Blight Research Articles

In vitro exploration of bioagents and fungicides against leaf blight disease of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)

In vitro exploration of bioagents and fungicides against leaf blight disease of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)

Biocontrol mechanisms of poplar leaf blight due to Nigrospora oryzae.

Nigrospora oryzae, a newly identified pathogen, is responsible for poplar leaf blight, causing significant harm to poplar growth. Here, we describe, for the first time, a biological control method for the control of poplar leaf blight via the applications of 3 dominant Trichoderma strains/species. In this study, dominant Trichoderma species/strains with the potential for biocontrol were identified and then further characterised via dual culture assays, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and culture filtrates. The biocontrol efficacy of these strains against N. oryzae was found to exceed 60%. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap) leaves pretreated with these Trichoderma strains significantly decreased. Furthermore, pretreatment of PdPap with a combination of these Trichoderma (Tcom) resulted in 9.71-fold and 1.95-fold increases in peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, respectively, and 3.87-fold decrease in the MDA content compared to controls. Moreover, Tcom pretreatment activated the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) pathway-dependent defence responses of poplar, upregulating pathogenesis-related protein (PR) and MYC proto-oncogene (MYC-R) by more than 12-fold and 17.32-fold, respectively. In addition, Trichoderma treatments significantly increased the number of lateral roots, aboveground biomass, and stomata number and density of PdPap, and Tcom was superior to the single pretreatments. The soil pH also became weakly acidic in these pretreatments, which is beneficial for the growth of PdPap seedlings. These findings indicate that these dominant Trichoderma strains can effectively increase biocontrol and poplar growth promotion.

Herbal Companion Crops as an Example of Implementation of Sustainable Plant Protection Practices in Soybean Cultivation

This study aimed to assess the effect of using selected herbs as companion crops in soybean cultivation on the yield and overall health of soybeans. A three-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications, where the primary experimental variable was the sowing method. The innovative cropping system involved cultivating soybeans alongside different companion herbs, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), French marigold (Tagetes patula L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), and a herbal mixture referred to as ‘MIX’. The study showed that cultivation of soybean with fennel improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the yield, with a significant increase in seed yield (on average by 0.27 t ha−1) as well as protein (7.67%) and oil yield (8.57%) compared to the pure soybean crop. The following fungal diseases were identified during the three-year study period (2021–2023): Cercospora leaf blight, Ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt, and downy mildew. Cultivation of soybean with herbs as companion crops was implemented to improve the health of soybean to a varied extent. Borage, marigold, and calendula companion crops reduced infection of soybean by the fungi C. kikuchii and F. oxysporum. Cultivation with fennel and marigold was also beneficial for soybean health. On the other hand, cultivation with sweet alyssum and a mixture of herbs increased the occurrence of the fungus A. sojaecola. Cultivation of soybean in association with herbs is legitimate and requires further research given the priorities facing 21st-century agriculture.

Enhancing resistance to bacterial blight in rice using CRISPR-based base editing technology

Bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pathovar oryzae (Xoo), poses a significant threat to rice production, particularly in Asia and West Africa. Breeding resistance against BB in elite rice varieties is crucial to advancing rice breeding program and supporting smallholder farmers. Transcription Activator-Like effectors (TALes) are key virulence factors in Xoo, with some targeting the susceptibility (S) genes such as the sugar transporter SWEET genes in rice. Among these, SWEET14 is an important S gene, with its promoter bound by the TALe TalC which exists across all sequenced African Xoo isolates. In the present study, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9-based cytidine and adenine base editors to alter the effector binding element (EBE) of TalC in the promoter of SWEET14 in rice cultivars Kitaake, IR24, and Zhonghua 11. Mutations with C to T changes in EBE led to reduced SWEET14 induction by TalC-containing Xoo strains, resulting in resistance to African Xoo isolates reliant on TalC for virulence. Conversely, A to G changes retained SWEET14 inducibility and susceptibility to Xoo in edited lines. Importantly, no off-target mutations were detected at predicted sites, and the edited lines exhibited no obvious defects in major agronomic traits in Kitaake. These results underscore the effectiveness of base editing systems for both molecular biology research and crop improvement endeavors.

Exploring Bioactive Compounds in Prosopis juliflora Extracts Through Comparative LC–MS Analysis

ABSTRACTThe current study was carried out to assess the alkaloid‐enriched constituents of Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae) against bacterial blight of pomegranate. Utilising plant extracts for disease management offers an eco‐friendly approach. In vitro assessment of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for alkaloid‐enriched fractions from the leaves and inflorescence of P. juliflora revealed a 14 mm zone of inhibition, with the lowest MIC value being 30 mg/mL. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of alkaloid‐rich fractions (ARF) from four different tissues of P. juliflora, subjected to LC–MS for alkaloid identification, detected a total of 1489 peaks in positive mode and 240 peaks in negative mode. The highest peaks were detected in the leaves, where 47 metabolites and 9 alkaloids were identified. Ellipticine and ormosanine were found in relatively high concentrations across all four tissues, as indicated by their peak areas. The inflorescence had significantly high concentrations of sparteine, solanidine‐I and puberanidine compared with other parts. Additionally, acetylsolanine was more abundant in the inflorescence, while solasodine‐I was more prevalent in the leaves. A substantial amount of strictosidine was also found in the inflorescence.

PREVALANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF SOME MAJOR DISEASES OF MANGO AT AFGOYE AND BALAD DISTRICT IN SOMALIA

The experiments were conducted in different mango orchards of Afgoye and Balad districts in Somalia under the faculty of Agriculture, Zamzam Universityof Science and Technology during February to April, 2020 on prevalence and management of mango diseases. Altogether, seven different diseases viz. Anthracnose, die-back, powdery mildew, sooty mold, red rust, bacterial leaf blight and bacterial leaf spot were recorded. All the diseases were common in both regions but these varied from orchard to orchard. Among the diseases, severity of Anthracnose (35.3%), die-(20.67%), powdery mildew (45.17%), red rust (13.75%) and bacterial leaf sight (54.33%) were found major problem in Balad districts. In Afgoye , Anthracnose (16.033%), sooty mold (18.90%), bacterial leaf blight( 19.833%) and bacterial leaf spot (8.927%) were found the highest severity. fungicides Caroozate 45, Carbazim, respectively, were evaluated and found that Carbazim were good effect in controlling Anthracnose, sooty mold, red rust and bacterial leaf spot. Caroozate 45 was also effective in controlling Anthracnose, die-back, powdery mildew, red rust al leaf spot disease. like similarly weused botanicals fungcide, Such as Neemand Garlic well cake.respectively,were evaluated and found that Neem with Garlic were good effect in controlling Anthracnose, sooty mold, red rust and bacterial leaf spot. Neem was also effective in controlling Anthracnose, die-back, powdery mildew, red rust al leaf spot disease.

Genome-wide identification and data mining reveals major-latex protein (MLP) from the PR-10 protein family played defense-related roles against phytopathogenic challenges in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).

Despite being identified in previous articles, the pathogenesis-related 10 (PR-10) protein remains relatively overlooked and has yet to be fully characterized in numerous plant species. This research employs a comprehensive data mining approach to in silico characterize PR-10 proteins in cassava, a vital crop plant globally. In this study, the focus was on in silico identified 53 cassava PR-10 proteins, which can be categorized into two main subgroups: 34 major latex proteins (MLPs) and 13 major allergen proteins, Pru ar 1, based on their phylogenetic relationship. The genome collinearity analysis with the rubber tree showed a possible evolutionary relationship of the PR-10 gene between these two Euphorbiaceae species, specifically on their chromosome 15. Notably, MLP423 and other MLP proteins were identified in various previously published cassava transcriptome datasets in response to biotic treatments from diverse phytopathogens, including anthracnose fungus, viruses, and bacterial blight. Ligand prediction and molecular docking of three MLP423 proteins have revealed potential interaction with cytokinin and abscisic acid hormones. Their expressions and predicted binding affinities are discussed here, highlighting their role as contributors to cassava's defense network against key diseases.

English

English

Resistance of Sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum L</i>.) Genotypes Against Bacterial Blight (<i>Xanthomonas campestris pv. sesami</i>) in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Northwestern Ethiopia

Bacterial blight poses a significant threat to sesame production in Ethiopia, especially in regions with high rainfall. It causes yield reduction and affects seed quality by inducing premature leaf defoliation. To address these challenges, evaluating existing germplasm for disease resistance is crucial. This study assessed various sesame genotypes for resistance to bacterial blight and their performance in seed yield and seed yield related traits. Seventeen genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design at Kamashi research sub-station. Resistance evaluations were conducted every 14 days from emergence up to 72 days, along with recording seed yield and related agronomic and morphological traits. The mean area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) varied from 673.86 to 825.01, indicating differing susceptibility levels to disease advancement. Approximately 46.67% of the tested genotypes exhibited lower AUDPC compared to Benishangul-1, a variety specifically developed for its adaptability and resistance for bacterial blight-prone regions. Initially, at 14 and 28 days after emergence (DAE), no noticeable bacterial blight symptoms were observed across the genotypes. However, at 42, 56, and 72 DAE, the average severity index steadily rose to 16.92%, 20.78%, and 27.71%, respectively. This transition from immunity to moderate susceptibility underscores the dynamic nature of disease progression and the significant challenge posed by bacterial blight in later sesame growth stages. Notably, significant differences (P<0.05) were noted in days to 50% flowering, days to 90% maturity, plant height to the first branch, overall plant height, length of the capsule-bearing zone, and seed yield. This comprehensive evaluation offers valuable insights into the genetic diversity to improve crop performance and yield potential.

First Report of Nigrospora oryzae Causing Leaf Spot on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the Republic of Korea.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most profitable upland crops, yielding 10,711 tonnes in an area of 4,062 ha in the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 2023). In September 2023, dark gray spots surrounded by yellow halos were observed on the peanut leaves over an area of 880 m2 at the National Institute of Crop Science (35°50'31.4"N 127°02'41.0"E), with a disease incidence up to 80%. Early symptoms appeared as small, brown, circular or irregular spots that enlarged and were surrounded by chlorotic halos. Leaf cuttings (5 mm x 5 mm) from five symptomatic plants were surface-sterilized with 70% EtOH for 1 min, followed by 1% NaClO for 1 min, and rinsed 3 times with sterile water. The pieces were placed on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and incubated at 25 °C in the dark for 3 days. Three isolates obtained by single-spore isolation were designated as F23025, F23026, and F23027. Two isolates, F23025 and F23026 were deposited in the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (https://genebank.rda.go.kr) under the accession numbers 410722 and 410723. Fungal colonies were initially white and turned sooty gray after 5 days. Conidia were unicellular, brown to black, and spherical or sub-spherical with 6.8 μm to 14.3 μm (mean = 11.1 μm ± 1.8, n = 50). The morphology of the three isolates was identical and showed the same characteristics as Nigrospora oryzae (Ellis 1971; Hudson 1963). For molecular identification, the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region (GenBank accession PP388306 and PP574448), beta tubulin (PP397027 and PP580108), and translation elongation factor 1- ɑ (PP397028 and PP580109) of isolates F23025 and F23026 were amplified and sequenced with primers of ITS5/ITS4, Bt2a/Bt2b, EF1-727F/EF2, respectively and showed high identity of 99.62% (530 bp/532 bp), 100% (384/384), and 99.79% (475/476) with N. oryzae strain LC2693 (GenBank accessions KX985994, KY019471, and KY019299, respectively). Multilocus sequence analysis showed isolates F23025 and F23026 were on the same clade with N. oryzae strain LC2693. To determine the pathogenicity to peanut, a conidial suspension (1 x 106 conidia/mL) was sprayed onto leaves of five 3-week-old plants 'Sewon' grown in pots, while sterile distilled water was sprayed onto two plants used as negative control. Sprayed plants were placed in a dew chamber at 25℃ for two days and grown in a growth chamber at 25℃ and 80% of relative humidity with a 16L:8D cycle. Two weeks later, dark spots with chlorotic halos appeared only on leaves sprayed with conidia, and no symptoms on leaves sprayed with sterile distilled water. The pathogenicity test was repeated three times, and each time the pathogen was re-isolated and identified by ITS sequence, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Nigrospora species are cosmopolitan, and some species have a wide host range as plant pathogens. Recently, two species of the genus Nigrospora, N. sphaerica and N. aurantiaca, were reported to cause peanut leaf blight in China (Liu et al. 2020; He et al. 2023). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of N. oryzae causing leaf spot to A. hypogaea L. in the Republic of Korea. As identifying new pathogens and registering fungicides to control them are important for the continued cultivation of peanut, this report will help in that endeavor.

Expression Pattern and Functional Analysis of MebHLH149 Gene in Response to Cassava Bacterial Blight.

The significant reduction in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) yields attributed to cassava bacterial blight (CBB) constitutes an urgent matter demanding prompt attention. The current study centered on the MebHLH149 transcription factor, which is acknowledged to be reactive to CBB and exhibits augmented expression levels, as indicated by laboratory transcriptome data. Our exploration, encompassing Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis strain CHN01 (Xpm CHN01) and hormone stress, disclosed that the MebHLH149 gene interacts with the pathogen at the early stage of infection. Furthermore, the MebHLH149 gene has been discovered to be responsive to the plant hormones abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA), intimating a potential role in the signaling pathways mediated by these hormones. An analysis of the protein's subcellular localization suggested that MebHLH149 is predominantly located within the nucleus. Through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in cassava, we discovered that MebHLH149-silenced plants manifested higher disease susceptibility, less ROS accumulation, and significantly larger leaf spot areas compared to control plants. The proteins MePRE5 and MePRE6, which are predicted to interact with MebHLH149, demonstrated complementary downregulation and upregulation patterns in response to silencing and overexpression of the MebHLH149 gene. This implies a potential interaction between MebHLH149 and these proteins. Both MePRE5 and MePRE6 genes are involved in the initial immune response to CBB. Notably, MebHLH149 was identified as a protein that physically interacts with MePRE5 and MePRE6. Based on these findings, it is hypothesized that the MebHLH149 gene likely functions as a positive regulator in the defense mechanisms of cassava against CBB.

Harnessing phages as biocontrol agents against common bacterial blight diseases in plants

Bacterial blight diseases in plants are caused by various bacterial pathogens such as Dickeya, Pectobacterium, Xanthomonas, and others. They infect a wide range of crops including potatoes, tomatoes, apples, and citrus. The impact of these diseases includes reduced crop yields, lower quality produce, and economic losses for farmers. Traditional control methods like antibiotics and copper-based compounds are becoming less effective due to the development of resistance and environmental concerns. As a result, there is growing interest in alternative strategies such as biocontrol agents (BCAs), particularly bacteriophages. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, they offer a promising solution to agricultural disease management. Their specificity and ability to target pathogenic bacteria make them an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical interventions. By optimizing phage formulations and application protocols, bacteriophages have the potential to contribute to healthier crops, increased yields, and a more sustainable agricultural system.

Applications of Marker-Assisted Gene Pyramiding in Rice Crop Improvement

In order to give wide-ranging and long-lasting disease resistance that reduces rice output, breeding techniques are used such as the importance of selection assisted by markers and gene pyramiding. Bacterial leaf blight (BLB), which is carried on by the pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, is one such disease that significantly reduces rice yield. Numerous molecular marker techniques have already been developed because molecular markers are crucial for both marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding. Currently, DNA-based markers, sometimes referred to as molecular markers, are the most frequently employed ones. Based on the methods used to find them, the molecular markers are divided into two main types. These markers are based on hybridization and polymerase chain reaction. The morphological (traditionally based) and biochemical (enzyme-based) markers are two more types of markers that are available. The best method for preventing rice BLB disease is host plant/varietal resistance. Gene pyramiding with the help of markers offers the potential to speed up breeding operations and ensure that the host plant’s acquired resistance will last. This research explores the use, economic significance, constraints, and potential of marker-assisted selection and gene pyramiding for rice BLB disease resistance.

Engineering broad-spectrum resistance to rice bacterial blight by editing the OsETR susceptible haplotype using CRISPR/Cas9.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of the susceptible haplotype of OsETR, encoding an embryogenesis transmembrane protein, confers broad-spectrum resistance to bacterial leaf blight in a susceptible rice cultivar without yield penalty.

Assessing Broccoli Cultivar Susceptibility to Alternaria brassicicola in Georgia

Alternaria leaf blight and head rot (causal agent: Alternaria brassicicola and other Alternaria species) in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) can lead to decreased yields, reduced head quality, and postharvest losses. While cultural practices and fungicides can decrease disease severity, further work is needed to determine resistance or susceptibility in commercial cultivars. This study evaluated susceptibility of 26 cultivars against A. brassicicola in Fall 2021 and 2022 at two locations in Georgia (Tifton and Watkinsville). Commonly used cultivars in the Eastern U.S. were selected and grown in a randomized complete block design. Approximately 20 days after transplant, plants were inoculated with a conidial suspension of A. brassicicola and monitored for disease development. Foliar disease severity, foliar area under disease progression curve (AUDPC), head disease severity, and yield were determined for each cultivar at each location. Significant differences existed among cultivars (year × location) for foliar AUPDC and head disease severity. Foliar AUPDC ranged from 299 to 1818 for both years and locations and head disease severity ranged from 1 to 81% across both years and locations. In this study, cultivars, ‘Eastern Crown’, ‘Emerald Jewel’, ‘Lieutenant’ and ‘Abrams’, had greater foliar and head disease severity and low marketable yields in both locations and years. The cultivars ‘Vallejo’, ‘Emerald Pride, ‘Burney’, ‘Belstar’ ‘Iron Man’, and ‘Marathon’ exhibited low disease severity across both locations and years and maintained greater marketable yields. Proper selection of commercially-available cultivars could help growers maintain yields in areas with high A. brassicicola pressure.

Unique findings of <i>Phoma</i>-like fungi associated with soybean

Ascochyta leaf blight of soybean is a widespread disease caused by several closely related Phoma-like species, this disease often leads to significant crop losses. Among Phoma-like species from Didymellaceae family, the most frequently associated with symptomatic soybean tissues are species of the genera Boeremia and Didymella. Currently reliable species identification in Didymellaceae relies on polyphasic approach based on consolidated species concept and combined molecular phylogenetic, micromorphological and cultural features. At least three loci are commonly used for reconstruction of the molecular phylogeny of Didymellaceae: internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal DNA, partial RNA-polymerase II gene (rpb2), and β-tubulin (tub2). As a result of long-term phytosanitary monitoring of soybean crops, soybean leaves with symptoms of Ascochyta blight were collected from major soybean producing areas of Russia. From surface sterilized plant tissues more than 100 isolates of Phoma-like fungi were obtained and stored in the collection of pure cultures of the Laboratory of Mycology and Phytopathology (MF, All-Russian Institute of Plant Protection). Most of them, as a result of multilocus phylogenetic analysis, were identified as Boeremia and Didymella species. Eight isolates were identified as species of other genera, suspected to be rare findings. The aim of this study was to identify these eight isolates based on multilocus phylogenetic analysis, as well micromorphological, cultural, and pathogenicity data. Multilocus phylogenetic analysis has resulted in identification of all eight isolates to species level. Single isolate from the Ryazan region was Neoascochyta graminicola. Three other from three different districts of the Amur region were Remotididymella capsici. Two isolates from the Primorskiy territory and Amur region were Stagonosporopsis heliopsidis. Another two from two districts of the Amur region were S. stuijvenbergii. Pathogenicity tests have resulted in conclusion, that all studied isolates were not pathogenic for soybean leaves. Probably, these Phoma-like species are associate with soybean as saprophytes or endophytes. For all these Phoma-like species Glycine max was detected as substrate for the first time. Neoascochyta graminicola is widespread in Europe in association with Poaceae plants. There are only two findings of Remotididymella capsici in the world, both from leaves of Capsicum annuum. First finding was made in the former USSR in 1977 and was identified based on only morphological features. Second findings was collected in the Fiji and verified with multilocus phylogenetic analysis. Stagonosporopsis heliopsidis isolates were revealed in the USA, Canada, Netherlands and Russia and this fungus was believed to be specific for Asteraceae plants. Isolates of Stagonosporopsis stuijvenbergii are known only from soil in the Netherlands. Thus, such species as Neoascochyta graminicola and Stagonosporopsis stuijvenbergii were revealed in the Russia for the first time. Studied Remotididymella capsici isolates were first confirmed findings of this fungus in Russia. Additionally to detailed phylogenetic data, the manuscript is supplement with a detailed description of the cultural and micromorphological features of all species.

Analysis of inbreeding depression in five S1 Cassava families of elite varieties at the seedling nursery and clonal evaluation trial stages.

Background Cassava is an outcrossing, highly heterozygous plant that is reported to suffer from inbreeding depression. However, unraveling recessive traits and exploring additive genes would require a limited level of inbreeding for the genetic improvement of cassava. Method The impact of inbreeding depression (ID) on agronomic and biotic tolerance of cassava was evaluated using the S1 progenies of five African cassava varieties (TMS 30572, TME 419, TMS 98/0505, TMS 01/1371, and TMS 98/0002) at the seedling and clonal evaluation stages. Results At both trial stages, the effects of ID were severe on average performance of fresh root yield and fresh foliage yield; moderate on harvest index, dry matter content, vigor, and tolerance to cassava mosaic disease, cassava bacterial blight, and cassava anthracnose diseases; and less severe on plant height. Further examination of S1 families using molecular markers showed varying levels of heterozygosity at several loci across the genome. In addition, the degree of heterozygosity and ID varied by the S1 family. The TMS 01/1371 family showed the lowest degree of heterozygosity and ID on the average performance of different agronomic attributes, indicating that inbreeding may be strategically explored in this family to increase genetic gain and identify useful recessive traits. Lastly, the observed depression from inbreeding was higher in seedling evaluation than in clonal evaluation trials for fresh root yield, fresh foliage yield, harvest index, and dry matter content. Conclusion S1 individuals showing relatively low heterozygosity based on SNP data were selected as parents to advance genetic gain in cassava. Generally, reduced heterozygosity was prominent in traits with severe ID impacts on average phenotypic performance. Our results highlight the relative importance of exploring non-additive genetic effects and transgressive segregations for favorable allele combinations in cassava improvement.

Closing the information gap between the field and scientific literature for improved disease management- with a focus on rice and bacterial blight.

A path to sustainably reduce world hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition is to close the crop yield gap, particularly, losses due to pathogens. Breeding resistant crops is key to achieving this goal, an effort requiring collaboration among stakeholders, scientists, breeders, farmers and policymakers. During a disease outbreak, epidemiologists survey the occurrence of a disease after which pathologists investigate mechanisms to stop an infection. Policymakers then implement strategies with farmers and breeders to overcome the outbreak. Information flow from the field to the lab and back to the field involves several processing hubs that require different information inputs. Failure to communicate the necessary information results in the transfer of meaningless data. Here, we discuss gaps in information acquisition and transfer between the field and laboratory. Using rice bacterial blight disease as an example, we discuss pathogen biology and disease resistance to point out the importance of reporting pathogen strains that caused an outbreak to optimize the deployment of resistant crop varieties. We examine differences between infection in the field and assays performed in the laboratory to draw awareness of possible misinformation concerning plant resistance or susceptibility. We discuss key data considered useful for reporting disease outbreaks, sampling bias, and suggestions for improving data quality. We also touch on the knowledge gap in the state-of-the-art literature regarding disease dispersal and transmission. We use a recent case study to exemplify the gaps mentioned. We conclude by highlighting potential actions that may contribute to food security and to closing of the yield gap.

Identification of Calonectria variabilis isolated from Anacardium occidentale trees exhibiting leaf blight symptoms

Identification of Calonectria variabilis isolated from Anacardium occidentale trees exhibiting leaf blight symptoms

Comparative gene expression of OsSWEETs from various rice genotypes during the development of bacterial blight as induced by the most virulent Race 4 of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

Comparative gene expression of OsSWEETs from various rice genotypes during the development of bacterial blight as induced by the most virulent Race 4 of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae