Advancing Plant Health Management: Challenges, Strategies, and Implications for Global Agriculture

Abstract

This review paper explores the intricate dynamics surrounding plant health management in the context of global agricultural sustainability and food security challenges. Beginning with an overview of the United Nations' designation of 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health and the projected increase in food demand by 2050, the paper delves into the critical role of cereals in African diets, emphasizing their nutritional significance and cultural importance. A historical perspective on plant disease management sets the stage for discussing modern approaches like integrated pest management and ecological strategies, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. The methodology section outlines a systematic review process, including database selection, formulation of review questions, and screening criteria for relevant studies. The paper then delves into specific plant pathogens affecting key crops like potatoes, grapes, bananas, and wheat, highlighting the economic and social impacts of diseases such as late blight, grey mold, banana Xanthomonas wilt, and wheat stem rust. The emergence of pesticide-resistant populations and novel pathogens adds complexity to disease management strategies, necessitating innovative solutions such as genetic engineering and ecological control measures. Key findings underscore the urgency of addressing emerging diseases and their socio-economic ramifications, particularly in vulnerable regions. The paper advocates for sustainable disease control practices, including early diagnosis techniques using next-generation sequencing, strict quarantine measures, and integrated pest management approaches. It also stresses the importance of socio-economic analyses in disease control programs and the integration of ecological perspectives for effective agricultural sustainability.