Biotechnology of Plants and Pathogens

Dear Colleagues,

Interactions between various pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, oomycetes, phytoplasmas, etc.) and their host plants represent an important research field in both fundamental and applied plant sciences. Diverse tools are available for integrated plant disease management, such as pathogen/vector/infected-plant exclusion and/or eradication, cropping system improvement, protection using physical barriers, chemical control using fungicides/bactericides/nematicides, biological control using pathogen-suppressing microbes and other agents, and the development of disease-resistant cultivars. The application of modern biotechnologies provides novel approaches for plant disease control, including, but not limited to, plant disease resistance gene identification, the modification of plants and pathogens using cutting-edge genetic engineering and genome editing techniques, the development of new biocontrol agents for reducing pesticide usage, and microbiomes for improving plant tolerance to biotic/abiotic stress. In this Special Issue, we welcome the submission of original research and review manuscripts which revolve around plant–microbe interaction biotechnologies. Relevant applied topics include research works conducted at molecular, genetic, genomic, field, and population levels. 

Dr. Ying Zhai
Dr. Chuntao Yin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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