About this Research Topic
Blast disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae (syn. Pyricularia oryzae), is a major threat to global rice production, responsible for nearly 30% of yield losses worldwide. This disease not only affects rice but also other significant crops such as wheat, barley, millet, and oats, impacting food security on a global scale. Despite extensive research and breeding efforts to develop resistant cultivars, these resistances are often overcome within three to five years, leading to severe epidemics. Recent advances in sequencing technology have provided deeper insights into the biology and genomics of M. oryzae, yet significant gaps remain, particularly in understanding the molecular interactions between the pathogen and non-rice hosts. The genetic diversity and host-specific lineages of the blast fungus further complicate management strategies, necessitating a comprehensive investigation into its infection mechanisms, evolution, and potential for cross-infectivity.
This research topic aims to consolidate the latest findings on the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenicity, genomics, and management of blast disease in crops. We seek to address specific questions such as the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions, the genetic variability within M. oryzae populations, and the effectiveness of breeding strategies for resistance. Hypotheses to be tested include the potential for cross-infectivity among different Poaceae species and the identification of novel resistance genes through advanced molecular techniques. By focusing on these objectives, we aim to enhance our understanding of blast disease and contribute to the development of sustainable management practices.
To gather further insights into the complexities of blast disease, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Infection mechanisms
- Host specificity and adaptation
- Genome variability
- Evolution
- Breeding for blast disease resistance
This collection aims to include comprehensive, hypothesis-driven research from diverse geographical regions, with a particular emphasis on contributions from Asia and South America. We encourage submissions that provide current information on the emergence of blast disease, its economic and environmental impacts, and future perspectives on management strategies.
This research topic aims to consolidate the latest findings on the etiology, epidemiology, pathogenicity, genomics, and management of blast disease in crops. We seek to address specific questions such as the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions, the genetic variability within M. oryzae populations, and the effectiveness of breeding strategies for resistance. Hypotheses to be tested include the potential for cross-infectivity among different Poaceae species and the identification of novel resistance genes through advanced molecular techniques. By focusing on these objectives, we aim to enhance our understanding of blast disease and contribute to the development of sustainable management practices.
To gather further insights into the complexities of blast disease, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Infection mechanisms
- Host specificity and adaptation
- Genome variability
- Evolution
- Breeding for blast disease resistance
This collection aims to include comprehensive, hypothesis-driven research from diverse geographical regions, with a particular emphasis on contributions from Asia and South America. We encourage submissions that provide current information on the emergence of blast disease, its economic and environmental impacts, and future perspectives on management strategies.
Keywords: magnaporthe oryzae, wheat blast, fungal disease, plant disease management
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
