Current and Next-Generation Phytochemical Agrochemicals: Synergizing AI, Omics, and Synthetic Biology for Sustainable Crop Protection

Dear Colleagues,

As concerns over the environmental and health impacts of synthetic agrochemicals continue to grow, phytochemicals offer a promising alternative that aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. These plant-based compounds not only reduce chemical residues in the environment, but also help mitigate the risk of developing resistance in pests and pathogens. While plant-derived compounds have long been recognized as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides, their full potential remains underexplored due to challenges in compound discovery, mode-of-action analysis, and scalable production.

For this reason, we suggest a Special Issue intended to address the increasing demand for safer and more sustainable pest and crop management solutions by showcasing innovative research that advances our understanding and use of phytochemicals in modern agriculture. This Special Issue not only aims to highlight cutting-edge research and advancements in the use of naturally occurring compounds derived from plants (phytochemicals) as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic agrochemicals, but also aims to catalyze a paradigm shift by spotlighting cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing phytochemical research.

The Special Issue will focus on, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Phytochemicals as biopesticides: Efficacy of plant-derived compounds in controlling pests and diseases in agricultural crops.
• Plant-based herbicides: The use of natural phytochemicals for weed management.
• Phytochemicals in plant growth regulation: The potential of bioactive compounds to enhance crop growth and productivity.
• Environmental impact and safety: Comparative studies on the environmental effects of phytochemicals versus synthetic agrochemicals.
• Mechanisms of action: Molecular pathways through which phytochemicals interact with agricultural pests, diseases, or plant systems.
• Challenges and prospects in commercialization: Barriers to the widespread adoption of phytochemicals as agrochemicals and potential solutions.
• Sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management (IPM): The role of phytochemicals in sustainable farming practices and their integration into IPM strategies.
• AI-driven discovery of bioactive phytochemicals with novel modes of action.
• Metabolic engineering for the enhanced biosynthesis of plant-derived agrochemicals.
• Omics-guided optimization of extraction and formulation processes.
• CRISPR-based manipulation of biosynthetic pathways in medicinal plants.
• High-throughput screening platforms coupled with computational chemistry.

Prof. Dr. Vassya Bankova
Prof. Dr. Guo-Hua Zhong
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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