Plant diseases, caused by a wide range of pathogens including fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and protists, continue to pose significant threats to global agriculture by reducing crop yields and impacting food security. Human activities such as large-scale monoculture farming and international trade have accelerated the spread and emergence of plant pathogens. Accurate and early detection is critical for managing these diseases effectively. This review presents an overview of traditional and advanced diagnostic methods used in plant pathology, including visual inspection, pathogen culturing, staining techniques, and various forms of microscopy. It further explores modern approaches such as serological assays (e.g., ELISA), nucleic acid-based methods (e.g., PCR, blotting techniques), DNA microarrays, and VOC analysis. The integration of these techniques enables rapid, sensitive, and specific detection, supporting timely intervention and better disease control strategies to safeguard crop health

Plant pathogens, diagnostic techniques, ELISA, PCR, microscopy, VOC analysis, hybridization, crop disease detection

The early and accurate detection of plant pathogens is fundamental to mitigating the impact of plant diseases on global agriculture. As the global demand for food continues to rise alongside population growth, ensuring plant health has become increasingly vital. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as visual inspection and culture-based identification, remain useful as preliminary tools, but they often lack the sensitivity and specificity required for rapid and large-scale disease management. Advances in microscopy, staining techniques, serological assays like ELISA, and molecular methods such as PCR and nucleic acid hybridization have significantly enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Furthermore, emerging technologies like DNA microarrays and VOC analysis offer high-throughput, sensitive, and specific approaches for pathogen detection and monitoring. The integration of these techniques into plant disease diagnostics allows for more timely interventions, improved disease surveillance, and better-informed management strategies. Collectively, these diagnostic advancements contribute not only to reducing yield losses but also to safeguarding global food security and agricultural sustainability in the face of evolving plant health challenges

Vijay Kumar, Satakshi Nautiyal and Aaushi Pant (2025). Alternative Molecular Approaches to PCR for Plant Pathogen Detection and Identification. Biological Forum, 17(8): 37-42