Plant pathogen name game: cross kingdom review for the naming of Biotic agents associated with plants

Authors: BULL, CAROLEE - Pennsylvania State University; Salgado-Salazar, Catalina; ROMBERG, MEGAN - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Allen, William; KANTOR, MIHAIL - Pennsylvania State University; Handoo, Zafar; ABOUGHANEM-SABANADZO, NINA - Mississippi State University; SABANADZOVIC, SEAD - Mississippi State University; COUTINHO, TERESA - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Annual Review of Phytopathology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/19/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Accurate scientific names are essential to communicate information about organisms. Specific rules exist to ensure that names are properly applied. This publication provides a summary of current rules and best practices for the description of organisms associated with plants, such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses. The information from this work will be useful to plant pathologists, regulatory officials and others involved in the work with biotic organisms associated with plant health.

Technical Abstract: To communicate across scientific disciplines, regulatory bodies and the agricultural community, the naming of plant pathogens and assigning them to specific taxa is critical. Here, we provide an overview of the nomenclature systems governing the naming of plant pathogenic nematodes, fungi, oomycetes, prokaryotes, and viruses. While we focus on the nature of the nomenclatural codes, we also discuss fundamental principles of taxonomy including classification and identification. Key elements of the codes of nomenclature are defined which ensure stability and clarity when naming species of pathogens. When comparing the practice of nomenclature across different kingdoms, the classification and nomenclatural systems differ, and thus unique challenges are faced. We provide guidance from the codes and current practice for naming novel species. When there are nomenclature conflicts, international committees play a critical role in their resolution. They also play a role in updating the codes to reflect new advancements in science. With this review we aim to assist plant pathologists, journal editors, and those in related fields to provide an entree to the legalistic requirements of the codes. Authors must consult and follow the rules of the appropriate code for any proposal of new or new combinations of names. To those interested in naming new species (or renaming the current ones) we recommend collaborations with experts in the field of taxonomy to ensure that rules for accurate and consistent naming practices and procedures are followed, to increase the likelihood that the proposed nomenclature is correct and acceptable.