New Insights into Genomic Variations and Mutational Events Associated with Plant-Pathogen Interactions 

Annu Rev Phytopathol. 2026 Jun 15. doi: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-011325-102141. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plant diseases threaten global food security, causing up to 40% crop yield losses and more than $220 billion in annual economic damage. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the genomic variations and mutational events underlying plant-pathogen interactions and durable plant disease resistance. Key insights into evolutionary dynamics, genetic variability, and coadaptive strategies reveal the complexity of host-pathogen relationships and the implications for developing durable disease resistance. Integrative approaches combining genome-wide association studies and functional genomics have uncovered the polygenic and epistatic architecture of quantitative resistance. Advances in pan-genomics and high-throughput sequencing have revealed extensive genetic variability in cultivated/elite germplasm and wild relatives. Emerging technologies, including gene editing, multi-omics, and machine learning, enable predictive modeling of resistance traits and support evolution that informs plant breeding strategies. Collectively, these advances provide a robust framework for developing durable resistance and sustainable crop protection in the face of global agricultural challenges.

PMID:42296190 | DOI:10.1146/annurev-phyto-011325-102141