Advances in Disease Diagnostics and Pathogen Biocontrol of Horticulture Crops

<p><span style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)>This Special Issue addresses current challenges in the plant health of horticultural crops highlighting the role of biocontrol agents as sustainable alternatives to the overuse of chemical pesticides. In a context where pathogens threaten global agricultural productivity this collection of studies offers innovative approaches.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)>The included articles range from region-specific epidemiological analyses such as the study of downy mildew in Spanish vineyards to findings on new diseases such as the occurrence of </span><em style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)>Botrytis cinerea</em><span style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)> on pecan nuts in China. Several studies explore the efficacy of microorganisms such as </span><em style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)>Trichoderma asperellum </em><span style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)>and</span><em style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)> Exiguobacterium acetylicum</em><span style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)> in disease control and in plant growth promotion. Viruses such as BCMV and BYMV are investigated in legumes with the results being used to propose management strategies based on certified seeds and sustainable cultural practices.</span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)>Other studies highlight biological pest control such as the use of entomopathogenic nematodes against </span><em style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)>Pieris brassicae</em><span style=color: rgba(23 43 77 1)> and beneficial bacteria to combat white rot in onion. Finally a comprehensive review on the use of biocontrol agents in horticulture is presented addressing genetic environmental and application aspects. Research shows that the use of biological agents can reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals protect biodiversity and ensure resilient agricultural systems.</span></p>