Open Access

REVIEW

Integrative Perspectives on Multi-Level Mechanisms in Plant-Pathogen Interactions: From Molecular Defense to Ecological Resilience

Adnan Amin, Wajid Zaman^*

Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea

* Corresponding Author: Wajid Zaman. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Multi-Level Mechanisms in Plant-Pathogen Interactions)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2025, 94(7), 1973-1996. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2025.067885

Received 15 May 2025; Accepted 20 June 2025; Issue published 31 July 2025

Abstract

Plant-pathogen interactions involve complex biological processes that operate across molecular, cellular, microbiome, and ecological levels, significantly influencing plant health and agricultural productivity. In response to pathogenic threats, plants have developed sophisticated defense mechanisms, such as pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), which rely on specialized recognition systems such as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins. These immune responses activate intricate signaling pathways involving mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades, calcium fluxes, reactive oxygen species production, and hormonal cross-talk among salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene. Furthermore, structural barriers such as callose deposition and lignification, along with the synthesis of secondary metabolites and antimicrobial enzymes, play crucial roles in inhibiting pathogen invasion and proliferation. The plant microbiome further enhances host immunity through beneficial associations with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizal fungi, which facilitate induced systemic resistance (ISR) and improve nutrient acquisition. As climate change exacerbates the impact of pathogens, these molecular and microbiome-driven defenses influence disease distribution and plant resilience, highlighting the importance of integrating ecological insights for sustainable disease management Advancements in microbiome engineering, including the application of synthetic microbial communities and commercial bio-inoculants, offer promising strategies for sustainable disease management. However, the impacts of climate change on pathogen virulence, host susceptibility, and disease distribution complicate these interactions, emphasizing the need for resilient and adaptive agricultural practices. This review highlights the necessity of a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that integrates multi-omics technologies, microbiome research, and ecological insights to develop effective and sustainable solutions for managing plant diseases and ensuring global food security.

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