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Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops

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A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Pathology and Disease Management (PPDM)".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 January 2025 | Viewed by 12980

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Dr. Graciela Dolores Ávila-Quezada

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Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Escorza 900, Col. Centro, Chihuahua 31000, Mexico
Interests: plant pathogen detection; nanobiosensors; next-generation sequencing technology; biocontrol strategies; reprogramming of plant defense; biocontrol agents; plant pathogens; emerging pathogens; quarantined pathogens

Prof. Dr. Irasema Vargas-Arispuro

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Guest Editor

Coordination of Food Sciences, Research Center for Food and Development (CIAD), Hermosillo 83304, Sonora, Mexico
Interests: plant biotechnology; horticulture; phytochemistry; abiotic stress; plant pathology; plant biology; plant physiology; plant genomics; plant defense; plant molecular biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Disease diagnosis and pathogen biocontrol are among the most important agricultural issues with regard to food safety. It is so important that the UN included zero hunger as a Sustainable Development Goal in the 2030 Agenda. The process of disease diagnosis has undergone great changes due to the use of new sensitive and precise technologies that help us identify emerging diseases in crops in a short time. The purpose of this Special Issue, "Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops", is to present innovative plant disease diagnostic and biocontrol studies, tools, approaches and techniques that have been successfully applied in food production. We are looking for the most innovative, precise and rapid methods and equipment for the diagnosis of phytopathogens in the laboratory and in the field. We will also accept papers that address various biocontrol mechanisms and the most promising agents for the control of phytopathogens in order to ensure the production of high-quality, nutritious foods.

Dr. Graciela Dolores Ávila-Quezada
Prof. Dr. Irasema Vargas-Arispuro
Guest Editors

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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. Horticulturae is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

plant pathogen detection
nanobiosensors
new-generation sequencing technology
biocontrol strategies
reprogramming of plant defense
biocontrol agents
plant pathogens
emerging pathogens, quarantined pathogens

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exiguobacterium acetylicum Strain SI17: A Potential Biocontrol Agent against Peronophythora litchii Causing Post-Harvest Litchi Downy Blight

by Shilian Huang, Xinmin Lv, Li Zheng and Dongliang Guo

Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080888 - 22 Aug 2024

Viewed by 533

Abstract

Litchi downy blight (LDB) caused by Peronophythora litchii destroys 20–30% of litchi fruit every year and causes significant economic losses. Some Exiguobacterium strains exhibit considerable promise in both agricultural and industrial sectors. E. acetylicum SI17, isolated from the litchi fruit carposphere, demonstrated significant biocontrol activity against LDB through pre-harvest treatment. To elucidate its underlying regulatory mechanisms, the genome of SI17 was sequenced and analyzed, revealing a circular chromosome spanning 3,157,929 bp and containing 3541 protein-coding genes and 101 RNA genes. Notably, 94 genes were implicated in the production of secondary metabolites. Among the 29 Exiguobacterium strains so far sequenced, SI17 possessed the largest genome. In the phylogenomic analysis encompassing the entire genome, SI17 was clustered into Group I. Treating litchi fruit with SI17 before harvesting resulted in a decrease in H₂O₂ content in the fruit peel and an increase in superoxide dismutase activity, thus enhancing resistance to LDB. Interestingly, SI17 did not display plate antagonism against Peronophythora litchii SC18. It can be inferred that SI17 generates secondary metabolites, which enhance litchi’s resistance to LDB. This study represents the first documentation of an Exiguobacterium strain exhibiting a role in litchi plant disease and showcasing significant potential for the biological control of LDB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops)

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17 pages, 2567 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Epidemiology and Management of Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) in Traditional Phaseolus vulgaris L. Landraces within Protected Geographical Indications

by Sonia Expósito-Goás, Lautaro Gabriel Pinacho-Lieti, Fernando Lago-Pena and Cristina Cabaleiro

Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070699 - 2 Jul 2024

Viewed by 889

Abstract

Protected geographical indications (PGIs) share health problems related to plant propagation material. The PGI “Faba de Lourenzá” encompasses a 1660 km² area in northern Galicia, Spain, renowned for its “Faba Galaica” (FG) and Faba do marisco” (FM) bean cultivars. The lack of certified virus-free seeds poses a challenge. From 2019 to 2023, seeds from 60 lots were tested for BCMV. Plants from several plots were tested periodically to develop disease progress curves (DPCs). Control methods (plots out PGI zone, virus-free seedlings, rogueing, corn borders, and intercropping) were tested. Yields in five plots were used to assess BCMV’s economic impact. Seed lots were 22.3% FG-infected and <5% FM-infected. The transmission rate of BCMV from infected FG plants to their seeds was 25.5 ± 5%, while for FM it was 12 ± 3%. FG yield losses were on average 31.6 ± 4.5%. Combining virus-free seedlings and infected plant removal in plots outside the PGI area proved effective at reducing infection rates; combining with intercropping resulted in the lowest incidence in an FG plot. Farmer training and off-site plot selection to produce healthy sowing beans are key to improving results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops)

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12 pages, 2863 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Molecular Characteristics and Biological Properties of Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus Isolates from Slovakia

by Michaela Mrkvová, Jana Kemenczeiová, Adam Achs, Peter Alaxin, Lukáš Predajňa, Katarína Šoltys, Zdeno Šubr and Miroslav Glasa

Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030262 - 10 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1338

Abstract

Analysis of the viromes of three symptomatic Fabaceae plants, i.e., red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), using high-throughput sequencing revealed complex infections and enabled the acquisition of complete genomes of a potyvirus, bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV). Based on phylogenetic analysis, the Slovak BYMV isolates belong to two distinct molecular groups, i.e., VI (isolate FA40) and XI (isolates DAT, PS2). Five commercial pea genotypes (Alderman, Ambrosia, Gloriosa, Herkules, Senator) were successfully infected with the BYMV-PS2 inoculum and displayed similar systemic chlorotic mottling symptoms. Relative comparison of optical density values using semi-quantitative DAS-ELISA revealed significant differences among virus titers in one of the infected pea genotypes (Ambrosia) when upper fully developed leaves were tested. Immunoblot analysis of systemically infected Alderman plants showed rather uneven virus accumulation in different plant parts. The lowest virus accumulation was repeatedly detected in the roots, while the highest was in the upper part of the plant stem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops)

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16 pages, 4541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biocontrol Potential of Trichoderma asperellum CMT10 against Strawberry Root Rot Disease

by Ping Liu, Ruixian Yang, Zuhua Wang, Yinhao Ma, Weiguang Ren, Daowei Wei and Wenyu Ye

Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030246 - 3 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1957

Abstract

Strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is one of the main diseases of strawberries and significantly impacts the yield and quality of strawberry fruit. Currently, the only accessible control methods are fungicide sprays, which could have an adverse effect on the consumers of the strawberries. Biological control is becoming an alternative method for the control of plant diseases to replace or decrease the application of traditional synthetic chemical fungicides. Trichoderma spp. are frequently used as biological agents to prevent root rot in strawberries. In order to provide highly effective biocontrol resources for controlling strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, the biocontrol mechanism, the control effects of T. asperellum CMT10 against strawberry root rot, and the growth-promoting effects on strawberry seedlings were investigated using plate culture, microscopy observation, and root drenching methods. The results showed that CMT10 had obvious competitive, antimycotic, and hyperparasitic effects on N. clavispora CMGF3. The CMT10 could quickly occupy nutritional space, and the inhibition rate of CMT10 against CMGF3 was 65.49% 7 d after co-culture. The inhibition rates of volatile metabolites and fermentation metabolites produced by CMT10 were 79.67% and 69.84% against CMGF3, respectively. The mycelium of CMT10 can act as a hyperparasite by contacting, winding, and penetrating the hyphae of CMGF3. Pot experiment showed that the biocontrol efficiency of CMT10 on strawberry root rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora was 63.09%. CMT10 promoted strawberry growth, plant height, root length, total fresh weight, root fresh weight, stem fresh weight, and root dry weight by 20.09%, 22.39%, 87.11%, 101.58%, 79.82%, and 72.33%, respectively. Overall, this study showed the ability of T. asperellum CMT10 to control strawberry root rot and its potential to be developed as a novel biocontrol agent to replace chemical fungicides for eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops)

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25 pages, 10852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Potential Biocontrol Isolates of Trichoderma asperellum for Management of Collar Rot Disease in Tomato

by C. Shanmugaraj, Deeba Kamil, Aditi Kundu, Praveen Kumar Singh, Amrita Das, Zakir Hussain, Robin Gogoi, P. R. Shashank, R. Gangaraj and M. Chaithra

Horticulturae 2023, 9(10), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9101116 - 10 Oct 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2119

Abstract

Bio-control agents are the best alternative to chemicals for the successful management of plant diseases. Among them, Trichoderma is commonly used as a biological control agent in plant disease management due to its ability to suppress soil-borne plant pathogens. In the present study, 20 Trichoderma asperellum isolates were collected from different geographical locations and confirmed using morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic inferences based on combined ITS and β-tubulin sequences. All twenty isolates were screened for their antagonism against the collar rot pathogen under in vitro and in planta conditions. The isolates were evaluated through dual culture and volatile methods in an in vitro study. Isolate A10 inhibited the test pathogen Agroathelia rolfsii at 94.66% in a dual culture assay and 70.95% in a volatile assay, followed by the isolates A11 and A17, which recorded 82.64% and 81.19% in dual culture assay and 63.75% and 68.27% in the volatile assay respectively. An in planta study was conducted under greenhouse conditions in tomato var. pusa ruby by pre- and post-inoculation of T. asperellum isolates in the A. rolfsii infected soil to evaluate their antagonistic potential against the disease. The A10 isolate was found effective under both pre- and post-inoculation conditions, with a disease inhibition percent of 86.17 and 80.60, respectively, followed by the isolates A11 and A17, which exhibited inhibition of 77.80% and 75.00% in pre-inoculation and 72.22% and 69.44% in post-inoculation, respectively. Further, biochemical analysis was conducted to determine the specific activity of hydrolytic enzymes produced by T. asperellum during interaction with A. rolfsii. We found that isolate A10 produces more hydrolytic enzymes with the specific activity of 174.68 IU/mg of β-1,3 glucanase, 183.48 IU/mg of β-1, 4 glucanase, 106.06 IU/mg of protease, followed by isolate A17, A11 respectively. In GC-MS analysis, we observed maximum anti-microbial volatile organic compounds from the isolate A10, including 2H-Pyran-2-one (17.39%), which was found to be most abundant, followed by dienolactone (8.43%), α-pyrone (2.19%), and harziandione (0.24%) respective retention time of 33.48, 33.85, 33.39, and 64.23 min, respectively, compared to other isolates. In the TLC assay, we observed that a greater number of bands were produced by the A10 and A17 isolates in the Hexane: Ethyl Acetate (1:1) solvent system than in the 9:1 solvent system, which represents the presence of major metabolites in the ethyl acetate extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops)

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13 pages, 2108 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Isolation, Identification, and Insecticidal Activities of Indigenous Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae) and Their Symbiotic Bacteria (Xenorhabdus nematophila) against the Larvae of Pieris brassicae

by Preety Tomar, Neelam Thakur, Avtar Kaur Sidhu, Boni Amin Laskar, Abeer Hashem, Graciela Dolores Avila-Quezada and Elsayed Fathi Abd_Allah

Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080874 - 1 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1646

Abstract

The cabbage butterfly, Pieris brassicae Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), is an oligophagous and invasive insect pest of various economically important cole crops. Recently, there have been reports about an increase in the incidence and damaging activities of cabbage butterflies, signifying that the existing control methods fail to meet the grower’s expectations. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their endosymbiotic bacteria have immense potential for the control of a wide range of insect pests. In this investigation, the EPN species Steinernema carpocapsae and its associated bacterial species, Xenorhabdus nematophila, were isolated and identified through morphological and molecular techniques. The laboratory bioassay experiment was performed using S. carpocapsae and X. nematophila against the 3rd instar larvae of P. brassicae (25 ± 1 °C; RH = 60%). The efficacy of EPN suspension (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 IJs/mL) and bacterial suspension (1 × 10⁴, 2 × 10⁴, 3 × 10⁴, 4 × 10⁴, and 5 × 10⁴ CFU/mL) via contact and oral routes showed significant mortality among the larvae. Surprisingly, 100% insect mortality within 48 h was recorded in the bacterial inoculum 5 × 10⁴ CFU/mL. However, in the case of EPNs (S. carpocapsae), 150 IJs/mL caused the highest, 92%, larval mortality rate after 96 h. The results signify that both indigenous EPNs and their associated bacteria can provide efficient control against P. brassicae larvae and could effectively contribute to IPM programs. However, further analyses are required to authenticate their effectiveness in field conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops)

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23 pages, 3782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two Bacterial Bioagents Boost Onion Response to Stromatinia cepivora and Promote Growth and Yield via Enhancing the Antioxidant Defense System and Auxin Production

by Hanan E. M. Osman, Yasser Nehela, Abdelnaser A. Elzaawely, Mohamed H. El-Morsy and Asmaa El-Nagar

Horticulturae 2023, 9(7), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9070780 - 8 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1784

Abstract

White rot, caused by Stromatinia cepivora (Anamorph: Sclerotium cepivorum Berk), is a serious soil-borne disease of the onion that restricts its cultivation and production worldwide. Herein, we isolated and characterized a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia from healthy onion roots and an endophytic bacterium Serratia liquefaciens from healthy bean leaves. Both isolates showed strong fungistatic activity against S. cepivora using the dual culture and culture filtrate methods. This effect might be due to the presence of several volatile compounds, especially menthol in both culture filtrates as shown with a GC-MS analysis. Additionally, the root drench application of cell-free culture filtrates of S. maltophilia and S. liquefaciens significantly reduced the incidence and severity of white rot disease on treated onion plants, which was associated with the activation of both enzymatic (POX and PPO) and non-enzymatic (phenolics and flavonoids) antioxidant defense machineries of S. cepivora-infected onion plants. Moreover, the culture filtrates of both bacterial bioagents remarkably enhanced the growth (as expressed by root length, plant height, and number of leaves) and yield parameters (as indicated by bulb circumference, fresh weight of the bulb, and bulb yield per plot) of treated onion plants under field conditions during two successive seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022). This might be because of a reduced disease severity and/or the accumulation of the main auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and its precursor, the amino acid tryptophan. Our findings suggest that both bioagents might be utilized as eco-friendly alternative control measures to reduce the utilization of chemical fungicides entirely or partially for the safer production of onion in S. cepivora-infested soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops)

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Review

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31 pages, 1819 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Biocontrol Agents as Sustainable Approach for Crop Disease Management: Applications, Production, and Future Perspectives

by Anshika Tyagi, Tensangmu Lama Tamang, Hamdy Kashtoh, Rakeeb Ahmad Mir, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Subaya Manzoor, Nazia Manzar, Gousia Gani, Shailesh Kumar Vishwakarma, Mohammed A. Almalki and Sajad Ali

Horticulturae 2024, 10(8), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080805 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1025

Abstract

Horticultural crops are vulnerable to diverse microbial infections, which have a detrimental impact on their growth, fruit quality, and productivity. Currently, chemical pesticides are widely employed to manage diseases in horticultural crops, but they have negative effects on the environment, human health, soil physiochemical properties, and biodiversity. Additionally, the use of pesticides has facilitated the development and spread of resistant pathovars, which have emerged as a serious concern in contemporary agriculture. Nonetheless, the adverse consequences of chemical pesticides on the environment and public health have worried scientists greatly in recent years, which has led to a switch to the use of biocontrol agents such as bacteria, fungi, and insects to control plant pathogens. Biocontrol agents (BCAs) form an integral part of organic farming, which is regarded as the future of sustainable agriculture. Hence, harnessing the potential of BCAs is an important viable strategy to control microbial disease in horticultural crops in a way that is also ecofriendly and can improve the soil health. Here, we discuss the role of the biological control of microbial diseases in crops. We also discuss different microbial-based BCAs such as fungal, bacterial, and viral and their role in disease management. Next, we discuss the factors that affect the performance of the BCAs under field conditions. This review also highlights the genetic engineering of BCAs to enhance their biocontrol efficiency and other growth traits. Finally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities of biocontrol-based disease management in horticulture crops and future research directions to boost their efficacy and applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops)

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