Deciphering Metagenomics Approach for the Detection of Plant Pathogens: Challenges and Future Prospects
摘要
Metagenomics has become an innovative approach in plant pathology, allowing for the insights of plant pathogens without the necessity of culturing them. By employing high-throughput sequencing technologies and sophisticated bioinformatics, metagenomics provides unprecedented insights into pathogen diversity, host-pathogen interactions, and microbial ecology. Key applications include the detection of quarantine pathogens, identification of previously unknown species, and real-time diagnostics in field settings using portable sequencing devices. Despite its transformative potential, challenges such as high costs, sequence contamination, and incomplete reference databases still persist. This chapter explores the principles and advancements in metagenomics, emphasizing its ability to identify a broad range of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The metagenomic workflows highlight successful case studies and examine its advantages compared to conventional techniques. The integration of metagenomics into plant disease management systems promises to enhance early detection, epidemiological tracking, and sustainable agricultural practices.