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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #402444
Research Project: Omics-Based Approach to Detection, Identification, and Systematics of Plant Pathogenic Phytoplasmas and Spiroplasmas

Location: Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory

Title: Editorial: Recent advances in crop diseases associated with plant vascular-colonizing bacteria

Author
item Wei, Wei
item AIT BARKA, ESSAID - Universite De Reims Champagne-Ardenne
item EICHMEIER, ALES - Mendel University

Submitted to: Frontiers in Plant Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/23/2023
Publication Date: 3/30/2023
Citation: Wei, W., Ait Barka, E., Eichmeier, A. 2023. Editorial: Recent advances in crop diseases associated with plant vascular-colonizing bacteria. Frontiers in Plant Science. 14. Article e1171973. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1171973.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1171973

Interpretive Summary: Plants have a system that transports water, minerals, and food throughout their bodies called the vascular system. This system is important for plant growth and development. However, plant pathogens can easily invade and colonize this system, causing diseases that can damage crops and lead to economic losses. This editorial addresses a Research Topic led by an ARS scientist in Beltsville, Maryland that focuses on two major diseases caused by plant vascular-colonizing bacteria: huanglongbing (HLB) and black rot. HLB mainly impacts citrus trees, leading to reduced crop yields and poor fruit quality. Black rot affects brassica vegetables worldwide and causes significant crop damage. The articles published on this Research Topic provide important insights into the population diversity of the bacteria that cause HLB, the impact of HLB on citrus crops, and potential approaches for diversifying citrus orchards. The additional study will help to understand the underlying causes of HLB and black rot diseases and develop effective management strategies. The editorial also highlights the significance of global cooperation among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to promote research efforts and successfully control the disease. Although these articles represent only a small fraction of the current research in the field, they are an important step toward combatting these diseases and maintaining crop health and productivity.

Technical Abstract: The plant vascular system is a vital part of healthy plants and is The plant vascular system is a vital part of healthy plants and is composed of two primary tissue types: phloem and xylem. The phloem transports carbohydrates from the source leaves to where they are needed for growth and development, while the xylem delivers water and mineral ions from the roots to the rest of the plant. These two types of vascular tissues form a complex and essential network that supports the overall functioning of the plants. Despite its importance, the plant vascular system is vulnerable to colonization by phytopathogenic bacteria, including wall-less Mollicutes, walled phloem-limited bacteria, walled xylem-restricted bacteria, and other bacteria that invade the plant through different pathways. The infection of plants by these bacteria can often lead to stunted growth, wilting, necrosis, flower deformation, tumors/galls, and even plant death, resulting in serious economic losses to commercial crops and ornamental trees.