Agronomy-Basel Special Issue "Etiology and Control of Crop Diseases"

Diseases are one of the reducing factors affecting actual the production of crops, causing severe losses in a wide range of agro-ecosystems worldwide. While many biotic constraints caused by viruses, bacteria, oomycetes, fungi, nematodes and parasitic plants are well known, and confronted with variable success, the occurrence of emerging pathogens and the progressive incidence of novel virulent strains, races or pathotypes is evident. The reasons explaining these new phytopathological scenarios are diverse, ranging from changing environmental and climatic factors to inappropriate agronomical practices, or from the lost of genetic diversity to crop resistance breakage. Moreover, the practicability of some of the currently-available crop protection measures is questioned. Indeed, crop diseases are mainly controlled by using chemically-based biocides, which poses risks for human and animal health and undesirable effects to beneficial (micro)biota. These control measures have caused public concern, and many of the most broadly-used biocides are (or will be) prohibited. Therefore, research efforts in the field of crop protection currently aim to identify and develop novel and alternative approaches to efficiently manage plant pathogens. Overall, the success in crop diseases control must be based on integrated management strategies, with emphasis on preventive measures. Within this framework, chemical, physical, biological and agronomical control tools must be considered. Moreover, appropriate protocols for their correct and timely implementation must be designed. For that, a comprehensive knowledge of etiological agents is crucial. Thus, is the understanding on how they interact with the host(s), as well as with the a/biotic factors present in the agro-ecosystem. Finally, current trends in the management of crop diseases aim to fit sustainability and environmentally friendly criteria. Even though the large number of research efforts conducted, yet relevant information is missing. This Special Issue focuses on the etiology of both traditional and emerging crop diseases, and on the strategies to effectively control them. We welcome submission of research reports and review papers. We particularly encourage, not exclusively though, studies in which state-of-the-art methodological procedures are implemented in the appealing field of the etiology and control of crop diseases.

Dr. Jesús Mercado-Blanco
Dr. Leire Molinero-Ruiz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information