Plant-Pathogen Interaction

Abstract

Plant diseases result in severe losses to natural plant systems, and also cause problems for economics and production in agricultural 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 is evident. Plant disease management faces challenges due to the increasing incidence of emergent diseases, with a consequent decrease in the production potential of agriculture. Furthermore, the deteriorating ecology of agro-ecosystems and the depletion of natural resources, together with an increased risk of disease epidemics resulting from agricultural intensification and monocultures, should be taken into account. Moreover, the practicability of some of the currently available plant protection measures is questionable. The UE directories for commercialization withdrawal of several chemical substances used for pest and disease control, and the new rules for reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions contained in the 2015 Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, bring new challenges to agricultural production.