No vaccine yet for crop virus diseases: Prof Rajasab

Dharwad: Karnataka Science and Technology Academy chairman Prof AH Rajasab on Thursday said artificial intelligence and advanced gene-editing technologies are set to reshape the future of agriculture, while stressing that viral diseases in crops remain one of the biggest unresolved challenges in plant science.

Delivering the 2025-26 Prof MK Sethurao Memorial Lecture at the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad, he said science has developed solutions for several bacterial and fungal diseases in plants, but no vaccine is available anywhere in the world against viral infections in crops. “Plant immunity against viral diseases is not yet available anywhere globally. Viral diseases can only be managed, not cured,” he said.

He noted that artificial intelligence is increasingly being used in agriculture for soil analysis, crop monitoring and improving farm productivity. Several agri-tech firms are already using satellite imagery and digital tools for soil management and crop planning, he added.

Citing case studies from Kotehal village in Davanagere district, he said technology-based soil management advice helped farmers increase areca nut yields by over 100%.

Prof Rajasab also highlighted the use of remote sensing and GIS technologies in restoring degraded ecosystems and strengthening ecological monitoring.

On biotechnology, he described CRISPR as one of the most significant breakthroughs in modern science. Unlike conventional genetically modified crops, CRISPR enables precise gene editing without introducing foreign genes into plants.

He said the technology could help develop disease-resistant and climate-resilient crop varieties at a time when agriculture faces increasing pressure from climate change and food insecurity. He added that CRISPR also holds promise in treating inherited genetic disorders in humans.

He stressed that rapid scientific advances must be guided by ethical responsibility.

Prof Rajasab also touched upon emerging fields such as quantum technology and astrobiology, noting that Bengaluru and Andhra Pradesh are emerging as key centres for quantum research.

During the programme, inter-university competitions and research synopsis presentation contests for MSc and PhD scholars were also held, with cash prizes awarded to winners.