Modern technologies in the diagnosis and management of plant-pathogenic fungi: From CRISPR to the microbiome and Artificial Intelligence

Plant-pathogenic fungi still constitute one of the most significant biological constraints on agricultural productivity, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. It has become increasingly challenging to mitigate their effects due to the effects of climatic variability, monoculture, plant material transport across national borders, greenhouse production, fungicide resistance, and others. While classical diagnostics based on symptoms, microscopic observations, isolations, and morphology are still vital in practice, they are often slow and expertise-reliant and fail to provide the necessary early warning. The present review article explores contemporary developments in the diagnostics and management of plant-pathogenic fungi with a particular emphasis on CRISPR-based methods of diagnostics, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), portable diagnostics, artificial intelligence (AI), disease suppression via the manipulation of microbiomes, biological control, RNA-based protection of crops, nanotechnology, and integrated disease management. It is concluded that the contemporary management of plant-pathogenic diseases should go beyond the single-method approachCRISPR and LAMP techniques advance pathogen detection during initial stages of infection; artificial intelligence helps with image-assisted disease diagnosis and prediction; microbiome science reveals the mechanisms underlying the suppression of pathogens by beneficial microbial communities; and biocontrol, RNA spraying, and nanotechnology are possible solutions which could minimize the over-reliance on chemicals. Nonetheless, the application of these innovations demands field testing, cost-effectiveness evaluation, biosafety assessment, and adaptation to local conditions. Plant pathogenic fungal diseases management in the future will be about using diagnostic and preventive approaches and decision support systems that can be used by scientists, extension agents, and farmers.