Liangrong Jiang¹ , Xianchao Xiao²

1 Xiamen Plant Genetics Key Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
2 Xiamen Seed Station, Xiamen, 361102, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0015
Received: 05 May, 2024    Accepted: 16 Jun., 2024    Published: 28 Jun., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Jiang L.R., and Xiao X.C., 2024, Research progress on powdery mildew in Cucurbitaceae plants, a systematic review, Molecular Pathogens, 15(3): 155-169 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0015)

Cucurbitaceae, a family encompassing a variety of economically significant crops, is severely impacted by powdery mildew (PM), a disease caused by host-specific fungal pathogens such as Podosphaera xanthii. This systematic review synthesizes recent advances in understanding and combating PM in Cucurbitaceae plants. We explore the genetic and molecular underpinnings of PM resistance, including the role of the Mildew Resistance Locus O (MLO) gene family and the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis for developing resistant cultivars. The review also examines the identification and characterization of PM pathogens, highlighting the diversity of species within the Erysiphaceae family and their varying host ranges. Additionally, we discuss innovative detection methods, such as the use of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy, which offer early and non-invasive diagnosis of PM. The role of haustoria in PM interactions and the implications of dual pathogen infections on disease dynamics are also addressed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing PM in Cucurbitaceae, which is crucial for safeguarding global food security.

Powdery mildew; Cucurbitaceae; CRISPR/Cas9; Podosphaera xanthii; Genetic resistance; Disease management; Biocontrol methods