Advances in Plant Pathogen Detection and Management in Horticultural Crops

Abstract

Horticultural crops are highly susceptible to a wide range of plant pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, which significantly affect yield, quality, and market value. Early and accurate detection of these pathogens is critical for effective disease management and sustainable production. Recent advances in plant pathology have led to the development of innovative diagnostic and management strategies that integrate molecular, biological, and digital technologies. This review highlights modern approaches for pathogen detection, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods, quantitative PCR (qPCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and biosensor-based techniques, which offer high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid results. Additionally, imaging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools have emerged as powerful methods for real-time disease monitoring and diagnosis in horticultural systems. On the management side, integrated disease management (IDM) strategies combining cultural practices, resistant cultivars, biological control agents, and targeted chemical applications have shown significant effectiveness.