This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the biology and epidemiology of P. cactorum and presents an extensive overview of the available management strategies, including preventive measures, cultural practices, detection tools, chemical and biological control.
Abstract
Phytophthora cactorum is a versatile plant pathogen with a wide host spectrum causing substantial yield losses in various forest and agricultural systems, the most affected being apple, ginseng, and strawberry. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the biology and epidemiology of P. cactorum and presents an extensive overview of the available management strategies, including preventive measures, cultural practices, detection tools, chemical and biological control. Beyond compiling existing data, this review also highlights emerging conceptual shifts in our understanding of P. cactorum, particularly the transition from viewing it as a single broadly infective generalist to recognizing the presence of partially specialized lineages with host- and organ-specific adaptations. We further link advances in molecular biology, including effector repertoire characterization, with practical implications for disease management in agricultural and nursery systems. By integrating insights across disciplines, we aim to establish a strong foundation for deciphering the mechanisms underlying pathogenicity and to support the development of more effective and sustainable management strategies.
The conditions under which EPF can reliably provide resilient protection of rice are established, linking molecular pathways to population and landscape-scale outcomes in flooded paddy environments.
P. Saba, S. Jeyarani, P. S. Shanmugam et al.· Arthropod-Plant Interactions· 0 citations
Stemphylium vesicarium
is an emerging multi-host fungal pathogen that increasingly threatens European and global horticulture. Initially recognized as the causal agent of brown spot of pear and Stemphylium leaf blight of onion, the pathogen is now associated with diseases of other economically important crops, including spinach. Its broad host range, host-specialized pathotypes, host-specific toxins, and widespread fungicide resistance make disease management particularly challenging, often resulting in severe yield losses. The epidemiology of
S. vesicarium
is shaped by its polycyclic nature and dual reproductive strategy, with sexual ascospores colonizing alternative hosts in early spring and asexual conidia acting as the primary source of inoculum. The pathogen overwinters associated to crop residues, woody tissues, and alternative weed hosts, and can also spread through infected seeds, transplants, and thrips. Multilocus phylogenetics and whole-genome sequencing have clarified taxonomic ambiguities within
Stemphylium
, revealing substantial genetic diversity and complex population structures. In Europe, favourable climatic conditions, limited chemical control, fungicide-insensitive populations, and the lack of resistant cultivars in many crops underscore the urgent need for integrated disease management strategies. This review aims to give a valuable insight into the current knowledge on taxonomy, epidemiology, genetic diversity, toxin-mediated pathogenicity, and management of
S. vesicarium
, and identifies key research gaps to support sustainable disease control in European horticulture.
M. Cortiello, A. Montorsi, F. Bellameche et al.· European journal of plant pa...· 0 citations
Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Peronospora sparsa, is a major constraint in rose (Rosa spp.) production, particularly under conditions of prolonged leaf wetness and high humidity. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding pathogen biology, fungicide performance, and detection methods, the translation of epidemiological knowledge into practical disease management remains poorly developed. This review synthesizes recent advances (2020-2025) in rose downy mildew research, with emphasis on linking infection dynamics to actionable control strategies. Cultural practices that regulate canopy microclimate such as ventilation, irrigation timing, and plant spacing together with targeted fungicide applications, remain the most reliable control measures. In contrast, biological control agents and host resistance strategies show promise but lack consistent validation under commercial production conditions. Recent molecular studies have improved understanding of host pathogen interactions, although their direct application in management remains limited. Based on current evidence, we propose an integrated disease management framework that combines environmental monitoring, infection risk assessment, and optimized fungicide use to improve control efficacy in both field and protected systems. Key research priorities include the development of predictive models and validation of integrated strategies under diverse production conditions. In particular, integrating epidemiological thresholds such as leaf wetness duration and humidity into decision-based management frameworks is essential for improving the timing and effectiveness of disease control interventions.
Ayesha Kamal, Muhammad Kamil, Muhamamd Aaqil et al.· Plant Disease· 0 citations
Findings indicate that durable, cost-effective T. tabaci control will depend on investing in resistant cultivars, supporting access to quality biocontrol agents, and embedding monitoring based decision tools in extension and policy frameworks rather than relying on calendar based insecticide use.
Oumaima Moustaid, Dina Zanbot, C. Ramdani et al.· Frontiers in Agronomy· 0 citations
This critical narrative review evaluates technologies that could materially change how nematode risk is detected, prevented and suppressed and concludes the strongest near-term case is not for a stand-alone ‘revolutionary’ product but for an information-led integrated system.
K. Premalatha, J. Meenakshi· Journal of Advances in Biolo...· 0 citations
Fire blight, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is one of the most destructive diseases of pome-fruit crops worldwide. Despite decades of research, its management remains challenging because efficient and sustainable control options are limited, and many commercially important apple and pear cultivars remain highly susceptible. Conventional treatments for bacterial disease suppression are often hindered by inconsistent efficacy, phytotoxic effect, environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions, necessitating new sustainable alternative options. Virulent bacteriophages have emerged as promising biocontrol agents for controlling E. amylovora due to their unique biological properties, including a distinct mode of action, capacity to replicate within bacterial cells and high host specificity. These features enable effective suppression of pathogen populations, while potentially minimizing impact on non-target microbiota, depending on their host range and ecological interactions. However, further research is needed to better understand phage-host interactions, safety issues, and the environmental factors that influence phage efficacy in field application. Furthermore, combining phages with other compatible management approaches may improve disease control and help mitigate the emergence of resistant pathogen populations. This narrative review summarizes the key characteristics of E. amylovora phages, and recent advances in phage-based fire blight control, highlighting their potential role in integrated and sustainable disease management strategies.
A. Prokić, M. Ivanović, N. Kuzmanović et al.· Frontiers in Plant Science· 0 citations
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