The role of infected seeds in the spread of new species and strains of pathogens that affect cabbage crops

Posted on 13.01.2026 by secretar
UDC 635.521:632.93
https://doi.org/10.25630/PAV.2025.53.13.002

Ignatov A.N., Panchuk S.V.

Seeds of agricultural crops infected with pathogens have reduced germination of seeds, the future harvest and its quality. Pathogens found on the surface or inside seeds can be viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and are one of the main causes of the spread of new diseases to other regions and countries, leading to serious economic consequences. The study of transmission routes and the identification of new seed-borne diseases is important for developing methods to control and prevent their further spread. In recent years, the four largest companies (Bayer, Chem-China, Corteva and BASF) have together produced over 60% of the seeds of major crops sold on the global market. This level of consolidation of production is associated with a high risk of rapid spread of new phytopathogens. The globalization of agricultural production and global climate change are increasing the harmfulness of pathogens. A brief overview of studies on the transmission of phytopathogens through cabbage seeds is presented. The genus Brassica (Cabbage) in the Brassicaceae family is represented by a large number of cultivated plant species, including the most important vegetable, oilseed, industrial and forage crops. Information about which phytopathogens of cabbage crops are transmitted by seeds allows us to develop methods for diagnosing infection, improve methods for combating it, including creating resistant varieties that reduce the likelihood of infection. The roles of seminal infection in the spread of two important pathogens, the causative agent of vascular bacteriosis and the turnip mosaic virus, are considered in detail. The study of new species and varieties of phytopathogens transmitted by seeds should help prevent high losses of these crops.

Key words: plant viruses, bacterial pathogens, phytopathogenic fungi

Ignatov A.N., D.Sci. (Biol.), Professor of the Department of Agrobiotechnology at the Agrarian and Technological Institute of the Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education «Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba» (RUDN University named after Patrice Lumumba). E-mail: ignatov_an@pfur.ru. Tel. +7 (926)197-36-00; ORCID 0000-0003-2948-753X

Panchuk S.V., postgraduate student, Federal Scientific Center of Vegetable Growing (FSBI FSVC). E-mail: s.v.panchuk@mail.ru

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For citing: Ignatov A.N., Panchuk S.V. The role of infected seeds in the spread of new species and strains of pathogens that affect cabbage crops. Potato and vegetables. No8. Pp.  25-30. https://doi.org/10.25630/PAV.2025.53.13.002 (In Russ.).

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