Plant-Pathogen Interaction 2.0

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 24105

Special Issue Editors

MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
Interests: plant protection; disease resistance; molecular diagnosis of plant pathogens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE–Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Departamento de Fitotecnia, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
Interests: plant pathology; pathogens and antagonists; molecular diagnostic tests; plant protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant pathogens cause severe loss in natural plant systems, as well as in terms of economics and production in the agriculture systems. While many biotic constraints are well known, and confronted with variable success, the occurrence of emerging pathogens and the progressive incidence of novel virulent strains, races or pathotypes are evident. Moreover, the practicability of some of the currently available crop protection measures is questioned. Understanding how pathogens adopt an appropriate adaptive mechanism during plant infection, as well as the exploitation of the diversity of mechanisms that plants process to control the resistance/susceptibility to plant diseases, will aid in the conserving of nature and ecosystem services and is also of benefit for agriculture and forestry. The identification of regulatory components involved in the processes will be of major importance for sustainable plant–disease management. Knowledge of plant–pathogen interactions could aid in the prevention of disease in plants, which would be beneficial to agricultural production and to global food security. For this Special Issue, we invite the submission of original research papers and reviews covering all aspects of plant–pathogen interactions, both in natural and agricultural systems.

Dr. Maria Doroteia Campos
Prof. Dr. Maria do Rosário Félix
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • plant protection
  • plant pathology
  • plant disease resistance
  • biotic stress
  • plant innate immune response.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 222 KiB  
Editorial
Advances in Plant–Pathogen Interaction: New Challenges for Sustainable Disease Management
by Maria Doroteia Campos and Maria do Rosário Félix
Biology 2023, 12(2), 203; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology12020203 - 28 Jan 2023
Viewed by 932
Abstract
Plant pathogens cause huge losses and have been an important constraint to a worldwide increase in crop production and productivity [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Pathogen Interaction 2.0)

Research

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17 pages, 3145 KiB  
Article
Trichoderma asperellum Secreted 6-Pentyl-α-Pyrone to Control Magnaporthiopsis maydis, the Maize Late Wilt Disease Agent
by Ofir Degani, Soliman Khatib, Paz Becher, Asaf Gordani and Raviv Harris
Biology 2021, 10(9), 897; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10090897 - 11 Sep 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3349
Abstract
Late wilt disease (LWD) is a destructive vascular disease of maize (Zea mays L.) caused by the fungus Magnaporthiopsis maydis. Restricting the disease, which is a significant threat to commercial production in Israel, Egypt, Spain, India, and other countries, is an urgent [...] Read more.
Late wilt disease (LWD) is a destructive vascular disease of maize (Zea mays L.) caused by the fungus Magnaporthiopsis maydis. Restricting the disease, which is a significant threat to commercial production in Israel, Egypt, Spain, India, and other countries, is an urgent need. In the past three years, we scanned nine Trichoderma spp. isolates as biological control candidates against M. maydis. Three of these isolates showed promising results. In vitro assays, seedlings pathogenicity trials, and field experiments all support the bio-control potential of these isolates (or their secretions). Here, a dedicated effort led to the isolation and identification of an active ingredient in the growth medium of Trichoderma asperellum (P1) with antifungal activity against M. maydis. This Trichoderma species is an endophyte isolated from LWD-susceptible maize seeds. From the chloroform extract of this fungal medium, we isolated a powerful (approx. 400 mg/L) active ingredient capable of fully inhibiting M. maydis growth. Additional purification using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) separation steps enabled identifying the active ingredient as 6-Pentyl-α-pyrone. This compound is a potential fungicide with high efficiency against the LWD causal agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Pathogen Interaction 2.0)
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16 pages, 1984 KiB  
Article
Functional Characterization of the Wheat Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor TaMIF1 in Wheat-Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformis) Interaction
by Mengxin Zhao, Qing Chang, Yueni Liu, Peng Sang, Zhensheng Kang and Xiaojie Wang
Biology 2021, 10(9), 878; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10090878 - 07 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1815
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), named for its role in inhibiting macrophage/monocyte migration, has multiple functions in modulation of inflammation, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis in vertebrates. Although homologs of this gene can be found in plants, the function of MIF in plants [...] Read more.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), named for its role in inhibiting macrophage/monocyte migration, has multiple functions in modulation of inflammation, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis in vertebrates. Although homologs of this gene can be found in plants, the function of MIF in plants remains obscure. Here, we characterized TaMIF1 in Triticum aestivum resembling the MIF secreted from Homo sapiens. Transcript analysis revealed that TaMIF1 responded to stripe rust infection of wheat and was upregulated during the infection stage. TaMIF1 was localized to both the cytosol and nuclei in wheat mesophyll protoplast. Additionally, TaMIF1 possessed significant tautomerase activity, indicating conservation of MIFs across kingdoms. Agrobacterium tumefaciens infiltration assay demonstrated that TaMIF1 was capable of suppressing programmed cell death hinting its role in plant immunity. Heterologous expression of TaMIF1 increased fission yeast sensitivity to oxidative stress. Silencing TaMIF1 decreased the susceptibility of wheat to Pst seemingly through increasing reactive oxygen species accumulation. In conclusion, functions of the TaMIF1 were investigated in this study, which provides significant insight into understanding the role of MIFs across kingdoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Pathogen Interaction 2.0)
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Review

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18 pages, 1774 KiB  
Review
Review Update on the Life Cycle, Plant–Microbe Interaction, Genomics, Detection and Control Strategies of the Oil Palm Pathogen Ganoderma boninense
by Izwan Bharudin, Anis Farhan Fatimi Ab Wahab, Muhammad Asyraff Abd Samad, Ng Xin Yie, Madihah Ahmad Zairun, Farah Diba Abu Bakar and Abdul Munir Abdul Murad
Biology 2022, 11(2), 251; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11020251 - 06 Feb 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6568
Abstract
Plant pathogens are key threats to agriculture and global food security, causing various crop diseases that lead to massive economic losses. Palm oil is a commodity export of economic importance in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, the sustainability of oil [...] Read more.
Plant pathogens are key threats to agriculture and global food security, causing various crop diseases that lead to massive economic losses. Palm oil is a commodity export of economic importance in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, the sustainability of oil palm plantations and production is threatened by basal stem rot (BSR), a devastating disease predominantly caused by the fungus Ganoderma boninense Pat. In Malaysia, infected trees have been reported in nearly 60% of plantation areas, and economic losses are estimated to reach up to ~USD500 million a year. This review covers the current knowledge of the mechanisms utilized by G. boninense during infection and the methods used in the disease management to reduce BSR, including cultural practices, chemical treatments and antagonistic microorganism manipulations. Newer developments arising from multi-omics technologies such as whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) are also reviewed. Future directions are proposed to increase the understanding of G. boninense invasion mechanisms against oil palm. It is hoped that this review can contribute towards an improved disease management and a sustainable oil palm production in this region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Pathogen Interaction 2.0)
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15 pages, 744 KiB  
Review
Defense Strategies: The Role of Transcription Factors in Tomato–Pathogen Interaction
by Maria Doroteia Campos, Maria do Rosário Félix, Mariana Patanita, Patrick Materatski, André Albuquerque, Joana A. Ribeiro and Carla Varanda
Biology 2022, 11(2), 235; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology11020235 - 01 Feb 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3229
Abstract
Tomato, one of the most cultivated and economically important vegetable crops throughout the world, is affected by a panoply of different pathogens that reduce yield and affect product quality. The study of tomato–pathogen system arises as an ideal system for better understanding the [...] Read more.
Tomato, one of the most cultivated and economically important vegetable crops throughout the world, is affected by a panoply of different pathogens that reduce yield and affect product quality. The study of tomato–pathogen system arises as an ideal system for better understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying disease resistance, offering an opportunity of improving yield and quality of the products. Among several genes already identified in tomato response to pathogens, we highlight those encoding the transcription factors (TFs). TFs act as transcriptional activators or repressors of gene expression and are involved in large-scale biological phenomena. They are key regulators of central components of plant innate immune system and basal defense in diverse biological processes, including defense responses to pathogens. Here, we present an overview of recent studies of tomato TFs regarding defense responses to biotic stresses. Hence, we focus on different families of TFs, selected for their abundance, importance, and availability of functionally well-characterized members in response to pathogen attack. Tomato TFs’ roles and possibilities related to their use for engineering pathogen resistance in tomato are presented. With this review, we intend to provide new insights into the regulation of tomato defense mechanisms against invading pathogens in view of plant breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Pathogen Interaction 2.0)
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19 pages, 874 KiB  
Review
Meloidogyne graminicola—A Threat to Rice Production: Review Update on Distribution, Biology, Identification, and Management
by Leidy Rusinque, Carla Maleita, Isabel Abrantes, Juan E. Palomares-Rius and Maria L. Inácio
Biology 2021, 10(11), 1163; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10111163 - 11 Nov 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3701
Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the main cultivated crops worldwide and represents a staple food for more than half of the world population. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., and particularly M. graminicola, are serious pests of rice, being, probably, [...] Read more.
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the main cultivated crops worldwide and represents a staple food for more than half of the world population. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., and particularly M. graminicola, are serious pests of rice, being, probably, the most economically important plant-parasitic nematode in this crop. M. graminicola is an obligate sedentary endoparasite adapted to flooded conditions. Until recently, M. graminicola was present mainly in irrigated rice fields in Asia, parts of the Americas, and South Africa. However, in July 2016, it was found in northern Italy in the Piedmont region and in May 2018 in the Lombardy region in the province of Pavia. Following the first detection in the EPPO region, this pest was included in the EPPO Alert List as its wide host range and ability to survive during long periods in environments with low oxygen content, represent a threat for rice production in the European Union. Considering the impact of this nematode on agriculture, a literature review focusing on M. graminicola distribution, biology, identification, and management was conducted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Pathogen Interaction 2.0)
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24 pages, 1427 KiB  
Review
A Review on Nanopesticides for Plant Protection Synthesized Using the Supramolecular Chemistry of Layered Hydroxide Hosts
by Syazwan Afif Mohd Zobir, Asgar Ali, Fariz Adzmi, Mohd Roslan Sulaiman and Khairulmazmi Ahmad
Biology 2021, 10(11), 1077; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biology10111077 - 21 Oct 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3327
Abstract
The rapid growth in the human population has triggered increased demand for food supply, and in turn has prompted a higher amount of agrochemical usage to meet the gaps between food production and consumption. The problem with conventional agro-nanochemicals is the reduced effectiveness [...] Read more.
The rapid growth in the human population has triggered increased demand for food supply, and in turn has prompted a higher amount of agrochemical usage to meet the gaps between food production and consumption. The problem with conventional agro-nanochemicals is the reduced effectiveness of the active ingredient in reaching the target, along with leaching, evaporation, etc., which ultimately affect the environment and life, including humans. Fortunately, nanotechnology platforms offer a new life for conventional pesticides, which improves bioavailability through different kinetics, mechanisms and pathways on their target organisms, thus enabling them to suitably bypass biological and other unwanted resistances and therefore increase their efficacy. This review is intended to serve the scientific community for research, development and innovation (RDI) purposes, by providing an overview on the current status of the host–guest supramolecular chemistry of nanopesticides, focusing on only the two-dimensional (2D), brucite-like inorganic layered hydroxides, layered hydroxide salts and layered double hydroxides as the functional nanocarriers or as the hosts in smart nanodelivery systems of pesticides for plant protection. Zinc layered hydroxides and zinc/aluminum-layered double hydroxides were found to be the most popular choices of hosts, presumably due to their relative ease to prepare and cheap cost. Other hosts including Mg/Al-, Co/Cr-, Mg/Fe-, Mg/Al/Fe-, Zn/Cr- and Zn/Cu-LDHs were also used. This review also covers various pesticides which were used as the guest active agents using supramolecular host–guest chemistry to combat various pests for plant protection. This looks towards a new generation of agrochemicals, “agro-nanochemicals”, which are more effective, and friendly to life, humans and the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant-Pathogen Interaction 2.0)
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