Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the fungal pathogen Septoria tritici (syn. Zymoseptoria tritici), is a major threat to global wheat production. The disease is responsible for significant yield losses, and its control relies heavily on the application of fungicides. However, the emergence and spread of fungicide-resistant strains, driven by mutations in target genes, present a growing challenge to effective disease management. Detecting these mutations at an early stage is essential for minimising the impact of resistance and ensuring sustainable crop protection strategies.
This study explores the application of smart surveillance techniques for detecting mutations in the fungicide target genes and gene regions of S. tritici. Specifically, we focus on utilising spore trapping mechanisms integrated with advanced molecular diagnostics, to monitor airborne S. tritici spores in wheat fields. Spore traps are deployed in wheat fields to continuously capture fungal spores, which are then subjected to high-throughput amplicon sequencing targeting all six relevant fungicide resistance genes and gene regions, enabling the detection of both known and novel mutations associated with resistance.
The integration of spore trapping with molecular tools enables rapid and efficient detection of pathogen populations in the environment before symptoms manifest in crops. Continuous monitoring of the genetic composition of S. tritici populations provides valuable insights into the evolution of fungicide resistance, facilitating timely intervention to mitigate its spread.
This smart surveillance approach offers a proactive solution to managing fungicide resistance in S. tritici, supporting sustainable disease management strategies. It demonstrates the potential of combining innovative monitoring technologies with molecular diagnostics for improved agricultural disease surveillance.