Advances in Plant VOCs and Their Ecological Functions: 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Plants synthesize an abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through secondary metabolic pathways. These VOCs include terpenoids, aromatic compounds, and fatty acid derivatives. The biosynthetic pathways of most VOC types in plants have been well studied. However, unraveling the mechanisms through which environmental factors control the biosynthesis of VOCs is essential to understand (1) how plants respond to environmental variations and (2) the impact of VOCs on atmospheric chemistry. In ecosystems, plant VOCs serve important functions, such as improving emitter tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses and transferring important information to neighboring organisms. At present, researchers are in the process of uncovering the signaling mechanisms and specific functions of VOCs and the mechanisms through which VOCs protect plants against abiotic and biotic stresses. Plant VOCs with fragrance create a relaxing and comforting environment for humans, and many VOCs have also exhibited pharmaceutical properties. Further studies will help reveal how plant VOCs with medicinal properties can be used to improve human health and wellbeing. Other plant VOCs volatilize into the atmosphere and participate in aerosol formation through a series of chemical reactions. Aerosols, too, can significantly affect human health.

Since the publication of the first edition of this Special Issue, which had significant influence, the field of plant VOC research has advanced rapidly, with notable progress in areas such as how VOCs improve plant tolerance to stresses, VOC-mediated plant–plant and plant–microbe communication, the role of VOCs in climate feedback loops, and the integration of omics technologies in VOC pathway analysis. This second edition is, therefore, timely and necessary to consolidate recent breakthroughs, address emerging questions, and provide an updated synthesis that reflects the current state of science.

Compared to the first edition, this volume will place stronger emphasis on the following innovative themes:

• Signaling functions and mechanisms of VOCs in enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses.
• Multi-trophic interactions and network effects of VOCs in complex ecosystems.
• Advanced detection and modeling techniques, including real-time monitoring, remote sensing, and AI-driven VOC flux prediction.
• Climate change-driven VOC dynamics and their ecological and atmospheric implications.
• Translational applications of plant VOCs in sustainable agriculture, forest management, and public health.

In this context, we are publishing the second edition of the Special Issue “Advances in Plant VOCs and Their Ecological Functions”. We welcome the submission of original research and review manuscripts focusing on the above topics, with research objectives focusing on forests, forest ecology and management.

Prof. Dr. Zhaojiang Zuo
Dr. Sarathi Weraduwage
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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