Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.3, 155-169 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 155 Review and Progress Open Access Research Progress on Powdery Mildew in Cucurbitaceae Plants, A Systematic Review Liangrong Jiang1 , Xianchao Xiao2 1 Xiamen Plant Genetics Key Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China 2 Xiamen Seed Station, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China Corresponding author: lrjiang108@xmu.edu.cn Molecular Pathogens, 2024, Vol.15, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0015 Received: 05 May, 2024 Accepted: 16 Jun., 2024 Published: 28 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Jiang and Xiao, 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: Jiang L.R., and Xiao X.C., 2024, Research progress on powdery mildew in Cucurbitaceae plants, a systematic review, Molecular Pathogens, 15(3): 155-169 (doi: 10.5376/mp.2024.15.0015) Abstract Cucurbitaceae, a family encompassing a variety of economically significant crops, is severely impacted by powdery mildew (PM), a disease caused by host-specific fungal pathogens such as Podosphaera xanthii. This systematic review synthesizes recent advances in understanding and combating PM in Cucurbitaceae plants. We explore the genetic and molecular underpinnings of PM resistance, including the role of the Mildew Resistance Locus O(MLO) gene family and the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis for developing resistant cultivars. The review also examines the identification and characterization of PM pathogens, highlighting the diversity of species within the Erysiphaceae family and their varying host ranges. Additionally, we discuss innovative detection methods, such as the use of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy, which offer early and non-invasive diagnosis of PM. The role of haustoria in PM interactions and the implications of dual pathogen infections on disease dynamics are also addressed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing PM in Cucurbitaceae, which is crucial for safeguarding global food security. Keywords Powdery mildew; Cucurbitaceae; CRISPR/Cas9; Podosphaera xanthii; Genetic resistance; Disease management; Biocontrol methods 1 Introduction Cucurbitaceae plants, commonly known as gourds or cucurbits, encompass a wide variety of species including pumpkins, squashes, and gourds, which hold significant agricultural importance due to their nutritional value and economic impact. These species are cultivated globally and are integral to food systems and agro-biodiversity. However, the productivity and quality of Cucurbitaceae crops are severely threatened by PM, a widespread fungal disease caused predominantly by Podosphaera xanthii, which leads to substantial yield losses and affects the sustainability of cucurbit production (Cohen et al., 2003; Park et al., 2020; Caligiore-Gei et al., 2023). PM is characterized by white, powdery fungal growth on the surface of leaves, stems, and sometimes fruits. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates and can spread rapidly, making it a persistent issue for growers. The impact of PM on agriculture is profound, as it not only reduces the marketability of the crops but also necessitates increased use of fungicides, which can be environmentally detrimental and economically burdensome (Cohen et al., 2003; Park et al., 2020; Caligiore-Gei et al., 2023). Given the challenges posed by PM, there is a pressing need for genetic research to develop resistant cultivars. Recent studies have identified single-gene resistance in zucchini squash, which provides a promising avenue for breeding resistant varieties (Cohen et al., 2003). Additionally, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and molecular markers have been utilized to identify resistance in pumpkin, offering valuable tools for the genetic improvement of Cucurbita moschata (Park et al., 2020). These advancements in understanding the genetic bases of PM resistance are crucial for the development of sustainable management strategies and the continued success of cucurbit agriculture (Cohen et al., 2003; Guo et al., 2019; Park et al., 2020).
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