{"id":36220,"date":"2025-07-27T14:11:38","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T08:41:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/?p=36220"},"modified":"2025-07-27T14:11:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T08:41:41","slug":"fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/","title":{"rendered":"Fungal Resistant Pineapple Variety Developed by Indian Scientists Using AcSERK3 Gene"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Fungal_resistant_pineapple_variety_developed_by_Indian_scientists_at_Bose_Institute_using_AcSERK3_gene_offers_sustainable_solution_to_fusariosis_disease_in_crops\" >Fungal resistant pineapple variety developed by Indian scientists at Bose Institute using AcSERK3 gene offers sustainable solution to fusariosis disease in crops.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Fungal%E2%80%91Tolerant_Pineapple_Breakthrough_by_Indian_Scientists\" >Fungal\u2011Tolerant Pineapple Breakthrough by Indian Scientists<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Introduction_Indigenous_Scientific_Innovation_in_Agriculture\" >Introduction: Indigenous Scientific Innovation in Agriculture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#What_Is_Fusariosis_and_Its_Impact\" >What Is Fusariosis and Its Impact<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Mechanism_of_Resistance_AcSERK3_Over%E2%80%91expression\" >Mechanism of Resistance: AcSERK3 Over\u2011expression<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Laboratory_Results_and_Features\" >Laboratory Results and Features<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Implications_for_Farmers_and_Sustainability\" >Implications for Farmers and Sustainability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Broader_Significance_in_Indian_Agriculture\" >Broader Significance in Indian Agriculture<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#B_Why_This_News_Is_Important\" >B) Why This News Is Important<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Strengthening_Crop_Resilience_and_Farmer_Livelihood\" >Strengthening Crop Resilience and Farmer Livelihood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Relevance_to_Government_Exam_Aspirants_and_Policy\" >Relevance to Government Exam Aspirants and Policy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Strategic_Lesson_for_Competitive_Exams\" >Strategic Lesson for Competitive Exams<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#C_Historical_Context_Evolution_of_Plant_Biotech_and_Biotic_Stress_Management\" >C) Historical Context: Evolution of Plant Biotech and Biotic Stress Management<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Traditional_Breeding_vs_Genetic_Engineering\" >Traditional Breeding vs Genetic Engineering<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Emergence_of_SERK_Gene_Research\" >Emergence of SERK Gene Research<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Agricultural_Biotechnology_in_India\" >Agricultural Biotechnology in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Future_Prospects_for_Crop_Protection\" >Future Prospects for Crop Protection<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#D_Key_Takeaways_from_%E2%80%9CFungal%E2%80%91Tolerant_Pineapple_Innovation%E2%80%9D\" >D) Key Takeaways from \u201cFungal\u2011Tolerant Pineapple Innovation\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#FAQs_Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#1_What_is_the_AcSERK3_gene_and_why_is_it_important_in_pineapple_cultivation\" >1. What is the AcSERK3 gene, and why is it important in pineapple cultivation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#2_Which_disease_affecting_pineapple_crops_does_this_innovation_aim_to_combat\" >2. Which disease affecting pineapple crops does this innovation aim to combat?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#3_What_role_did_the_Bose_Institute_play_in_this_scientific_breakthrough\" >3. What role did the Bose Institute play in this scientific breakthrough?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#4_How_does_this_innovation_support_Indian_farmers\" >4. How does this innovation support Indian farmers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#5_Why_is_this_development_relevant_to_competitive_exams\" >5. Why is this development relevant to competitive exams?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/national\/fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\/#Some_Important_Current_Affairs_Links\" >Some Important Current Affairs Links<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fungal_resistant_pineapple_variety_developed_by_Indian_scientists_at_Bose_Institute_using_AcSERK3_gene_offers_sustainable_solution_to_fusariosis_disease_in_crops\"><\/span>Fungal resistant pineapple variety developed by Indian scientists at Bose Institute using AcSERK3 gene offers sustainable solution to fusariosis disease in crops.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fungal%E2%80%91Tolerant_Pineapple_Breakthrough_by_Indian_Scientists\"><\/span><strong>Fungal\u2011Tolerant Pineapple Breakthrough by Indian Scientists<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_Indigenous_Scientific_Innovation_in_Agriculture\"><\/span>Introduction: Indigenous Scientific Innovation in Agriculture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Indian researchers from the Bose Institute (under DST), led by Prof.\u202fGaurab Gangopadhyay and Dr.\u202fSoumili\u202fPal, have engineered a breakthrough in pineapple farming by enhancing the plant\u2019s native <strong>AcSERK3<\/strong> gene to develop a <strong>fungal\u2011tolerant variety<\/strong>. This innovation marks a significant leap in agricultural biotechnology and sustainable crop protection <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Fusariosis_and_Its_Impact\"><\/span>What Is Fusariosis and Its Impact<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fusariosis<\/strong>, caused by <em>Fusarium moniliforme<\/em>, is a serious fungal disease affecting pineapple plants\u2014leading to stem warping, leaf darkening, and internal fruit rot. Traditional breeding has failed to keep pace with its evolving pathogenicity, resulting in heavy crop losses in major pineapple-growing regions of India <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mechanism_of_Resistance_AcSERK3_Over%E2%80%91expression\"><\/span>Mechanism of Resistance: AcSERK3 Over\u2011expression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The team identified the <strong>AcSERK3 gene<\/strong>\u2014part of the Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase family\u2014naturally present in pineapple. They used <strong>Agrobacterium-mediated transformation<\/strong> to overexpress the gene, resulting in plants with enhanced stress-response pathways. These transgenic lines demonstrated superior resistance to Fusarium compared to wild varieties <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Laboratory_Results_and_Features\"><\/span>Laboratory Results and Features<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Under controlled conditions mimicking severe infection, the modified pineapple plants stayed upright, green, and disease\u2011free, whereas normal plants wilted and rotted. The enhanced plants also exhibited higher levels of protective metabolites and scavenging enzymes, reinforcing their fungal resilience <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Implications_for_Farmers_and_Sustainability\"><\/span>Implications for Farmers and Sustainability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If long\u2011term multi\u2011location field trials prove successful, the fungal\u2011tolerant variety can be released commercially. It offers farmers a sustainable path: using traditional slips and suckers for propagation while retaining disease resistance. This reduces dependence on fungicides, lowers farming costs, and ensures stable yields\u2014especially impactful for small and medium\u2011scale growers <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Broader_Significance_in_Indian_Agriculture\"><\/span>Broader Significance in Indian Agriculture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the <strong>first documented case<\/strong> of overexpressing an <strong>inherent pineapple gene<\/strong> to achieve fungal resistance and enhanced embryogenesis. It underscores India\u2019s leadership in leveraging <strong>indigenous genetic resources<\/strong> for crop improvement. The model can be adapted for other horticultural crops facing fungal threats<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\" id=\"fungal-resistant-pineapple-variety\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkY0SAzhmX0-qMJMw1Tai06j75iGXV2hjWHQ&amp;s\" alt=\"fungal resistant pineapple variety\" title=\"fungal resistant pineapple variety\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">fungal resistant pineapple variety<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"B_Why_This_News_Is_Important\"><\/span>B) Why This News Is Important<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strengthening_Crop_Resilience_and_Farmer_Livelihood\"><\/span>Strengthening Crop Resilience and Farmer Livelihood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This scientific breakthrough addresses one of the most crucial concerns for pineapple farmers\u2014<strong>crop losses due to fusariosis<\/strong>. By introducing a genetically engineered pineapple variety resistant to fungal infection, the need for chemical fungicides is significantly reduced, lowering costs and promoting eco-friendly agriculture. This enhances income stability for farmers across tropical regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relevance_to_Government_Exam_Aspirants_and_Policy\"><\/span>Relevance to Government Exam Aspirants and Policy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For aspirants preparing for UPSC, state PCS, or allied services, this news is relevant under GS Paper III topics: <strong>Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Sustainable Development<\/strong>. It exemplifies how <strong>biotech innovations<\/strong> directly support national goals such as <strong>Atmanirbhar Bharat<\/strong> and <strong>Doubling Farmers\u2019 Income<\/strong>. It also highlights research funded by the Department of Science &amp; Technology, and executed at Bose Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategic_Lesson_for_Competitive_Exams\"><\/span>Strategic Lesson for Competitive Exams<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the mechanism\u2014overexpression of a native gene (AcSERK3)\u2014provides clarity on cutting-edge <strong>plant biotechnology<\/strong>, relevant to both agriculture and environment syllabus. It aligns with current affairs focus on scientific innovations and their application in public policy frameworks, thus making it a strong topic for descriptive answers and MCQs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"C_Historical_Context_Evolution_of_Plant_Biotech_and_Biotic_Stress_Management\"><\/span>C) Historical Context: Evolution of Plant Biotech and Biotic Stress Management<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Traditional_Breeding_vs_Genetic_Engineering\"><\/span>Traditional Breeding vs Genetic Engineering<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Historically, crop improvement relied on cross-breeding techniques, which were often too slow or ineffective against rapidly evolving pathogens. Fusariosis resistance remained elusive due to limitations in identifying robust resistance sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emergence_of_SERK_Gene_Research\"><\/span>Emergence of SERK Gene Research<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The SERK gene family, originally studied in model plants for somatic embryogenesis, came into focus as a key player in stress tolerance. The current research is the first to exploit <strong>AcSERK3<\/strong>, a pineapple\u2011specific variant, to confer fungal immunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Agricultural_Biotechnology_in_India\"><\/span>Agricultural Biotechnology in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>India\u2019s biotechnology sector has steadily progressed, with institutions like Bose Institute leading research in crop resilience using genetic tools. This development joins earlier successes such as Bt cotton and disease-resistant rice varieties\u2014strengthening India\u2019s foothold in <strong>agri\u2011biotech<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Future_Prospects_for_Crop_Protection\"><\/span>Future Prospects for Crop Protection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This breakthrough opens pathways for replicating similar approaches in other vulnerable horticultural crops, potentially leading to multi-disease resistant plant varieties. In the longer run, such innovation supports sustainable agriculture goals and reduces chemical pesticide load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"D_Key_Takeaways_from_%E2%80%9CFungal%E2%80%91Tolerant_Pineapple_Innovation%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>D) Key Takeaways from \u201cFungal\u2011Tolerant Pineapple Innovation\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>S. No.<\/th><th>Key Takeaway<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1<\/td><td>Indian scientists (Bose Institute, DST) developed a pineapple variety by overexpressing <strong>AcSERK3<\/strong>, enhancing fungal resistance.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td><strong>Fusariosis<\/strong> (caused by <em>Fusarium monoliforme<\/em>) causes severe crop loss via stem, leaf, and fruit rotting.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>Transgenic pineapples maintained upright, green growth under infection\u2014unlike wild-type plants which wilted.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td>The innovation reduces dependence on chemical fungicides and enhances crop stability via traditional propagation methods.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td>This marks the <strong>first documented use<\/strong> of an <strong>inherent pineapple gene<\/strong> for fungal resistance, with potential application to other crops.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">fungal resistant pineapple variety<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_is_the_AcSERK3_gene_and_why_is_it_important_in_pineapple_cultivation\"><\/span>1. What is the AcSERK3 gene, and why is it important in pineapple cultivation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The AcSERK3 gene is a native gene found in pineapples, part of the SERK (Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase) family. Overexpressing this gene boosts the plant\u2019s resistance to fungal infections, particularly fusariosis, improving crop survivability and yield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Which_disease_affecting_pineapple_crops_does_this_innovation_aim_to_combat\"><\/span>2. Which disease affecting pineapple crops does this innovation aim to combat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This innovation targets <strong>fusariosis<\/strong>, a fungal disease caused by <em>Fusarium moniliforme<\/em>, which leads to wilting, leaf darkening, and internal fruit rot in pineapples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_What_role_did_the_Bose_Institute_play_in_this_scientific_breakthrough\"><\/span>3. What role did the Bose Institute play in this scientific breakthrough?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Bose Institute<\/strong>, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), led the research and genetically engineered the fungal-tolerant pineapple variety through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_How_does_this_innovation_support_Indian_farmers\"><\/span>4. How does this innovation support Indian farmers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>By creating fungal-resistant pineapple plants that can be propagated using traditional suckers and slips, this innovation lowers the dependence on fungicides, reduces input costs, and promotes stable harvests\u2014supporting sustainable and affordable farming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Why_is_this_development_relevant_to_competitive_exams\"><\/span>5. Why is this development relevant to competitive exams?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This news is crucial for exams like UPSC, State PCS, and SSC due to its relevance in topics like agricultural innovation, biotechnology, sustainable development, and government-funded research. It can also appear in environment, science &amp; tech, and economy-based sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some_Important_Current_Affairs_Links\"><\/span>Some Important Current Affairs Links<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/category\/national\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">State Current Affairs<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/edunovations.com\/currentaffairs\/category\/sports\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sports Current Affairs<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline 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Website Development Company<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fungal resistant pineapple variety developed by Indian scientists at Bose Institute using AcSERK3 gene offers sustainable solution to fusariosis disease in crops. 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