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New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2020) | Viewed by 58126

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Antonio Vicent

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Guest Editor

Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research, Plant Protection and Biotechnology Research Center, CV-315, km 10,7, 46113 Valencia, Spain
Interests: plant pathology; plant protection; integrated pest management; crop protection; fungal plant pathology; biological control of plant diseases

Dr. Elisa González-Domínguez

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor

Department of Sustainable Crop Protection, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
Interests: plant pathology; plant disease epidemiology; IPM
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Cesar Monzó

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor

Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research, Plant Protection and Biotechnology Research Center, CV-315, km 10,7, 46113 Valencia, Spain
Interests: biological control; integrated pest management; insect ecology; agricultural entomology; applied entomology; crop protection; insect taxonomy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Horticultural and field crops are affected by a number of pests and diseases caused by arthropods, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses, virus-like organisms, and nematodes. The geographical range of most of these pests and pathogens is expanding as a result of growing global trade and environmental change. Perennial horticultural crops are grown for a number of years, thus long-term strategic decisions on pest and disease management are critical. Cultivar and rootstock selection, as well as orchard planning, should be defined before crop establishment. Short-term tactical decisions, such as sprays of plant protection products and cultural practices, should also be planned and implemented for proper pest and disease management. Field crops are cultivated over large areas and management strategies should carefully consider the spatial dimensions and complex interactions with the surrounding landscape.

Worldwide, the use of plant protection products must comply with stringent regulations, aiming at reducing the risks and impacts on public health and the environment, avoiding the development of pest and pathogen resistance and preserving ecosystem services that benefit the biological control of pests. Alternative methods, such as biocontrol agents and semiochemicals, are becoming increasingly important in pest and disease management. These approaches are particularly suited for integrated pest management and organic production, where they are preferred over the use of synthetic chemical pesticides.

The papers in this Special Issue include reviews and research articles that cover damages caused by fungi, viruses and insects in a diversity of crops, such as grapevines, citrus, almonds, loquat, kiwifruit, apple, cereals, peanut and saffron. The efficacy of chemical fungicides has been evaluated in terms of seed dressing, foliar applications scheduled based on epidemiological information and assessing fungicide sensitivity. The efficacy of alternative products, including biocontrol agents, semiochemicals and mycorrhizas, has also been considered in this Special Issue. The threat that is present in almond orchards due to new Diaporthe species causing twig canker and shoot blight has also been addressed. The future perspectives for Sesamia inferens management in cereals supported by new molecular and biotechnological approaches have been analyzed. Finally, the issue includes a historical overview of the viruses affecting Mediterranean intensive horticultural crops and of how disease management methods have evolved. The works included in this Special Issue cover a great diversity of regions, environments and agronomic conditions, with substantial contributions by early career researchers.

Dr. Antonio Vicent
Dr. Elisa González-Domínguez
Dr. Cesar Monzó
Guest Editors

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Keywords

horticultural crops
field crops
disease control
plant pathology
plant protection
decision support systems
integrated pest management
agricultural entomology

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities

by Elisa González-Domínguez, César Monzó and Antonio Vicent

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 923; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050923 - 7 May 2021

Viewed by 1675

Abstract

Horticultural and field crops are affected by a number of pests and diseases caused by arthropods, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, viruses, virus-like organisms, and nematodes [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 1811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Colonization of Grape Bunch Trash by Microorganisms for the Biocontrol of Botrytis cinerea as Influenced by Temperature and Humidity

by Giorgia Fedele, Chiara Brischetto, Elisa González-Domínguez and Vittorio Rossi

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1829; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111829 - 21 Nov 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2760

Abstract

Six commercial biocontrol agents (BCAs: Aureobasidium pullulans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. amyloliquefaciens plantarum, B. subtilis, Metschnikowia fructicola, or Trichoderma atroviride) were applied to bunch trash that was then incubated at one of five temperatures (T, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C) and one of five relative humidity levels (RH, 60, 80, 90, 95, and 100%). After 1 to 13 days of incubation (BCA colonization period), the number of colony forming units (CFUs) was assessed. The colonization of bunch trash in response to T/RH conditions and BCA colonization period differed among the BCAs; the coefficients of variation among the BCAs ranged from 104.6 to 397.7%. Equations were developed that accounted for the combined effects of the T, RH, and BCA colonization period on BCA colonization of bunch trash. Assuming that the equations, which had an R² > 0.87, correctly predict BCA growth under field conditions, they would help farmers select the BCA to be used for a specific application based on weather conditions at the time of treatment and in the following days. The equations would also help predict how long an early season BCA application remains effective and thereby help farmers decide whether and when a second BCA application may be needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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14 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitivity of Zasmidium citri-griseum to Fenbuconazole and Control of Citrus Greasy Spot in Panama

by Vidal Aguilera-Cogley and Antonio Vicent

Agronomy 2020, 10(10), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10101577 - 15 Oct 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2383

Abstract

Citrus greasy spot, caused by Zasmidium citri-griseum ( = Mycosphaerella citri) is the most prevalent fungal disease of citrus in Panama, causing premature defoliation and yield reduction. Fungicide applications are generally needed for the control of greasy spot. In this study, the sensitivity to fenbuconazole of 34 isolates of Z. citri-griseum from Panama was determined by calculating the effective concentration needed to reduce mycelial growth by 50% (EC

_{50}

). Two field trials were conducted from 2011 to 2013, to evaluate the efficacy of fenbuconazole to reduce disease severity and yield loss. The EC

_{50}

values for fenbuconazole ranged from 0.09 to 7.62

μ

g mL

^{- 1}

, with a mean EC

_{50}

value of 2.66 ± 0.36 SE

μ

g mL

^{- 1}

for mycelial growth. These data can be used for monitoring sensitivity shifts in Z. citri-griseum to fenbuconazole and reduce risk of fungicide resistance in Panama. In the field trials, sprays with fenbuconazole significantly reduced (p < 0.0001) the severity of greasy spot on leaves compared with the non-treated control. Greater disease control was obtained when three sprays of fenbuconazole were applied instead of one. Nevertheless, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected in yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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12 pages, 872 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Biocontrol Agents in Management of Corm Rot of Saffron Caused by Fusarium oxysporum

by Vishal Gupta, Krishna Kumar, Kausar Fatima, Vijay Kumar Razdan, Bhagwati Charan Sharma, Vidushi Mahajan, Pradeep Kumar Rai, Akash Sharma, Vikas Gupta, Mir Gulam Hassan and Rafakat Hussain

Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1398; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091398 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3757

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is considered as one of the most expensive spices. Fusarium corm rot of saffron, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, is known to cause severe yield losses worldwide. In the present study, efficacy of biocontrol agents (Trichoderma asperellum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus stratosphericus, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus subtilis) along with a chemical fungicide, carbendazim, was evaluated for managing the corm rot of saffron. Under in vitro conditions, using dual culture and poison food techniques on potato dextrose agar, T. asperellum and carbendazim significantly reduced the mycelial growth of the pathogen F. oxysporum, with the inhibition of 62.76 and 60.27%, respectively, compared with control. Under field conditions, dipping of saffron corms in carbendazim and T. asperellum exhibited maximum reduction of 82.77 and 77.84%, respectively, in the disease incidence, during the first year of experiment. However, during the second year, maximum reduction in the incidence of corm rot (68.63%) was recorded with the T. asperellum. Moreover, the population density of F. oxysporum was also significantly reduced by 60 and 80.19% while using T. asperellum after 75 and 260 days of sowing of saffron corms, compared to its population before planting of corms. In case of growth promotion traits, such as sprouting and flowering, biocontrol treatments reduced the number of days (average) of sprouting and flower emergence after sowing, compared to control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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11 pages, 2973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Gold–Chitosan and Carbon Nanoparticles on Fusarium oxysporum

by Florin-Daniel Lipșa, Elena-Laura Ursu, Cristian Ursu, Eugen Ulea and Ana Cazacu

Agronomy 2020, 10(8), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10081143 - 6 Aug 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 3942

Abstract

Nanoparticles are implemented in different biotechnological fields, and there is interest in their use in plant biology. Nanotechnology can help overcome the persistent limitations of using conventional fungicides in the management of plant diseases, contributing to a safer environment. Hence, this study is focused on evaluating the behavior of nanoparticles on two different strains of Fusarium oxysporum, which have a wide-ranging occurrence in tomato production and account for important economic losses. Fusarium oxysporum is an ascomycetous fungus that is well-known as a soilborne plant pathogen, adapted to any soil type, and it lives in different forms on organic materials. Gold–chitosan and carbon nanoparticles were suspended in potato dextrose agar growth media, and their antifungal activity was evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after incubation by measuring the diameter of fungal colonies. The results showed that the nanoparticles have antifungal properties against F. oxysporum, the fungal colony growth diameter being reduced. Likewise, it was observed that the colony diameter was smaller when the nanoparticle concentration increased. However, in the case of one F. oxysporum strain, the highest nanoparticle concentration applied during the experiment’s execution was not able to completely inhibit fungal growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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23 pages, 1914 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Characterization of Diaporthe spp. Associated with Twig Cankers and Shoot Blight of Almonds in Spain

by Maela León, Mónica Berbegal, José M. Rodríguez-Reina, Georgina Elena, Paloma Abad-Campos, Antonio Ramón-Albalat, Diego Olmo, Antonio Vicent, Jordi Luque, Xavier Miarnau, Carlos Agustí-Brisach, Antonio Trapero, Nieves Capote, Francisco T. Arroyo, Manuel Avilés, David Gramaje, Marcos Andrés-Sodupe and Josep Armengol

Agronomy 2020, 10(8), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10081062 - 23 Jul 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5193

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty-five Diaporthe isolates were collected from 2005 to 2019 in almond orchards showing twig cankers and shoot blight symptoms in five different regions across Spain. Multilocus DNA sequence analysis with five loci (ITS, tub, tef-1α, cal and his), allowed the identification of four known Diaporthe species, namely: D. amygdali, D. eres, D. foeniculina and D. phaseolorum. Moreover, a novel phylogenetic species, D. mediterranea, was described. Diaporthe amygdali was the most prevalent species, due to the largest number of isolates (85.3%) obtained from all sampled regions. The second most frequent species was D. foeniculina (10.2%), followed by D. mediterranea (3.6%), D. eres and D. phaseolorum, each with only one isolate. Pathogenicity tests were performed using one-year-old almond twigs cv. Vayro and representative isolates of the different species. Except for D. foeniculina and D. phaseolorum, all Diaporthe species were able to cause lesions significantly different from those developed on the uninoculated controls. Diaporthe mediterranea caused the most severe symptoms. These results confirm D. amygdali as a key pathogen of almonds in Spain. Moreover, the new species, D. mediterranea, should also be considered as a potential important causal agent of twig cankers and shoot blight on this crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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13 pages, 1888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Performance and Metabolomic Profile of Loquat in Response to Mycorrhizal Inoculation, Armillaria mellea and Their Interaction

by Amelia Camprubi, Jimena Solari, Paolo Bonini, Francesc Garcia-Figueres, Fabrizio Colosimo, Veronica Cirino, Luigi Lucini and Cinta Calvet

Agronomy 2020, 10(6), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060899 - 24 Jun 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2888

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was established with loquat plants to investigate the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the control of the white root rot fungus Armillaria mellea and to determine the changes produced in the plant metabolome. Plants inoculated with two AMF, Rhizoglomus irregulare and a native AMF isolate from loquat soils, were infected with Armillaria. Although mycorrhization failed to control the Armillaria root infection, the increased growth of infected plants following inoculation with the native mycorrhizal isolate suggests an initial tolerance towards Armillaria. Overall, metabolomics allowed highlighting the molecular basis of the improved plant growth in the presence of Armillaria following AMF colonization. In this regard, a wide and diverse metabolic response was involved in the initial tolerance to the pathogen. The AMF-mediated elicitation altered the hormone balance and modulated the production of reactive oxygen species (mainly via the reduction of chlorophyll intermediates), possibly interfering with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling cascade. A complex modulation of fucose, ADP-glucose and UDP-glucose, as well as the down-accumulation of lipids and fatty acids, were observed in Armillaria-infected plants following AMF colonization. Nonetheless, secondary metabolites directly involved in plant defense, such as DIMBOA and conjugated isoflavone phytoalexins, were also involved in the AMF-mediated plant response to infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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18 pages, 625 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Role of the Fungicide Seed Dressing in Controlling Seed-Borne Fusarium spp. Infection and in Enhancing the Early Development and Grain Yield of Maize

by Luca Capo, Alessandro Zappino, Amedeo Reyneri and Massimo Blandino

Agronomy 2020, 10(6), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060784 - 31 May 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3820

Abstract

Fusarium spp. are key pathogens in maize seeds and seedlings. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the effects of applying fungicides to maize seeds to increase the survival of seedlings and to enhance the early vigor and grain yield of the plants. The protective effects of 2-way (fludioxonil, metalaxil-M) and four-way (fludioxonil, metalaxil-M, azoxystrobin, thiabendazole) fungicide seed treatments were compared with an F. verticillioides seed infected control in 11 field trials carried out in North Italy. A second study focused on the impact F. verticillioides and F. graminearum seed-borne infection on plant growth and on the possible advantages of applying the previously reported seed dressing. The seed dressing increased the plant density, vigor during the whole vegetative growth cycle for all the production situations, and grain yield. F. verticillioides led to a higher seedling mortality than F. graminearum, while both species reduced plant growth and delayed the flowering date. Seed-borne infection has an important impact on both the population and vigor of maize plants. The four-way fungicide enhanced both the defense of the seedlings and the vigor of F. verticillioides infected plants, which in turn resulted in a significant improvement in grain yield, compared to a conventional two-way fungicide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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7 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Management Efficacy of Late Leaf Spot on Peanut Through Combined Application of Prothioconazole with Fluxapyroxad and Pyraclostrobin

by Daniel J. Anco, Justin B. Hiers and James S. Thomas

Agronomy 2020, 10(2), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020298 - 19 Feb 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2983

Abstract

Late leaf spot, caused by Nothopassalora personata, is the most economically important fungal disease affecting peanut foliage in South Carolina and can result in combined management and yield loss costs of greater than 490 dollars/ha. Application of protectant fungicides is a critical part of effective integrated management under commercial production, and their strategic alternation and combination in management programs can provide enhanced control. Trials were conducted in Blackville, SC, from 2017 to 2019 to investigate whether combinations of prothioconazole with fluxapyroxad plus pyraclostrobin could provide more efficacious management of late leaf spot compared to either product alone. Two applications of 0.11 kg/ha prothioconazole with 0.05 kg/ha fluxapyroxad plus 0.1 kg/ha pyraclostrobin resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) less (24% to 42%) peanut canopy defoliation compared to the same number of applications of either product applied individually, with the combined application reflecting significant (p < 0.0202) synergism compared to component products as assessed through independent action methodology. An increased rate of fluxapyroxad plus pyraclostrobin application (0.1 and 0.2 kg/ha, respectively), with 0.16 kg/ha prothioconazole did not improve management relative to their combination at the examined lower rate (p = 0.89). Peanut yield was not adversely affected following combined applications. Cost-effectiveness of this combination depends on the actual disease intensity and yield potential of a given crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

14 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Chitosan Composite Film Sprayed before Pathogen Infection Effectively Controls Postharvest Soft Rot in Kiwifruit

by Cheng Zhang, Youhua Long, Jiaohong Li, Ming Li, Deke Xing, Huaming An, Xiaomao Wu and Yanyou Wu

Agronomy 2020, 10(2), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020265 - 13 Feb 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3431

Abstract

Soft rot caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea and Phomopsis sp. is a critical disease in kiwifruit. In order to efficiently control soft rot, a 28.6% chitosan composite film (CCF) containing chitosan, dextrin, ferulic acid, calcium, and auxiliaries was successfully developed. The results showed that CCF had a strong inhibitory effect on mycelia growth of B. dothidea and Phomopsis sp., with mycelial EC₅₀ values of 68.11 and 50.34 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The concentration of 0.71–1.42 g L⁻¹ CCF had noticeably preventive and curative effects against soft rot. The spray of CCF before pathogen infection effectively reduced the incidence of soft rot, remarkably increased the content of resistance compounds, and activated the activity of defense enzymes. Moreover, it notably enhanced the yield and quality and prolonged the shelf life of kiwifruit. Therefore, the excellent control effects of CCF against soft rot might be associated with its film-forming property and antifungal activity, which prevent infection and induce plant defense mechanisms. The concentration of 0.71–1.42 g L⁻¹ CCF was optimal for the field application before the onset of disease symptoms in plants with B. dothidea and Phomopsis sp. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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9 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Control of Apple Scab with Targeted Spray Applications

by Michael Chatzidimopoulos, Fenia Lioliopoulou, Thomas Sotiropoulos and Evangelos Vellios

Agronomy 2020, 10(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020217 - 3 Feb 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7868

Abstract

For two consecutive growing seasons (2017 and 2018), three different fungicide spray programs, each with five sprays from unrelated chemical groups, were evaluated for their effectiveness against apple scab (causal agent: Venturia inaequalis) in an experimental trial in Greece. The targeted application programs consisted of five sprays with protective and systemic fungicides from unrelated chemical groups, in alternation. The applications were started at the pink bud stage (a copper-based fungicide had previously been applied at the green bud stage) and completed at the second fruit fall to arrest the primary infections by ascospores. These five-spray programs were compared to the standard farmer practice (12 sprays per season), whereas untreated plots were used as controls. The timing of the applications was based: a) on the critical growth stage of the crop, and b) on the risk analysis for infection calculated by the software Field Climate, which incorporated meteorological data from the trial site. All the five-spray programs were of very high efficacy against apple scab, showing disease severity ratings on leaves and fruits below 1.88%. In both years, in the untreated control, the disease incidence and severity on leaves ranged from 96.5% to 99.3% and from 65.2% to 75.93%, respectively. The five-spray programs showed similar efficacy to the standard 12-application program in all cases. From the results, it becomes apparent that apple scab can be controlled effectively by five targeted applications with selected fungicides at critical growth stages of the crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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Review

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18 pages, 1247 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of the Bionomics, Host Plant Resistance and Molecular Perspectives of Sesamia inferens Walker in Cereals and Millets

by Niranjanadevi Jeevanandham, Nalini Ramiah, Vanniarajan Chockalingam and Ramalingam Jegadeesan

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111705 - 4 Nov 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 10858

Abstract

There is an urgent need to enhance agricultural production as well as productivity to meet the food demand of the growing population, estimated to be 10 billion by 2050, using a holistic and sustainable approach. The daily food sources for almost three-fourth of the global population, cereals and millets, are prone to several biotic factors and abiotic pressures. In particular, cereals and millet cultivation are limited by the polyphagous pink stem borer, Sesamia inferens Walker (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) gaining national importance, since its larvae and pupae are concealed within the stem, none of the management measures have been found effective in controlling the menace. However, host plant resistance (HPR) is a reasonable and ecologically safe method wherein resistance mechanisms of crops could lower the stem borer infestation. The foremost challenge in understanding the mechanism would be to detecting the genes of interest in the crop using novel biotechnological approaches. The fundamental criterion for developing insect-resistant lines relies on recognizing the mechanism of plant resistance. The entire life cycle of this group of borers is completed or hidden within the stem, posing a hurdle in their management. Thus, molecular markers and Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping offer a more efficient approach to entomologists and plant breeders wherein they can work with traits like QTLs for stem borer resistance. In this review, an attempt has been made to provide an extensive summary of the host range and crop losses due to this borer, besides its taxonomic position, geographic distribution, bionomics, genetics of resistance, and molecular perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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25 pages, 1995 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Historical Account of Viruses in Intensive Horticultural Crops in the Spanish Mediterranean Arc: New Challenges for a Sustainable Agriculture

by Leonardo Velasco, Leticia Ruiz, Luis Galipienso, Luis Rubio and Dirk Janssen

Agronomy 2020, 10(6), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060860 - 17 Jun 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4833

Abstract

The epidemiological dynamics followed by viruses in protected horticultural crops in the Mediterranean Arc of Spain has evolved from a majority of those transmitted by aphids to the predominance of whitefly-transmitted ones. Later, due to the shift towards an integrated control that has been quite successful in the control of aleyrodids, not so much in the control of aphids, aphid-borne viruses are having a significant revival in open field cultivation. Another threat is the continuous emergence of new species or variants of mechanically transmitted viruses. Thus, the number of viruses affecting these crops is constantly increasing and their control demands dynamic actions. The main measures that have managed to limit the damage of these diseases have been the improvement in the physical barriers that limit the spread of vectors and the introduction of resistances in the germplasm. Recently, the increased movement of plant materials and of people, the popularity of growing local crop varieties that lack natural resistances against pathogens, and the prospects of global climate change, may well have boosted the frequency of diseases and pests. Faced with this picture, strategies must be addressed from a multidisciplinary approach. The need for in-field diagnostics tools, easy access to information, novel breeding technologies and alternatives to control of these viruses are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Disease and Pest Management: Challenges and Opportunities)

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