Host Metabolites in <i>Asparagus–Fusarium</i> Interaction: Mechanisms and Regulation

ABSTRACT Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis ) is an important perennial vegetable crop cultivated worldwide. Its productivity and field longevity are often threatened by soilborne pathogens such as Fusarium spp., which cause wilt and rot diseases. These pathogens severely reduce yield and negatively impact the economic viability of asparagus cultivation. However, the interaction between asparagus and Fusarium involves a complex interplay of processes, including pathogen recognition, activation of defence signalling pathways and disease susceptibility. These processes are regulated by specific metabolites that may serve as defence signals or even facilitate the infection. Despite the progress in understanding the mechanisms in plants like Arabidopsis thaliana and cereal crops, knowledge about the asparagus –Fusarium pathosystem remains limited. Specifically, the mechanism by which host metabolites regulate the asparagus– Fusarium interaction still needs to be fully exploited. This article explores the defensive responses of asparagus plants towards infection by Fusarium spp. and delves into the regulatory mechanisms of host metabolites in the asparagus– Fusarium interaction. Understanding the dynamics of these interactions is essential for devising strategies to manage Fusarium ‐related diseases effectively and to develop disease‐resistant asparagus varieties.