Plant disease dynamics in a changing climate: impacts, molecular mechanisms, and climate-informed strategies for sustainable management

Climate change is increasingly conceded as a significant menace to global agricultural productivity, with plant diseases emerging as a critical challenge in this context. Plant diseases can result in an annual reduction of approximately US$220 billion in agricultural productivity, impacting global economies and socio-economic stability. To address these challenges, it is crucial to explore the intricate relationship between climatic variables and the occurrence, intensity, and geographic distribution of plant diseases, highlighting how shifts in temperature, CO2 levels, and precipitation patterns exacerbate pathogen virulence and alter disease dynamics. This review examines the historical and projected impacts of climate change on vulnerable crops and regions, emphasizing the heightened risk to food security. The molecular basis of climate-modulated plant defense mechanisms and pathogen virulence is dissected, offering insights into the underlying biological processes that govern these interactions. In response to this escalating threat, we discuss climate-informed plant disease management strategies, including early warning systems, adaptive surveillance, and the development of resilient crops through biotechnological advancements such as genetic engineering, gene silencing, and genome editing. Additionally, we explore the role of resource-saving technologies and precision agriculture in mitigating the adverse repercussions of climate change on plant health. The review concludes with an exploration of critical research needs and future perspectives, underscoring the urgent need for interdisciplinary approaches to safeguard sustainable agricultural productivity in a rapidly changing climate.