plantpathogenen

Plant pathogens, or plantpathogenen in Dutch, are organisms that cause disease in plants. They include fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and certain parasitic plants and viroids. Plant diseases arise from interactions among the pathogen, the plant host, and the environment. Symptoms vary by pathogen and host but can include wilting, leaf spots, rots, cankers, stunted growth, and yield loss.

Many pathogens have complex life cycles that involve spores, cysts, or vector-borne transmission. Fungi and oomycetes produce spores that spread by wind, water, or plant debris. Bacteria colonize openings or wounds. Viruses require vectors such as insects or nematodes. Nematodes feed on roots or shoots. Disease spread is influenced by weather, crop density, and sanitation.

Impacts are substantial in agriculture and ecosystems, contributing to economic losses, food insecurity, and biodiversity changes. Management relies on integrated pest management (IPM): host resistance, crop rotation, sanitation, proper irrigation, monitoring and early detection, and, when appropriate, chemistries or biocontrol agents. Regulations and quarantine aim to prevent introduction and spread of harmful pathogens.

Diagnosis combines symptom observation with laboratory tests, including molecular methods (PCR), serological assays, and sequencing. Ongoing research aims to understand pathogen biology, host-pathogen interactions, and durable resistance to reduce losses and environmental impact.