The Paths of Plant Pathogens—Interactions with Host and Nonhosts and Insight of Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 9559

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of General and Industrial Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University St. “Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: phytopathogenic bacteria; bacteriophages; phage biocontrol; new hosts

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Guest Editor
Department of General and Industrial Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University St. “Kliment Ohridski”, 8 Dragan Tsankov Blvd., 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: cross-over pathogens; molecular mechanism of pathogenesis; molecular identification of pathogens

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant diseases, caused by pathogenic microbes and parasitic plants, are considered major problem leading to great yield and economical loses. Of serious interest during recent decades are the interactions between phytopathogenic microbes and animal cross-over pathogens, and their hosts and nonhosts, as well as their ability to jump between them. For some pathogens, the host range is well studied, while for others it is not. Unexpected pathogenic microorganisms can be found in unusual places and the questions is can they switch to a pathogenic life cycle in nonhosts. Knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms microbes use to infect hosts and nonhosts, or simply to use plants as natural reservoirs, must be obtained and summarized in order for threats for the environment to be established and managed. Moreover, it is proposed that animal pathogens inhabit plants as an obligatory stage of their life cycle. Thus, can the plant environment play a key role and stimulate the pathogen to switch into a pathogenic cycle even if it is not its natural host? However, microbes are capable to adapt to new environmental niches. This Special Issue is focused on the prevalence and the ability of pathogenic organisms to moderate their mechanisms in order to expand the numbers of their potential hosts.

Original research articles, review articles and case studies concerning these main topics will be considered. However, other closely related studies in the field are also welcomed. Several topics will be covered, including, but not limited to:

  • Biodiversity of plant pathogenic microbiome (bacteria, fungi, bacteriophages, etc.);
  • Interactions between plants and their pathogens (microorganisms and parasitic plants);
  • Immune response of plants to pathogens;
  • Pathogenic potential of cross-over pathogens;
  • Plants as reservoirs and potential new hosts.

Dr. Yoana Kizheva
Prof. Dr. Petya Hristova
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • phytopathogenic microbes
  • plant immune response
  • cross-over pathogens
  • pathogenic potential of plant microbiome
  • new hosts of pathogens
  • natural reservoirs of pathogens

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 8731 KiB  
Article
Involvement of MicroRNAs in the Hypersensitive Response of Capsicum Plants to the Capsicum Chlorosis Virus at Elevated Temperatures
by Wei-An Tsai, Christopher A. Brosnan, Neena Mitter and Ralf G. Dietzgen
Pathogens 2024, 13(9), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090745 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 723
Abstract
The orthotospovirus capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) is an important pathogen affecting capsicum plants. Elevated temperatures may affect disease progression and pose a potential challenge to capsicum production. To date, CaCV-resistant capsicum breeding lines have been established; however, the impact of an elevated temperature [...] Read more.
The orthotospovirus capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) is an important pathogen affecting capsicum plants. Elevated temperatures may affect disease progression and pose a potential challenge to capsicum production. To date, CaCV-resistant capsicum breeding lines have been established; however, the impact of an elevated temperature of 35 °C on this genetic resistance remains unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to investigate how high temperature (HT) influences the response of CaCV-resistant capsicum to the virus. Phenotypic analysis revealed a compromised resistance in capsicum plants grown at HT, with systemic necrotic spots appearing in 8 out of 14 CaCV-infected plants. Molecular analysis through next-generation sequencing identified 105 known and 83 novel microRNAs (miRNAs) in CaCV-resistant capsicum plants. Gene ontology revealed that phenylpropanoid and lignin metabolic processes, regulated by Can-miR408a and Can- miR397, are likely involved in elevated-temperature-mediated resistance-breaking responses. Additionally, real-time PCR validated an upregulation of Can-miR408a and Can-miR397 by CaCV infection at HT; however, only the Laccase 4 transcript, targeted by Can-miR397, showed a tendency of negative correlation with this miRNA. Overall, this study provides the first molecular insights into how elevated temperature affects CaCV resistance in capsicum plants and reveals the potential role of miRNA in temperature-sensitive tospovirus resistance. Full article
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19 pages, 3015 KiB  
Article
Pathogenic Potential and Antibiotic Susceptibility: A Comprehensive Study of Enterococci from Different Ecological Settings
by Maria Pandova, Yoana Kizheva, Margarita Tsenova, Mariya Rusinova, Tsvetomira Borisova and Petya Hristova
Pathogens 2024, 13(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13010036 - 29 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2463
Abstract
The pathway and the lifestyle of known enterococcus species are too complicated. The aim of the present study is to trace the path of pathogenicity of enterococci isolated from seven habitats (Cornu aspersum intestine; Bulgarian yoghurt; goat and cow feta cheese—mature and [...] Read more.
The pathway and the lifestyle of known enterococcus species are too complicated. The aim of the present study is to trace the path of pathogenicity of enterococci isolated from seven habitats (Cornu aspersum intestine; Bulgarian yoghurt; goat and cow feta cheese—mature and young, respectively; Arabian street food—doner kebab; cow milk; and human breast milk) by comparing their pathogenic potential. In total, 72 enterococcal strains were isolated and identified by MALDI-TOF, sequencing, and PCR. Hemolytic and gelatinase activity were biochemically determined. PCR was carried out for detection of virulence factors (cylB, esp, gls24, nucl, psaA, agg, gelE, and ace) and antibiotic resistance (erm, ermB, blaZ, vanA, aphA, mefA, gyrA, catpIP501, and aac6′-aph2″). Phenotypic antibiotic resistance was assigned according to EUCAST. Eleven representatives of the genus Enterococcus were identified: E. mundtii, E. casseliflavus, E. gilvus, E. pseudoavium, E. pallens, E. malodoratus, E. devriesei, E. gallinarum, E. durans, E. faecium, and E. faecalis. Twenty-two strains expressed α-hemolysis. Thirteen strains had the cylB gene. Only two strains expressed α-hemolysis and possessed the cylB gene simultaneously. Positive amplification for gelE was found in 35% of the isolates, but phenotypic gelatinase activity was observed only in three strains. All isolates showed varying antibiotic resistance. Only E. faecalis BM15 showed multiple resistance (AMP-HLSR-RP). Correlation between genotypic and phenotypic macrolide resistance was revealed for two E. faecalis strains. Full article
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21 pages, 12573 KiB  
Article
Impact of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Infection on Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Survival and Phenolics Content—A Case Study in a Horticulture Farm in Poland
by Violetta Katarzyna Macioszek, Paulina Marciniak and Andrzej Kiejstut Kononowicz
Pathogens 2023, 12(12), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12121416 - 2 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1772
Abstract
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a cause of a prevalent and destructive disease that attacks many horticultural food crops, such as lettuce. This soil-borne necrotrophic fungal pathogen causes significant economic losses in worldwide lettuce production annually. Furthermore, current methods utilized for management and combatting the [...] Read more.
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a cause of a prevalent and destructive disease that attacks many horticultural food crops, such as lettuce. This soil-borne necrotrophic fungal pathogen causes significant economic losses in worldwide lettuce production annually. Furthermore, current methods utilized for management and combatting the disease, such as biocontrol, are insufficient. In this study, three cultivars of lettuce (one Crispy and two Leafy cultivars of red and green lettuce) were grown in central Poland (Lodz Voivodeship), a widely known Polish horticultural region. In the summer and early autumn, lettuce cultivars were grown in control and S. sclerotiorum-infected fields. The lettuce cultivars (Templin, Lollo Rossa, and Lollo Bionda) differed phenotypically and in terms of the survival of the fungal infection. The Crispy iceberg Templin was the most susceptible to S. sclerotiorum infection compared to the other cultivars during both vegetation seasons. The total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins varied among cultivars and fluctuated during infection. Moreover, phenolic content was affected by vegetation season with alterable environmental factors such as air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, and pH. The most increased levels of phenolics, both flavonoids and anthocyanins in infected plants, were observed in the Leafy red Lollo Rossa cultivar in both crops. However, the highest survival/resistance to the fungus was noticed for Lollo Rossa in the summer crop and Lollo Bionda in the autumn crop. Full article
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Review

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28 pages, 2456 KiB  
Review
The Ubiquitous Wilt-Inducing Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum—A Review of Genes Studied with Mutant Analysis
by Edan Jackson, Josh Li, Thilini Weerasinghe and Xin Li
Pathogens 2024, 13(10), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13100823 - 24 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1973
Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum is one of the most economically important plant fungal pathogens, causing devastating Fusarium wilt diseases on a diverse range of hosts, including many key crop plants. Consequently, F. oxysporum has been the subject of extensive research to help develop and improve [...] Read more.
Fusarium oxysporum is one of the most economically important plant fungal pathogens, causing devastating Fusarium wilt diseases on a diverse range of hosts, including many key crop plants. Consequently, F. oxysporum has been the subject of extensive research to help develop and improve crop protection strategies. The sequencing of the F. oxysporum genome 14 years ago has greatly accelerated the discovery and characterization of key genes contributing to F. oxysporum biology and virulence. In this review, we summarize important findings on the molecular mechanisms of F. oxysporum growth, reproduction, and virulence. In particular, we focus on genes studied through mutant analysis, covering genes involved in diverse processes such as metabolism, stress tolerance, sporulation, and pathogenicity, as well as the signaling pathways that regulate them. In doing so, we hope to present a comprehensive review of the molecular understanding of F. oxysporum that will aid the future study of this and related species. Full article
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15 pages, 682 KiB  
Review
Parasitic Plants—Potential Vectors of Phytopathogens
by Stefan Savov, Bianka Marinova, Denitsa Teofanova, Martin Savov, Mariela Odjakova and Lyuben Zagorchev
Pathogens 2024, 13(6), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13060484 - 7 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1416
Abstract
Parasitic plants represent a peculiar group of semi- or fully heterotrophic plants, possessing the ability to extract water, minerals, and organic compounds from other plants. All parasitic plants, either root or stem, hemi- or holoparasitic, establish a vascular connection with their host plants [...] Read more.
Parasitic plants represent a peculiar group of semi- or fully heterotrophic plants, possessing the ability to extract water, minerals, and organic compounds from other plants. All parasitic plants, either root or stem, hemi- or holoparasitic, establish a vascular connection with their host plants through a highly specialized organ called haustoria. Apart from being the organ responsible for nutrient extraction, the haustorial connection is also a highway for various macromolecules, including DNA, proteins, and, apparently, phytopathogens. At least some parasitic plants are considered significant agricultural pests, contributing to enormous yield losses worldwide. Their negative effect is mainly direct, by the exhaustion of host plant fitness and decreasing growth and seed/fruit formation. However, they may pose an additional threat to agriculture by promoting the trans-species dispersion of various pathogens. The current review aims to summarize the available information and to raise awareness of this less-explored problem. We further explore the suitability of certain phytopathogens to serve as specific and efficient methods of control of parasitic plants, as well as methods for control of the phytopathogens. Full article
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