Welcome to the New Version of the International Journal of Plant Biology (IJPB)

With great pleasure, I welcome you to this new version of the International Journal of Plant Biology (IJPB), an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal about all different subdisciplines of plant biology published quarterly online by MDPI. I accepted the role of Editor-in-Chief of the IJPB with responsibility and enthusiasm. I believe that open access journals such as the IJPB are the future for scientific publishing and are important for promoting a rapid exchange of research results, experience and ideas among professionals.

First, I thank the Editorial and Managing Committees of MDPI for selecting me as the Editor-in-Chief of the IJPB. I am aware that I will have specific tasks, such as evaluating and making decisions on the final acceptance of manuscripts, maintaining relationships with other editors, being efficient in the review process and choosing editors whose research fields are most relevant to the topics covered in the IJPB. I will try to do it in the best way possible, involving the most eminent scientists in the sector of plant biology. The members of the editorial board will have strong experiences and consolidated international contacts.

From a human perspective, plants are sessile, blind and deaf living organisms and may look solitary, similar to individuals; often, we forget that life on Earth depends almost entirely on these complex organisms. Starting from this statement, the aim of the IJPB will focus attention on the most exciting and innovative research fields of plant biology. Moreover, the IJPB will allow scientists from all over the world to present their latest research in plant biology. We encourage submissions from scientists at all career stages, from all backgrounds, and welcome those of all genders, with a view to support our journal’s inclusivity.

The IJPB will publish regular research papers, reviews, short communications and opinion papers. The aim is to provide a platform for publication, information and debate, encompassing all areas that fall within the scope of plant biology. Indeed, the IJPB will deepen plant research at all levels, from the molecular to the whole plant and community scales, including bioinformatics and modeling approaches. We will particularly highlight the importance of contributions to current topics, such as plant–plant communication, protection of plant biodiversity and plants in urban environments. On this basis, we plan to establish six main focused sections:

• Plant Physiology, Signalling and Communication
• Plant Ecology, Biodiversity and Developmental Biology
• Plant Response to Stresses and Changing Environment
• Phytochemistry and Phytoremediation
• Plants in Urban and Anthropized Ecosystems
• Plant–Microorganisms Interactions and Plant Nutrition

My desire for the IJPB is to increase not only its scientific impact but also its spread within the scientific community. With this desire, I will immediately try to advertise the IJPB using all available channels.

I hope to work with all of you on this exciting project! I feel confident that the contribution of many authors working in the various fields of plant biology will help us achieve excellent results. We look forward to receiving your contributions.