Invasive Alien Plant Pathogens: The Need of New Detection Methods

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Ecology
• Biosecurity

Background:

• Invasive alien fungal species pose significant ecological and economic threats.
• Pathogenic fungi are often cryptic during introduction, hindering early detection and monitoring.
• Increased global trade in plants facilitates the spread of new alien pests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for rapid, molecular-based methods for detecting invasive fungal pathogens.
• To explore the potential of aerobiology for early-stage pest detection.
• To consider advanced metabarcoding approaches for fungal biosurveillance.

Main Methods:

• Review of current challenges in identifying and monitoring invasive fungi.
• Discussion of aerobiology applications for detecting airborne fungal propagules.
• Exploration of multigene metabarcoding for high-resolution taxonomic identification.

Main Results:

• Invasive fungi present a substantial risk due to their cryptic nature and pathogenicity.
• Aerobiology can target airborne fungal propagules for early detection.
• Multigene metabarcoding offers high taxonomic resolution for biosurveillance.

Conclusions:

• Developing rapid, molecular detection methods is essential to mitigate risks from invasive fungi.
• Aerobiology and advanced metabarcoding hold promise for future biosurveillance of fungal pathogens.
• Proactive strategies are needed to intercept fungal introductions via global trade.