Award for Dr. V. Sowmya, and the Best M.Sc. Thesis Award for K. Rajesh. The conference witnessed active participation from 180 registered delegates and 50 additional participants, including 4 keynote speakers, 12 lead speakers, and 34 chairpersons and co-chairpersons. Of the registered delegates, 70 delivered oral presentations, while 110 contributed to poster presentations. Participants represented various states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and others. Key topics of discussion included advanced disease management technologies, host-pathogen interactions, microbiome studies, and the impact of climate change on plant diseases. The valedictory session featured remarks from Dr. Sharath Babu (President, PPAI; Retd. Director, NBPGR), Dr. R. Rajaram Reddy (Retd. Professor, Plant Pathology), Dr. B. Vidya Sagar, Dr. Rajesha, and Dr. T. Kiran Babu, who delivered the vote of thanks. Awards for the best oral and poster presentations were distributed by Dr. Sharath Babu, who commended the organizing team for the successful conduct of the event. The conference concluded as a resounding success, fostering discussions on innovative approaches to plant disease management and advancing the field of plant pathology.