Perspective, J Plant Physiol Pathol Vol: 11 Issue: 4

Plant Disease Management in the Age of Technology

Pomlok Saenjum^*

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand

*Corresponding Author: Pomlok Saenjum,
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
E-mail: pm.sae@cmu.edu.th

Received date: 28 June, 2023, Manuscript No. JPPP-23-112318

Editor assigned date: 30 June, 2023, Pre QC No. JPPP-23-112318 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 14 July, 2023, QC No. JPPP-23-112318

Revised date: 24 July, 2023, Manuscript No. JPPP-23-112318 (R);

Published date: 31 July, 2023, DOI: 10.4172/2329-955X.1000311

Citation: Saenjum P (2023) Techniques for Identifying Plant Diseases. J Plant Physiol Pathol 11:4.

Description

Plants, like all living organisms, are susceptible to diseases caused by various pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and other microorganisms. These diseases can have devastating effects on crops, leading to reduced yields, economic losses, and food security concerns. Therefore, it is essential to identify plant diseases accurately and promptly to implement effective control measures. In this Study, we will discuss various techniques and methods used for identifying plant diseases.

Before discussing into the techniques, it's essential to understand why identifying plant diseases is so vital. Accurate disease identification serves several dire purposes. Identifying the specific pathogen causing a disease is the first step in developing effective management strategies. Different pathogens may require different control measures, so knowing the culprit is essential. Early disease detection allows for timely intervention, which can prevent the disease from spreading and causing more significant damage. Early intervention often means less reliance on chemical pesticides. In agriculture and horticulture, identifying plant diseases can help prevent the movement of infected plant material, protecting other regions or countries from potential outbreaks. Disease identification aids plant pathologists and breeders in developing disease-resistant plant varieties. This contributes to sustainable agriculture and reduces the need for chemical treatments.

Visual inspection is often the first step in identifying plant diseases. Skilled plant pathologists, farmers, and gardeners can recognize common symptoms such as leaf spots, wilting, yellowing, cankers, or deformities. However, visual symptoms can be similar across different diseases, making it necessary to confirm the diagnosis through further testing. Microscopy is a valuable tool for examining plant tissues and pathogens at the microscopic level. Plant pathologists use microscopes to observe the shape, size, and characteristics of pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. For example, the presence of specific spore types or mycelial structures can help identify fungal diseases. Microscopy can also reveal the extent of damage within plant tissues. Recent advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the field of plant disease identification. These techniques rely on the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences (DNA or RNA) unique to a particular pathogen. Some commonly used molecular techniques include: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplifies target DNA sequences, making them detectable. It is highly specific and can identify pathogens even at low concentrations. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) provides quantitative data on the amount of pathogen DNA present in a sample. This can help assess disease severity.

DNA Sequencing: DNA sequencing techniques can identify pathogens and reveal their genetic diversity. It is particularly useful for studying emerging diseases. Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) is an isothermal amplification technique that is highly specific and can be used for on-site testing. Molecular techniques are powerful tools for accurate disease identification, especially when pathogens are challenging to culture or distinguish based on visual symptoms alone. Serological tests detect the presence of specific antigens or antibodies associated with a particular pathogen. Enzyme- Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) are commonly used for this purpose. These tests are often used in commercial agriculture for large-scale disease monitoring.

Culture-based techniques involve growing pathogens on specific media under controlled conditions. The characteristics of the growing culture, such as colony morphology and color, can provide valuable information for identification. However, some pathogens may be challenging to culture, and this method can be time-consuming. Bioassays involve inoculating healthy plants with suspected pathogens to observe the development of symptoms. While this method can be useful, it requires specialized facilities and can be risky due to the potential spread of diseases. Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite or drone-based imaging, can be used to detect plant stress and anomalies in large agricultural areas. Changes in plant reflectance or thermal characteristics can indicate the presence of diseases. These techniques provide a broader perspective but may require follow-up ground-based testing for confirmation.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies enable the rapid sequencing of entire pathogen genomes. This approach is particularly valuable for studying emerging diseases, understanding genetic diversity, and tracking the evolution of pathogens. Spectroscopy involves analyzing the interaction of light with plant tissues or pathogens. By measuring the absorption, reflection, or fluorescence of light, researchers can identify specific compounds or changes in plant health associated with diseases. This non-destructive technique has potential for remote sensing applications. Advancements in technology have led to the development of mobile applications that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify plant diseases. Users can take photos of affected plants and receive instant diagnoses. While these apps are convenient, their accuracy can vary, and they may not always replace traditional diagnostic methods.

Despite the array of techniques available, plant disease identification can still be challenging, especially when dealing with novel pathogens or complex diseases. Additionally, climate change and globalization are altering disease dynamics, introducing new challenges for disease management and identification. The future of plant disease identification may involve the integration of multiple techniques, including molecular methods, remote sensing, and AIdriven diagnostics.