G. Senthilraja - Advancing Climate-Adaptive Plant Pathology: Integrating Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics and Molecular Insights

Abstract

Climate change is reshaping host–pathogen interactions, accelerating the evolution of pathogens and rendering conventional disease management strategies ineffective. Developing climate-adaptive plant pathology requires an integrative framework that links ecological processes, evolutionary dynamics and the molecular mechanisms of virulence. This seminar provides a balanced overview of three economically significant and evolutionarily distinct pathogens: Phytophthora infestans (potato), Pyricularia grisea (foxtail millet) and phytoplasmas (Mollicutes). In the case of P. infestans, climate-driven selection and the emergence of fungicide resistance highlight the need for sustainable solutions. An approach using nano-enabled phytochemical-loaded chitosan nanoparticles targets key effector proteins (RXLR and CRN), enabling the precise, stable and environmentally compatible management of late blight in potatoes while reducing reliance on synthetic fungicides. Population-level investigations of P. grisea using SSR markers reveal substantial genetic diversity and structured populations across agroecological gradients. Integrating epidemiological data with weather variables and slow-blast parameters clarifies the dynamics of climate-linked disease. 

Large-scale germplasm screening under hotspot conditions identifies resistant genotypes, thereby reinforcing breeding strategies for achieving durable blast resistance in climate-resilient cropping systems. Phytoplasmas demonstrate remarkable host adaptability and a wide spatial distribution across the diverse agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, India. Molecular characterisation based on 16SrRNA sequences indicates the predominance of 16SrII group members alongside distinct 16SrI, 16SrV and 16SrVI lineages, reflecting significant subgroup diversity.

In the absence of effective curative measures, we propose a targeted genome-editing strategy to develop resistance against sesame phyllody, involving the modification of host susceptibility factors associated with effector-mediated symptom expression. To complement resistance development, a rapid recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA)-based assay can detect multiple phytoplasma groups within 30 minutes using crude plant extracts, thereby strengthening field-level surveillance. Together, these case studies combine eco-evolutionary insights, molecular innovation and translational strategies to improve the management of plant diseases in a climate-adaptive and sustainable way.

En savoir plus

Govindasamy Senthilraja est chercheur au Département de pathologie végétale de la Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (Inde). Ses travaux portent sur la compréhension des interactions entre plantes et pathogènes dans un contexte de changement climatique, en mobilisant des approches allant de l’écologie évolutive à la biologie moléculaire. Il s’intéresse notamment à des pathogènes majeurs tels que Phytophthora infestans, Pyricularia grisea et les phytoplasmes, en développant des stratégies innovantes de gestion des maladies.

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