Omics-based comparison of fungal virulence genes, biosynthetic gene clusters, and small molecules in penicillium expansum and penicillium chrysogenum

Authors: CARDENAS, DANIELLE - University Of Florida; AGULIAR, CHRISTAIN - Agrofresh, Inc; BHATTA, U - North Carolina State University; BUGINGO, C - Cornell University; MURRAY, S - North Carolina State University; GAZIS, ROMINA - University Of Florida; MILES, TIM - Michigan State University; Jurick Ii, Wayne; Naegele, Rachel; QUESEDA, LINA - North Carolina State University; THIESSEN, LINDSEY - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); CANO, LILY - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Plant Disease
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/25/2024
Publication Date: 12/28/2024
Citation: Cardenas, D., Aguliar, C., Bhatta, U., Bugingo, C., Murray, S., Gazis, R., Miles, T., Jurick Ii, W.M., Naegele, R.P., Queseda, L., Thiessen, L., Cano, L. 2024. Omics-based comparison of fungal virulence genes, biosynthetic gene clusters, and small molecules in penicillium expansum and penicillium chrysogenum. Plant Disease. 11(1). Article e14. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11010014.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11010014

Interpretive Summary: Postharvest rots of fruits and vegetables can cause significant losses for producers, packers, processors and the general public. The problem is that they limit fruit for consumption, decrease quality, and can pose significant issues with toxin contamination. Most rots are caused by fungi and are controlled by fungicides. Additionally, a rise in fungicide resistance, lack of host-based resistance, and changes in residue levels on produce destined for export have necessitated new methods for rot control. Therefore, this review presents the latest research methods, technologies and applications to reduce rots and mycotoxin contamination. Contents of the review represent an array of paradigm shifting accomplishments in mulitple crops and pathogen systems. Together, the advances presented for postharvest decay control of fruits and vegetables can significantly help to reduce food waste, quell losses in quality and mitigate toxin contamination. Thus, solving the overall problem of postharvest decay during short-term, long-term and transit.

Technical Abstract: Postharvest losses attributed to fungal and bacterial diseases contribute significantly to food loss and waste. In addition, some of the pathogens produce mycotoxins that can contaminate processed food products that are made from culls and fruit that are not fit for the fresh market. Since consumers expect fresh fruit year-round, coupled with demands for high quality and low residue levels, new research and tools are needed to combat decay. Hence, this review focuses on the latest advances in detection, control, and cultural practices that can be integrated or stand alone to help twart decay caused by fungal and bacterial postharvest pathogens of fruit. While we have chosen a holistic, integrated approach to cover various aspects of postharvest decay control, we have focused on specific high value crops like citrus, apple, avocado and grapes. In these different crops, we discuss the significant impacts that have been made to understand aspects of pathogen biology, epidemiology, and control. Notwithstanding, postharvest disease management options for both conventional and organic markets is projected to continually increase and will require innovative solutions. We envision the integration of standard, conventional and novel technologies with the help of artificial intelligence to move the pace of discovery forward that manifests in paradigm shifting, long-term management solutions.