Newer effectorome prediction algorithms are considering effectors that may not comply with the canonical characteristics of small, secreted, cysteine-rich proteins. The use of effector-related motifs and domains is an emerging strategy for effector identification, but its use has been limited to individual species, whether oomycete or fungal, and certain domains and motifs have only been associated with one or the other. The use of these strategies is important for the identification of novel, non-canonical effectors (NCEs) which we have found to constitute approximately 90% of the effectoromes. We produced an algorithm in Bash called WideEffHunter that is founded on integrating three key characteristics: the presence of effector motifs, effector domains and homology to validated existing effectors. Interestingly, we found similar numbers of effectors with motifs and domains within two different taxonomic kingdoms: fungi and oomycetes, indicating that with respect to their effector content, the two organisms may be more similar than previously believed. WideEffHunter can identify the entire effectorome (non-canonical and canonical effectors) of oomycetes and fungi whether pathogenic or non-pathogenic, unifying effector prediction in these two kingdoms as well as the two different lifestyles. The elucidation of complete effectoromes is a crucial step towards advancing effectoromics and disease management in agriculture.
Effectors are small molecules, mostly proteins, produced by microorganisms that use them to interact with their hosts. Regarding plant hosts, effectors suppress plant immunity by interfering with microorganism perception, signaling, and biosynthesis of phytoregulators, among other processes. In recent years, interest in effectors in phytopathology has grown due to their contribution to phytopathogen virulence and, by extension, their impact on agricultural production. However, effector molecules are complex. On one hand, these molecules are secreted for the benefit of the phytopathogen and often trigger disease susceptibility. However, plants have evolved receptors that recognize some effectors, and this recognition can trigger disease resistance. Essentially, some effectors safeguard plant health, while others promote disease development. This review focuses on the effectors of phytopathogens and their functions, as well as the mechanisms that many of them use to overcome plant innate immunity, making them key players in phytopathology. Finally, the potential uses of effectors in the agricultural sector and the challenges associated with their application are described.
The control of phytopathogens is keyfor food security. In the last decade, the use ofinterference RNA (iRNA) has been proposed as atechnological tool for controlling diseases and pestsin agriculture. Although different approaches havebeen described, such as the use of “Host-InduceGene Silencing” (HIGS) and “Virus-Induce GeneSilencing” (VIGS), more recently a non-transgenicand environmentally friendly approach hasemerged, called “Spray -Induce Gene Silencing (SIGS), which uses double-stranded “naked” RNA(dsRNA). This review discusses recent reportson the use of dsRNA, especially SIGS, to controlphytopathogenic fungi; emphasizing factors suchas efficacy, safety in terms of human health andits stability in the environment. It also focuses onimportant phytosanitary problems in Mexico andLatin America that can be addressed with SIGS.This review concludes that SIGS technology hasreal potential to be used to control phytopathogenicfungi on plants in the field and on postharvestfruits. At the end, the critical tasks and the linesof research that must be carried out to promote theSIGS to make it a reality are considered.
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