Summary
This synoptic review examined global plant disease epidemics and outbreaks in 2021 using two complementary approaches: a literature review of 186 scientific articles and automated/manual searches of the CABI Distribution Database. The study identified 14 major pathogen species/complexes with substantial published epidemiological data, retrieved 617 new pathogen distribution records, and confirmed 15 pathogens in new geographic locations. Two viruses—tomato brown rugose fruit virus and cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus—were identified as actively emerging threats with accelerating geographic spread.
UK applicability
The review's identification of emerging pathogens and their geographic spread patterns is relevant to UK plant biosecurity and disease surveillance, particularly for the highlighted emerging viruses and pathogens such as Xylella fastidiosa and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense that pose potential future risks. The dual methodology (literature + distribution database) may inform UK plant health monitoring strategies.
Key measures
Number of articles retrieved; number of pathogen species/complexes; number of host species affected; geographic distribution (continents); new pathogen distribution records; number of pathogens with new geographic records; number of pathogens with ≥25% of records reported in 2021
Outcomes reported
The study identified 186 peer-reviewed articles describing plant disease epidemics across 62 pathogen categories and 40+ host species on six continents, and retrieved 617 new distribution records of 283 plant pathogens from the CABI Database in 2021. Manual review confirmed 15 pathogens reported in new geographic locations, with tomato brown rugose fruit virus and cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus assessed as actively emerging and spreading.
Topic tags
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