Comprehensive review on bacterial wilt of solanaceous crops: Pathogenesis, impact, and management strategies

Bacterial wilt of solanaceous crops is caused predominantly by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith) and is asoil-borne pathogen. The bacterium R. solanacearum is gram-negative, small rod with rounded ends, non-luorescent, non-endospore forming, strict aerobe and has polar lagella (when present). All phylotypes i.e. I, IIA, IIB, III & IV, race 1 & 3 and biovars 1, 2, 2T, 3 & 4 infect solanaceous crops resulting wilt disease. The pathogen has variability during its survival in the soil. This pathogen is diverse, containing several races, biovars, and phylotypes, which hinders diagnosis and control strategies. It survives in the soil, water, crop residues, and weed hosts for long periods, and therefore, elimination is dificult. Its broad host range combined with the latent infection of plants prevent early detection, and visible symptoms are generally observed when the crop is signiicantly infected.The study looks at the complex nature of the disease and reviews integrated methods for controlling it.A holistic approach includes microbes, organic matter,botanicals, animal wastes, and resistant varieties which are used either alone or combined withother methods to improve disease management.The microbes particularly fungi and bacteriahave an advantage over chemical control such as self-sustaining, selfspreading, reduced input byrenewal capacity, long-term disease suppression, and eco-friendly. The research offers important insights into the pathogen’s biology. It reveals how it survives, its broad host range, and its genetic diversity. These factors help the pathogen persist and adapt in different agro-ecosystems. By evaluating various control strategies, including cultural, chemical, biological, and host resistance methods, the study identiies the strengths and weaknesses of each approach in real-world conditions. The research particularly emphasizes using biological control agents and combining them with chemical and cultural practices. This integrated approach showed better effectiveness than using any one method alone. Furthermore, the study helped develop practical techniques for disease surveillance. It underlined the need for easy-to-use diagnostic tools and awareness programs for farmers. Overall, this work not only enhances scientiic knowledge but also offers a blueprint for practical application in the ield. The goal is to reduce yield losses and promote sustainable production of solanaceous crops in areas affected by bacterial wilt.The primary aim of this review is to collate and analyze current knowledge on bacterial wilt, with a particular focus on its impact on solanaceous crops and the eficacy of various management strategies.