Seed-borne bacterial infections: From infection mechanisms to sustainable control strategies

Abstract

Seed-borne bacterial pathogens pose a critical threat to global agriculture causing substantial yield losses (reported exceeding 20 % in outbreaks) in staple crops such as rice and legumes through vertical (parent-to-seed) and horizontal (environment-mediated) transmission. Pathogens like Burkholderia glumae and Pantoea dispersa employ adhesion mechanisms, biofilm formation, and virulence factors including toxins and type III/VI secretion systems (T3SS/T6SS) to bypass host defenses and establish latent infections. While current detection methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), metagenomics, and hyperspectral imaging reveal intricate microbial dynamics, they face limitations in scalability and specificity. Traditional chemical controls are increasingly ineffective due to rising antimicrobial resistance. Emerging sustainable approaches integrate biocontrol agents (e.g., Bacillus spp., bacteriophages), nanoparticle-based seed priming, and microbiome engineering to suppress pathogens while preserving beneficial microbiota. Case studies highlight success in managing Xanthomonas in rice through molecular diagnostics and resistance-inducing compounds, whereas adaptable pathogens like Pseudomonas syringae in legumes remain challenging. Climate change amplifies risks by altering pathogen biogeography and host susceptibility, necessitating integrated solutions that combine nanotechnology, microbial ecology, and policy reforms. This review underscores the urgent need to align molecular insights with ecological principles to develop next-generation seed health strategies, ensuring food security against increasing biotic and abiotic stresses.