SDHI Fungicide Resistance Identified in Crop Pathogen
Researchers have confirmed the first instance of fungal resistance to SDHI fungicides in Plenodomus biglobosus populations.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Diseases — General
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Scientists have discovered that the pathogen Plenodomus biglobosus, which causes phoma disease, has developed resistance to SDHI fungicides. This marks the first global confirmation of resistance to this class of chemicals in the fungus.
Why it matters
The emergence of resistant strains could complicate disease management in major crops, necessitating a reevaluation of current agricultural treatment protocols. Maintaining the effectiveness of available fungicides is critical for crop health and yield stability.
Laboratory testing of UK pathogen isolates revealed a 500-fold reduction in fungicide efficacy. Research indicates that resistant strains show little reduction in fitness compared to their non-resistant counterparts.
The details
Researchers screened P. biglobosus samples collected from the United Kingdom and Poland, discovering that the resistance is linked to mutations in fungal succinate dehydrogenase enzyme genes. The study highlights a significant gap in treatment efficacy that could challenge future control efforts.
Timeline
2024: Phoma resistance to azole fungicides was previously discovered.
September 2026: Research findings regarding SDHI resistance were officially published.
Deeper Dive
This finding follows the 2024 discovery of Phoma resistance to azole fungicides and extends the pattern of hardening pathogen defenses that this new research now confirms.
The emergence of resistant pathogen strains may limit the effectiveness of standard crop treatments, potentially leading to increased reliance on alternative agricultural management practices. Farmers and industry professionals must monitor field conditions closely as research continues to evaluate the clinical impact of these findings.
The takeaway
The rapid development of resistance in agricultural pathogens highlights the ongoing challenge of relying on specific chemical classes for long-term disease control. Developing integrated strategies that combine diverse treatment methods will be essential to mitigating the impact of these mutations on future yields.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving challenges of agricultural pathogens, visit Diseases — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Farmers Weekly.
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