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For any agricultural society, the well-being of the plants is crucial to achieve a greater yield. The health and vigor of plants play a pivotal role in shaping the ultimate outcome of crop production. There are, too many infections affecting the plants generate harm to diverse economies and communities. It can also result in significant environmental losses. To prevent such losses, it is easier to diagnose diseases correctly and promptly at an early stage of plant life. This research mainly focuses on Muskmelon leaf diseases. Muskmelon is a remunerative crop with a short life span of around 65 days. Any disease attack in this duration will affect the crop entirely which in turn leads to yield loss. Hence, there needs an early prediction system for predicting diseases. The primary goal of this research is to develop a prediction model based of Multi Class Capsule Network for early detection of disease and pest in plants. The performance indicators examined for classification of leaf diseases are Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1 score and, Loss function. The performance of Multi – Class Capsule Network [MCCN] is compared with existing pre-trained models such as, AlexNet, ResNet, VGG16, VGG19, GoogleNet, and CapsuleNet. Experimental results indicated that the MCCN model performs with an accuracy of 97.30% which is better than the accuracy of other models under considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viruses are the causal agent of some of the most limiting diseases in Rubus crops. In this regard, a detailed knowledge of the Rubus virome is essential for successfully implementing mitigation strategies and assessing the risk of the emergence of novel viral diseases. Fortunately, the widespread use of RNA sequencing to characterize diverse aspects of the biology of Rubus species can also be a valuable source of data on viruses associated with these hosts. Here, we present a meta-analysis of the Rubus virome based on the re-examination of public RNAseq data from nine Rubus species and 23 hybrid cultivars worldwide. As a result, we identified 23 viruses and one viroid associated with the genus Rubus. Detected viruses are part of eleven families and 26 genera. We also provide evidence of a second species in the genus Brambyvirus, and a novel member of the family Virgaviridae. Our data also revealed raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) to be the most prevalent and generalist Rubus virus. With respect to the number of species, the genus Ilarvirus and the family Closteroviridae were the most diverse taxonomic ranks affecting Rubus. Network analysis revealed distinct Rubus viromes in different countries and analysis of coinfections revealed three main viral communities infecting these plant species across the world. We also provide information on virus variants from new locations worldwide and data on potential emergent viruses from other plant hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSIONS Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is one of the most important commodities today, with a high economic value worldwide. Coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk. et Br.) has been showing a high impact on Brazilian coffee trees among the various diseases that attack coffee. The climate has a great influence on the development of diseases, especially when fungi are the causal agents. This study aimed to carry out the zoning of climate favorability for coffee leaf rust in the traditional and main coffee‐producing regions of Brazil. The study was conducted in 13 locations in the states of Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Goiás and Bahia. Air temperature and daily precipitation data for the current scenario were collected using the WorldClim version 2.1 platform for the last climatological normal and future climate change data. The ideal climate conditions for coffee leaf rust consist of a mean air temperature ranging from 21 to 25 °C and precipitation >30 mm per month. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects scenarios associated with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports consisted of the Shared Socio‐Economic Pathways SSP‐1 2.6, SSP‐2 4.5, SSP‐3 7.0 and SSP‐5 8.5, the latter being considered one of the most catastrophic. All steps to carry out the suitability zoning were performed in a tool using the QGIS geographic information system software.Zoning for coffee leaf rust had three classes: favorable, relatively favorable and unfavorable. Currently, the largest coffee‐producing region in Brazil has 49.1% of its analyzed area classified as favorable, 39.2% as relatively favorable and 11.7% as unfavorable. In the current scenario, Patrocínio and Três Pontas are locations with high coffee production in which the favorable class is predominant. The state of Minas Gerais has an annual mean of 55.3% of its entire territory apt for the disease, with the highest occurrence between September and March.Climate change has a negative impact on the development of coffee leaf rust, mainly in the long term, as in the period of 2081–2100, in which the SSP‐5 8.5 scenario led to a decrease in the favorable and unfavorable areas and an increase in the relatively favorable areas of 9.8%, 18.6% and 71.5% for the Brazilian territory, respectively. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The persistence and progression of Erwinia amylovora in naturally infected orchards is still not fully understood and the majority of studies have been carried out under controlled or artificial infections. A major hurdle stems from the inability to characterize the viability of the bacterium in its natural state. Most standard tests, including real-time qPCR, fail to differentiate live from dead cells, while culture dependent methods lack sensitivity. Even in orchards with recurring infections, the detection of E. amylovora is erratic. Immuno-flow cytometry (IFCM) is considered a high throughput tool in clinics and food industry but has been rarely used as diagnostic test for plant pathogens. Two pear orchards with fire blight history, located in the central part of Portugal, were selected for epidemiological monitoring between February and June, from 2019 to 2022. A total of 440 samples were tested using EPPO standard diagnostic protocols. To address the epidemiological behaviour of E. amylovora, we devised an IFCM test using specific monoclonal antibodies and viability dyes, validated in a subset of 149 samples, testing positive in routine diagnostic tests. Our IFCM test was able to differentiate live and dead E. amylovora in naturally infected samples with concentrations as low as 3.54 × 104 cell·mL−1, confirming positive results for 91% these samples, while 19.4% were considered positive by isolation, 38% using conventional PCR and 95% for real-time qPCR. Temporal analysis showed the highest number of positive samples regardless of the method employed in April, May and June, while viability values measured with IFCM were the highest in April, coinciding with the exit of dormancy and early flowering of pear trees. Integrative analysis of E. amylovora viability and population dynamics over the growing season allowed identification of distinct outbreak risks associated with these Portuguese pear orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Ten years ago, (black) stem rust – the most damaging of wheat (Triticum aestivum) rusts – re‐emerged in western Europe. Disease incidences have since increased in scale and frequency. Here, we investigated the likely underlying causes and used those to propose urgently needed mitigating actions. We report that the first large‐scale UK outbreak of the wheat stem rust fungus, Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), in 2022 may have been caused by timely arrival of airborne urediniospores from southwest Europe. The drive towards later‐maturing wheat varieties in the UK may be exacerbating Pgt incidences, which could have disastrous consequences. Indeed, infection assays showed that two UK Pgt isolates from 2022 could infect over 96% of current UK wheat varieties. We determined that the temperature response data in current disease risk simulation models are outdated. Analysis of germination rates for three current UK Pgt isolates showed substantial variation in temperature response functions, suggesting that the accuracy of disease risk simulations would be substantially enhanced by incorporating data from prevailing Pgt isolates. As Pgt incidences continue to accelerate in western Europe, we advocate for urgent action to curtail Pgt losses and help safeguard future wheat production across the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gretna Weste was a remarkable plant pathologist born to Australian parents in the United Kingdom (UK) during World War 1. She studied at the University of Melbourne and was employed in the Forests Commission of Victoria as a 'temporary typist' while investigating the preservation of timber logs burnt in the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. Weste returned to the School of Botany at the University of Melbourne briefly before raising a family. Once her children reached high school she returned to the School of Botany as a senior demonstrator, and enrolled as a PhD student part-time to study the cause of take-all disease of wheat. She was awarded a PhD in 1968. After take-all research was claimed by the Faculty of Agriculture in 1970, Gretna's focus shifted to the newly discovered dieback disease affecting the forests of Western Australia and Victoria. Her research laid the foundations of our understanding of dieback disease, and underpinned the recognition of Phytophthora cinnamomi as a Key Threatening Process under the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). Dr Weste was awarded a DSc in 1983, appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 1989 for her significant service to plant pathology and became an Honorary Member of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society in 1992. Her distinguished career reflects a spirit and resilience that enabled her to overcome, or dodge, a series of gender-based obstacles in research, government and university hierarchies. Gretna Weste was a woman plant pathologist who pioneered research on dieback, a devastating new disease of forests in southern Australia, in the late twentieth century. Weste's research was foundational in the recognition of dieback disease as a Key Threatening Process for Australia's natural biodiversity in 2000. Her career illustrates the significant gender-based obstacles faced by women scientists in Australia, and the stoic strength demonstrated by Weste. Photographer unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chance discovery early in 1980 led to a body of work on a virus and a rare species that lasted until the end of the decade. The discovery and characterisation of turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV-Cd) infecting one-fifth of the fragmented population of Cardamine robusta at Mt Kosciuszko, New South Wales, revealed a puzzle that remains unresolved. There is no clear explanation as to why there is a population of TYMV here in the Southern Hemisphere whose sequence has only diverged from Northern Hemisphere TYMV by a few percent. Adding to the mystery is the fact that TYMV-Cd only infects one of the rarest and geographically most restricted species in Australia, while it is surrounded by potential hosts known to be infected in the Northern Hemisphere. This article reviews research published on TYMV at Mt Kosciuszko during the 1980s and 1990s. While human agency cannot be ruled out, indications are that TYMV established without human intervention. The work is set in a historical context and highlights some of the changes around how plant virology is done. A chance discovery in alpine Australia in 1980 led to the discovery of a virus in a remote and rare species of plant. The virus has clear connections with a virus in the Northern Hemisphere. The way we study plant virology has changed over the intervening years but the mystery as to how the virus got there remains. Photograph by: PL Guy 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late Blight, also called Irish blight and brown rot, devastated potato crops in Ireland and countries in Europe in the 1840s, and led to famines, deaths, and the emigration of tens of thousands of poor farmworkers. The outbreaks were blamed on many factors, but finally it was demonstrated that the causal agent was an oomycete (water mould) Phytophthora infestans. The Queensland Government Entomologist and Vegetable Pathologist, Henry Tryon, claimed that he made the first discovery of Late Blight in Australia, on leaves and tubers of potato collected in May 1909 around Brisbane. Within three months, the disease was found in all Australian states. Tryon believed that the Queensland outbreak was caused by Phytophthora -infected planting tubers obtained from Tasmania, which growers and the government in that state initially refused to acknowledge. The Victorian Vegetable Pathologist, Daniel McAlpine, initially agreed with the Tasmanians, but later admitted that he had identified Ph. infestans in Tasmanian potato crops. A herbarium specimen of potato leaves collected in 1900 in Victoria, examined over a century later, was found to be infected with Phytophthora infestans. All the ruckus that ensued after Tryon's discovery was unnecessary; it was really a matter of where and when. Late blight, ultimately shown to be caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans , devastated potato crops in Ireland and other countries in Europe during the mid-late 1840s. In 1909 the disease was positively identified in Australia by the Queensland Vegetable Pathologist, Henry Tryon, who had compelling evidence that the source of the disease outbreaks was planting tubers from Tasmania. Growers and authorities in that state refused to believe the accusation but were soon proved wrong. Image credit: J. M. Berkeley (1846). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is a highly invasive shrub that spreads rapidly, has many detrimental effects on native species and ecosystems, and is difficult to control. Clipping by itself is usually ineffective unless it is repeated over several years, so herbicides are commonly used, either alone or combined with clipping. Over the past decade, outbreaks of honeysuckle leaf blight have appeared. Previous work shows that long shoots are more susceptible to blight than reproductive short shoots. Clipping induces many long shoot resprouts that are expected to be infected by blight. In this study, I clipped honeysuckle shrubs in forest understory (forested) and open sites in northern and central Kentucky and followed their response through the growing season. Northern Kentucky sites were studied in 2022 and 2023; central Kentucky sites were studied in 2022 only. The total number of shoots, total shoot length, and number of leaves were higher at open sites and declined across the growing season. The fraction of blighted leaves reached maximum levels of 10–30%, higher than levels seen on shoots from intact shrubs. After 1 yr, 62% of all forested shrubs survived clipping, whereas 75% of all open shrubs survived. Survival rates for clipped forested stands were similar to those seen before blight outbreaks occurred, but they declined from the preblight 90% level seen in open stands, so leaf blight mortality effects appear to be largest in open stands. Although this study was not designed to quantify the effect of deer browsing on resprouting shrub mortality, browsing was extensive, with a maximum of 60–80% of all shoots browsed. The current effects of blight combined with a single clipping do not appear to be sufficient to manage honeysuckle; clipping repeated over several years and combined with blight needs to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anther‐smut host–pathogen system has provided extensive insights into the evolutionary ecology of disease resistance, transmission modes, host shifts, pathogen specialization, and disease evolution in metapopulations. It also has led to unexpected insights into sex ratio distorters, sex chromosome evolution, and transposable elements in fungi. In addition, anther‐smut disease played a major role in Linnaeus' germ theory and the correspondence on parasitic castration between Darwin and Becker, one of the first female botanists. Here, we explicitly highlight some of the realities in the process of science, using an unusual autobiographical approach to describe how we came to collaborate on this system in the 1980s. Using perspectives from our different career stages, we present a surprising narrative that could not be deduced from merely reading the published papers. While our work was grounded in previous ecological and evolutionary theory, it was the product as much of empirical failures and intellectual roadblocks, as the result of a progressive scientific method. Our experiences illustrate not only the "human dimension of science" but more importantly show that linear sequences of hypothesis testing do not necessarily lead to new study systems and new ideas. We suggest there is a need to re‐evaluate the scientific method in ecology and evolution, especially where the challenge is to engage in a productive dialog between natural history and theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the role of microbiomes in plant pathology and their impact on sustainable agriculture. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions between plants, pathogens, and microbiomes in order to develop effective disease control strategies. The article presents recent research findings on various plant diseases and their causal organisms, as well as strategies for disease management. It also discusses the potential of microbiomes in promoting plant health and improving agricultural systems, while acknowledging that microbiomes can sometimes have detrimental effects on plants. The article highlights the importance of microbial agents, biofertilizers, and cropping management in achieving sustainable agriculture, and explores the use of bio-agents in controlling plant diseases and enhancing plant growth. Overall, it provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between microbiomes and plant pathogens in the context of sustainable agriculture. [Extracted from the article]

In 1895 and 2001, rust fungi affecting Licania trees (Chrysobalanchaceae) in Brazil were described as Uredo licaniae by Hennings in the state of Goiás and as Phakopsora tomentosae by Ferreira et al. in the state of Amazonas, respectively. Recently, a Licania rust fungus collected close to the Amazonian type location sharing symptoms with the former two species was subjected to morphological examinations and molecular phylogenetic analyses using 28S nuc rDNA (ITS2-28S) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (CO3) gene sequences. Since the original type specimen of Ph. tomentosae is considered lost, we carefully reviewed the type description and questioned the identity of the telium, which justified the description of the fungus as a Phakopsora species. Furthermore, the additional revision of the type material described by Hennings revealed that Ph. tomentosae is a synonym of U. licaniae. Based on the morphological examinations, disease symptoms, and shared hosts, we concluded that the newly collected material is conspecific with U. licaniae. However, the phylogenetic analyses rejected allocation in Phakopsora and instead assigned the Licania rust fungus in a sister relationship with Austropuccinia psidii (Sphaerophragmiaceae), the causal agent of the globally invasive myrtle rust pathogen. We therefore favored a recombination of U. licaniae (syn. Ph. tomentosae) into Austropuccinia and proposed the new name Austropuccina licaniae for the second species now identified for this genus. The fungus shares conspicuous symptoms with A. psidii, causing often severe infections of growing leaves and shoots that lead to leaf necrosis, leaf shedding, and eventually to the dieback of entire shoots. In view of the very similar symptoms of its aggressively invasive sister species, we briefly discuss the current state of knowledge about A. licaniae and the potential risks, and the opportunity of its identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most consumers dispose of rotten food without a second thought; however, they also throw away a dynamic group of plant pathogens that can be utilized for inquiry-driven investigations into host/pathogen interactions. Botrytis cinerea is a common necrotrophic fungus that can infect most plants but causes substantial losses to the grape and fresh berry industries. Because most store-bought strawberries eventually succumb to this pathogen (due to the presence of spores from the field or packing facility), they are a dependable source of fungal inoculum to test novel hypotheses about the nature of disease. Across the produce aisle, apples are a diverse, well-characterized, and susceptible host population that enables students to construct individualized experiments about the nature of disease with adequate replication for meaningful analysis. This experimental protocol will outline how to conduct an infection assay with B. cinerea and commercially available apple varieties for students to develop their own experiments, inoculate their own plants, and analyze their own data to answer important questions about how pathogens cause disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant pathology researchers play a pivotal role in thought leadership and its translation to action regarding the recognition and demonstration of the value of Indigenous knowledge and science. For many scientists, navigating the space of Indigenous rights and perspectives is challenging. In pursuit of a cultural shift in research and development within the field of plant pathology, the 2019–2021 Management Committee of the Australasian Plant Pathology Society (APPS) undertook a review and modernization of the Society's Constitution. The aim was to ensure its alignment with principles that foster inclusivity of Indigenous peoples in the development and implementation of relevant research projects impacting their communities. Additionally, a dynamic repository of guidelines and resources was compiled. These resources are designed to assist plant pathologists, while respecting and not superseding the guidance provided by local Indigenous researchers, practitioners, and advisors. The collective efforts of plant pathologists hold immense potential in championing Indigenous Peoples and their rights, steering the field toward a more inclusive and equitable future. This paper builds upon the thesis presented in the APPS Presidential Address at the Biennial APPS Conference in 2021, held virtually in lutruwita (Tasmania) on the unceded lands of the Palawa people. It underscores the potential impact when plant pathologists unite in advocating for Indigenous Peoples and their rightful place within the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop diseases have a significant impact on crop yield and quality, so there is an urgent need for a fast and accurate detection method to identify the types of diseases and treat them in a timely manner. In this study, we propose an improved method for crop disease detection using the grape, corn, and tomato disease datasets from PlantVillage. By introducing the depthwise separable group convolution (DSGC) technique and the adaptive feature fusion mechanism (AFFM), this method combines with the convolutional neural network (CNN) model to reduce model computational resource consumption while enhancing the model's ability to learn feature information at different scales. Experimental results show that the accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score of crop disease classification using the Resnet50 model + AFFM are 99.56%, 99.53%, 99.56%, and 99.57%, respectively. This confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method in successfully distinguishing different crop diseases. Therefore, the method proposed in this study provides a new and efficient solution for crop disease detection and has broad application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabarcoding is a method that uses high-throughput sequencing to characterize microbial communities. This approach involves PCR-based amplification of a single locus from environmental DNA of communities of organisms, sequencing the resulting amplicons, and comparing those sequences to reference databases to infer the taxonomic identities of organisms present. By comparing the identity and number of associated sequences between samples, the data produced by metabarcoding can be used to reveal differences among sample types and identify biological variables that correlate with differences. However, metabarcoding is affected by a myriad of technical factors including sampling technique, DNA extraction methods, as well as choice of primers, locus for PCR amplification, and data analysis procedures. The resulting outputs will be both complex and semi-quantitative. The methods used can affect reliability of results including false positives and negatives, especially if the goal is to confidently survey the presence of plant pathogens. This article reviews the status of metabarcoding as it pertains to plant pathology and provides guidance on experimental design and analyses of bacterial, fungal, and oomycete datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This Forum article traces the initiation and development of research into plant-parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes in Canada going back 170 years. It highlights the major achievements and the scientists involved up to the present day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants growing in saline ecosystems and are spread throughout the Mediterranean area. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in agricultural exploitation of halophytes, but poor attention has been given to pest and disease management of these species. The objective of this review is to assess the extent and distribution of pathogenic fungal and fungal-like (Oomycota) organisms on major Mediterranean halophytes. We retrieved 92 references spanning over 100 years, with more than half published since 2000. Ascomycota is the best-represented phylum, and the order Pleosporales has the highest species diversity. The order Pucciniales prevails in Basidiomycota, whereas Peronosporales is the richest order within Oomycota. Most of the pathogenic species have been isolated from aboveground organs, especially from leaves. Portulaca oleracea is the species with the most associated pathogens (16) and records (28). Leveillula powdery mildew, caused by Leveillula taurica, is the most common disease among the selected species. Cakile maritima was found to be vulnerable to different mycotoxigenic Alternaria species. Strengthening the research on diseases of halophytes is essential to successfully grow these species and to evaluate the risks related to the presence of mycotoxigenic species, which is crucial for the effective exploitation of halophytes as crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant pathogens can decimate crops and render the local cultivation of a species unprofitable. In extreme cases this has caused famine and economic collapse. Timing is vital in treating crop diseases, and the use of computer vision for precise disease detection and timing of pesticide application is gaining popularity. Computer vision can reduce labour costs, prevent misdiagnosis of disease, and prevent misapplication of pesticides. Pesticide misapplication is both financially costly and can exacerbate pesticide resistance and pollution. Here, we review the application and development of computer vision and machine learning methods for the detection of plant disease. This review goes beyond the scope of previous works to discuss important technical concepts and considerations when applying computer vision to plant pathology. We present new case studies on adapting standard computer vision methods and review techniques for acquiring training data, the use of diagnostic tools from biology, and the inspection of informative features. In addition to an in‐depth discussion of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers, we also highlight the strengths of methods such as support vector machines and evolved neural networks. We discuss the benefits of carefully curating training data and consider situations where less computationally expensive techniques are advantageous. This includes a comparison of popular model architectures and a guide to their implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango is affected by several fungal diseases, including dieback caused by species of the Botryosphaeriaceae family. Recently, mango dieback was reported from multiple locations in Israel. In this study, we isolated and characterized 11 representative fungal isolates belonging to Botryosphaeriaceae from symptomatic mango stems. Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum are reported in this study as pathogens causing mango dieback in Israel, based on morphology, phylogenetic inference (using ITS and tef1-α regions) and pathogenicity assays. Representative isolates of L. theobromae and N. dimidiatum caused dieback symptoms on detached mango stems under controlled conditions and on mango trees outdoors, growing under natural conditions under shade nets. The pathogens were re-isolated from inoculated stems, fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Lasiodiplodia theobromae has not been previously reported in Israel, while N. dimidiatum has been recorded on pitahaya fruit causing internal black rot disease. In this study, we report in detail on mango dieback caused by L. theobromae and N. dimidiatum in Israel. Considering the economic impact of dieback disease on mango yield, further studies on epidemiology will assist in developing disease management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of mycology has grown from an underappreciated subset of botany, to a valuable, modern scientific discipline. As this field of study has grown, there have been significant contributions to science, technology, and industry, highlighting the value of fungi in the modern era. This paper looks at the current research, along with the existing limitations, and suggests future areas where scientists can focus their efforts, in the field mycology. We show how fungi have become important emerging diseases in medical mycology. We discuss current trends and the potential of fungi in drug and novel compound discovery. We explore the current trends in phylogenomics, its potential, and outcomes and address the question of how phylogenomics can be applied in fungal ecology. In addition, the trends in functional genomics studies of fungi are discussed with their importance in unravelling the intricate mechanisms underlying fungal behaviour, interactions, and adaptations, paving the way for a comprehensive understanding of fungal biology. We look at the current research in building materials, how they can be used as carbon sinks, and how fungi can be used in biocircular economies. The numbers of fungi have always been of great interest and have often been written about and estimates have varied greatly. Thus, we discuss current trends and future research needs in order to obtain more reliable estimates. We address the aspects of machine learning (AI) and how it can be used in mycological research. Plant pathogens are affecting food production systems on a global scale, and as such, we look at the current trends and future research needed in this area, particularly in disease detection. We look at the latest data from High Throughput Sequencing studies and question if we are still gaining new knowledge at the same rate as before. A review of current trends in nanotechnology is provided and its future potential is addressed. The importance of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi is addressed and future trends are acknowledged. Fungal databases are becoming more and more important, and we therefore provide a review of the current major databases. Edible and medicinal fungi have a huge potential as food and medicines, especially in Asia and their prospects are discussed. Lifestyle changes in fungi (e.g., from endophytes, to pathogens, and/or saprobes) are also extremely important and a current research trend and are therefore addressed in this special issue of Fungal Diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The rhizosphere microbiome is important for plant health, yet their contributions to disease resistance and assembly dynamics remain unclear. This study employed rhizosphere microbiome transplantation (RMT) to delineate the impact of the rhizosphere microbiome and the immune response of eggplant (Solanum melongena) on resistance to bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. We first identified disease-suppressive and disease-conducive rhizosphere microbiome in a susceptible tomato recipient. Using a non-destructive rhizobox and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we monitored the dynamics of both microbiome types during the eggplant development. Most differences were observed at the early stage and then diminished over time. The suppressive microbiome maintained a higher proportion of initial community members throughout eggplant development and exhibited stronger deterministic processes in the early stage, underscoring the importance of plant selection in recruiting protective microbes for rhizosphere immunity. Our study sheds light on the development of microbiome-based strategies for plant disease management and resistance breeding.

Abstract The anther‐smut host–pathogen system has provided extensive insights into the evolutionary ecology of disease resistance, transmission modes, host shifts, pathogen specialization, and disease evolution in metapopulations. It also has led to unexpected insights into sex ratio distorters, sex chromosome evolution, and transposable elements in fungi. In addition, anther‐smut disease played a major role in Linnaeus' germ theory and the correspondence on parasitic castration between Darwin and Becker, one of the first female botanists. Here, we explicitly highlight some of the realities in the process of science, using an unusual autobiographical approach to describe how we came to collaborate on this system in the 1980s. Using perspectives from our different career stages, we present a surprising narrative that could not be deduced from merely reading the published papers. While our work was grounded in previous ecological and evolutionary theory, it was the product as much of empirical failures and intellectual roadblocks, as the result of a progressive scientific method. Our experiences illustrate not only the “human dimension of science” but more importantly show that linear sequences of hypothesis testing do not necessarily lead to new study systems and new ideas. We suggest there is a need to re‐evaluate the scientific method in ecology and evolution, especially where the challenge is to engage in a productive dialog between natural history and theory.

We propose a new mathematical model based on differential equations to investigate the transmission and spread of frogeye leaf spot, a major soybean disease caused by the fungus Cercospora sojina. The model incorporates the primary and secondary transmission routes of the disease as well as the intrinsic dynamics of the pathogen in the contaminated soil. We conduct detailed equilibrium and stability analyses for this model using theories of dynamical systems. We additionally conduct numerical simulations to verify the analytical predictions and to implement the model for a practical application.

Introduction: The research focuses on Rhododendron ferrugineum L., Nepal's national flower and Uttarakhand's state tree, thriving in high-altitude mountain ecosystems. Methodology and Result: A study conducted in Himachal Pradesh (Latitude: N 31° 6' 2.0088", Longitude: E 77° 10' 29.9136") identified leaf anomalies resembling rust-like manifestations in R. ferrugineum. These anomalies were traced back to the pathogenic fungus Curvularia tuberculata, marking the first documented case of its impact on R. ferrugineum in India. Discussion: This discovery emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring, disease management research, and conservation efforts to protect the cultural and ecological significance of this iconic shrub. Beyond its immediate findings, the study introduces a novel dimension to Indian flora by associating C. tuberculata with R. ferrugineum, historically linked to monocotyledonous crops. The research methodology combines traditional microscopic examination with advanced genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, enhancing pathogen identification accuracy. Future prospect: In a broader context, this research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the importance of environmental preservation, conservation, and sustainable management. It underscores the intricate interplay between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the need for holistic solutions. Overall, this study calls for proactive measures to protect R. ferrugineum's cultural and ecological heritage and emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing emerging ecological threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plant pathogens can decimate crops and render the local cultivation of a species unprofitable. In extreme cases this has caused famine and economic collapse. Timing is vital in treating crop diseases, and the use of computer vision for precise disease detection and timing of pesticide application is gaining popularity. Computer vision can reduce labour costs, prevent misdiagnosis of disease, and prevent misapplication of pesticides. Pesticide misapplication is both financially costly and can exacerbate pesticide resistance and pollution. Here, we review the application and development of computer vision and machine learning methods for the detection of plant disease. This review goes beyond the scope of previous works to discuss important technical concepts and considerations when applying computer vision to plant pathology. We present new case studies on adapting standard computer vision methods and review techniques for acquiring training data, the use of diagnostic tools from biology, and the inspection of informative features. In addition to an in‐depth discussion of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers, we also highlight the strengths of methods such as support vector machines and evolved neural networks. We discuss the benefits of carefully curating training data and consider situations where less computationally expensive techniques are advantageous. This includes a comparison of popular model architectures and a guide to their implementation.

IntroductionThe research focuses on Rhododendron ferrugineum L., Nepal’s national flower and Uttarakhand’s state tree, thriving in high-altitude mountain ecosystems.Methodology and ResultA study conducted in Himachal Pradesh (Latitude: N 31° 6’ 2.0088”, Longitude: E 77° 10’ 29.9136”) identified leaf anomalies resembling rust-like manifestations in R. ferrugineum. These anomalies were traced back to the pathogenic fungus Curvularia tuberculata, marking the first documented case of its impact on R. ferrugineum in India.DiscussionThis discovery emphasizes the need for vigilant monitoring, disease management research, and conservation efforts to protect the cultural and ecological significance of this iconic shrub. Beyond its immediate findings, the study introduces a novel dimension to Indian flora by associating C. tuberculata with R. ferrugineum, historically linked to monocotyledonous crops. The research methodology combines traditional microscopic examination with advanced genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, enhancing pathogen identification accuracy.Future prospectIn a broader context, this research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the importance of environmental preservation, conservation, and sustainable management. It underscores the intricate interplay between biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the need for holistic solutions. Overall, this study calls for proactive measures to protect R. ferrugineum’s cultural and ecological heritage and emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing emerging ecological threats.

Halophytes are salt-tolerant plants growing in saline ecosystems and are spread throughout the Mediterranean area. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in agricultural exploitation of halophytes, but poor attention has been given to pest and disease management of these species. The objective of this review is to assess the extent and distribution of pathogenic fungal and fungal-like (Oomycota) organisms on major Mediterranean halophytes. We retrieved 92 references spanning over 100 years, with more than half published since 2000. Ascomycota is the best-represented phylum, and the order Pleosporales has the highest species diversity. The order Pucciniales prevails in Basidiomycota, whereas Peronosporales is the richest order within Oomycota. Most of the pathogenic species have been isolated from aboveground organs, especially from leaves. Portulaca oleracea is the species with the most associated pathogens (16) and records (28). Leveillula powdery mildew, caused by Leveillula taurica, is the most common disease among the selected species. Cakile maritima was found to be vulnerable to different mycotoxigenic Alternaria species. Strengthening the research on diseases of halophytes is essential to successfully grow these species and to evaluate the risks related to the presence of mycotoxigenic species, which is crucial for the effective exploitation of halophytes as crops.