Plant diseases pose a direct threat to the food security of any nation. Numerous plant pathogens are responsible for substantial yield losses in major food crops. Pathogens belonging to diverse groups possess specialized mechanisms of infection and can affect multiple crops under favourable conditions. In severe cases, pathogen infection can result in crop losses of up to 100%. Fungal pathogens are particularly notorious for causing destructive diseases. Several bacterial pathogens are also well known for causing serious infections in plants. Historically, major plant disease outbreaks have contributed to famines, causing widespread crop failure and severe disruption to human populations. Thus, plant diseases remain a major challenge to crop production, food security, and agricultural sustainability.