Pathogenicity and virulence of Phytophthora infestans: The ever-evolving threat to food security and its sustainable management strategies

Abstract

Phytophthora infestans, the oomycete pathogen responsible for late blight, remains a formidable threat to global potato and tomato production, causing significant economic losses and jeopardizing food security. This review synthesizes current knowledge of P. infestans and highlights its unique biology, sophisticated pathogenicity mechanisms, dynamic virulence factors, and management strategies. The pathogen employs a diverse arsenal of virulence factors such as effectors to suppress host immunity and manipulate cellular processes, while its genetic plasticity enables rapid adaptation to control measures. Environmental cues and host-pathogen co-evolution further complicate disease management, with climate change exacerbating these challenges. Despite advances in fungicides, resistant cultivars, and cultural practices, its ability to overcome control measures and evolve new virulence and functional traits underscores the need for innovative solutions. Emerging technologies including CRISPR-Cas9, RNA interference, and predictive modeling offer promising avenues for sustainable management of the pathogen. This review also calls for multidisciplinary approaches integrating genomics, ecology, and agronomy to develop durable strategies against P. infestans and ensure resilient agricultural systems in the face of evolving threats. Ultimately, this review provides a forward-looking perspective on how integrating these novel technologies ca with evolutionary-ecological principles can build sustainable and resilient management systems.