Advancing Disease Management in Agriculture: A Review of Plant Pathology Techniques

Plant diseases pose significant challenges to global food security and agricultural sustainability. Effective disease management strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of pathogens on crop yields and quality. This review explores the role of plant pathology techniques in disease management, focusing on advancements in diagnostics, pathogen detection, disease surveillance, and integrated pest management (IPM). We discuss the application of molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS), for rapid and accurate identification of plant pathogens. Additionally, we highlight the importance of remote sensing technologies and geographic information systems (GIS) in disease surveillance and spatial analysis. Furthermore, we examine the integration of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods in IPM programs to enhance disease suppression while minimizing environmental impacts. By synthesizing recent research findings and technological developments, this review provides insights into the evolving landscape of plant pathology and its crucial role in sustainable agriculture.