Study on pathogen population dynamics: Insight into biology and management of crop diseases

Management of crop diseases requires integrating several approaches with better understanding of multiple factors associated with pathogens, host, environment and their complex interactions. Knowledge of the pathogen population dynamics at spatial and temporal scale will help to understand the disease epidemiology, manage fungicide resistance, and support breeding programs for developing resistant cultivars. In this presentation, overview of population genetics of distinct plant-pathosystems will be provided: (i) Phytophthora infestans¬-potato, (ii) Fusarium graminearum-cereal crops (Fusarium head blight of wheat and ear rot of corn) and (iii) Xanthomonas-solanaceous vegetable crops (bacterial spot of tomato and sweet pepper). Impact of time, geographical locations, crop types, and varieties on pathogen population structures will be discussed. Finally, implication of research findings in managing Fusarium diseases of cereal crops and bacterial spots of tomato and sweet pepper will be highlighted.