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Review
. 2020 Jan;225(1):118-125.
doi: 10.1111/nph.16007. Epub 2019 Jul 25.

Expecting the unexpected: factors influencing the emergence of fungal and oomycete plant pathogens

Pilar Corredor-Moreno  1 , Diane G O Saunders  1
Affiliations
Review

Expecting the unexpected: factors influencing the emergence of fungal and oomycete plant pathogens

Pilar Corredor-Moreno et al. New Phytol. 2020 Jan.

Abstract

In recent years, the number of emergent plant pathogens (EPPs) has grown substantially, threatening agroecosystem stability and native biodiversity. Contributing factors include, among others, shifts in biogeography, with EPP spread facilitated by the global unification of monocultures in modern agriculture, high volumes of trade in plants and plant products and an increase in sexual recombination within pathogen populations. The unpredictable nature of EPPs as they move into new territories is a situation that has led to sudden and widespread epidemics. Understanding the underlying causes of pathogen emergence is key to managing the impact of EPPs. Here, we review some factors specifically influencing the emergence of oomycete and fungal EPPs, including new introductions through anthropogenic movement, natural dispersal and weather events, as well as genetic factors linked to shifts in host range.

Keywords: climate change; disease surveillance; emergent plant pathogens; host shifts; pathogen pollution; plant pathology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map illustrating a selection of fungal plant pathogens classified as emergent in recent history. Dates illustrate the first record of a particular pathogen in the given location.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Illustration of the main factors influencing shifts in the biogeography of emergent plant pathogens. The spread of plant pathogens has been facilitated by the global intensification of agriculture, host shifts and new introductions through anthropogenic movement, natural dispersal and severe weather events.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Genetic factors can facilitate host‐range expansion and/or host jumps of fungal or oomycete plant pathogens. Such genetic factors include mutation, horizontal gene transfer, hybridization, sexual recombination and nuclear exchange.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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