Influence of atmospheric and climatic change on plant–pathogen interactions

TLDR

Atmospheric change studies using FACE systems and open‑topped chambers have clarified how rising CO₂ and O₃ levels influence plant disease epidemics. The study seeks to develop molecular and gene‑expression tools to uncover fine‑scale mechanisms and improve predictions of plant disease outcomes under future climatic conditions. Researchers employ FACE and open‑topped chambers to examine host–pathogen interactions under real‑world environmental variations, integrating molecular tools to dissect underlying mechanisms. Results confirm some climate‑change predictions about plant disease responses, reveal interactions among multiple parameters, and highlight the necessity of real‑world studies, while other predictions remain untested.

Abstract

Atmospheric change studies conducted in free air concentration enrichment (FACE) systems and open‐topped chambers have increased understanding of how factors, such as rising CO 2 and O 3 levels, impact the development of plant disease epidemics. Using these systems, plant scientists have been able to study host/pathogen systems under real‐world conditions where variations in multiple environmental parameters impact disease outcomes. Results from these studies are useful for evaluating earlier predictions on plant responses to climate‐change parameters and the resulting impacts on plant disease epidemics. Some of these predictions have been verified, whilst others have yet to be tested. Significant interactions among climate‐change parameters are highlighting the importance of conducting studies under real‐world conditions. The development of molecular and gene expression tools is allowing the fine scale mechanisms responsible for the observed reactions to be determined, and should increase the ability to predict plant disease outcomes under future climatic conditions.