Potato dry rot disease: current status, pathogenomics and management

Area of Science:

• Plant Pathology
• Mycology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Potato dry rot, caused by Fusarium species, significantly impacts global potato production and storage.
• The disease affects sprout development and causes severe tuber rots, posing risks to consumer health due to associated toxins.
• Fusarium graminearum, a common dry rot pathogen, exhibits a hemibiotrophic lifestyle involving complex pathogenic mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the symptomatology, infection process, and pathogenomics of potato dry rot.
• To highlight the role of toxins and small secreted proteins in Fusarium pathogenesis.
• To discuss current and potential management strategies for potato dry rot.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on potato dry rot, Fusarium species, and their pathogenicity.
• Analysis of genomic information for identifying potential virulence factors.
• Synthesis of data on disease symptoms, infection pathways, and management tactics.

Main Results:

• Dry rot symptoms include sunken, wrinkled, discolored tuber patches and shriveled flesh.
• Pathogenesis involves a cascade of enzymes, toxins, and small secreted proteins.
• Fungicide resistance and limited resistant cultivars complicate disease management.

Conclusions:

• Effective management requires understanding Fusarium pathogenesis, including toxins and secreted proteins.
• Integrated strategies involving resistant cultivars, biocontrol agents, and chemical treatments are crucial.
• Further research into pathogenomics and germplasm screening is vital for developing resistant potato varieties.