Metabolites and Plant Stress Resistance
A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Metabolism".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026
Special Issue Editor
Interests: new type fertilizer; PGPR and metabolites; rhizosphere; abiotic stress
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Metabolomics enables the systematic study of small-molecule metabolites, revealing dynamic metabolic shifts that underpin stress adaptation, tolerance, and defense. By analyzing these changes, researchers can pinpoint key metabolic pathways, biomarkers, and regulatory mechanisms critical for plant survival under stress. The issue also emphasizes the interplay of primary and secondary metabolites (e.g., sugars, amino acids, antioxidants, and phytohormones) in stress signaling, homeostasis, and protective responses. This Special Issue focuses on the pivotal role of metabolites in plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses.
The scope includes metabolite profiling in plants exposed to diverse stresses (e.g., drought, salinity, extreme temperatures, oxidative stress, pathogens, and pests); metabolic processes underlying stress relief in plants mediated by biostimulants, biofertilizers, and exogenous metabolites; and the application of advanced metabolomic techniques (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR) to identify stress-specific biomarkers. Studies on multi-omics integration (combining metabolomics with genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) are welcome, as are investigations into secondary metabolites (e.g., flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids) that drive defense mechanisms. Additionally, contributions may explore computational modeling (e.g., metabolic network analysis) to predict stress responses, or applications in crop improvement through metabolic engineering or stress-tolerant breeding.
The purpose is to advance understanding of how metabolites mediate plant stress resistance and translate findings into practical solutions. By highlighting metabolic adaptations, identifying biomarkers, and proposing innovative strategies (e.g., metabolite-based breeding and stress management practices), this issue aims to support the development of resilient crops. Ultimately, it seeks to contribute to sustainable agriculture and global food security in the face of climate change and increasing environmental pressures.
Dr. Nan Gao
Guest Editor
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. Metabolites 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 2700 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
- metabolomics
- mass spectrometry
- abiotic stresses
- biotic stresses
- biomarkers
- biostimulants
- biofertilizers
- exogenous metabolites
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