Pathogenic Interactions in Sugarcane and Legume Systems

Pathogenic interactions in sugarcane and legume agroecosystems present a complex interplay between host physiology, environmental factors and a diverse array of microbial agents. In sugarcane, fungal pathogens such as Fusarium verticillioides exploit nitrogen fertilisation regimes to enhance mycelial growth, sporulation and the expression of virulence determinants, often leading to yield‐limiting diseases like pokkah boeng. Legumes, including alfalfa and peanut, face both bacterial and fungal threats; seed‐borne bacteria can invade root systems and disrupt photosynthetic function, while soil‐borne fungi may induce kernel shrivel or vascular wilt. These pathogens deploy specialised effectors, toxins and nutrient‐acquisition systems that modulate host immunity and alter cellular redox balance. Recent advances in high‐throughput transcriptomics, metabolomics and metagenomics have elucidated the molecular dialogue at the plant–pathogen interface, revealing candidate genes for resistance breeding and novel crop management strategies. Integrated disease management approaches now combine precision fertiliser application, seed health certification and deployment of resistant cultivars to safeguard global sugar and protein production.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have harnessed transcriptomic profiling to decode how Fusarium verticillioides responds to varying nitrogen sources within sugarcane tissues. Differential gene‐expression analyses revealed that ammonium and nitrate fertilisation upregulate fungal transporters, nitrogen‐assimilation enzymes and key transcription factors associated with pathogenicity, thereby intensifying disease symptoms compared with urea applications. This work has identified hundreds of pathogen genes whose expression is modulated by host nutrient status, offering a blueprint for fertiliser strategies that limit fungal proliferation. Concurrent efforts have begun to integrate host transcriptome data, mapping sugarcane defence pathways and highlighting cross‐talk between nitrogen sensing and immune signalling. Together, these insights form a molecular framework to optimise crop nutrition without compromising disease resistance.

Pathogenic Interactions in Sugarcane and Legume Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in pathogenic interactions in sugarcane and legume systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Transcriptomic profiling: High‐throughput analysis of all RNA transcripts to determine gene‐expression changes in organisms.

Mycelial growth: Expansion of the fungal hyphal network through host tissues or culture media.

Rhizosphere: The soil region immediately surrounding plant roots, rich in microbial activity and nutrient exchanges.

Effector proteins: Molecules secreted by pathogens that manipulate host cell physiology and suppress immune responses.

Metagenomics: Sequencing‐based study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples, revealing microbial community composition.

References

1. Deciphering the transcriptomic response of Fusarium verticillioides in relation to nitrogen availability and the development of sugarcane pokkah boeng disease. Scientific Reports (2016).
2. Seed-Borne Erwinia persicina Affects the Growth and Physiology of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Frontiers in Microbiology (2022).
3. Scope, Distribution, and Cause of the Peanut Kernel Shrivel (PKS) Syndrome: An Emerging Threat to Australia’s Peanut Industry. Agronomy (2024).