Understanding plant bacterial wilt: pathogen diversity, ecological interactions, and management challenges

Plant bacterial wilt (PBW) represents a globally significant soil-borne disease, notable for its diverse causal pathogens and complex pathogenesis, which pose substantial challenges to agricultural production due to its rapid onset and difficulty in management. This review systematically explores the microbial ecology of PBW, focusing on four critical dimensions: (1) the impact of microbial ecology on disease progression, with particular attention to pathogen diversity and ecological interactions; (2) microbial competition, antagonism, and synergy; (3) the mechanisms of co-infection, encompassing the stages of contact, colonization, and proliferation; and (4) the regulatory role of quorum sensing (QS) in co-infection processes. A comprehensive review of the existing literature reveals that PBW is a multifaceted disease system primarily driven by Ralstonia solanacearum and its synergistic pathogens, intricately linked to plant microbial dysbiosis. Furthermore, we synthesize key research findings, address current challenges and limitations, and propose future research and application directions to inform sustainable strategies for managing PBW effectively.