Silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element present in the lithosphere, and it constitutes one of the major inorganic nutrient elements of many plants. Although Si is a nonessential nutrient element, its beneficial role in stimulating the growth and development of many plant species has been generally recognized. Silicon is known to effectively reduce disease severity in many plant pathosystems. The key mechanisms of Si-mediated increased plant disease resistance involve improving mechanical properties of cell walls, activating multiple signaling pathways leading to the expression of defense responsive genes and producing antimicrobial compounds. This article highlights the importance and applicability of Si fertilizers in integrated disease management for crops.

Bollworms comprise the most harmful and economically relevant species of lepidopteran. Helicoverpa gelotopoeon (D.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is native to America and affects many crops. Tobacco is an industrial crop in which methods of pest control rely mainly on the application of insecticides. To develop new eco-friendly strategies against insect pests it is very important to overcome the side effects of insecticides. The utilization of fungal entomopathogens as endophytes is a new perspective that may accomplish good results. The present study aimed to evaluate the ability of endophytic Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. to affect H. gelotopoeon life parameters and feeding behavior on tobacco plants. Beauveria bassiana LPSC 1215 as an endophyte did not reduce the amount of vegetal material consumed by H. gelotopoeon larvae but affected the life cycle period of the plague, particularly the larval and adult stages. Also, egg fertility was affected since adults laid eggs that were not able to hatch. The results of this investigation provide new information on endophytic entomopathogen potential to be incorporated in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

The field of plant pathology has adopted targeted genome editing technology as one of its most crucial and effective genetic tools. Due to its simplicity, effectiveness, versatility, CRISPR together with CRISPR-associated proteins found in an adaptive immune system of prokaryotes have recently attracted the interest of the scientific world. Plant disease resistance must be genetically improved for sustainable agriculture. Plant biology and biotechnology have been transformed by genome editing, which makes it possible to perform precise and targeted genome modifications. Editing offers a fresh approach by genetically enhancing plant disease resistance and quickening resistance through breeding. It is simpler to plan and implement, has a greater success rate, is more adaptable and less expensive than other genome editing methods. Importantly CRISPR/Cas9 has recently surpassed plant science as well as plant disease. After years of research, scientists are currently modifying and rewriting genomes to create crop plants which are immune to particular pests and diseases. The main topics of this review are current developments in plant protection using CRISPR/Cas9 technology in model plants and commodities in response to viral, fungal, and bacterial infections, as well as potential applications and difficulties of numerous promising CRISPR/Cas9-adapted approaches.