Researchers have identified a new microbe responsible for a peculiar disease that has been affecting the sesame fields of Midnapore in West Bengal.
- The microbe is a cell wall lacking Mollicutes bacteria, called Candidatus Phytoplasma. These bacteria thrive in the nutrient-rich phloem and sieve cells of plants.
- Sesame, the Queen of Oil, is a primordial oilseed crop since the remnants of sesame seeds were discovered at Harappa and Mohenjodaro.
- Sesame oil is excellent from a medicinal point of view. It contains antioxidants, and it is perfect for heart patients.
- Unfortunately, we do not use it frequently as the principal edible oil. The Indian sesame varieties need improvement so that their benefits can be harnessed.
