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Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition
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Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 34641

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Muhammad Shahid

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
Interests: agricultural microbiology; nanobiotechnology; plant pathology; plant–microbe interactions; environmental microbiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Bin Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: molecular plant pathology; plant–microbe interactions; phage–plant interactions; nanobiotechnology; molecular genetics; metagenomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Temoor Ahmed

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: molecular plant pathology; nanobiotechnology; plant physiology; phage–plant interactions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Muhammad Noman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
Interests: molecular plant pathology; nanobiotechnology; plant physiology; plant–microbe interactions; environmental microbiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After the successful completion of Volume I of this Special Issue, we are delighted to announce Volume II of this Special Issue, titled "Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops". The global challenges posed by climate change and its impact on crop productivity continue to demand our attention as crop breeders strive to maintain optimal yields. Phytopathogens, being opportunistic in nature, pose a constant threat to crops, particularly those already under stress. Plant pathogenesis and disease control remain critical areas of research in plant science, with a continuous pursuit of environmentally friendly approaches to combat disease spread. In light of the growing concerns associated with environmental pollution resulting from the use of conventional pesticides, plant breeders are increasingly focusing on employing innovative plant breeding tools and exploring the potential of biodegradable nanoparticles for effective plant disease control.

The second volume of this Special Issue aims to delve deeper into the various aspects of plant disease spread, innate immunity in plants against different phytopathogens, host–pathogen interactions, engineered plant immunity using next-generation genomic toolsets, and the exciting applications of nanobiotechnology in agriculture for plant disease control. By addressing these crucial topics, we aim to attract a diverse audience, including phytopathologists, virologists, mycologists, agricultural researchers, nanotechnologists, and, most importantly, plant biotechnologists engaged in the development of strategies to combat plant diseases.

We invite researchers from around the world to contribute their original research articles, reviews, and perspectives to this Special Issue. Submissions may focus on, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  1. Understanding the mechanisms of plant disease spread and developing strategies for early detection and prevention.
  2. Exploring the innate immunity in plants and its role in defense against phytopathogens.
  3. Investigating host–pathogen interactions to identify potential targets for disease control.
  4. Harnessing next-generation genomic toolsets to engineer plant immunity against phytopathogens.
  5. Exploring the potential of nanobiotechnology in agriculture for the development of novel approaches to control plant diseases.

We encourage authors to present their research findings, novel methodologies, and cutting-edge advancements that contribute to our understanding of pathogenesis and disease control in crops. By sharing and disseminating this knowledge, we can collectively work towards the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly strategies for safeguarding crop health and productivity.

Dr. Muhammad Shahid
Prof. Dr. Bin Li
Dr. Temoor Ahmed
Dr. Muhammad Noman
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • comprehensive disease management
  • plant defense mechanisms
  • beneficial microorganisms
  • biological control agents
  • plant–pathogen interactions
  • nano-based pest control
  • phytopathogens biology
  • sustainable crop protection
  • resistance host inducers
  • integrated pest management
  • microbial interactions
  • microbial community ecology

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 210 KiB  
Editorial
Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops: The Key to Global Food Security
by Temoor Ahmed, Muhammad Noman, Muhammad Shahid, Amir Hameed and Bin Li
Plants 2023, 12(18), 3266; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183266 - 14 Sep 2023
Viewed by 2014
Abstract
Plant diseases are a major threat to global food security [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 3991 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and In Silico Expression Analysis of CCO Gene Family in Citrus clementina (Citrus) in Response to Abiotic Stress
by Sadaf Sarwar, Adnan Sami, Muhammad Zeshan Haider, Layba Tasawar, Jannat Akram, Arsalan Ahmad, Muhammad Shafiq, Haitham E. M. Zaki, Gabrijel Ondrasek and Muhammad Shafiq Shahid
Plants 2025, 14(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020249 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 665
Abstract
The Citrus clementina (citrus) plant produces various phytohormones due to the significant involvement of the carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (CCO) gene family in its growth and development. CCO genes can be divided into two main categories: NCED (9-cis-epoxy carotenoid dioxygenase), responsible for [...] Read more.
The Citrus clementina (citrus) plant produces various phytohormones due to the significant involvement of the carotenoid cleavage oxygenase (CCO) gene family in its growth and development. CCO genes can be divided into two main categories: NCED (9-cis-epoxy carotenoid dioxygenase), responsible for abscisic acid (ABA) production, and CCD (carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase), involved in pigment and strigolactone formation. To better understand the roles and positions of CcCCO gene members in relation to these hormones, researchers analyzed the clementine genome. To identify their structural features, they employed phylogenetic analysis, protein interactions, localization, structure, miRNA targets, evolutionary analysis, and transcriptome studies. The study revealed the presence of 15 CcCCO genes, including 11 NCED and 4 CCD genes, scattered across various chromosomes, with the majority located in chloroplasts. Promoter sequencing analysis indicated the presence of different cis-regulatory elements that likely interacted with phytohormones, such as auxin and abscisic acid among others. Notably, two genes, CcNCED1 and CcNCED3, were significantly expressed among the CCO genes, and these were found to be expressed during stress and played a crucial role in enabling optimal plant development. Furthermore, a comprehensive genome-wide comparison of CCO genes in C. Clementine and Arabidopsis thaliana models was conducted to understand their functional characteristics. This research provides a solid foundation for further exploration of the unique attributes of the C. clementina plant, contributing to a deeper understanding of its growth and development processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 10358 KiB  
Article
Isolation, Characterization, and Proteomic Analysis of Crude and Purified Extracellular Vesicles Extracted from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
by Mudassar Ahmad, Yushan Liu, Shiyi Huang, Yile Huo, Ganjun Yi, Chongfei Liu, Wajeeha Jamil, Xiaofang Yang, Wei Zhang, Yuqing Li, Dandan Xiang, Huang Huoqing, Siwen Liu, Wei Wang and Chunyu Li
Plants 2024, 13(24), 3534; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243534 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) play vital roles in plant–pathogen interactions; however, the isolation of purified Foc TR4-EVs and their pathogenicity and proteomic profiles are not well studied. This study aims to isolate and characterize [...] Read more.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) play vital roles in plant–pathogen interactions; however, the isolation of purified Foc TR4-EVs and their pathogenicity and proteomic profiles are not well studied. This study aims to isolate and characterize purified Foc TR4-EVs and compare their pathogenic effects and protein profiles with crude TR4-EVs. Foc TR4-EVs were isolated using ultracentrifugation and purified by iodixanol gradient centrifugation. After characterization and evaluation of the pathogenicity effects on banana leaves, LC-MS/MS was performed to conduct the proteomics assay. Results indicated that Fraction 2 EVs exhibited clearer spherical structures (TEM), excessive abundance (1.70 × 109 particles/mL), greater intensity (400 a.u), mean size (154.5 nm), moderate protein content (333.16 ng/µL), and protein profile (25–77 kDa), which were superior to Fractions 1, 3, and crude EVs. Crude EVs displayed significant background interference with EV structures (TEM), highest abundance (2.11 × 109 particles/mL), lower intensity (7.0 a.u), higher protein content (528.33 ng/µL), and higher molecular weight proteins (55–70 kDa) compared to gradient EVs. A non-significant biocontrol effect of Foc-EVs on the growth of TR4 spores was observed. Pathogenicity assays revealed that crude EVs caused the largest (2.805 cm2), while Fraction 2 (1.386 cm2) and Fraction 3 (1.255 cm2) resulted in moderate lesions on banana leaves. Proteomic analysis identified 807 unique proteins in Fraction 2, enriched in pathways related to EV trafficking and signaling. In comparison, crude EVs contained 179 unique non-EV proteins related to metabolism and secondary metabolites, indicating that non-EV proteins of crude EVs also influence the pathogenicity observed in banana leaves. This study emphasizes the importance of EV purification, with Fraction 2 being a critical focus for future research on Foc EV pathogenicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 2992 KiB  
Communication
First Report and Molecular Characterization of Umbra-like Virus on Ficus carica Caprifig Trees in Crimea
by Elena Motsar, Anna Sheveleva, Fedor Sharko, Irina Mitrofanova and Sergei Chirkov
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2262; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162262 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1147
Abstract
Fig mosaic is the most serious viral disease affecting figs. A fig germplasm collection from the Nikita Botanical Garden on the Crimean Peninsula was surveyed for viruses using high-throughput sequencing and RT-PCR with primers specific to known fig viruses. Reads related to fig [...] Read more.
Fig mosaic is the most serious viral disease affecting figs. A fig germplasm collection from the Nikita Botanical Garden on the Crimean Peninsula was surveyed for viruses using high-throughput sequencing and RT-PCR with primers specific to known fig viruses. Reads related to fig umbra-like virus (FULV) were generated in samples from Ficus carica caprifig (pollinator) trees of the cultivar Belle dure. F. carica trees of other cultivars, as well as F. afghanistanica, F. palmata, and F. virgata trees, tested negative for FULV. Near-complete genomes of five Crimean fig umbra-like virus (FULV-CR) isolates shared 99.4% to 99.9% identity and were most closely related (85.2% identity) to the Hawaiian FULV isolate Oahu1 (MW480892). Based on their genome structure and a phylogenetic analysis, the FULV-CR isolates were determined to be dicot-infecting Class 2 umbra-like viruses and seem to be highly divergent forms of the same virus found recently in Hawaii, USA. This is the first report of an umbra-like virus found on figs in Crimea and outside of Hawaii, expanding information on the geographical distribution and genetic diversity of FULV. All of the Crimean FULV-positive plants were also co-infected with fig mosaic virus, fig badnavirus 1, and grapevine badna FI virus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 18409 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Storage Longevity of Apples: The Potential of Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces endus as Preventative Bioagents against Post-Harvest Gray Mold Disease, Caused by Botrytis cinerea
by Aya Abdelhalim, Yasser S. A. Mazrou, Nabila Shahin, Gabr A. El-Kot, Abdelnaser A. Elzaawely, Hanafey F. Maswada, Abeer H. Makhlouf and Yasser Nehela
Plants 2024, 13(13), 1844; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131844 - 4 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1134
Abstract
Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr., is one of the most vital plant diseases, causing extensive pre- and post-harvest losses in apple fruits. In the current study, we isolated and identified two potential endophytic bioagents, Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces endus. [...] Read more.
Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr., is one of the most vital plant diseases, causing extensive pre- and post-harvest losses in apple fruits. In the current study, we isolated and identified two potential endophytic bioagents, Bacillus subtilis and Streptomyces endus. Both bioagents exhibited a potent fungistatic effect against B. cinerea under both in vitro and in planta conditions. Moreover, two experiments were carried out; (i) the first experiment was conducted at room temperature after artificial inoculation with B. cinerea to monitor the progression of the infection and the corresponding biochemical responses of the apples. Our in vivo findings showed that the treated B. cinerea-infected apple fruits with the cell-free bacterial filtrate of B. subtilis and S. endus (dipping or wrapping) significantly reduced the rotten area of the treated apple at room temperature. Additionally, B. subtilis and S. endus enhanced the enzymatic (POX and PPO) and non-enzymatic (phenolics and flavonoids) antioxidant defense machinery in treated apples. (ii) The second experiment focused on the preventive effects of both bioagents over a 90-day storage period at 1 °C of healthy apples (no artificial inoculation). The application of both bacterial filtrates prolonged the storage period, reduced the relative weight loss, and maintained high-quality parameters including titratable acidity, firmness, and total soluble solids of apple fruits under cold storage at 1 °C. The Kaplan–Meier analysis of rotten apples over 90 days during cold storage showed that the treated apples lasted longer than the non-treated apples. Moreover, the lifespan of apple fruits dipped in the culture filtrate of B. subtilis, or a fungicide, was increased, with no significant differences, compared with the non-treated apples. The current results showed the possibility of using both bioagents as a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides to control gray mold disease in apples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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36 pages, 13512 KiB  
Article
Diversity and Pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae Species Isolated from Olives in Istria, Croatia, and Evaluation of Varietal Resistance
by Elena Petrović, Karolina Vrandečić, Andreina Belušić Vozila, Jasenka Ćosić and Sara Godena
Plants 2024, 13(13), 1813; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131813 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1239
Abstract
During 2021 and 2022, a field investigation was conducted in Istria, Croatia, searching for trees exhibiting signs of Botryosphaeria dieback. Samples of symptomatic trees were collected from 26 different locations and analysed. Isolates that morphologically corresponded to species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family were [...] Read more.
During 2021 and 2022, a field investigation was conducted in Istria, Croatia, searching for trees exhibiting signs of Botryosphaeria dieback. Samples of symptomatic trees were collected from 26 different locations and analysed. Isolates that morphologically corresponded to species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family were selected, and detailed morphological characterisation and molecular identification of the isolates were conducted. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) regions, six species of fungi from the Botryosphaeriaceae family were identified: Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr.) Ces. & De Not.; Diplodia mutila (Fr.) Fr.; Diplodia seriata De Not.; Dothiorella iberica A.J.L. Phillips, J. Luque & A. Alves; Dothiorella sarmentorum (Fr.) A.J.L. Phillips, Alves & Luque; and Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook & Samuels) Crous, Slippers & A.J.L. Phillips. This is the first report of D. mutila, Do. sarmentorum, and Do. iberica causing Botryosphaeria dieback on olive trees in Croatia, and the first study investigating the resistance of Croatian olive varieties to species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family. Pathogenicity testing of selected isolates and assessment of variety resistance were conducted on four different olive varieties, namely Buža, Istarska bjelica, Leccino, and Rosinjola, using representative isolates of the mentioned species. The most aggressive species was found to be N. parvum. Olive varieties exhibited differences in susceptibility depending on the fungus they were infected with. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 4811 KiB  
Article
Chromosome-Scale, De Novo, Phased Genome Assemblies of Three Australian Limes: Citrus australasica, C. inodora, and C. glauca
by Khushwant Singh, Matthew Huff, Jianyang Liu, Jong-Won Park, Tara Rickman, Manjunath Keremane, Robert R. Krueger, Madhurababu Kunta, Mikeal L. Roose, Chris Dardick, Margaret Staton and Chandrika Ramadugu
Plants 2024, 13(11), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13111460 - 24 May 2024
Viewed by 2160
Abstract
Huanglongbing (HLB) is a severe citrus disease worldwide. Wild Australian limes like Citrus australasica, C. inodora, and C. glauca possess beneficial HLB resistance traits. Individual trees of the three taxa were extensively used in a breeding program for over a decade [...] Read more.
Huanglongbing (HLB) is a severe citrus disease worldwide. Wild Australian limes like Citrus australasica, C. inodora, and C. glauca possess beneficial HLB resistance traits. Individual trees of the three taxa were extensively used in a breeding program for over a decade to introgress resistance traits into commercial-quality citrus germplasm. We generated high-quality, phased, de novo genome assemblies of the three Australian limes using PacBio long-read sequencing. The genome assembly sizes of the primary and alternate haplotypes were determined for C. australasica (337 Mb/335 Mb), C. inodora (304 Mb/299 Mb), and C. glauca (376 Mb/379 Mb). The nine chromosome-scale scaffolds included 86–91% of the genome sequences generated. The integrity and completeness of the assembled genomes were estimated to be at 97.2–98.8%. Gene annotation studies identified 25,461 genes in C. australasica, 27,665 in C. inodora, and 30,067 in C. glauca. Genes belonging to 118 orthogroups were specific to Australian lime genomes compared to other citrus genomes analyzed. Significantly fewer canonical resistance (R) genes were found in C. inodora and C. glauca (319 and 449, respectively) compared to C. australasica (576), C. clementina (579), and C. sinensis (651). Similar patterns were observed for other gene families associated with potential HLB resistance, including Phloem protein 2 (PP2) and Callose synthase (CalS) genes predicted in the Australian lime genomes. The genomic information on Australian limes developed in the present study will help understand the genetic basis of HLB resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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14 pages, 6708 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Virus-Free Chrysanthemum ‘Hangju’ Productivity and Response to Virus Reinfection in the Field: Molecular Insights into Virus–Host Interactions
by Xuejie Du, Xinqiao Zhan, Xueting Gu, Xinyi Liu and Bizeng Mao
Plants 2024, 13(5), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050732 - 5 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1434
Abstract
The shoot apical meristem culture has been used widely to produce virus-free plantlets which have the advantages of strong disease resistance, high yield, and prosperous growth potential. However, this virus-free plant will be naturally reinfected in the field. The physiological and metabolic responses [...] Read more.
The shoot apical meristem culture has been used widely to produce virus-free plantlets which have the advantages of strong disease resistance, high yield, and prosperous growth potential. However, this virus-free plant will be naturally reinfected in the field. The physiological and metabolic responses in the reinfected plant are still unknown. The flower of chrysanthemum ‘Hangju’ is a traditional medicine which is unique to China. In this study, we found that the virus-free ‘Hangju’ (VFH) was reinfected with chrysanthemum virus B/R in the field. However, the reinfected VFH (RVFH) exhibited an increased yield and medicinal components compared with virus-infected ‘Hangju’ (VIH). Comparative analysis of transcriptomes was performed to explore the molecular response mechanisms of the RVFH to CVB infection. A total of 6223 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the RVFH vs. the VIH. KEGG enrichment and physiological analyses indicated that treatment with the virus-free technology significantly mitigated the plants’ lipid and galactose metabolic stress responses in the RVFH. Furthermore, GO enrichment showed that plant viral diseases affected salicylic acid (SA)-related processes in the RVFH. Specifically, we found that phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) genes played a major role in defense-related SA biosynthesis in ‘Hangju’. These findings provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant virus–host interactions and have implications for developing strategies to improve plant resistance against viruses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 3985 KiB  
Article
Unlocking Nature’s Secrets: Molecular Insights into Postharvest Pathogens Impacting Moroccan Apples and Innovations in the Assessment of Storage Conditions
by Mohammed Khadiri, Hassan Boubaker, Salah-Eddine Laasli, Abdelaaziz Farhaoui, Said Ezrari, Nabil Radouane, Mohammed Radi, Latifa Askarne, Essaid Ait Barka and Rachid Lahlali
Plants 2024, 13(4), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13040553 - 18 Feb 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1938
Abstract
Apple production holds a prominent position in Morocco’s Rosaceae family. However, annual production can fluctuate due to substantial losses caused by fungal diseases affecting stored apples. Our findings emphasize that the pre-storage treatment of apples, disinfection of storage facilities, box type, and fruit [...] Read more.
Apple production holds a prominent position in Morocco’s Rosaceae family. However, annual production can fluctuate due to substantial losses caused by fungal diseases affecting stored apples. Our findings emphasize that the pre-storage treatment of apples, disinfection of storage facilities, box type, and fruit sorting are pivotal factors affecting apple losses during storage. Additionally, the adopted preservation technique was significantly correlated with the percentage of damage caused by fungal infections. Blue mold accounts for nearly three-quarters of the diseases detected, followed by gray rot with a relatively significant incidence. This study has revealed several fungal diseases affecting stored apples caused by pathogens such as Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Trichothecium roseum, Fusarium avenaceum, Cadophora malorum, and Neofabraea vagabunda. Notably, these last two fungal species have been reported for the first time in Morocco as pathogens of stored apples. These data affirm that the high losses of apples in Morocco, attributed primarily to P. expansum and B. cinerea, pose a significant threat in terms of reduced production and diminished fruit quality. Hence, adopting controlled atmosphere storage chambers and implementing good practices before apple storage is crucial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 2340 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Accompanying Ryegrass on Bayberry Trees by Change of Soil Property, Rhizosphere Microbial Community Structure, and Metabolites
by Changxin Li, Gang Li, Xingjiang Qi, Zheping Yu, Yasmine Abdallah, Solabomi Olaitan Ogunyemi, Shuwen Zhang, Haiying Ren, Mohamed Mohany, Salim S. Al-Rejaie, Bin Li and Erming Liu
Plants 2023, 12(21), 3669; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213669 - 25 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1268
Abstract
As a subtropical and tropical tree, bayberry (Myrica rubra) is an important fruit tree grown commercially in southern China. Interestingly, our studies found that the fruit quality of bayberry with accompanying ryegrass was significantly improved, but its mechanism remains unclear. The [...] Read more.
As a subtropical and tropical tree, bayberry (Myrica rubra) is an important fruit tree grown commercially in southern China. Interestingly, our studies found that the fruit quality of bayberry with accompanying ryegrass was significantly improved, but its mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of accompanying ryegrass on the beneficial effect of the fruit quality of bayberry by measuring the vegetative growth parameters, fruit parameters with economic impact, physical and chemical properties of rhizosphere soil, microbial community structure, and metabolites of the bayberry with/without ryegrass. Notably, the results revealed a significant difference between bayberry trees with and without accompanying ryegrass in fruit quality parameters, soil physical and chemical properties, microbial community structure, and metabolites. Compared with the control without accompanying ryegrass, the planting of ryegrass increased the titratable sugar, vitamin C, and titratable flavonoid contents of bayberry fruits by 2.26%, 28.45%, and 25.00%, respectively, and decreased the titratable acid contents by 9.04%. Furthermore, based on 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing of soil microflora, the accompanying ryegrass caused a 12.47% increment in Acidobacteriota while a 30.04% reduction in Actinobacteria was recorded, respectively, when compared with the bayberry trees without ryegrass. Redundancy discriminant analysis of microbial communities and soil properties indicated that the main variables of the bacterial community included available nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable aluminum, and available kalium, while the main variables of the fungal community included exchangeable aluminum, available phosphorus, available kalium, and pH. In addition, the change in microbial community structure was justified by the high correlation analysis between microorganisms and secondary metabolites. Indeed, GC-MS metabolomics analysis showed that planting ryegrass caused a 3.83%–144.36% increase in 19 metabolites such as 1,3-Dipentyl-heptabarbital and carbonic acid 1, respectively, and a 23.78%–51.79% reduction of 5 metabolites compared to the bayberry trees without the accompanying ryegrass. Overall, the results revealed the significant change caused by the planting of ryegrass in the physical and chemical properties, microbiota, and secondary metabolites of the bayberry rhizosphere soils, which provides a new insight for the ecological improvement of bayberry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

26 pages, 1008 KiB  
Review
Nanomaterials for Plant Disease Diagnosis and Treatment: A Review
by Luis M. Carrillo-Lopez, Clemente Villanueva-Verduzco, Evert Villanueva-Sánchez, Marja L. Fajardo-Franco, Martín Aguilar-Tlatelpa, Rosa I. Ventura-Aguilar and Ramón Marcos Soto-Hernández
Plants 2024, 13(18), 2634; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13182634 - 20 Sep 2024
Viewed by 3067
Abstract
Currently, the excessive use of pesticides has generated environmental pollution and harmful effects on human health. The controlled release of active ingredients through the use of nanomaterials (NMs) appears to reduce human exposure and ecosystem alteration. Although the use of NMs can offer [...] Read more.
Currently, the excessive use of pesticides has generated environmental pollution and harmful effects on human health. The controlled release of active ingredients through the use of nanomaterials (NMs) appears to reduce human exposure and ecosystem alteration. Although the use of NMs can offer an alternative to traditional methods of disease diagnosis and control, it is necessary to review the current approach to the application of these NMs. This review describes the most recent and significant advances in using NMs for diagnosing and treating plant diseases (bacteria, phytopathogenic fungi, viruses, and phytopathogenic nematodes) in cultivated plants. Most studies have focused on reducing, delaying, or eliminating bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes in plants. Both metallic (including metal oxides) and organic nanoparticles (NPs) and composites are widely used in diagnosing and controlling plant diseases due to their biocompatibility and ease of synthesis. Few studies have been carried out with regard to carbon-based NPs due to their toxicity, so future studies should address the development of detection tools, ecological and economic impacts, and human health. The synergistic effect of NMs as fertilizers and pesticides opens new areas of knowledge on the mechanisms of action (plant–pathogen–NMs interaction), the interaction of NMs with nutrients, the effects on plant metabolism, and the traceability of NMs to implement sustainable approaches. More studies are needed involving in vivo models under international regulations to ensure their safety. There is still controversy in the release of NMs into the environment because they could threaten the stability and functioning of biological systems, so research in this area needs to be improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 3393 KiB  
Review
Nano-Agrochemicals as Substitutes for Pesticides: Prospects and Risks
by Shehbaz Ali, Naveed Ahmad, Mudasir A. Dar, Sehrish Manan, Abida Rani, Suliman Mohammed Suliman Alghanem, Khalid Ali Khan, Sivasamy Sethupathy, Noureddine Elboughdiri, Yasser S. Mostafa, Saad A. Alamri, Mohamed Hashem, Muhammad Shahid and Daochen Zhu
Plants 2024, 13(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010109 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5516
Abstract
This review delves into the mesmerizing technology of nano-agrochemicals, specifically pesticides and herbicides, and their potential to aid in the achievement of UN SDG 17, which aims to reduce hunger and poverty globally. The global market for conventional pesticides and herbicides is expected [...] Read more.
This review delves into the mesmerizing technology of nano-agrochemicals, specifically pesticides and herbicides, and their potential to aid in the achievement of UN SDG 17, which aims to reduce hunger and poverty globally. The global market for conventional pesticides and herbicides is expected to reach USD 82.9 billion by 2027, growing 2.7% annually, with North America, Europe, and the Asia–Pacific region being the biggest markets. However, the extensive use of chemical pesticides has proven adverse effects on human health as well as the ecosystem. Therefore, the efficacy, mechanisms, and environmental impacts of conventional pesticides require sustainable alternatives for effective pest management. Undoubtedly, nano-agrochemicals have the potential to completely transform agriculture by increasing crop yields with reduced environmental contamination. The present review discusses the effectiveness and environmental impact of nanopesticides as promising strategies for sustainable agriculture. It provides a concise overview of green nano-agrochemical synthesis and agricultural applications, and the efficacy of nano-agrochemicals against pests including insects and weeds. Nano-agrochemical pesticides are investigated due to their unique size and exceptional performance advantages over conventional ones. Here, we have focused on the environmental risks and current state of nano-agrochemicals, emphasizing the need for further investigations. The review also draws the attention of agriculturists and stakeholders to the current trends of nanomaterial use in agriculture especially for reducing plant diseases and pests. A discussion of the pros and cons of nano-agrochemicals is paramount for their application in sustainable agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 2339 KiB  
Review
Fertilization of Microbial Composts: A Technology for Improving Stress Resilience in Plants
by Temoor Ahmed, Muhammad Noman, Yetong Qi, Muhammad Shahid, Sabir Hussain, Hafiza Ayesha Masood, Lihui Xu, Hayssam M. Ali, Sally Negm, Attalla F. El-Kott, Yanlai Yao, Xingjiang Qi and Bin Li
Plants 2023, 12(20), 3550; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203550 - 12 Oct 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7686
Abstract
Microbial compost plays a crucial role in improving soil health, soil fertility, and plant biomass. These biofertilizers, based on microorganisms, offer numerous benefits such as enhanced nutrient acquisition (N, P, and K), production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and control of pathogens through induced [...] Read more.
Microbial compost plays a crucial role in improving soil health, soil fertility, and plant biomass. These biofertilizers, based on microorganisms, offer numerous benefits such as enhanced nutrient acquisition (N, P, and K), production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and control of pathogens through induced systematic resistance. Additionally, they promote the production of phytohormones, siderophore, vitamins, protective enzymes, and antibiotics, further contributing to soil sustainability and optimal agricultural productivity. The escalating generation of organic waste from farm operations poses significant threats to the environment and soil fertility. Simultaneously, the excessive utilization of chemical fertilizers to achieve high crop yields results in detrimental impacts on soil structure and fertility. To address these challenges, a sustainable agriculture system that ensures enhanced soil fertility and minimal ecological impact is imperative. Microbial composts, developed by incorporating characterized plant-growth-promoting bacteria or fungal strains into compost derived from agricultural waste, offer a promising solution. These biofertilizers, with selected microbial strains capable of thriving in compost, offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for agricultural practices. In this review article, we explore the potential of microbial composts as a viable strategy for improving plant growth and environmental safety. By harnessing the benefits of microorganisms in compost, we can pave the way for sustainable agriculture and foster a healthier relationship between soil, plants, and the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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15 pages, 1976 KiB  
Review
Essential Oils and Antagonistic Microorganisms as Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Coffee Leaf Rust Control
by Maricela Santiago-Santiago, Gabriela Sánchez-Viveros, Luis Hernández-Adame, Cesar Josué Chiquito-Contreras, Alejandro Salinas-Castro, Roberto Gregorio Chiquito-Contreras and Luis Guillermo Hernández-Montiel
Plants 2023, 12(20), 3519; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12203519 - 10 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2215
Abstract
Coffee leaf rust (CLR) is caused by the biotrophic fungus Hemileia vastatrix Berk. & Br., a disease of economic importance, reducing coffee yield up to 60%. Currently, CLR epidemics have negatively impacted food security. Therefore, the objective of the present research study is [...] Read more.
Coffee leaf rust (CLR) is caused by the biotrophic fungus Hemileia vastatrix Berk. & Br., a disease of economic importance, reducing coffee yield up to 60%. Currently, CLR epidemics have negatively impacted food security. Therefore, the objective of the present research study is to show a current framework of this disease and its effects on diverse areas, as well as the biological systems used for its control, mode of action, and effectiveness. The use of essential plant oils and antagonistic microorganisms to H. vastatrix are highlighted. Terpenes, terpenoids, and aromatic compounds are the main constituents of these oils, which alter the cell wall and membrane composition and modify the basic cell functions. Beneficial microorganisms inhibit urediniospore germination and reduce disease incidence and severity. The antagonistic microorganisms and essential oils of some aromatic plants have great potential in agriculture. These biological systems may have more than one mechanism of action, which reduces the possibility of the emergence of resistant strains of H. vastatrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis and Disease Control in Crops—2nd Edition)
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