Threats to global food security from emerging Phytoplasma crop diseases

Extensive damage to more than 1000 plant species, including food crops, oil crops, vegetables, fruit trees, garden timbers, ornamental plants, fodder, and weeds, has been caused by emerging phytoplasma-mediated diseases, thereby threatening global food security. Many factors, including environmental changes, invasion routes, transmission trials, and the emergence of new pathogen lineages, contribute to the spread of phytoplasma-related plant diseases. Stable and long-term solutions to improve plant health are required to manage many phytoplasma plant diseases effectively. A new strategy to tackle these critical issues includes critical assessment of losses, climate change, predictive modelling, disease surveillance, and improved detection techniques that target the phytoplasma. Herein, we review phytoplasma-associated plant diseases, emerging phytoplasma pathogen threats, factors contributing to their spread, and methods for surveillance and detection. In addition, case studies and global collaborative efforts are discussed. The review also provides insights into future research directions on plant diseases caused by phytoplasmas for their effective management.