Toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins are very common in food crops, with noticeable differences in their host specificity in terms of pathogenicity and toxin contamination. In addition, such crops may be infected with mixtures of mycotoxigenic fungi, resulting in multi-mycotoxin contamination. Climate represents the key factor in driving the fungal community structure and mycotoxin contamination levels pre- and post-harvest. Thus, there is significant interest in understanding the impact of interacting climate change-related abiotic factors (especially increased temperature, elevated CO2 and extremes in water availability) on the relative risks of mycotoxin contamination and impacts on food safety and security. We have thus examined the available information from the last decade on relative risks of mycotoxin contamination under future climate change scenarios and identified the gaps in knowledge. This has included the available scientific information on the ecology, genomics, distribution of toxigenic fungi and intervention strategies for mycotoxin control worldwide. In addition, some suggestions for prediction and prevention of mycotoxin risks are summarized together with future perspectives and research needs for a better understanding of the impacts of climate change scenarios.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/10/1496/pdf

Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxins in a Climate Change Scenario: Ecology, Genomics, Distribution, Prediction and Prevention of the Risk.

In their natural environment, plants are exposed to biotic or abiotic stresses that occur sequentially or simultaneously. Plant responses to these stresses have been studied widely and have been well characterised in simplified systems involving single plant species facing individual stress. Temperature elevation is a major abiotic driver of climate change and scenarios have predicted an increase in the number and severity of epidemics. In this context, here we review the available data on the effect of heat stress on plant-pathogen interactions. Considering 45 studies performed on model or crop species, we discuss the possible implications of the optimum growth temperature of plant hosts and pathogens, mode of stress application and temperature variation on resistance modulations. Alarmingly, most identified resistances are altered under temperature elevation, regardless of the plant and pathogen species. Therefore, we have listed current knowledge on heat-dependent plant immune mechanisms and pathogen thermosensory processes, mainly studied in animals and human pathogens, that could help to understand the outcome of plant-pathogen interactions under elevated temperatures. Based on a general overview of the mechanisms involved in plant responses to pathogens, and integrating multiple interactions with the biotic environment, we provide recommendations to optimise plant disease resistance under heat stress and to identify thermotolerant resistance mechanisms.

https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/nph.16965

Fight hard or die trying: when plants face pathogens under heat stress

https://par.nsf.gov/servlets/purl/10217109

Plant Immune Mechanisms: From Reductionistic to Holistic Points of View.

Climate change represents an unprecedented challenge to the world?s biosphere and to the global community. It also represents a unique challenge for plant health. Human activities and increased market globalization, coupled with rising temperatures, has led to a situation that is favourable to pest movement and establishment. This scientific review assesses the potential effects of climate change on plant pests and consequently on plant health. The evidence assessed strongly indicates that climate change has already expanded some pests? host range and geographical distribution, and may further increase the risk of pest introduction to new areas. This calls for international cooperation and development of harmonized plant protection strategies to help countries successfully adapt their pest risk management measures to climate change.

/pdf/scientific-review-of-the-impact-of-climate-change-on-plant-16svjhfwrq.pdf

Scientific review of the impact of climate change on plant pests: a global challenge to prevent and mitigate plant pest risks in agriculture, forestry and ecosystems.

Climate change and plant virus epidemiology.

Overview on the review articles published during the past 30 years relating to the potential climate change effects on plant pathogens and crop disease risks

P. Racca

Papers

Overview on the review articles published during the past 30 years relating to the potential climate change effects on plant pathogens and crop disease risks