Molecular Interactions and Microbial Biocontrol Strategies in Host-Parasite-Pest Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The molecular interactions underlying host–parasite–pest systems are unveiling biochemical pathways, regulatory networks, and microbial mechanisms that were largely hidden until recently. These insights are reshaping how we understand virulence, defense, microbiome function, and the evolution of resistance—key challenges to be addressed as chemical control faces growing limitations.

This Special Issue aims to highlight molecular discoveries that advance next-generation microbial biocontrol agents, innovative formulations, and biologically grounded pest-management strategies. We encourage authors to submit studies integrating molecular biology, omics, microbial ecology, and mechanistic biochemistry to clarify how microbes interact with insect and parasite hosts, how resistance emerges, and how these mechanisms can inform more effective and sustainable control approaches.

While the focus is molecular, we also welcome contributions that provide mechanistic bases for future bio-based innovations in pest management. Studies addressing molecular targets, microbial metabolites, microbiome–host interactions, signaling pathways, and host defense modulation are of particular interest.

We invite submissions on the following topics:

• Molecular and biochemical mechanisms of infection or host defense;
• Novel bioactive molecules or metabolites with biocontrol potential;
• Omics-based target discovery;
• Mechanistic insights into resistance;
• Molecular interactions in host–parasite–microbe or pest–microbiome networks;
• Innovative microbial biocontrol strategies supported by mechanistic evidence.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Rubén Marino Cardozo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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