The impact of climate change on vegetable crop diseases and their management: the value of phytotron studies for the agricultural industry and associated stakeholders.

Climate change is having a significant impact on global agriculture, and in particular on vegetable crops, which play a critical role in global nutrition. Recently, increasing research has concentrated on the impact of climate change on vegetable crop diseases, with several studies being conducted in phytotrons, which have been used to explore effects of increased temperatures and CO2 concentrations, to simulate future scenarios. This review focuses on the combined effects of temperature and carbon dioxide increases on foliar and soil-borne vegetable diseases, as evaluated under phytotron conditions. The influence of climate change on mycotoxin production and disease management strategies is also explored through case studies. The results offer valuable information that can be used to guide both seed and agrochemical industries, and to develop disease-resistant varieties and innovative control measures, including biocontrol agents, considering the diseases that are likely to become prevalent under future climatic scenarios. Recommendations on how to manage vegetable diseases under ongoing climate change are proposed to facilitate the adaptation and enhanced resilience of plants to the changing conditions. A proactive and comprehensive response to climate-induced challenges in vegetable farming is imperative to ensure food security and sustainability.