Dynamics of Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex as Influenced by Soil Ecology

Abstract

Bacterial wilt, caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC), is one of the most destructive plant diseases worldwide, particularly in vegetable crops. The remarkable variability of RSSC—spanning genetic, ecological, and functional diversity-complicates disease management and sustainable crop production. Among the many determinants of this variability, soil properties play a decisive role by shaping pathogen survival, persistence, and virulence. Soil pH, organic matter content, moisture, and texture directly influence population dynamics, while the indigenous microbiome and antagonistic interactions act as biotic filters that suppress or facilitate infection. Environmental factors such as temperature and moisture further regulate the pathogen’s ability to enter dormant states (e.g., viable but non-culturable) and disperse through water or alternative hosts. Recent evidence shows that acidic, clay-rich soils often enhance long-term survival, whereas alkaline soils can restrict infection. Understanding these soil–pathogen interactions is essential for developing targeted interventions. Soil-based management strategies, including pH adjustment, organic amendments, anaerobic soil disinfestation, microbiome engineering, crop rotation, and host resistance breeding, offer promising avenues for integrated control of bacterial wilt. Future research should focus on integrating soil microbial community dynamics with high-resolution RSSC genomics to better understand how specific microbiome–pathogen interactions influence pathogen evolution, virulence, and disease outcomes under diverse agroecosystems. By focusing on the interplay between soil ecology and pathogen variability, this review highlights new opportunities for sustainable, soil-centred management of bacterial wilt in diverse agroecosystems.