Molecular Mechanisms of Nematodes and Plant Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Nematodes are the most diverse microorganisms in the world. Infestation with parasitic nematodes such as root rot nematodes (Meroidogyne spp.) and cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp. and Globodera spp.) inhibits plant growth and development, causing huge yield losses worldwide every year.

Interpreting the molecular mechanisms of nematode–plant interactions is a rapidly evolving field. Nematode effector proteins are central components in the development of parasitism and plant diseases. Resistant plants can suppress nematode parasitism through a number of different mechanisms upon effector recognition. Understanding the targets of these proteins and modifying them using gene editing techniques could aid host resistance.

Understanding nematode-associated molecular patterns and how plants sense them could facilitate the next generation of biologically driven plant biostimulant control. Nematode–plant interactions may also be affected by external biotic factors such as endophytic microorganisms. These organisms can directly or indirectly influence nematode parasitism outcomes by triggering altered plant defense responses.

This Special Issue aims to review and extend our current knowledge through studies exploring molecular aspects of nematode–plant interactions. Applying this information to novel plant parasite control highlights opportunities for future relevant research in important plant parasitism, generating much-needed alternatives to traditional chemical nematicides. We welcome manuscripts including original research, reviews, and communications.

Dr. Maria De Lurdes Inácio
Dr. Jorge Miguel Silva Faria
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Current Issues in Molecular Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.