INDIAN PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY

IPS (Delhi Zone) National Symposium
Advances in Plant Pathology for Sustainable Agriculture: From Molecular Insights to Crop Protection Technologies
December 10-11, 2026
Venue : ICAR-Indian Agricultural Reserch Institute, New Delhi

Time since event started in

00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds



We are pleased to inform you that the Indian Phytopathological Society (Delhi Zone), is organising a National Symposium on “Advances in Plant Pathology for Sustainable Agriculture: From Molecular Insights to Crop Protection Technologies” on December 10-11, 2026. 

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we invite you to participate in the symposium and share your expertise and perspectives. Your involvement will enhance the scientific discussions and contribute to the programme’s success.


Organizing Secretary

Dr. V. Shanmugam

Principal Scientist and President, IPS (Delhi Zone)


Co-organizing Secretary

Dr. G. Prakash

Senior Scientist and Councillor, IPS (Delhi Zone)





Click here to download Circular

Registration Login 


Abstract Submission

About the Symposium

Plant health underpins global food security, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. Rising disease pressure, new and recurring pathogens, shifting agro-ecosystems, and climate change present significant challenges to sustainable crop production. Meeting these challenges requires a deeper understanding of plant diseases and the development of innovative, effective, and environmentally responsible crop protection technologies.
    The National Symposium on “Advances in Plant Pathology for Sustainable Agriculture: From Molecular Insights to Crop Protection Technologies” will serve as a forum to discuss recent progress in plant pathology, from molecular insights into plant–pathogen interactions to practical crop protection strategies. The event will bring together researchers, academicians, students, industry professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share emerging technologies, and address current challenges in plant health management.
    The symposium will highlight advances in molecular biology, genomics, pathogenomics, bioinformatics, disease diagnostics, pathogen detection and surveillance, disease forecasting, and genomics-assisted crop improvement. It will also focus on innovative and sustainable crop protection technologies, such as biological control, microbial and plant-derived products, biointensive integrated disease management, precision disease management, and other environmentally responsible methods. The program will emphasize integrating scientific advances to reduce crop losses and reliance on chemical pesticides.
    The symposium will also address climate change, emerging and recurring diseases, and evolving pathogen populations, with a focus on developing climate-resilient crops and sustainable disease management strategies. Through scientific presentations, discussions, and interdisciplinary exchange, the symposium aims to strengthen connections among research, applied plant pathology, crop improvement, crop protection, industry, and policy, and to promote the translation of scientific discoveries into effective, scalable, and practical solutions for sustainable plant health.


About Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS)   

The Indian Phytopathological Society is the premier professional organization in India dedicated to the advancement of Plant Pathology and Plant Health Sciences. Established on 28 February 1947 at the Division of Mycology and Plant Pathology (now the Division of Plant Pathology), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, the Society has been promoting scientific excellence, research and innovation in plant pathology for nearly eight decades. Today, IPS is recognized as the third-largest society of plant pathologists in the world, reflecting its scientific stature and global outreach. With a vibrant membership of over 2,700 Scientists and professionals from more than 50 countries, IPS provides a dynamic platform for researchers, academicians, extension specialists, students and plant health practitioners working in diverse disciplines, including Mycology, Plant Pathology, Bacteriology, Virology, Phytoplasmology, Nematology and allied fields. Through its internationally reputed journal Indian Phytopathology, as well as national and international conferences, symposia, workshops and training programmes. 

    Committed to addressing emerging challenges in plant health, sustainable crop protection and climate-resilient agriculture, IPS continues to play a pivotal role in advancing research, fostering innovation and strengthening national and international partnerships. Through its enduring legacy of scientific excellence and service, the Society remains a leading force in supporting sustainable agriculture, environmental resilience and global food and nutritional security. (Read More.....)

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline

:

November 10, 2026

Notification of Acceptance

:

November 20, 2026

Early-Bird Registration Deadline 

:

November 10, 2026

Special Award Submission Deadline

:

November 10, 2026

Symposium

:

December 10-11, 2026

Registration Login Abstract Submission

Technical Sessions

  1. Molecular Mechanisms of Plant-Pathogen Interactions and Disease Development
  2. Pathogenomics, Disease Diagnostics and Plant Health Surveillance
  3. Genomics-Assisted Crop Improvement and Disease Resistance
  4. Climate Change, Emerging Diseases and Disease Dynamics
  5. Innovative and Sustainable Crop Protection Technologies
  6. Integrated Disease Management for Sustainable Agriculture
  7. Translational Research, Academia–Industry Collaboration and Plant Health Innovation

ORGANIZERS

IPS, New Delhi

Organizing Committee


Patrons 

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director & Vice Chancellor, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

Dr. Devendra Kumar Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, New Delhi


Co-Patrons

Dr. R. Viswanathan, President, IPS, New Delhi

Dr. R. M. Gade, President-Elect, IPS, New Delhi


Convener & Organizing Secretary

Dr. V. Shanmugam, Principal Scientist and President IPS (Delhi Zone), Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012


Co-convener & Co-Organizing Secretary

Dr. Ganesan Prakash, Senior Scientist and Councillor IPS (Delhi Zone), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012


Advisory Committee

Dr. Anupam Varma, Adjunct Prof. (Pl. Path.) ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. B. L. Jalali, Former Director, NCIPM, New Delhi

Dr. T.R. Sharma, National Professor, ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi.

Dr. Anupama Singh, Joint Director (Education), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. R. N. Padaria, Joint Director (Extension), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. S.M. Paul Khurana, Former President, IPS, New Delhi

Dr. R.K. Jain, Former President, IPS, New Delhi

Dr. P. K. Chakraborty, Former President, IPS, New Delhi

Dr. Pratibha Sharma, Former President, IPS, New Delhi

Dr. S. C. Dubey, Former President, IPS, New Delhi

Dr. Bikash Mondal, Former ADG (International Relations), ICAR HQ

Dr. Poonam Jasrotia, ADG (Plant Protection and Biosafety), ICAR HQ

Dr. Raman Thangavelu, Director, NCIPM, New Delhi

Dr. Ramcharan Bhattacharya, Director, NIPB, New Delhi

Dr. Rashmi Aggarwal, Former Emeritus Scientist, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. V. K. Baranwal, Former National Professor, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. G. P. Rao, Emeritus Scientist, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. M.S. Saharan, Principal Scientist & Head (Plant Pathology), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. Celia Chelam, Head (Plant Quarantine), ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi

Dr. T.K. Bag, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. A. Kumar, Professor, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Dr. K.S. Hooda, Principal Scientist, ICAR, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi


Plenary/Keynote/Lead/Invited Speakers

Plenary/Keynote/Lead/Invited Speakers

Programme

Objectives

  • To advance understanding of plant–pathogen interactions, disease mechanisms, and molecular determinants of plant health. 
  • To highlight advances in disease diagnostics, pathogen detection, surveillance, and forecasting. 
  • To translate molecular and genomic insights into disease-resistant and climate-resilient crop improvement. 
  • To promote innovative and sustainable crop protection, including biological control, bio-based products, integrated disease management, and precision approaches. 
  • To address climate change, emerging and re-emerging pathogens, and evolving disease threats for resilient plant health management. 
  • To foster interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange among academia, research, industry, and policy. 
  • To provide young researchers and students opportunities for scientific presentation, interaction, and professional networking.

Themes/Technical Sessions

  1. Molecular Mechanisms of Plant-Pathogen Interactions and Disease Development
  2. Pathogenomics, Disease Diagnostics and Plant Health Surveillance
  3. Genomics-Assisted Crop Improvement and Disease Resistance
  4. Climate Change, Emerging Diseases and Disease Dynamics
  5. Innovative and Sustainable Crop Protection Technologies
  6. Integrated Disease Management for Sustainable Agriculture
  7. Translational Research, Academia–Industry Collaboration and Plant Health Innovation

Presentation Categories

1. Keynote Lectures

Distinguished scientists and academicians will be invited to deliver keynote lectures on advanced topics in plant pathology, emerging technologies, and sustainable crop protection. Each lecture will last 30 minutes.


2. Lead Talks

Researchers, faculty, and scientists selected by the Technical Committee will deliver lead talks on recent advances and challenges related to the symposium themes. Each talk will be 15 minutes, followed by discussion


3. Oral Presentations

Selected research contributions will be presented orally in technical sessions. The Technical Committee will determine the presentation format based on the scientific merit and suitability of each abstract. Each oral presentation will be 12 minutes, followed by discussion.


4. Poster Presentations

Selected posters will be displayed in designated sessions. Posters must measure 4 feet by 3 feet, use clear, legible fonts, and present research findings graphically. Each presenter will have 3–4 minutes to present, followed by participant interaction.


Academia-Industry Interface

A dedicated Academia–Industry Interface will offer a collaborative platform for researchers, academic institutions, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify research and technology gaps, build partnerships, and advance the translation, validation, commercialization, and adoption of innovative plant health and sustainable crop protection technologies.

The session will promote dialogue on emerging technologies, product development, technology transfer, collaborative research, and practical solutions to address current and future challenges in plant health and sustainable agriculture.


Participants

The symposium welcomes professionals and stakeholders involved in plant pathology, crop protection, crop improvement, plant health, and sustainable agriculture.

Participants may include:

  • Scientists, academicians, and researchers
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate students
  • PhD scholars and research fellows (JRF/SRF)
  • Postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and project staff
  • Extension personnel and agricultural practitioners
  • Policymakers and agricultural planners
  • Representatives from seed, biotechnology, biocontrol, crop protection, and other agro-industries
  • Entrepreneurs, technology developers, and additional stakeholders in sustainable agriculture

Registration Details

Registration Login Abstract Submission

Registraiton Fee

The symposium will be open for registered delegates. The details of the registration fee are given below.

Delegate Type

Early Bird Registration

Researchers / Academicians / Government Officials /

IPS Members

INR 1180.00

INR (1000.00 + 180 GST@ 18%)


Students

INR 590.00

INR (500.00 + 90 GST@ 18%)


Retired Scientists

Complimentary


Agro-industry representatives

INR 3000.00

INR (2460.00 + 540 GST@ 18%)


Name of the Account Holder 

 Indian Phytopathological Society 

Name of the Bank and Branch

CANARA Bank, Pusa Campus, IARI, New Delhi 110012

 Account Number

 90292010005900

 RTGS/NEFT/IFS Code

 CNRB0019029

 MICR Code

 110025041


Registration Link

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeh6cmC8ZcviQbQ3e9n2EiYR8AosMYLIMUTSTbbNskSecE2Xw/viewform?usp=header


Registration Login  

Abstract Details

Registration Login Abstract Submission

Call for Abstracts

We invite participants to submit original research abstracts related to the symposium’s themes and technical sessions for oral or poster presentation. Abstracts must be no longer than 250 words and include the title, author names, institutional affiliations, and the corresponding author’s email address. Please indicate the presenting author’s name in bold and clearly identify their email address.

Prepare abstracts in MS Word, using Times New Roman, 12-point font, and 1.5 line spacing. Submit electronically to ipsdelhizone2026@gmail.com by November 10, 2026.

All abstracts will be reviewed and may be edited for language, formatting, and consistency. The Technical Committee will assign oral or poster presentations based on abstract suitability and programme needs.

Accepted abstracts will be included in the symposium proceedings only after receipt of the registration fee.


Themes/Technical Sessions

  1. Molecular Mechanisms of Plant-Pathogen Interactions and Disease Development
  2. Pathogenomics, Disease Diagnostics and Plant Health Surveillance
  3. Genomics-Assisted Crop Improvement and Disease Resistance
  4. Climate Change, Emerging Diseases and Disease Dynamics
  5. Innovative and Sustainable Crop Protection Technologies
  6. Integrated Disease Management for Sustainable Agriculture
  7. Translational Research, Academia–Industry Collaboration and Plant Health Innovation

Presentation Categories

1. Keynote Lectures

Distinguished scientists and academicians will be invited to deliver keynote lectures on advanced topics in plant pathology, emerging technologies, and sustainable crop protection. Each lecture will last 30 minutes.


2. Lead Talks

Researchers, faculty, and scientists selected by the Technical Committee will deliver lead talks on recent advances and challenges related to the symposium themes. Each talk will be 15 minutes, followed by discussion


3. Oral Presentations

Selected research contributions will be presented orally in technical sessions. The Technical Committee will determine the presentation format based on the scientific merit and suitability of each abstract. Each oral presentation will be 12 minutes, followed by discussion.


4. Poster Presentations

Selected posters will be displayed in designated sessions. Posters must measure 4 feet by 3 feet, use clear, legible fonts, and present research findings graphically. Each presenter will have 3–4 minutes to present, followed by participant interaction.


Academia-Industry Interface

A dedicated Academia–Industry Interface will offer a collaborative platform for researchers, academic institutions, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify research and technology gaps, build partnerships, and advance the translation, validation, commercialization, and adoption of innovative plant health and sustainable crop protection technologies.

The session will promote dialogue on emerging technologies, product development, technology transfer, collaborative research, and practical solutions to address current and future challenges in plant health and sustainable agriculture.


Participants

The symposium welcomes professionals and stakeholders involved in plant pathology, crop protection, crop improvement, plant health, and sustainable agriculture.

Participants may include:

  • Scientists, academicians, and researchers
  • Undergraduate and postgraduate students
  • PhD scholars and research fellows (JRF/SRF)
  • Postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and project staff
  • Extension personnel and agricultural practitioners
  • Policymakers and agricultural planners
  • Representatives from seed, biotechnology, biocontrol, crop protection, and other agro-industries
  • Entrepreneurs, technology developers, and additional stakeholders in sustainable agriculture

About the Venue

Hotels

Accommodation

Accommodation should be self-booked by participants. For the convenience of delegates, a list of nearby hotels will be provided below.


Hotel name

Contact details

Hotel Amrapali, Delhi

9999869911

book@amrapalihotel.com

Hotel Rangoli, Delhi

9711131621

Hotel Kingston, East Patel Nagar, Delhi

7838127787

Doraemon Residency, Todapur, Delhi

8586868542

Tours

Visa

Contact Us

For further details, please contact


Organizing Secretary :

Dr. V. Shanmugam

Principal Scientist and President, IPS (Delhi Zone)

Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI

New Delhi-110012

Mobile: +91-8510879902 

Email: ipsdelhizone2026@gmail.com


Co-Organizing Secretary :

Dr. G. Prakash

Senior Scientist and Councillor, IPS (Delhi Zone)

Division of Plant Pathology, ICAR-IARI

New Delhi-110012

Mobile: +91-8851373288

Sponsorship

Sponsorship & Advertisement

The National Symposium offers sponsorships for the agri-based and other companies/enterprises in the following:


Category

Amount (Rs. in Lakh)

Advertisement

Platinum

1.00

Full page - Colour

Gold

0.50

Half page - Colour

Silver

0.25

1/4 of the page - Colour


Exhibition

Agri-based and other companies/enterprises interested in showcasing their products and technologies are invited to participate in the exhibition. Interested organizations may contact the Zonal President/Councillor on or before November 30, 2026 at ipsdelhizone2026@gmail.com


Name of the Account Holder 

 Indian Phytopathological Society 

Name of the Bank and Branch

CANARA Bank, Pusa Campus, IARI, New Delhi 110012

 Account Number

 90292010005900

 RTGS/NEFT/IFS Code

 CNRB0019029

 MICR Code

 110025041



Payment for Sponsorship/Exhibition

Sponsorship and exhibition payments may be made through the bank/UPI details provided under Registration Fee.

...

If you are already registered Click Here

LOGIN DETAIL


PERSONAL DETAIL


...

Login

  

Local Organizing Committee

IPS Executive Council

Co-Organizers

Important Announcements

Awards and Competitions


Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards

Best Oral Presentation and Best Poster Presentation Awards will be presented in each technical session in recognition of outstanding research contributions and effective scientific presentation.


Prof. M.J. Narasimhan Merit Academic Award (IPS) – Zonal level contest

The Prof. M.J. Narasimhan Merit Academic Award Contest is open to all members of the Indian Phytopathological Society (IPS) below 35 years of age. The Delhi Zone will organize a preliminary contest among its members during the Zonal Chapter Meeting for selection of candidates. From this contest, only two names will be recommended to participate in the final competition at the national level during the Annual Meeting cum National Symposium of the Society.

The contestants must furnish the following certificate:

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

It is to be certified that the paper entitled “...................................” presented for Prof. M.J. Narasimhan Merit Academic Award Contest for the year (2026) pertains to the major work done by the candidate ............................................................... (Name of the candidate). It is further certified that the work has not been published and presented for any other award till date and contestant is below the age of 35 years and is a member of the society.

 

Signature of the student

Guide/Advisor of the student


APS-IPS Travel Sponsorship for Ph.D. Students

The American Phytopathological Society has offered the travel award to a Ph.D. student, who is member of IPS. Competitions among Ph.D. students in IPS-Delhi region will be held during the IPS Delhi Zonal symposium. Ph.D. students (DZ) are invited to participate in this contest in single or joint authorship. The purpose of the award is to encourage plant pathology students pursuing a doctoral degree in India and who are members of IPS to attend the APS annual meeting or APS sanctioned meeting if deemed appropriate by the Indian Phytopathological Society and APS Foundation Board.


Guidelines

  • Interested candidates must submit an abstract (not exceeding 200 words) of their bona fide research work to the Organizing Secretary by the deadline, through online submission only.
  • Abstracts will be evaluated by a preliminary screening committee, and selected candidates will be invited to deliver oral presentations during the symposium.
  • Submissions must include a brief biodata with a valid email ID.
  • For detailed terms and conditions, please visit www.ipsdis.org.

Terms and Conditions

  • The awardee will be reimbursed directly by APS for round trip airfare from India to the meeting venue, accommodation, and incidentals.
  • The awardee must bear the cost of meeting registration.
  • All contestants must be members of IPS during the year of presentation.
  • Applicants must provide a brief biodata, a certificate of enrolment, age proof, and evidence of pursuing a Ph.D. (first or second year only). They must also submit a one page statement explaining how participation in the APS meeting will contribute to their professional goals.
  • In service candidates are not eligible for this award.


Registration Login Abstract Submission