Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Plant Agriculture: A One Health Perspective

Bactericides, fungicides, and other pesticides play an important role in the management of plant diseases. However, their use can result in residues on plants and in the environment, with potentially detrimental consequences. The use of streptomycin, oxytetracycline, copper-based products, and some fungicides is correlated with increased resistance among plant pathogens to these agents. Likewise, the recent rise in the incidence of environmental triazole fungicide-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, the cause of aspergillosis in humans, has caused concern, particularly in Europe. Through horizontal gene transfer, genes can be exchanged among a variety of bacteria in the plant production environment, including phytopathogens, soil bacteria, and zoonotic bacteria that are occasionally present in that environment and in the food chain. Through mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer, co-resistance, cross-resistance, and gene up-regulation, resistance to one compound may confer resistance and multi-drug resistance to other similar, or even very dissimilar, compounds. Given the global rise in antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) organisms, and their effects on plant, animal, and human health, the prudent use of pesticides is required to maintain their effectiveness for food security and sustainable production, and to minimize the emergence and transmission of AMR organisms from horticultural sources.

Automated summary

Bactericides, fungicides, and other pesticides play a crucial role in managing plant diseases, but their use can lead to harmful residues on plants and in the environment. The increasing resistance of plant pathogens to certain chemicals, such as streptomycin and fungicides, poses a significant concern. Additionally, the rise of environmental triazole fungicide-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, which causes aspergillosis in humans, is particularly alarming in Europe. Through horizontal gene transfer, resistance genes can be exchanged among various bacteria in the agricultural setting, including plant pathogens and zoonotic bacteria. This can result in cross-resistance and even multi-drug resistance to different compounds. To ensure food security, sustainable production, and minimize the emergence and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant organisms from horticultural sources, the responsible use of pesticides is crucial.