Plant pathogens are among the most important components of the microbiome and have a major impact on both ecological and evolutionary processes in host plants. Phytopathogenic micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi) also cause significant economic losses in many parts of the world, with plant diseases accounting for up to 30% of the world’s crop yields, resulting in billions of dollars of losses each year. This has led to a particular focus on the interaction of pathogenic microorganisms with vulnerable plants. Recent research worldwide, including in Europe, is now mainly focused on the specific virulence factors that affect plant health. A better knowledge of the characteristics of pathogenic microorganisms, and an understanding of population structure and dynamics, may lead to the development of more effective control measures and more advanced and specific diagnostic protocols.
Research on plant pathogens causing plant diseases in Lithuania has been fragmented in recent years, with too few studies being conducted. However, they are important in epidemiological terms, as research would provide new information on the distribution of pathogens in Lithuania and, more broadly, in Europe. A better understanding of the structure and dynamics of pathogenic microorganism populations could lead to the development of more effective control measures and more advanced and specific diagnostic protocols. The aim of the research to be carried out is to use molecular biology techniques to identify and genetically characterise the pathogen(s) in host plants and to assess their virulence factors.
This work would contribute to the 2022–2026 scientific research and experimental development programme of the Nature Research Centre “Dispersion of harmful substances, pathogens and other stressors in a changing environment in the context of risk assessment and remediation (POLLUTION)”.