Plant-Microbe Community and Its Mechanisms of Interaction with Mediterranean Crops: A Key Interaction for Plants’ Benefit and Resilience

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the study of the interaction between the plant and the complex microbial community that coexists with it. It has been shown that the plant benefits from the interaction of both aboveground and belowground microbes, promoting plant growth, disease control, the removal of harmful compounds and nutrient absorption. Furthermore, the use of these microbes as bioformulations for plant protection instead of pesticides is increasingly required by international initiatives promoted by governments to encourage sustainable agriculture.

This Special Issue will focus on the “Plant-Microbe Community and Its Mechanisms of Interaction with Mediterranean Species”, due to the relevance of the Mediterranean diet, recognized by the FAO as not only healthy for humans but also good for the environment and biodiversity. Thus, the Mediterranean diet can help to promote the sustainable development of agriculture.

We are open to novel research, reviews and opinion articles covering all aspects of the interactions between the plant-microbe community and any Mediterranean species, with a particular focus on epiphyte and endophyte microbial community analysis, rhizosphere microbiota and their impacts on plant hosts, microbial inoculants, beneficial microorganisms helpful for plant growth, microbial diversity studies, sustainable agriculture, etc. Contributions based on physiological, biochemical, and molecular studies of crops’ responses to plant-microbe interactions that affect the quality of crops and studies of plant-associated microbial communities that improve or increase the plant's response to pathogens, contributing to food security, will be warmly welcomed.

Dr. Paola Caruso
Dr. Grazia Licciardello
Guest Editors

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