Unmasking the hidden threat: a review of damage and losses due to phytopathogenic bacteria

Abstract

Phytopathogenic bacterial diseases have always been given less attention than other pathogenic diseases leading to their neglect in management. This review aims at synthesizing and generating evidence that although phytopathogenic bacterial diseases cause comparatively less damage and losses, they still cause substantial losses that are too significant to be ignored. A narrative review was conducted using data sources published between 2000 and 2024 utilizing reports, articles, and books using online search and bibliographic methods across three e-bibliographic databases: PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. After the review, it was found that Phytopathogenic bacteria cause direct and indirect damage. Direct damage affects host plant cells, causing cell wall and membrane destruction, organelle damage, hormonal disruption, vascular blockage, and cell death. Indirect damage includes plant death, reduced nutrient assimilation, and abnormal growth. These disruptions in plant growth and metabolism reduce crop productivity resulting in yield loss of up to 100%, economic losses of up to $1 billion annually, and diminished quality of agricultural produce which vary depending on the phytopathogen species, crop, and geographical location. Despite initial reports that phytopathogenic bacterial diseases resulted in less damage and yield loss than other pathogens, it is evident that Phytopathogenic bacteria can cause substantial losses that cannot be ignored. Future research should focus on improving management practices, particularly in developing IPM packages, Economic Injury Level (EIL), and advanced technologies such as Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to effectively mitigate the impact of Phytopathogenic bacteria in crops.