Disease Resistance in Horticultural Crops: Genotypic Variation and Host-Pathogen Interactions
A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Pathology and Disease Management (PPDM)".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 156
Special Issue Editors
Interests: horticulture; bacterial wilt; phytophthora capsici; gene editing; host–pathogen interactions
Interests: horticulture; crop breeding; biological control; gene editing
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Horticultural crops face significant threats from various pathogens, resulting in severe damage and substantial global economic losses. Traditional disease management strategies, such as chemical pesticides and conventional breeding, have limitations, including environmental concerns, rapid pathogen evolution, and the frequent breakdown of resistance in crops. The emergence of new pathogen races further complicates resistance durability in crops, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research on the genetic and molecular basis of disease resistance and the molecular mechanisms underlying host–pathogen interactions or co-evolution dynamics in horticultural crops. We particularly encourage studies on genotypic variation in resistance across fruits, vegetables, and ornamental species. The scope of this publication covers advancements in identifying resistance genes, understanding pathogen evolution, and developing sustainable management strategies. This issue will highlight how integrating modern technologies such as genomics, gene editing, and high-throughput phenotyping can contribute to durable resistance and promote sustainable horticulture.
We invite the submission of original research, reviews, and methodological papers addressing, but is not limited to, the following:
- Novel resistance gene/QTL identification and characterization in horticultural crops.
- Host–pathogen interactions: Molecular mechanisms including effector biology and immune signaling pathways.
- Emerging technologies: CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing, genomic selection, and high-throughput phenotyping for resistance breeding in horticultural species and pathogen groups.
- Durability strategies: Pyramid breeding, integrated management, and approaches to mitigate resistance trade-offs.
- Pathogen evolution: Surveillance methods and predictive models to combat breakdown of resistance.
Dr. Huizhen Fu
Prof. Dr. Pingwu Liu
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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. Horticulturae 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.
Keywords
- horticultural crops
- disease resistance
- host–pathogen interactions
- genetic variation
- sustainable agriculture
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