Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 227-236 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 229 infection. High pathogenicity strains of X. albilineans induce a significant increase in ROS production and a decrease in SA-mediated defense responses, thereby facilitating infection (Zhao et al., 2022). Sugarcane's response to Sporisorium scitamineuminvolves the upregulation of defense-related genes and hormone signaling pathways, which are crucial for mounting an effective defense against the pathogen (Agisha et al., 2022). These interactions underscore the importance of understanding both the pathogen's strategies and the host's defense mechanisms to develop effective control measures. 3.3 Mechanisms of tissue colonization and systemic infection Bacterial pathogens employ various strategies to colonize and spread within sugarcane tissues. For example, Sporisorium scitamineum uses stomata to penetrate host tissues and secretes hydrolytic enzymes to facilitate mycelial entry. Once inside, the pathogen can spread systemically, often aided by the production of quorum signals that enhance cell aggregation and infection efficiency (Zhang and Yang, 2024). Xanthomonas albilineans, on the other hand, produces a xanthan-like polymer that obstructs xylem vessels, leading to systemic infection and disease symptoms such as leaf yellowing and desiccation (Legaz et al., 2018). These mechanisms highlight the diverse strategies employed by bacterial pathogens to colonize and infect sugarcane, emphasizing the need for targeted control measures. 3.4 Environmental factors influencing pathogenicity Environmental factors play a significant role in influencing the pathogenicity of bacterial diseases in sugarcane (Figure 1). Factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil conditions can affect the expression of virulence genes and the overall fitness of the pathogen. For instance, the expression of pathogenicity-associated genes in Sporisorium scitamineumis influenced by environmental conditions, which can affect the timing and severity of disease outbreaks (Nalayeni et al., 2021). Additionally, the ability of bacterial pathogens to utilize various carbon and nitrogen sources, as well as their tolerance to pH and osmotic stress, can impact their survival and virulence in different environmental conditions (Singh et al., 2021). Understanding these environmental influences is crucial for predicting disease outbreaks and developing effective management strategies. Figure 1 Antifungal activity of strain B18 against Sporisorium scitamineum, Ceratocystis paradoxa, and Fusarium verticillioides sugarcane pathogens (Adopted from Singh et al., 2021) Image caption: The first row shows control plates, the second row shows growth inhibition of pathogens by strain B18 in dual culture plate assay, and the third row shows the agar well diffusion method. C (control) (Adopted from Singh et al., 2021)
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