Meta-Analysis in Plant Pathology: Publication Patterns, Methodological Trends, and Potential Future Directions
Emerson M Del Ponte1, Jhonatan P Barro1, Laurence V Madden2
1Departamento de Fitopatologia, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
Plant Disease
|May 21, 2024
Summary
Meta-analysis (MA) is crucial in plant pathology for assessing disease control effects. This review highlights its growing use, key findings on fungicide efficacy, and the need for improved reporting standards in agricultural research.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Ecological Science
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Meta-analysis (MA) adoption is rising in agricultural and ecological sciences, particularly in plant pathology.
- A review identified 79 MA papers since 1999, with 50% published in American Phytopathological Society journals.
- The field exhibits a tightly knit authorship network with influential "hub" authors and geographical clustering in the Americas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application and trends of meta-analysis (MA) in plant pathology research since 1999.
- To analyze authorship patterns, research focus, and methodologies employed in MA studies.
- To identify areas for improvement in MA reporting and data sharing within the field.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 79 original research papers using meta-analysis (MA) published since 1999.
- Analysis of publication venues, author networks, research topics (disease control, fungicide use), and response variables (yield, disease severity).
- Examination of study selection criteria, statistical inference methods (Frequentist vs. Bayesian), and software preferences (SAS, R).
Main Results:
- Most MAs focus on disease control, primarily fungicide effects, measuring impacts on yield and disease severity.
- Log ratio of means and untransformed means are predominant effect size metrics.
- Frequentist inference and SAS/R software are most common; study selection often adheres to systematic review standards, with data from diverse sources included.
Conclusions:
- Meta-analysis (MA) is increasingly vital in plant pathology for quantifying the mean and variability of control method effects on disease and yield.
- Continued efforts are needed to enhance detailed reporting of MA methods, promote data sharing, and report heterogeneity measures.
- The field benefits from a structured approach to synthesizing research on disease management strategies.
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