Adapting Plant Protection Strategies to Meet the Challenges Posed by Climate Change on Plant Diseases: A review

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant challenge to global agriculture, with profound implications for plant disease dynamics and plant protection strategies. This review aims to synthesize current research on the impact of climate change on plant diseases, particularly focusing on how these changes affect pathogen life cycles, host resistance, and disease distribution. Emphasizing the Indian context, this paper explores the adaptation of plant protection strategies in response to these challenges, including the integration of traditional methods and advanced scientific approaches. It provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of climate change relevant to agriculture, including changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric CO2 levels. It delves into the direct and indirect impacts of these climatic changes on plant diseases, highlighting how altered environmental conditions influence pathogen virulence and the susceptibility of host plants. This section also discusses the shifted patterns in pest and disease distribution due to climate change, with a focus on the Indian agricultural scenario. Then it examines the current challenges in plant protection, assessing the limitations of traditional methods like chemical, biological, and cultural control in the context of a changing climate. It identifies critical areas such as increased disease incidence, pathogen resistance development, and the necessity for sustainable and adaptable plant protection strategies. Further it explores various adaptive strategies, including Integrated Disease Management (IDM), advances in breeding for disease resistance, biotechnological approaches, and climate-smart agricultural practices. It outlines how IDM principles and practices are being adapted to new climate scenarios, the role of genetic engineering and traditional breeding in developing disease-resistant varieties, the development of biopesticides and biocontrol agents, and the application of climate forecasts in disease management. Case studies and practical applications from different regions of India provide real-world examples of effective adaptation strategies, drawing lessons and best practices. The review concludes by identifying research gaps, advocating for multidisciplinary collaborations between plant pathology, climatology, and agronomy, and emphasizing the critical role of policy in supporting adaptive strategies. This comprehensive synthesis and analysis aim to contribute to the broader understanding of plant protection in the era of climate change and guide future research and policy-making in this vital field.