Cazon, L. I. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2023

Peanut Smut: A scientometric analysis for a pathosystem that concerns the Argentine peanut industry.

Since its first report in commercial batches in 1995, the prevalence and yield impact caused by smut disease have increased rapidly in peanut fields. At the same time, various working groups have studied this pathosystem using different approaches, contributing to the scientific knowledge of the disease. By recognizing the importance of a thorough bibliographic review and meticulous organization of information, the process of initiating new research projects becomes more effective. In light of this, the aim of this work was to provide a comprehensive scientometric analysis of the evolution of peanut smut research, spanning from its inception to the current day. For this purpose, we compiled bibliographic data about the disease and extracted information to calculate metrics. We observed that a smaller proportion of the scientific production was presented in peer-reviewed journals, the prevalent topics were epidemiology and breeding, and the collaborative endeavors were crucial for the scientific advancement in the study of this pathosystem. Additionally, the researchers with the most significant presence in the publications, the involved institutions, and the impact of the produced papers, among other trends were identified. Although there have been many scientific-technological advances in peanut smut over the years, this information is not reflected in scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, which represents a great challenge for researchers involved in this topic. It is crucial to continue generating knowledge that contributes to the integrated management of this complex pathosystem. This will prevent further yield losses and the spread of the pathogen to new production areas.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Pyricularia Populations are Mostly Host-Specialized with Limited Reciprocal Cross-Infection Between Wheat and Endemic Grasses in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Wheat blast, caused by Pyricularia oryzae Triticum (PoT), is an emergent threat to wheat production. Current understanding of the evolution and population biology of the pathogen and epidemiology of the disease has been based on phylogenomic studies that compared the wheat blast pathogen with isolates collected from grasses that were invasive to Brazilian wheat fields. Genetic similarity between isolates from wheat and grasses lead to the conclusion that significant cross-infection occurs, especially on signalgrass (Urochloa spp.); and this in turn prompted speculation that its widespread use as forage is a key driver of the diseases epidemiology. We reanalyzed data from those studies and found that all but one of the isolates from non-wheat hosts were members of PoT and the related Lolium-adapted lineage (PoL1), which meant that the Pyricularia populations typically found on endemic grasses had not yet been sampled. To address this shortcoming, we performed a comprehensive sampling of blast lesions in wheat crops and endemic grasses found in and away from wheat fields in Minas Gerais. A total 1,368 diseased samples were collected (976 leaves of wheat and grasses and 392 wheat heads) which yielded a working collection of 564 Pyricularia isolates. We show that, contrary to earlier implications, PoT was rarely found on endemic grasses and, conversely, members of grass-adapted populations were rarely found on wheat. Instead, most populations were host-specialized with constituent isolates usually grouping according to their host-of-origin. With regard to the dominant role proposed for signalgrass in wheat blast epidemiology, we found only one PoT member in 67 isolates collected from signalgrass grown away from wheat fields, and only three members of Urochloa-adapted populations among hundreds of isolates from wheat. Cross-inoculation assays on wheat and a signalgrass used in pastures (U. brizantha) suggested that the limited cross-infection observed in the field may be due to innate compatibility differences. Whether or not the observed level of cross-infection would be sufficient to provide an inoculum reservoir, or serve as a bridge between wheat growing regions, is questionable and, therefore, deserves further investigation.

microbiology↗