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Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Host-Botrytis cinerea Interactions to Outline Novel and Sustainable Control
Maria Spada1, Claudio Pugliesi1, Marco Fambrini1
1Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
The necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Pers., 1794), the causative agent of gray mold disease, causes significant losses in agricultural production. Control of this fungal pathogen is quite difficult due to its wide host range and environmental persistence. Currently, the management of the disease is still mainly based on chemicals, which can have harmful effects not only on the environment and on human health but also because they favor the development of strains resistant to fungicides. The flexibility and plasticity of B. cinerea in challenging plant defense mechanisms and its ability to evolve strategies to escape chemicals require the development of new control strategies for successful disease management. In this review, some aspects of the host-pathogen interactions from which novel and sustainable control strategies could be developed (e.g., signaling pathways, molecules involved in plant immune mechanisms, hormones, post-transcriptional gene silencing) were analyzed. New biotechnological tools based on the use of RNA interference (RNAi) are emerging in the crop protection scenario as versatile, sustainable, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of chemicals. RNAi-based fungicides are expected to be approved soon, although they will face several challenges before reaching the market.
Insights
Botrytis cinerea causes significant crop losses, and current chemical controls are problematic. RNA interference (RNAi) offers a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative for managing this fungal pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Botrytis cinerea, the cause of gray mold, leads to substantial agricultural losses.
- Its broad host range and persistence make control difficult, with current reliance on chemical fungicides facing issues like environmental harm and resistance development.
- The pathogen's adaptability necessitates novel, sustainable disease management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review host-pathogen interactions for developing new control strategies.
- To explore sustainable and effective alternatives to chemical fungicides for crop protection.
- To highlight the potential of RNA interference (RNAi) technology in agriculture.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of host-pathogen interactions, including signaling pathways and plant immune mechanisms.
- Review of molecules involved in plant defense, hormones, and post-transcriptional gene silencing.
- Evaluation of emerging biotechnological tools, specifically RNA interference (RNAi).
Main Results:
- Host-pathogen interactions offer insights into novel control strategies.
- RNA interference (RNAi) presents a versatile, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.
- RNAi-based fungicides show promise for future crop protection.
Conclusions:
- Developing new control strategies beyond conventional chemicals is crucial for managing Botrytis cinerea.
- RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a promising biotechnological tool for sustainable crop protection.
- While facing market challenges, RNAi-based fungicides are anticipated for future approval.
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