Research

Jump to: Review

27 pages, 15048 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact of Fusarium Species Composition and Incidence on Onion Basal Rot in Northeastern Israel

by Ofir Degani, Elhanan Dimant and Eliyahu Margalit

Horticulturae 2024, 10(4), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10040373 - 07 Apr 2024

Viewed by 443

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) places a significant limitation on Allium production worldwide. The damage caused by the disease can be observed throughout the entire crop cycle. This research aimed to further our understanding of the impact of FBR on the cultivation of onions [...] Read more.

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) places a significant limitation on Allium production worldwide. The damage caused by the disease can be observed throughout the entire crop cycle. This research aimed to further our understanding of the impact of FBR on the cultivation of onions (Allium cepa) in northeast Israel. It focused on studying the composition and incidence of Fusarium species involved in disease outbursts in two representative fields, one in Galilee (Hula Valley) and the second in the Golan Heights, where the disease incidences reached 8%. Using colony morphology, microscopic taxonomic keys, and molecular methods, a new, unreported Neocosmospora (previously Fusarium solani) species complex (SC, mostly N. falciformis) was discovered as a wildly spread member of the Fusarium pathobiome community. This species complex appeared more generalist in its nature since it was found in all three onion cultivars’ samples. It was also less virulent in seed germination (42–52% higher sprout biomass, p < 0.05) and bulb pathogenicity tests (41–45% less necrotic) than Fusarium acutatum. Whereas the Galilee yellow Orlando (Riverside) onion cultivar bulbs sampled were colonized by Neocosmospora SC (70%) and two other, less abundant species, F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae and F. acutatum (15% each), the Golan Heights field’s Fusarium community showed host specificity. In the Golan Heights field, F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae inhabited the red Ha2 onion cultivar bulbs, whereas F. acutatum colonized the yellow Ha1 cultivar (40% and 50% prevalence along with Neocosmospora SC). A better understanding of the complexity of this disease caused by different Fusarium species and with a divergence in host susceptibility and virulence is critical for developing disease management strategies. Since each Fusarium species reacts differently to pest control treatments, changes in the species composition may require specifically adapted management solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 2158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Application of Droplet Digital PCR Assay for the Detection of Watermelon Silver Mottle Virus and Melon Yellow Spot Virus

by Huijie Wu, Mei Liu, Wenyang Li, Min Wang, Junqing Xiu, Bin Peng, Yanping Hu, Baoshan Kang, Liming Liu and Qinsheng Gu

Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030199 - 20 Feb 2024

Viewed by 723

Abstract

Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) and melon yellow spot virus (MYSV) (Tospoviridae, Orthotospovirus) are responsible for silver mottle mosaic and yellow spot symptoms, posing threats to melon (Cucumis melo), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and cucumber and leading to significant [...] Read more.

Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) and melon yellow spot virus (MYSV) (Tospoviridae, Orthotospovirus) are responsible for silver mottle mosaic and yellow spot symptoms, posing threats to melon (Cucumis melo), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), and cucumber and leading to significant economic losses in China. Early disease detection and monitoring of these two viruses are necessary for disease management, for which a rapid, reliable, and adaptable diagnostic method is required. In this study, using a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method, the conserved region of the nucleocapsid gene (N gene) sequence was detected in WSMoV and MYSV. The probes and primers for WSMoV and MYSV did not detect other relevant cucurbit viruses, and the specificity reached 100%. Although both qPCR and ddPCR exhibited good reproducibility, the reproducibility of ddPCR was better than that of qPCR. The reproducibility of ddPCR was proved to be 100%. Moreover, ddPCR exhibited a good linear correlation with varying concentrations of targets. The detection limits of WSMoV and MYSV in ddPCR were 18 and 9 copies/μL and were approximately 12- and 18-times more than those in qPCR, respectively. Finally, 62 samples collected from the field (including infected melon, watermelon, and weeds) were further evaluated for the presence of WSMoV and MYSV. The field samples exhibited 91.94% and 51.61% positivity rates in ddPCR assays for WSMoV and MYSV, respectively; the rates were higher than those in qPCR (59.68% and 43.39%, respectively). The results indicated that ddPCR has a higher accuracy than qPCR. Therefore, ddPCR could be used in the clinical diagnosis of early infections of WSMoV and MYSV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a ddPCR method for the detection of WSMoV and MYSV. The application of this method for differential detection of MYSV and WSMoV will help in understanding the epidemics caused by these two important viruses and provide important information for the early detection, monitoring, and rapid extermination of infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of Healthy and Raspberry Leaf Blotch Emaravirus-Infected Red Raspberry ‘Willamette’ Fruits

by Nemanja Miletić, Milan Mitić, Branko Popović, Marko Petković, Bojana Vasilijević, Vera Katanić and Darko Jevremović

Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 187; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020187 - 18 Feb 2024

Viewed by 674

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in chemical composition of fresh red raspberry ‘Willamette’ fruits caused by the presence of raspberry leaf blotch emaravirus (RLBV). In three experimental orchards of ‘Willamette’ raspberry, fruits were harvested from RLBV-free and RLBV-infected [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in chemical composition of fresh red raspberry ‘Willamette’ fruits caused by the presence of raspberry leaf blotch emaravirus (RLBV). In three experimental orchards of ‘Willamette’ raspberry, fruits were harvested from RLBV-free and RLBV-infected plants in 2019 and 2020. Fruits were collected at appropriate maturity stages and further analyzed in terms of total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and selected individual phenolics. In all three experimental orchards, the phenolic profiles of the infected and uninfected fruit samples were considerably different during both studied years. Nonetheless, the intensity of the modifications varied greatly depending on the location and harvest year. Statistical analysis revealed that the influence of RLBV infection on the studied features was undeniable, although the influences of weather conditions and soil composition outweighed the influence of RLBV. Taking into consideration all the experimental and statistical data, it can be concluded that RLBV had an impact on the phenolic profile of raspberry ‘Willamette’ fruits, while sensitivity to environmental conditions and soil composition is emphasized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3211 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Study on Italian Onion Cultivars/Ecotypes towards Onion Yellow Dwarf Virus (OYDV) Infection

by Carla Libia Corrado, Giuseppe Micali, Antonio Mauceri, Sabrina Bertin, Francesco Sunseri, Maria Rosa Abenavoli and Antonio Tiberini

Horticulturae 2024, 10(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10010073 - 11 Jan 2024

Viewed by 833

Abstract

The onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) represents a limiting biotic stress in onion (Allium cepa L.); little information is available regarding resistant varieties. In Italy, onion production is limited but represented by a wide diversity of ecotypes. A two-year trial was carried [...] Read more.

The onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) represents a limiting biotic stress in onion (Allium cepa L.); little information is available regarding resistant varieties. In Italy, onion production is limited but represented by a wide diversity of ecotypes. A two-year trial was carried out to test the OYDV-susceptibility/tolerance of different Italian onion cultivars by rating symptom severity and plant growth parameters and assessing post-harvest secondary infections. The cultivar and ecotypes included in the study were characterized by simple sequence repeats (SSR) analysis, and the expression analysis of two genes (Eukaryotic translation initiation factors, EIFs) involved in potyvirus replication was also performed. Two susceptible and one tolerant cultivar were identified based on symptom expression and virus impact on plants. Although differences in growth parameters were limited to the first-year trial, the infection was correlated to a higher incidence of secondary infections in post-harvest, with altered water balance in infected bulbs. This correlation was also demonstrated during the long-term storage of bulbs. SSR analysis identified different clusters and only one gene isoform (EIF4eiso1) showed different expression levels in the OYDV/onion pathosystem. In conclusion, this study defines the genetic profile of Italian onion cultivars and provides evidence on susceptibility/tolerance features which will be useful in the future for the identification of viral resistance traits in onion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Xylella fastidiosa, Possible New Threat to Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) in Italy

by Davide Greco, Erika Sabella, Giambattista Carluccio, Angelo Giovanni Delle Donne, Luigi De Bellis and Andrea Luvisi

Horticulturae 2023, 9(12), 1315; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9121315 - 07 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1568

Abstract

This is the first worldwide report of X. fastidiosa (Xf) subsp. pauca on Castanea sativa and the first characterization of Xf infection on this species. Plants located in three sites (in a long-term affected area in Apulia) were monitored for symptoms [...] Read more.

This is the first worldwide report of X. fastidiosa (Xf) subsp. pauca on Castanea sativa and the first characterization of Xf infection on this species. Plants located in three sites (in a long-term affected area in Apulia) were monitored for symptoms and bacterial concentrations in spring and summer, while microscopic analyses were performed to evaluate the pathogen distribution in the xylem vessels. All chestnut plants appeared asymptomatic but the Xf subsp. pauca strain “De Donno” was present at low concentrations (1.14 × 10⁴ and 1.56 × 10³ cfu mL⁻¹ in April and June) and with a low incidence (respectively, 38% and 30%). The FISH-CLSM (Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization—Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope) analysis showed evident Xf occlusions but in a low percentage (9.2 ± 3.4%); these data can explain the lack of symptoms on the canopy. Furthermore, through a bibliographic analysis it emerged that Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris, two Xf vectors present in Europe, are suckling feeding insects on chestnut trees and could be involved in the bacterial transmission to this species. Asymptomatic Xf host species can play a considerable role in new outbreak emergence or in the expansion of existing ones. So, it is essential to identify them to plan more effective monitoring activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2394 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Exploring the Bioprotective Potential of Halophilic Bacteria against Major Postharvest Fungal Pathogens of Citrus Fruit Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum

by Nabil Radouane, Hasnae Adadi, Said Ezrari, Jihane Kenfaoui, Zineb Belabess, Fouad Mokrini, Essaid Ait Barka and Rachid Lahlali

Horticulturae 2023, 9(8), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9080922 - 13 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1182

Abstract

Citrus fruits are vulnerable to green mold (caused by Penicillium digitatum) and blue mold (caused by Penicillium italicum) during storage, posing significant challenges to the industry. Therefore, biological control utilizing antagonistic bacteria has emerged as a dependable strategy for managing postharvest [...] Read more.

Citrus fruits are vulnerable to green mold (caused by Penicillium digitatum) and blue mold (caused by Penicillium italicum) during storage, posing significant challenges to the industry. Therefore, biological control utilizing antagonistic bacteria has emerged as a dependable strategy for managing postharvest diseases. In this study, halophilic bacterial isolates were carefully selected from diverse saline ecosystems, including the Dead Sea, the Agadir Sea, the Rabat Sea, saline soil, and water of the Amassine Oued in Taounate, based on rigorous in vitro and in vivo antagonism bioassays. Out of 21 bacteria from different saline environments, 10 were chosen for further characterization based on the 16S rDNA gene. Notably, the EAM1 isolate demonstrated exceptional inhibitory effects, reaching a 90% inhibition rate against P. digitatum, while the ER2 isolate closely followed with an 89% inhibition rate against P. italicum. Furthermore, in bacterial supernatant experiments, six bacterial isolates effectively curbed the growth of P. digitatum, and three demonstrated efficacy against P. italicum development. In an in vivo trial spanning ten days of incubation, three highly effective isolates against P. digitatum displayed zero severity, and two of these isolates also demonstrated zero severity against P. italicum. Interestingly, a comparison of bacterial filtrates revealed that all isolates exhibited a severity level of over 50% against the pathogen causing green rot (P. digitatum), while the severity was lower than 50% for the supernatants of the two isolates used against P. italicum. In conclusion, this study highlights the promising role of halophilic bacteria, specifically Bacillus amyloliquefaciens EAM1 and B. amyloliquefaciens ER2, in controlling postharvest fruit pathogens. The findings shed light on the potential of utilizing these bioprotective agents to address the challenges posed by green and blue citrus molds, providing valuable insights for the citrus industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1512 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Phytochemical Constituents and Antimicrobial Activity of Euphorbia serrata L. Extracts for Borago officinalis L. Crop Protection

by Eva Sánchez-Hernández, Vicente González-García, Ana Palacio-Bielsa, José Casanova-Gascón, Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia, Jesús Martín-Gil and Pablo Martín-Ramos

Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060652 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1525

Abstract

The Euphorbia genus is the third-largest group of blooming plants, features a rich morphological variability, has a near-cosmopolitan distribution, and diverse medicinal uses. Nonetheless, phytochemical information about Euphorbia serrata L. extracts is not available. The objective of this research was to examine the [...] Read more.

The Euphorbia genus is the third-largest group of blooming plants, features a rich morphological variability, has a near-cosmopolitan distribution, and diverse medicinal uses. Nonetheless, phytochemical information about Euphorbia serrata L. extracts is not available. The objective of this research was to examine the constituents of the hydromethanolic extract of its aerial parts and propose valorization pathways. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC−MS) demonstrated that 3-methylbutyl formate, quinic acid, N1-(4-hydroxybutyl)-N3-methylguanidine acetate, and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one were the main phytocompounds, which have antimicrobial activity. Such activity was assayed against Pseudomonas cichorii, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, four of the most destructive diseases of borage (Borago officinalis L.) crops, obtaining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 750 and 1000 μg·mL⁻¹ against the bacterium and the three fungal taxa, respectively, in in vitro tests. Conjugation of the extract with chitosan oligomers (COS) enhanced this activity, leading to MIC values of 187.5, 750, 500, and 500 μg·mL⁻¹ for P. cichorii, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, and S. sclerotiorum, respectively. Additional in vivo assays against two of the pathogens confirmed the protective action of the COS–E. serrata extract conjugate complexes on artificially inoculated plants at a dose of 375 and 1000 μg·mL⁻¹ for P. cichorii and F. oxysporum, respectively. These findings suggest that this plant species can be a rich source of biorationals for prospective use in crop protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

6 pages, 2605 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

First Report of Rose Bent Neck Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Commercial Cut Roses (Rosa hybrida L.)

by Melissa Muñoz, Logan E. Behnke, James E. Faust and Guido Schnabel

Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060646 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

Cut roses are highly valuable ornamentals and their profitability depends on the flower postharvest performance. Bent neck symptoms in roses make them unmarketable and are typically related to physiological disorders, bacteria accumulation in the vase solution, and Botrytis cinerea infection. Unusual bent neck [...] Read more.

Cut roses are highly valuable ornamentals and their profitability depends on the flower postharvest performance. Bent neck symptoms in roses make them unmarketable and are typically related to physiological disorders, bacteria accumulation in the vase solution, and Botrytis cinerea infection. Unusual bent neck symptoms were observed in 4.7% of ‘Orange Crush’ roses from two commercial shipments, resulting in complete flower collapse. This research was aimed to determine the causal agent of the bent neck symptoms. Following incubation in a humid chamber, symptomatic roses evolved in water-soaked lesions with the presence of white mycelium and sclerotia development. Fungal isolations and molecular characterization were performed and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was identified as the causal agent of rose bent neck. Therefore, when bent neck symptoms are observed, S. sclerotiorum incidence should be considered to avoid possible outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 6607 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Phytophthora in Horticultural Nursery Green Waste—A Risk to Plant Health

by Kadiatou Schiffer-Forsyth, Debra Frederickson Matika, Pete E. Hedley, Peter J. A. Cock and Sarah Green

Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060616 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1472

Abstract

Phytophthora is a genus of destructive plant pathogens. Certain species are damaging to native ecosystems, forestry, and the horticultural sector, and there is evidence of their dissemination in plant imports. Horticultural nurseries are central nodes of the plant trade and previous studies have [...] Read more.

Phytophthora is a genus of destructive plant pathogens. Certain species are damaging to native ecosystems, forestry, and the horticultural sector, and there is evidence of their dissemination in plant imports. Horticultural nurseries are central nodes of the plant trade and previous studies have found a high diversity of Phytophthora associated with plant nursery stock. It was subsequently hypothesized that green waste disposal sites in nurseries could harbour diverse Phytophthora communities and act as a pathogen reservoir and conduit, facilitating further Phytophthora infection of nursery stock and its spread into the wider environment. This project identified Phytophthora species associated with green waste at three Scottish nurseries by sampling material from waste piles, water run-off from piles, and roots from discarded plants. Species were identified using a baiting method and sequencing of environmental DNA. Plant nursery green waste was shown to harbour diverse and varied Phytophthora species assemblages, with differences among nurseries reflecting biosecurity management practices. Eighteen Phytophthora species were detected in the samples, including the highly destructive pathogens P. ramorum and P. austrocedri. Results suggest that the improved management of waste, for example through effective on-site composting, is essential to reduce the risk of Phytophthora pathogens spreading from nurseries into the wider environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 5232 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Distinctive Features of the Orange Cane Blotch Disease Cycle on Commercial Blackberry (Rubus fructicosis)

by Will H. Hemphill, Phillip M. Brannen, Elizabeth A. Richardson and Jonathan E. Oliver

Horticulturae 2023, 9(5), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9050565 - 10 May 2023

Viewed by 1060

Abstract

The high humidity and short, mild winters of the southeastern United States are conducive to many plant diseases including orange cane blotch (OCB), caused by the algal species Cephaleuros virescens (Cv). Since its discovery on blackberry, its presence has been associated with cane [...] Read more.

The high humidity and short, mild winters of the southeastern United States are conducive to many plant diseases including orange cane blotch (OCB), caused by the algal species Cephaleuros virescens (Cv). Since its discovery on blackberry, its presence has been associated with cane cracking, cane girdling, and yield loss. Research detailing the disease cycle on blackberry is limited and is largely inferred from the interactions of Cv with its other hosts. To further detail the disease cycle of OCB, diseased blackberry canes were examined by photography and microscopy. By combining observations made from photography and microscopy, key events in the disease cycle of OCB on blackberry were elucidated as they correspond to blackberry phenology. The alga was observed to be active for a majority of the season, only exhibiting apparent dormancy from December through mid-April, concurrently with blackberry. While it appeared that the presence of algal sexual reproductive structures did not coincide with emerged primocanes, asexual reproductive structures were observed during the period when primocanes emerged. All new infections on newly emerged primocanes appeared around mid-summer, indicating a single infection cycle per year for OCB. These findings provide a foundation for further study and the development of targeted management strategies for OCB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

UV-A Radiation Stimulates Tolerance against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in Tomato Plants

by Yolanda González-García, Diego Iván Escobar-Hernández, Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza, América Berenice Morales-Díaz, Emilio Olivares-Sáenz and Antonio Juárez-Maldonado

Horticulturae 2023, 9(4), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9040499 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

UV-A radiation is a tool that has a stimulant action in plants and can be used to induce benefits through the production of bioactive compounds and the synthesis of secondary metabolites, among others. Particularly, its application could stimulate tolerance to the biotic stress [...] Read more.

UV-A radiation is a tool that has a stimulant action in plants and can be used to induce benefits through the production of bioactive compounds and the synthesis of secondary metabolites, among others. Particularly, its application could stimulate tolerance to the biotic stress caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) in tomato plants; for this reason, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of UV-A radiation to stimulate tolerance against Fol. For this, a tomato crop was established in which two conditions of supplementation with UV-A radiation were tested on plants inoculated with the fungus Fol. The pathogen’s impact on the agronomic parameters, its incidence and severity, and the contents of stress biomarkers, secondary metabolites and photosynthetic pigments were determined. The results show that the impact of the pathogen on severity was about 60%; therefore, the impact on fruit yield was also negative (−31%). Moreover, the pathogen significantly impacted the content of stress biomarkers, and the positive control increased H₂O₂ (+23.9%), malondialdehyde (+41.7%) and proline (+54.8%). In contrast, UV-A radiation significantly decreased Fol severity (−35.5%), and prevented its negative effect on the tomato plant/fruit yield. In addition, the application of UV-A radiation decreased the contents of stress biomarkers (−10.4% O₂^•⁻, −22% H₂O₂, and −16% MDA), and increased the contents of secondary metabolites (+13.2% flavonoids, +35% anthocyanins) and photosynthetic pigments (+17% β-carotene, +12% yellow pigments, and +19.8% total chlorophyll) in the plants inoculated with the pathogen. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the application of UV-A radiation is a good alternative means to control the attack of pathogens such as Fol on tomato plants, without adverse consequences for the environment or the crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of In Vitro and In Vivo Antifungal Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against Early Blight in Tomato

by Madeeha Ansari, Shakil Ahmed, Muhammad Tajammal Khan, Najwa A. Hamad, Hayssam M. Ali, Asim Abbasi, Iqra Mubeen, Anum Intisar, Mohamed E. Hasan and Ihsan K. Jasim

Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030369 - 12 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2709

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles have gained considerable interest in recent decades due to their antimicrobial activity and are used in water disinfection, wound healing, food packaging, and plant protection. This study tested the potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using the neem (Azadirachta indica) [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles have gained considerable interest in recent decades due to their antimicrobial activity and are used in water disinfection, wound healing, food packaging, and plant protection. This study tested the potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using the neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract against Alternaria solani causes early blight disease in tomato plants. The pathogen was isolated from infected tomato plants and identified using morphological and molecular features. The results showed significant variation among isolates. Isolates, Shk-1 and Ksr-1 were highly pathogenic, causing up to 80% disease incidence. The potential of silver nanoparticles against each isolate was determined using different concentrations of silver nanoparticles. During in vitro and in vivo experiments, the growth inhibition rate of the pathogen was 70–100% at 50 ppm. Lower concentrations of silver nanoparticles (5 and 10 ppm) increased phenolics, PO, PPO, and PAL production by more than 50% as compared to the untreated control. These defensive mechanisms clearly demonstrate the fungicidal potential of AgNPs and recommend their utilization in different crop protection programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 996 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Mechanisms Underlying Defense Responses of Horticultural Crops to Botrytis cinerea

by Rui Li and Yulin Cheng

Horticulturae 2023, 9(11), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9111178 - 27 Oct 2023

Viewed by 876

Abstract

Horticultural crops are a crucial component of agriculture worldwide and have great economic value. The notorious plant fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea can cause gray mold disease in over 200 horticultural crops, leading to severe economic losses. Investigating the mechanisms underlying plant defense responses [...] Read more.

Horticultural crops are a crucial component of agriculture worldwide and have great economic value. The notorious plant fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea can cause gray mold disease in over 200 horticultural crops, leading to severe economic losses. Investigating the mechanisms underlying plant defense responses to pathogens is crucial for developing new strategies for effectively controlling plant diseases, and much progress has occurred in the mechanisms underlying defense responses of horticultural crops to B. cinerea mainly due to the completion of genome sequencing and the establishment of efficient tools for functional genomics. In this review, recent progress in mechanisms underlying defense responses and natural products that can enhance the resistance of horticultural crops to B. cinerea are summarized, and future research directions are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Plant Pathology in Horticultural Production

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI