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Molecular Strategies to Overcome Fungal Virulence in Crop Protection
C A Molina-Santiago1, D Vela-Corcía1
1Departamento de Biología y Control de Enfermedades de Plantas, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Málaga, Spain.
Microbial Biotechnology
|August 14, 2025
Summary
Sustainable agriculture is advancing with new molecular strategies against fungal crop pathogens. RNA interference (RNAi) and efflux transporter inhibition combat fungicide resistance, while enhanced biocontrol agents offer targeted protection.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Fungal pathogens pose significant threats to global crop production.
- Increasing fungicide resistance and limited resistant cultivars exacerbate crop loss.
- Sustainable and targeted molecular strategies are needed for effective plant protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline recent molecular strategies for reducing fungal pathogen virulence.
- To highlight sustainable and targeted approaches for crop protection.
- To explore the potential of integrated pest management systems.
Main Methods:
- RNA interference (RNAi) to silence essential fungal genes, impairing virulence.
- Inhibition of fungal efflux transporters (ABC and MFS proteins) to reverse multidrug resistance.
- Engineering biocontrol agents with enhanced growth and stress resistance via anti-apoptotic genes.
Main Results:
- RNAi effectively reduces fungal virulence and development.
- Efflux transporter inhibition restores fungicide efficacy against pathogens like Botrytis cinerea.
- Genetically enhanced biocontrol agents show improved mycoparasitic activity and stress tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Combining RNAi, efflux inhibition, and enhanced biocontrol agents offers integrated, eco-friendly plant protection.
- Precision-targeted molecular strategies provide a promising alternative to traditional chemical controls.
- These approaches support global efforts toward achieving sustainable agriculture.
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