New Perspectives in Molecular Plant Pathology
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Plant Sciences".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 66
Special Issue Editors
Interests: molecular plant pathology; real-time PCR diagnostics; gene expression profiling; molecular markers (iPBS, SCoT); genetic diversity of plant pathogens; host–pathogen interactions; marker-assisted selection; crown and root rot of cereals and legumes
Interests: molecular plant pathology; plant–microbe interactions; qPCR-based pathogen diagnostics; biological control; synchrotron-based plant science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Molecular biology has fundamentally transformed our ability to detect, characterize, and manage plant diseases caused by diverse pathogen groups, including fungi, oomycetes, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes. Advanced molecular techniques such as real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics, and genome editing have enabled rapid and precise pathogen diagnostics, population-level genetic analyses, and detailed investigations of host defense responses at the gene expression level. Retrotransposon-based molecular markers, including inter-primer binding site (iPBS) and start-codon-targeted (SCoT) polymorphisms, have proven to be powerful tools for assessing intra- and interspecific genetic diversity among phytopathogenic organisms. Furthermore, marker-assisted selection (MAS) continues to accelerate the identification and introgression of disease resistance genes into elite crop cultivars. Despite these advances, significant gaps remain in translating molecular discoveries into practical diagnostic protocols, breeding strategies, and integrated disease management programs across economically important pathosystems worldwide.
This Special Issue aims to compile state-of-the-art research employing molecular tools and techniques to address key questions in plant pathology. We invite original research articles and comprehensive reviews that apply molecular, genomic, and bioinformatic approaches to the detection, identification, characterization, and management of plant pathogens across all major groups. Contributions bridging fundamental molecular research and practical applications in crop protection and resistance breeding are particularly encouraged.
In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Development and optimization of PCR, qPCR, and LAMP assays for pathogen detection and quantification;
- Transcriptomic and gene expression profiling of plant–pathogen interactions;
- Molecular marker systems (iPBS, SCoT, SSR, SNP) for genetic diversity and population genetics of plant pathogens;
- Marker-assisted selection (MAS) for disease resistance in crop species;
- Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of defense-related gene families;
- Whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and phylogenomics of plant pathogens;
- CRISPR/Cas-based approaches in plant pathology: diagnostics and resistance engineering;
- Molecular characterization and taxonomy of fungal, bacterial, viral, and nematode pathogens;
- Metagenomics and microbiome analyses in plant health and disease;
- Bioinformatics tools and pipelines for plant pathology research.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Göksel Özer
Prof. Dr. Rachid Lahlali
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- molecular plant pathology
- real-time PCR
- gene expression
- molecular markers
- marker-assisted selection
- genetic diversity
- pathogen diagnostics
- transcriptomics
- genome editing
- bioinformatics
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