×

UPSC Courses

DNA banner

DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 20 April, 2023

  • 2 Min Read

Wheat Blast

Wheat Blast

  • The most significant food crop in the world, wheat, is under threat from a pandemic of blast disease, according to a recent study.

Wheat Blast: What is it?

  • In tropical and subtropical areas, wheat productivity is hampered by the fungal disease known as the wheat blast.
  • Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) is the culprit. In 1985, it was discovered in Brazil.
  • Both wild and domesticated grasses are affected by the fungus, most notably rice and wheat.
  • It spreads via spores that can fly great distances in the air, contaminated seeds, and crop leftovers.
  • It subsequently expanded to important wheat-producing regions of the nation before reaching Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay in South America.
  • Bangladesh reported the first case of this infectious wheat blast in Asia in 2016.

About Wheat

  • It is India's primary cereal crop. In India, behind rice, it is the second most significant grain crop.
  • India's central and western regions are known for their hard wheat, which has a high protein and gluten content.
  • It is a Rabi crop that is planted in October through December and harvested in April through June.
  • Temperature: The ideal temperature for good tillering is between 16 and 20°C, or between 23 and 26°C.
  • 50 to 100 cm of rain is predicted.
  • Wheat farming is best suited to loamy or clayey soil types with good structure and a moderate water retention capacity.
  • India's states with the highest wheat production include Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Gujarat.

Read Also: Status of Indian Agriculture

Source: Indian Express


India–Azerbaijan

A year after tensions arising from Operation Sindoor, India and Azerbaijan have taken steps to restore and normalise bilateral relations. The 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations, held in Baku, marked the first such engagement since 2022, signaling renewed diplomatic momentum. Recent Diplomatic Engagement During the consultations, bo

India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreem

The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years since its signing. Both countries now aim to build on this progress through strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. What is the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Tra

ADR Report on Political Funding

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analyses donations of ?20,000 or more declared to the Election Commission of India (ECI) by national political parties for FY 2024–25, highlighting transparency and accountability in political financing. Key Findings Massive Funding Surge Total donations to nationa

Maritime Chokepoints

Maritime chokepoints are narrow channels along global shipping routes where maritime traffic is concentrated. These points are geopolitically and economically critical, as they handle a large proportion of global trade, especially energy shipments. Current Relevance Over two-thirds of seaborne energy trade passes through a handful o

US-Israel-Iran War

Following the launch of Operation Epic Fury (U.S.) and Operation Roaring Lion (Israel), the geopolitical landscape has shifted fundamentally with the confirmed death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.Iran retaliated through Operation True Promise 4, launching missile attacks against Israel and nearby Gulf states. The escala

DNA

05 Apr,2026

Toppers

Search By Date

Newsletter Subscription
SMS Alerts

Important Links

UPSC GS Mains Crash Course - RAW