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Dr. Biju C N

Dr. Biju C N
Name Dr. Biju C N
Designation Principal Scientist
Division Crop Protection
Qualification Ph.D.
Specialisation Plant Pathology
Contact bijucn123@rediffmail.com
Areas of Interest Diversity analysis and characterization of fungi and viruses Epidemiology and management of plant diseases

  1. Zumaila F, Jeevalatha A, Biju CN. Haplotype studies in the Indian population of Phytophthora species infecting black pepper sheds light on its possible origin. Fungal Biol. 2026;130:101693. doi:10.1016/j.funbio.2025.101693.

  2. Peeran MF, Biju CN. Sequential events in the infection process of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides infecting black pepper. Indian Phytopathol. 2025. doi:10.1007/s42360-025-00902-w.

  3. Subila KP, Suseela Bhai R, Biju CN. Integrated management of post-monsoon yellowing of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) incited by Pythium deliense. J Appl Hortic. 2025;27(3):451–456. doi:10.37855/jah.2025.v27i03.82.

  4. Faisal MP, Akshitha HJ, Biju CN. First report of berry rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis australis in bayrum (Pimenta racemosa). Indian Phytopathol. 2025. doi:10.1007/s42360-025-00842-5.

  5. Faisal MP, Biju CN, Sujatha AM, Gowri R, Ankegowda SJ. Phenotypic diversity, virulence and genetic characterization of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the incitant of leaf blight of small cardamom in South India. J Appl Hortic. 2025;27(1):118–125.

  6. Karthika CS, Biju CN, Jeevalatha A. Zoospore encystment-based and cabin sequestering methods for isolation and salvaging Phytophthora from infested rhizospheric soils. Phytoparasitica. 2024;52:52. doi:10.1007/s12600-024-01169-z.

  7. Zumaila F, Jeevalatha A, Biju CN. Genetic diversity, mating type and pathogenicity of two Phytophthora species infecting black pepper in India. 3 Biotech. 2024;14:1. doi:10.1007/s13205-023-03843-1.

  8. Peeran MF, Biju CN, Gowri R, Ankegowda SJ, Sharon A, Akshitha HJ. Biochemical defense reactions of black pepper varieties against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, incitant of anthracnose disease. J Appl Hortic. 2023;25(1):92–97.

  9. Sarathambal C, Jeevalatha A, Sivaranjani R, Biju CN, Charles S, Srinivasan V, George P, Blessy P, Radhika R. Arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization alters biochemical and molecular defense responses and root exudate composition against Phytophthora capsici infection in black pepper. Rhizosphere. 2022:100651. doi:10.1016/j.rhisph.2022.100651.

  10. Jeevalatha A, Punya KC, Biju CN, Zumaila F. Duplex recombinase polymerase amplification assay for simultaneous detection of Pythium spp. and Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum from ginger rhizomes. Crop Prot. 2022;161:106057. doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2022.106057.

  11. Jeevalatha A, Zumaila F, Biju CN, Peeran MF. Multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Phytophthora, Pythium and Fusarium associated with foot rot and yellowing diseases of black pepper. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2022;31(1):92–96.

  12. Biju CN, Bhat AI, Naveen KP, Prasath D. Identification of virus-free ginger germplasm accessions through symptomatology and molecular assay. Indian Phytopathol. 2022. doi:10.1007/s42360-022-00548-y.

  13. Suseela Bhai R, Jeevalatha A, Biju CN, Vinitha KB, Cissin J, Rosana OB, Fayad A, Praveena R, Anandaraj M, Eapen SJ. Sympatric occurrence of sibling Phytophthora species associated with foot rot disease of black pepper in India. Braz J Microbiol. 2022. doi:10.1007/s42770-022-00716-2.

  14. Biju CN, Krishnamurthy KS, Bhat AI. Physiological and biochemical response of ginger varieties to virus infection. Plant Physiol Rep. 2022. doi:10.1007/s40502-022-00643-2.

  15. Biju CN, Jeevalatha A, Bhat AI, Peeran MF, Praveena R, Sarathambal C, Eapen SJ. Domestic quarantine: an introspection and future perspectives on biosecurity interventions to contain pathogen spread in vegetatively propagated spices in India. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2021;30(2):142–162.

  16. Biju CN, Jeevalatha A, Peeran MF, Suseela Bhai R, Fadla B, Muhammed Nissar VA, Srinivasan V, Lijo T. Association of Lasiodiplodia theobromae with die-back and decline of nutmeg revealed through phenotypic, pathogenicity and phylogenetic analyses. 3 Biotech. 2021;11. doi:10.1007/s13205-021-02961-y.

  17. Praveena R, Biju CN, Sujatha AM. Deciphering the primary incitant of rot complex of small cardamom by sequential inoculation of pathogens. Indian Phytopathol. 2021;74:133–143.

  18. Jeevalatha A, Biju CN, Suseela Bhai R. Ypt1 gene-based recombinase polymerase amplification assay for Phytophthora capsici and P. tropicalis detection in black pepper. Eur J Plant Pathol. 2021;159:863–875.

  19. Sharon A, Biju CN, Ankegowda SJ, Senthil Kumar R, Peeran MF. Screening small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) field gene bank accessions for phenotypic characters, yield potential and disease resistance. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2021;29(2):105–112.

  20. Biju CN, Praveena R, Peeran MF, Sujatha AM, Ankegowda SJ. Occurrence of teleomorphic phase of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu lato, the incitant of black pepper anthracnose. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2020;29(1):48–58.

  21. Jacob TK, Senthil Kumar CM, Devasahayam S, D’Silva S, Senthil Kumar R, Biju CN, Praveena R, Ankegowda SJ. Plant morphological traits associated with field resistance to cardamom thrips (Sciothrips cardamomi) in cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). Ann Appl Biol. 2020:1–9. doi:10.1111/aab.12592.

  22. Bhat AI, Pamitha NS, Naveen KP, Biju CN. Identification and characterization of cardamom vein clearing virus, a novel aphid-transmitted nucleorhabdovirus. Eur J Plant Pathol. 2020;156:1053–1062.

  23. Chinthana KL, Biju CN, Ankegowda SJ, Srinivasan V. Characterization and antagonistic potential of rhizospheric microbes from organic cardamom production system. Res J Plant Pathol. 2020;3(2):1. doi:10.36648/plant-pathology.3.2.01.

  24. Suseela Bhai R, Prameela TP, Vincy K, Biju CN, Srinivasan V, Nirmal Babu K. Soil solarization and amelioration with calcium chloride or Bacillus licheniformis as an integrated strategy for management of bacterial wilt of ginger caused by Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. Eur J Plant Pathol. 2019;154:903–917.

  25. Pandian RTP, Bhat AI, Biju CN, Sasi S. Development of diagnostic assays for rapid and sensitive detection of Phytophthora infecting major spices and plantation crops. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2018;27(2):119–130.

  26. Biju CN, Praveena R. Evaluation of plant extracts for antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, incitant of leaf blight in small cardamom and anthracnose of black pepper. J Plant Crops. 2018;46(2):92–101.

  27. Bhat AI, Biju CN, Srinivasan V, Ankegowda SJ, Krishnamurthy KS. Current status of viral diseases affecting black pepper and cardamom. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2018;27(1):1–16.

  28. Biju CN, Peeran MF, Gowri R, Praveena R, Sharon A, Ankegowda SJ. Epidemiological parameters to delineate weather–disease interactions and host plant resistance against leaf blight in small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton). J Spices Aromat Crops. 2018;27(1):22–31.

  29. Biju CN, Peeran MF, Gowri R. Identification and characterization of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora associated with leaf blight of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton). J Phytopathol. 2018;166:532–546.

  30. Faisal MP, Biju CN, Praveena R, Gowri R, Ankegowda SJ. Isolation, characterization and antagonistic efficacy of fungal endosymbionts from allied genera of cardamom. J Plant Crops. 2018;46(1):1–7.

  31. Bhat AI, Pamitha NS, Gopika A, Biju CN. Complete genome sequencing of Banana bract mosaic virus isolate infecting cardamom revealed its closeness to banana-infecting isolate from India. Virusdisease. 2018;29(2):212–215.

  32. Senthil Kumar R, Sharon A, Biju CN, Ankegowda SJ. Characterization of genotypes of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) for yield parameters and disease resistance. J Plant Crops. 2018;46(2):143–146.

  33. Srinivasan V, Bhat AI, Dinesh R, Ankegowda SJ, Hamza S, Biju CN, Krishnamurthy KS. Rejuvenation of virus-affected black pepper plantations through soil and plant health management. Indian J Arecanut Spices Med Plants. 2017;19(3):24–27.

  34. Senthil Kumar R, Prasath D, Sharon A, Leela NK, Venugopal MN, Ankegowda SJ, Biju CN, Anandaraj M. Evaluation of elite cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) genotypes for yield, quality and resistance to cardamom mosaic virus. J Plant Crops. 2017;45(2):129–134.

  35. Biju CN, Praveena R, Peeran MF, Darshana CN, Jashmi KC, Ankegowda SJ. Significance of microsclerotia in the epidemiology of black pepper anthracnose and an approach for disease management in nurseries. J Phytopathol. 2017;165:342–353.

  36. Chethana CS, Chowdappa P, Biju CN, Praveena R, Sujatha AM. Molecular and phenotypic characterization revealed six Colletotrichum species responsible for anthracnose disease of small cardamom in South India. Eur J Plant Pathol. 2016;146(3):465–481.

  37. Chethana CS, Chowdappa P, Pavani KV, Biju CN, Praveena R, Sujatha AM. Morphological and multilocus gene analysis of five Colletotrichum species responsible for anthracnose on black pepper in South India. Int J Adv Biotechnol Res. 2015;6(3):327–342.

  38. Jacob TK, Senthil Kumar CM, D’Silva S, Devasahayam S, Ranganath HR, Sujeesh ES, Biju CN, Praveena R, Ankegowda SJ. Evaluation of insecticides and natural products for efficacy against cardamom thrips (Sciothrips cardamomi Ramk.) in the field. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2015;24(2):133–136.

  39. Darshana CN, Praveena R, Ankegowda SJ, Biju CN. Morphological variability, mycelial compatibility and fungicidal sensitivity of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing leaf spot of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). J Spices Aromat Crops. 2014;23(2):211–223.

  40. Siljo A, Bhat AI, Biju CN. Detection of cardamom mosaic virus and banana bract mosaic virus in cardamom using SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR. Virusdisease. 2014;25(1):137–141.

  41. Biju CN, Praveena R, Ankegowda SJ, Darshana CN, Jashmi KC. Epidemiological studies on black pepper anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Indian J Agric Sci. 2013;83(11):1199–1204.

  42. Praveena R, Biju CN, Senthil Kumar R, Darshana CN, Jashmi KC. Preliminary evaluation of cardamom accessions against leaf blight (Chenthal disease). Indian Phytopathol. 2013;66(1):112–113.

  43. Siljo A, Bhat AI, Biju CN. Analysis of variability in cardamom mosaic virus isolates occurring in India using symptomatology and coat protein gene sequence. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2013;22(1):70–75.

  44. Kumar A, Prameela TP, Suseela Bhai R, Siljo A, Biju CN, Anandaraj M, Vinatzer BA. Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roxb.) bacterial wilt is caused by the same strain of Ralstonia solanacearum revealed by multilocus sequence typing. Eur J Plant Pathol. 2011;132:477–482.

  45. Bhadramurthy V, Bhat AI, Biju CN. Occurrence and coat protein sequence-based characterization of Bean yellow mosaic virus associated with vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) in India. Arch Phytopathol Plant Prot. 2011;44(18):1796–1801.

  46. Siljo A, Bhat AI, Biju CN, Venugopal MN. Occurrence of banana bract mosaic virus on cardamom. Phytoparasitica. 2012;40:77–85.

  47. Biju CN, Siljo A, Bhat AI. Survey and RT-PCR-based detection of cardamom mosaic virus affecting small cardamom in India. Indian J Virol. 2010;21:148–150.

  48. Senthil Kumar R, Krishnamoorthy B, Prasath D, Venugopal MN, Ankegowda SJ, Biju CN. Variability in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) under high rainfall and high-altitude Kodagu region of Karnataka. Indian J Plant Genet Resour. 2010;23(2):191–194.

  49. Biju CN, Niazi FR, Singh J. Identification of differential rice cultivars for characterization of rice tungro disease isolates of India. Indian Phytopathol. 2009;62(2):240–244.

  50. Biju CN, Niazi FR, Singh J. Effect of azadirachtin and dihydroazadirachtin on in vitro acquisition of rice tungro viruses. Indian Phytopathol. 2007;60(3):362–365.

  1. Sharon A, Biju CN, Ankegowda SJ, Shivakumar MS, Senthil Kumar R, Peeran MF. Screening small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) field gene bank accessions for phenotypic characters, yield potential and disease resistance. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2020;29(2):105–112. Dr. J. S. Pruthi Award for Best Research Paper, Indian Society for Spices, Kozhikode, Kerala (Awarded in 2025).

  2. Sellaperumal C, Biju CN. Black pepper production under organic farming in agro-forestry systems. AgriGate (e-Magazine). 2024;4(4):554–559. Best Article Award, AgriGate (e-Magazine), 2024.

  3. Accredited as Co-Chairman/Member, PG and Ph.D. Programmes, Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh, 2024.

  4. Zumaila F, Jeevalatha A, Biju CN. Analysis of genome content and its correlation with growth and fungicide sensitivity of two Phytophthora species infecting black pepper. Best Poster Award, International Seminar on Spices KAU 2024 (ISSK-2024): Spices—Innovative and Green Technologies for Sustainability, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (05–07 June 2024).

  5. Karthika CS, Jeevalatha A, Biju CN. Virulence analysis and fungicide sensitivity of Phytophthora species infecting black pepper. Best Poster Award, National Conference on Plant Health for Food Security: Threats and Promises, ICAR–Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (01–03 February 2024).

  6. Elected Fellow of the Indian Phytopathological Society (FPSI-2022), Indian Phytopathological Society, New Delhi (Conferred in 2024).

  7. Sivaranjani R, Muhammed Nissar VA, Biju CN. Decoding the chemical identity of Pimenta spp. from the Western Ghats region and exploring its antibacterial activity. Best Oral Presentation Award, International Seminar on Exotic and Underutilized Horticultural Crops: Priorities and Emerging Trends, ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka (17–19 October 2023).

  8. Peeran MF, Ankegowda SJ, Biju CN, Rajkumar MB, Akshitha HJ, Shivakumar MS, Honnappa A. Biological control of slow decline and production of eco-safe black pepper. Best Oral Presentation Award, National Conference on Spices, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants for Economic Prosperity and Ecological Sustainability–2023, ICAR–CIARI, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands (05–06 October 2023).

  9. Biju CN, Jeevalatha A, Peeran MF, Anusree AR, Alsha B, Karthika CS, Ankegowda SJ, Sellaperumal C. Association of Fusarium species with collar rot and yellowing in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). Best Oral Presentation Award, National Symposium on Plant Health Management: Current Trends and Novel Mitigation Strategies (South Zone), ICAR–CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (11–12 September 2023).

  10. Peeran MF, Biju CN, Akshitha HJ, Ankegowda SJ. Epidemiology of ginger leaf spot in high-altitude and high-rainfall regions of Kodagu. Best Oral Presentation Award, National Conference on HORTI PHYTO PATH (Virtual), Dr. Y. S. R. Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh (11–12 May 2022).

  11. Karthika CS, Biju CN, Jeevalatha A. Zoospore taxis and encystment-based methods for isolating Phytophthora from infested black pepper rhizospheric soil. Best Oral Presentation Award, National Symposium on Sustainable Plant Health Management Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic, Indian Phytopathological Society (South Zone) & ICAR–CPCRI, Kasaragod, Kerala (01–03 December 2021).

  12. Elected Fellow of the Indian Society for Spices (FISS-2021), Indian Society for Spices, Kozhikode, Kerala, 2021.

  13. Pandian RTP, Bhat AI, Biju CN, Sasi S. Development of diagnostic assays for rapid and sensitive detection of Phytophthora infecting major spices and plantation crops. J Spices Aromat Crops. 2018;27(2):119–130. Dr. J. S. Pruthi Award for Best Research Paper, Indian Society for Spices, Kozhikode, Kerala (Awarded in 2021).

  14. Anees K, Krishnamurthy KS, Biju CN, Ashly MJ. Biochemistry and anatomy of abscission in black pepper (Piper nigrum) revealing differential involvement of reactive oxygen species in leaf and spike abscission. Best Poster Award, International Symposium on Spices as Flavours, Fragrances and Functional Foods (SYMSAC-X 2021), Kozhikode, Kerala (09–12 February 2021).

  15. Bhat AI, Biju CN. Characterization, development of diagnostics and management of viruses infecting cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). Best Oral Presentation Award, International Conference on Plant Protection in Horticulture: Advances and Challenges (ICPPH-2019), ICAR–IIHR, Bengaluru, Karnataka (24–27 July 2019).

  16. Naveen KP, Bhat AI, Biju CN. Development of RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR and RT-LAMP assays for detection of a novel virus infecting ginger. Best Oral Presentation Award, ICPPH-2019, ICAR–IIHR, Bengaluru, Karnataka (24–27 July 2019).

  17. Recognized as Ph.D. Guide, University of Calicut, Kerala, 2019.

  18. Peeran MF, Biju CN, Praveena R. Isolation, characterization and evaluation of fungal endophytes against major diseases of small cardamom. Dr. H. S. Mehta Memorial Award for Best Research Paper, Indian Society for Spices, Kozhikode, Kerala, 2018.

PI

  1. Novel strategies for managing bacterial wilt of ginger (Institute funded)
  2. Developing a weather-based prediction model and exploring new generation anti-oomycete fungicides to manage foot rot of black pepper (Institute funded)

Co-PI

  1. Development of off- and on-site detection techniques for major pathogens of spice crops (Institute funded)
  2. Diversity analysis, survival studies and management of Pythium spp. infecting ginger (Institute funded)
  3. Pan India action research project on the improvement of spice value chains (Externally funded: TATA Trust)
  4. Rootstock breeding in nutmeg and black pepper for enhanced yield, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses (Institute funded)
  5. Identification and characterization of gene editing targets for disease resistance in ginger (Institute funded)
  6. Application of genome editing to develop trait-specific varieties/hybrids in ginger crops (Externally funded: ICAR)
  7. Study on spike abscission: Developing chemically induced method for harvesting black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) (Institute funded)
     

Book Chapters

  1. Biju CN, Jeevalatha A, Alagupalamuthirsolai M, Shivakumar MS. Farmer’s advisory for sustaining productivity in small cardamom, black pepper and turmeric. In: Shukla PK, Tarun A, Gundappa, Naresh B, editors. Agro-advisory services in horticulture: strategies for climate-resilient and profitable production. New Delhi: New India Publishing Agency; 2025. p. 113–133.

  2. Suseela Bhai R, Bhat AI, Biju CN, Vijayan AK, Saju KA. Diseases of black pepper and cardamom. In: Ravindran PN, Sivaraman K, Devasahayam S, Nirmal Babu K, editors. Handbook of spices in India: 75 years of research and development. Singapore: Springer Nature; 2024. p. 3623–3673.

  3. Prasanth PJ, Biju CN, Jeevalatha A, Padamini R, Parameswari B, Bhaskar B, Karethikaiselvi L, Anitha K, Biswas KK. Milestones in history of plant pathology. In: Biswas KK, Parimal S, Pranab D, Prasanth PJ, Bashyal BM, Behera S, Manjunath H, Viswanathan R, editors. Concepts of plant pathology and disease management. New Delhi: Indian Phytopathological Society; 2024. p. 27–44.

  4. Manjunath H, Ramesh, Nakkeeran S, Devappa V, Basavarajappa MP, Jambhulkar PP, Shubha T, Biju CN. Biological control of plant diseases. In: Biswas KK, Parimal S, Pranab D, Prasanth PJ, Bashyal BM, Behera S, Manjunath H, Viswanathan R, editors. Concepts of plant pathology and disease management. New Delhi: Indian Phytopathological Society; 2024. p. 273–282.

  5. Biju CN, Bhat AI, Eapen SJ. Important diseases of some vegetatively propagated spices and their management. In: Pandey R, Misra AK, Singh HB, Kalra A, Dinesh S, editors. Diseases of medicinal and aromatic plants and their management. New Delhi: Indian Phytopathological Society; 2019. p. 93–140.

  6. Senthil Kumar R, Sharon A, Biju CN, Ankegowda SJ. Characterization of genotypes of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) for morphological, yield and disease resistance. In: Dinesan C, Preetha N, Oommen VO, editors. Mainstreaming biodiversity for sustainable development. Thiruvananthapuram, India: Kerala State Biodiversity Board; 2017. p. 3–10.

  7. Biju CN, Suseela Bhai R, Bhat AI. Important diseases of major spice crops. In: Gautam HR, Gupta SK, editors. Diseases of commercial crops in India. New Delhi: Neoti Book Agency Pvt Ltd; 2017. p. 207–235.

Name of Student University (Affiliation) Title of Thesis Completed / Ongoing Year of Completion
C. S. Karthika University of Calicut Profiling Phytophthora species associated with black pepper through virulence analysis, pathogen fitness and host pathogen interaction Ongoing 2026