Moisture Matters: How Water Shapes Pest Invasions and Disease Outbreaks?

Area of Science:

• Plant Physiology and Stress Biology
• Agricultural Science
• Ecology

Background:

• Plant water availability influences photosynthesis, metabolism, transpiration, and susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses.
• Both abiotic (drought, salinity, heat) and biotic (pests, pathogens) stresses disrupt plant water status, affecting physiological and metabolic responses.
• Plant responses to stress are variable, depending on stress intensity, plant adaptability, pest/pathogen traits, and predator interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex interplay between plant water dynamics, pest infestations, and disease development.
• To emphasize the combined effects of water status and pest/pathogen interactions on crop resilience.
• To identify research gaps, particularly concerning simultaneous stress scenarios and soil influences on water-mediated responses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current understanding of plant water dynamics and stress interactions.
• Examination of advanced tools like genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9), transcriptomics, and precision irrigation.
• Discussion of biological control agents (predatory insects, entomopathogenic fungi) for pest management and water stress alleviation.

Main Results:

• Water stress compromises plant structure and function, increasing vulnerability to herbivory and infection.
• The integrative role of water content in mediating plant-pest-pathogen interactions is insufficiently explored.
• Advanced technologies and biological control offer potential for enhancing plant tolerance and sustainable pest management.

Conclusions:

• Integrated water and pest management strategies are crucial for crop productivity and resilience.
• Addressing simultaneous stress scenarios and soil properties is vital for future research.
• Sustainable approaches are essential for managing crops under climate change challenges.