Phytopathogens and Crop Diseases

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 2840

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Plant Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan
Interests: molecular diagnosis; phytopathology; biological control; disease management; plasma sterilization technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Plant Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan
Interests: plant pathology; plant nematology; nematophagous fungi; plant–microbe interactions; plant functional analysis; mycology; microbiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue “Phytopathogens and Crop Diseases” aims to encapsulate the latest advancements in the field of agricultural science, focusing on the diverse array of pathogens—fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses—threatening crop health and yields. This edition is dedicated to exploring innovative research and methodologies in diagnosing, managing, and controlling crop diseases, offering a broad view of pathogen–host interactions, environmental influences on disease epidemiology, and novel control strategies. We invite original research, reviews, and short communications that deepen our understanding of the dynamics and management of phytopathogens. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, genomic approaches to plant resistance, the effects of climate change on disease patterns, breakthroughs in disease detection technology, and integrated pest management strategies. This issue aims to foster knowledge exchange among the scientific community to enhance agricultural practices and crop resilience.

Dr. Ying-Hong Lin
Guest Editors

Dr. Yuh Tzean
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • phytopathology
  • plant resistance
  • integrated pest management
  • disease detection technologies, pathogen-host interaction, crop resilience
  • disease epidemiology
  • molecular approaches
  • climate change and agriculture

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 6313 KiB  
Article
Scope, Distribution, and Cause of the Peanut Kernel Shrivel (PKS) Syndrome: An Emerging Threat to Australia’s Peanut Industry
by Dante L. Adorada, Christopher Dunlap and Gavin J. Ash
Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071435 - 30 Jun 2024
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Abstract
The cause of peanut kernel shrivel (PKS) syndrome, affecting peanut crops in Australia’s growing regions, is currently unknown. It is estimated that PKS is costing the peanut industry more than AUD 5 M p.a. and is a potential threat to the industry. Previous [...] Read more.
The cause of peanut kernel shrivel (PKS) syndrome, affecting peanut crops in Australia’s growing regions, is currently unknown. It is estimated that PKS is costing the peanut industry more than AUD 5 M p.a. and is a potential threat to the industry. Previous investigations have ruled out all abiotic factors and most biotic factors as the cause of PKS. This research aimed at investigating the scope, distribution, and cause of the PKS syndrome. The survey showed PKS symptoms to be present in peanut crops in all the growing regions surveyed. Based on our study of culturable microorganisms, there appears to be no clear-cut involvement of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi; however, Fusarium spp. were revealed as the most prevalent fungi in affected plants. Moreover, the soil metagenomics study revealed Fusarium spp. as the most abundant fungal communities in the soil microbial profile, and they could contribute to the PKS syndrome. The consistent presence observed of the identified Fusarium oxysporum in PKS-affected samples could indicate a role for this pathogen in the syndrome, especially in conjunction with abiotic stressors. The pathogenicity testing of F. oxysporum resulted in very mild PKS symptoms. A separate report suggesting the involvement of phytoplasma in the PKS syndrome raises the possibility of an interplay of biotic factors in the development of this disease. Further investigation is warranted to determine the true cause or causes of this disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytopathogens and Crop Diseases)
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17 pages, 2166 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Biofertilization and Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus velezensis KHH13 from Organic Soils
by Tai-Yuan Chen, Yuh Tzean, Tsai-De Chang, Xing-Ru Wang, Chun-Min Yang and Ying-Hong Lin
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061135 - 26 May 2024
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Abstract
Efficient and sustainable food production is crucial in global agricultural development. Overuse of chemical fertilizers leads to soil acidification, destruction of soil properties, and harm to soil micro-organisms. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have emerged as a solution, enhancing soil fertility and crop yields [...] Read more.
Efficient and sustainable food production is crucial in global agricultural development. Overuse of chemical fertilizers leads to soil acidification, destruction of soil properties, and harm to soil micro-organisms. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have emerged as a solution, enhancing soil fertility and crop yields while reducing chemical fertilizer dependency and disease occurrence. In this study, Bacillus strains KHC2, KHH5, and KHH13, isolated from organic rice field soils in Taiwan, were identified through molecular techniques as B. velezensis (KHC2, KHH13) and B. amyloliquefaciens (KHH5). The strains exhibited various hydrolytic enzymes (including protease, cellulase, amylase, and lecithinase), with KHH13 showing the highest phosphate solubilization (2186.1 µg mL−1 day−1) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production (63.067 ± 0.595 ppm mL−1). These properties indicate KHH13’s potential as a bio-enhancer for plant growth. Therefore, we hypothesized that KHH13 can enhance plant growth and control soil-borne diseases. A greenhouse experiment demonstrated that KHH13, KHC2, and KHH5 effectively promoted the growth of red lettuce, with KHH13 showing superior efficacy. The study also found KHH13’s treatment enhanced the growth of various vegetables, including tomato, cucumber, and red lettuce. In terms of disease control, KHH13 significantly reduced Fusarium wilt in cucumbers, as evidenced by the reduction in disease index from 74.33% to 41.67% after KHH13 treatment. The treatment group displayed better plant growth, including plant height and fresh weight, compared to the control group in the greenhouse experiment. Furthermore, oral and pulmonary acute toxicity analysis in rats showed no adverse effects on rat weight or mortality, indicating KHH13’s safety for mammalian use. These findings suggest B. velezensis KHH13 as a safe, effective, and sustainable biological agent for enhancing vegetable growth and controlling soil-borne diseases, with potential applications in sustainable agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytopathogens and Crop Diseases)
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Review

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20 pages, 8757 KiB  
Review
Current Status of Yam Diseases and Advances of Their Control Strategies
by Hamza Tariq, Chun Xiao, Lanning Wang, Hongjun Ge, Gang Wang, Danyu Shen and Daolong Dou
Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071575 - 19 Jul 2024
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Abstract
Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is an important tuber crop consumed globally. However, stable yam production faces challenges from a variety of diseases caused by fungi, nematodes, viruses, and bacteria. Prominent diseases such as anthracnose, leaf spot, yam wilt, dry rot, and crazy root [...] Read more.
Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is an important tuber crop consumed globally. However, stable yam production faces challenges from a variety of diseases caused by fungi, nematodes, viruses, and bacteria. Prominent diseases such as anthracnose, leaf spot, yam wilt, dry rot, and crazy root syndrome, currently pose serious threats to yam yields. These diseases not only result in quality degradation but also cause great economic losses. This review summarizes the damages, symptoms, causal agents, and epidemic factors of major yam diseases. It also outlines a comprehensive disease control strategy that includes the use of resistant varieties, proper crop rotation, sanitation measures, and the application of agrochemicals and biocontrol agents. Additionally, this review addresses future perspectives on risk factors and knowledge gaps, aiming to serve as a reference for in-depth research into advanced disease monitoring and control technologies for yams. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytopathogens and Crop Diseases)
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