Stinging Nettle (Urtica Simensis): A Review of Its Role in Plant Pathology and Disease Management

Abstract

Stinging nettle (Urtica simensis) has garnered increasing attention in the realm of plant pathology for its multifaceted role in disease management. This review aims to elucidate the diverse mechanisms by which stinging nettle influences plant pathology and contributes to disease management strategies. Stinging nettle possesses notable allelopathic properties, exerting inhibitory effects on various plant pathogens through the release of allelochemicals. Furthermore, its rich phytochemical composition, including phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, contributes to its antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of plant pathogens. Additionally, stinging nettle exhibits immunomodulatory effects on host plants, enhancing their resistance to pathogen invasion. Moreover, the incorporation of stinging nettle extracts or formulations into integrated disease management approaches has shown promising results in reducing disease incidence and severity in various crops. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying stinging nettle's efficacy in plant disease management and optimize its utilization in agricultural systems. This review underscores the potential of stinging nettle as a valuable tool in sustainable plant disease management strategies, providing insights for researchers and practitioners alike.