Fungal diseases of eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i> L.) and components of the disease triangle: A review

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most popular solanaceous vegetable crops cultivated mainly in the tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Eggplant production is challenged by a wide range of pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and nematodes. The fungi cause the most severe economic loss to eggplant farmers due to their widespread incidence and devastating impact on crop yield. The fungal diseases are influenced by several factors, including environmental conditions, physiological and genetic characteristics of the host. Despite the economic implications of fungal diseases in eggplant, a compilation of the current understanding of pathogenesis, disease development and the host-resistance mechanisms remain unavailable. In this article, we comprehensively review common fungal pathogens of eggplant reported worldwide, and the diseases caused by them, including their major symptoms. We also discuss the major environmental factors that favor pathogenesis and summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the host-pathogen interactions and disease development. Finally, we briefly discuss the prospects for future research to develop modern breeding and agronomic tools for combating the diseases in this important crop.