Despite advances in science and technology, agricultural yield losses due to plant pathogens and pests currently account for 30% of global production [1]. Such losses depend on the genetic structure of the pathogen, which influences its competitiveness, aggressiveness, and spread, as well as on the sensitivity of the host plant and climatic conditions. In addition, market globalization coupled with climate change may increase the risk of the introduction of new emerging pathogens or the reintroduction of existing pathogens with a significant impact on agricultural production [2,3]. The application of new sequencing and bioinformatics technologies brings the continuous discovery of new plant pathogens, providing information about their genomes and genetic variations as well as contributing to the identification of new resistance genes in host plants [4,5]. The molecular mechanisms of the pathogen influence host development through the manipulation of plant hormonal signalling and the targeting of its transcription factors, as well as the host’s defence activation [6]. Increased knowledge of the genetics and molecular biology of crop pathogens and their host species will bring new insights into more effective and environmentally friendly plant disease management by combining traditional plant breeding, innovative plant resistance methods and the use of biocontrol agents and natural compounds. This Special Issue highlights the cutting-edge and innovative proposals addressing these key topics.
The Genetics and Molecular Biology of Pathogens in Agricultural Crops
Matic S.
2024
Abstract
Despite advances in science and technology, agricultural yield losses due to plant pathogens and pests currently account for 30% of global production [1]. Such losses depend on the genetic structure of the pathogen, which influences its competitiveness, aggressiveness, and spread, as well as on the sensitivity of the host plant and climatic conditions. In addition, market globalization coupled with climate change may increase the risk of the introduction of new emerging pathogens or the reintroduction of existing pathogens with a significant impact on agricultural production [2,3]. The application of new sequencing and bioinformatics technologies brings the continuous discovery of new plant pathogens, providing information about their genomes and genetic variations as well as contributing to the identification of new resistance genes in host plants [4,5]. The molecular mechanisms of the pathogen influence host development through the manipulation of plant hormonal signalling and the targeting of its transcription factors, as well as the host’s defence activation [6]. Increased knowledge of the genetics and molecular biology of crop pathogens and their host species will bring new insights into more effective and environmentally friendly plant disease management by combining traditional plant breeding, innovative plant resistance methods and the use of biocontrol agents and natural compounds. This Special Issue highlights the cutting-edge and innovative proposals addressing these key topics.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
