Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 83-92 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 83 Feature Review Open Access Pantoea ananatis: Emerging Bacterial Pathogen in Wheat Fields Pingping Yang, Jiong Fu Hainan Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: jiong.fu@hitar.org Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.2 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0009 Received: 09 Feb., 2024 Accepted: 22 Mar., 2024 Published: 15 Apr., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yang and Fu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yang P.P., and Fu J., 2024, Pantoea ananatis: emerging bacterial pathogen in wheat fields, Molecular Pathogens, 15(2): 83-92 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0009) Abstract Pantoea ananatis is an emerging bacterial pathogen in wheat fields that has garnered significant attention in recent years. This bacterium is widely distributed across various agricultural regions globally and can be spread through seeds, soil, and insects, causing severe impacts on wheat, including wilting, leaf spots, and ear rot. These symptoms significantly reduce yield and quality, adversely affecting farmers' economic returns. This study systematically summarizes the taxonomy, biological characteristics, and pathogenic mechanisms of Pantoea ananatis, explores its epidemiology and modes of transmission in wheat fields, and analyzes the symptoms and agricultural impacts of infected wheat. We also assess current detection and diagnostic methods, and explore various strategies for managing and controlling Pantoea ananatis, including cultural practices, chemical control, and biological management. Additionally, this study analyzes practical challenges in managing this pathogen through specific case studies and proposes future research directions and priorities. The aim is to provide valuable references for researchers, farmers, and policymakers to promote integrated disease management in wheat fields and enhance the sustainability of agricultural production. Keywords Pantoea ananatis; Wheat disease; Epidemiology; Detection and diagnosis; Disease management 1 Introduction Pantoea ananatis is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is widely found in various ecological environments and possesses diverse pathogenic capabilities. This bacterium has been identified as a pathogen in several economically important crops, including maize, rice, onion, and more recently, wheat (Coutinho and Venter, 2009; Weller-Stuart et al., 2017; Krawczyk et al., 2020a). The unique aspect of P. ananatis lies in its ability to infect both plants and humans, and its presence in various environments such as aviation fuel tanks and the gut microbiota of insects (Coutinho and Venter, 2009). The plasticity of its genome, including the presence of mobile genetic elements, endows it with the ability to survive and cause disease in different hosts and environments (Weller-Stuart et al., 2017). Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most crucial crops globally, serving as a staple food for a significant portion of the world's population. The emergence of P. ananatis as a pathogen in wheat fields poses a new threat to wheat production, potentially leading to substantial economic losses (Krawczyk et al., 2020a). This bacterium causes brown lesions with clear margins and yellow halos on wheat leaves, symptoms indicative of bacterial infection (Krawczyk et al., 2020b). Understanding the impact of P. ananatis on wheat is essential for developing effective management strategies to mitigate its spread and minimize crop damage. Additionally, the bacterium's ability to be transmitted by insect vectors, such as the cereal leaf beetle and the western corn rootworm, further complicates its control and necessitates comprehensive research into its epidemiology and pathogenic mechanisms (Krawczyk et al., 2020a; 2020b) This study aims to consolidate current knowledge on Pantoea ananatis, with a specific focus on its role as an emerging pathogen in wheat fields. The primary objectives include summarizing its pathogenic characteristics, investigating its transmission mechanisms, and evaluating existing control measures. Additionally, this study will identify research gaps and propose future research directions. By providing a comprehensive review of the literature, this study seeks to underscore the significance of P. ananatis in agriculture, particularly in wheat
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==