Optimizing Safe and Sustainable Approaches to Manage Fungal Plant Diseases

Rhouma, Abdelhak

doi:10.21608/ejcp.2025.376578.1035

Optimizing Safe and Sustainable Approaches to Manage Fungal Plant Diseases

Document Type : Review articles

Author

Abdelhak Rhouma

Regional Centre of Agricultural Research of Sidi Bouzid, CRRA, Gafsa Road Km 6, B.P. 357, 9100, Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia.

10.21608/ejcp.2025.376578.1035

Abstract

Fungal phytopathogens pose a significant and escalating threat to global food security, resulting in considerable crop losses and economic burdens while challenging the sustainability of conventional chemical-dependent management practices. This review synthesizes current advancements and challenges in the development of safe, practical strategies to control fungal plant diseases, underscoring the urgent necessity for sustainable alternatives. We examine the potential of biological control agents, host resistance breeding, natural antifungals, nanotechnology, and cultural practices as environmentally friendly solutions, while also highlighting the limitations of synthetic fungicides, which include the development of resistance and ecological detriment. The paper emphasizes the critical importance of Integrated Pest Management in harmonizing these approaches, leveraging synergies among microbial inoculants, genetic innovations, and precision agriculture to diminish dependence on chemical inputs. Despite promising innovations—such as CRISPR-edited crops, RNAi-based fungicides, and nano-formulated biocontrol agents—significant barriers remain, including inconsistent field performance, regulatory challenges, and socioeconomic constraints. We also discuss emerging solutions, encompassing microbiome engineering and climate-resilient biocontrol strains, and underscore the necessity of policy reforms and farmer education to facilitate widespread adoption. Ultimately, this review advocates for a paradigm shift towards ecologically balanced disease management, arguing that the integration of advanced technologies with traditional knowledge can cultivate resilient agricultural systems capable of addressing future food demands while safeguarding ecosystem health. The findings offer a comprehensive roadmap for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to transition from reactive fungicide use to proactive, sustainable management of fungal pathogens.

Keywords

Main Subjects

phytopathology and plant protection

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