The Global Danger Posed by Plant Disease: The Underestimated Threat

Most people are completely unaware of the threat posed by plant disease. Those who know, often underestimate the potential severity and impact of plant disease, nationally and globally. Although plant pathogens and the diseases they cause have been around for millennia, humans have played a major role in spreading them across the world. From the birth of farming, through to early exploration and later development of trade routes across the globe, we have been responsible for spreading plant pathogens around the world, often with destructive consequences to crops and natural systems. These threats seem to be on the increase. One concern, among many, is the bacterial pathogen Xylella fastidiosa, which is spreading around the world at an alarming rate. What makes this pathogen particularly dangerous is its wide host range, putting many crop, ornamental and wild plants at risk. Climate change also increases the threat posed by plant diseases, as the warming climate creates new opportunities for some pathogens to extend their geographical range. So, what do we do? This book looks at what we can do in the face of continued globalization of trade, including how we can use plant breeding and biotechnology to help plants, and us, survive the ever-present threat of plant disease. Written primarily for students, researchers and practitioners in plant science and related subject areas, the book is also accessible for a general audience interested in plants.