<i>Botrytis</i> spp.: A Contemporary Perspective and Synthesis of Recent Scientific Developments of a Widespread Genus that Threatens Global Food Security

This perspective presents a synopsis of the topics contained in Phytopathology Pathogen Spotlight on Botrytis spp. causing gray mold, including pathogen biology and systematics, genomic characterization new species, perspectives genome editing, fungicide resistance. A timely breakthrough to engineer host plant resistance against mold fungus has been demonstrated planta may augment chemical controls near future. While B. cinerea garnered much research attention, other economically important have identified characterized via morphological genome-based approaches. Gray control is achieved primarily through applications but various classes major concern that threatens global health food security. In this issue, information molecular mechanism(s) ways manage failures are presented. Finally, significant leap fundamental development CRISPR/Cas9 assess gene function which likely will spawn mechanisms facilitate discovery studies.