Advances in Molecular Tools for Fungal Pathogen Detection and Identification in Common Bean: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is vital for global food security.
• Fungal pathogens significantly reduce common bean yield and quality.
• Molecular diagnostics offer enhanced accuracy, sensitivity, and speed for pathogen detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize recent advancements in molecular methods for detecting fungal pathogens in common beans.
• To evaluate the strengths and limitations of various molecular techniques, including PCR, qPCR, isothermal amplification, and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
• To identify challenges and propose solutions for improving fungal disease management in common bean production.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
• Synthesis of data on molecular detection methods: PCR, qPCR, isothermal amplification, NGS, and metabarcoding.
• Analysis of bioinformatics pipelines for fungal pathogen identification.

Main Results:

• PCR-based methods are widely used, but NGS and metabarcoding provide comprehensive insights into fungal communities.
• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers deeper understanding but requires specialized bioinformatics expertise and robust databases.
• Challenges include primer specificity, high implementation costs, and the need for skilled personnel.

Conclusions:

• Emerging molecular technologies hold significant potential for improving fungal disease management in common beans.
• Addressing challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and training programs is essential for advancing pathogen detection.
• Development of scalable, affordable, and adaptable molecular solutions is crucial for diverse agricultural systems.