A Review on Disease Detection, Pathogen Identification and Population Genetics in Fungi

Abstract

Based on knowing the fungi how much they are important in causing holistic impacts on human welfare, the present review initiated with reviewing the different disease detection and pathogen identification methods of plant pathogenic fungi and over viewing the population genetics of fungi. Currently, more and more diagnostic laboratories and inspection agencies are using molecular methods for detection and identification of diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi. Better understanding of fungal-plant interactions, pathogenicity factors, rapid and accurate detection of fungal pathogens to species or strain level are a crucial prerequisite for disease surveillance and development of novel disease control strategies. Molecular technology increases understanding of the biology and population structures of plant pathogens, provides quick and accurate answers to epidemiological questions about plant diseases, and supports disease management decisions. Both domestic and international plant quarantine stations must be facilitated with high throughput, rapid and sensitive methods for detection of quarantine pathogens. The methods of population genetics offer powerful tools to elucidate the life histories of important plant pathogens and address fundamental questions about the biology of these organisms. Increased knowledge of the population biology of pathogens is likely to lead to better management of disease in agricultural ecosystems. Eventhough every pathogen detection methods starting from conventional up-to the most sophisticated real-time PCR, they have their own advantages and drawbacks, but selecting of the most appropriate one based on its multi-dimensional importance is crucial at this time. In Ethiopia, most of the detection methods are based on the conventional one, but these methods are not as effective as molecular detection methods. So developing and utilizing these more effective, time sever and easy assays of fungal disease detection and pathogen identification methods is important.

Keywords: Agricultural Ecosystems, Fungal-Plant Interactions, PCR, Pathogenicity Factors, Real-Time PCR