How Pathogens Attack Plants

Plants are well protected against microbial invasion by an epidermis of tightly packed cells with rigid, cellulose-strengthened walls covered by a waxy cuticle on the aerial parts. A great diversity of bacteria and fungi come in contact with plants but most never invade. However, some microbes of all types are highly adapted as invasive parasites of particular plant species, often causing disease, and these are reviewed here.