Vector-Borne Plant Pathogens: Evolutionary, Ecological, and Molecular Insights into Tritrophic Associations

Dear Colleagues,

Novel plant diseases represent a growing threat to global food security, yet the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving plant disease emergence remain poorly understood. Many of these diseases are vector-borne, and their spread may be exacerbated by environmental changes. Vector-borne pathogens often have higher transmission rates because their insect vectors can move rapidly between susceptible hosts across wide geographic areas. This increased mobility enhances exposure to new potential hosts, increasing the likelihood of host switching and disease emergence. Parasitic plant pathogens frequently manipulate host behavior and physiology in ways that may promote evolutionary diversification, such as by triggering host shifts. The unique evolutionary, ecological, and molecular trade-offs that shape the interactions between vector-borne plant pathogens, their insect vectors, and plant hosts make it particularly challenging to predict disease emergence. This Special Issue aims to review the current state of knowledge on the ecology and evolution of vector-borne plant pathogens, including the molecular constraints and drivers of diversification in these complex associations.

We welcome a variety of contributions, including studies on the regional diversity of pathogen–vector–plant associations, the molecular determinants of vector or plant–pathogen interactions, and pathogen-induced host manipulation and its role in promoting host shifts and disease emergence, as well as research conducted in both agroecosystems and natural environments.

Dr. Valeria Trivellone
Dr. Yaima Arocha-Rosete
Guest Editors

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