Rhizosphere Effectors in Plant–Microbe Interactions

Dear Colleagues,

Rhizosphere effectors encompass a diverse array of bioactive molecules secreted by soil microbes (bacteria, fungi, archaea), root-exudated metabolites from plants, and artificially amended compounds that mediate dynamic interactions between plant roots and rhizospheric microorganisms. These molecular mediators critically govern metabolic crosstalk at the plant–microbe interface, modulating plant health, soil nutrient cycling, and microbial community assembly. Recent advances have elucidated compositional shifts in rhizosphere microbiomes under host plant selection pressure, with predictive models identifying key taxa responsive to plant genotype, edaphic factors, climate variability, pathogen challenges, and agricultural management. However, critical knowledge gaps persist in elucidating the precise mechanisms through which microbial effectors orchestrate symbiotic, pathogenic, or competitive interactions with host plants. Systematic investigation of rhizosphere effector systems promises to decode the molecular "language" underlying plant–microbe recognition and functional coordination. This Special Issue of Microorganisms seeks to advance our understanding of rhizosphere effectors through multidisciplinary perspectives spanning molecular biology, microbial ecology, and plant physiology. We invite contributions that:

1. Characterize novel effector molecules influencing plant–microbe dynamics;
2. Decipher effector-mediated signaling pathways at the cellular or organismal level;
3. Explore eco-evolutionary patterns of effector systems across environments;
4. Develop computational models predicting effector-mediated community assembly;
5. Propose innovative effector-based applications in sustainable agriculture.

Researchers of microbiology, plant sciences, soil biogeochemistry, and agronomy are encouraged to submit original research articles, brief communications, and comprehensive reviews that bridge fundamental discoveries with translational opportunities. This collection aims to establish a mechanistic framework for harnessing rhizosphere effector networks to enhance ecosystem resilience and agricultural productivity.

Prof. Dr. Dongfei Han
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. Microorganisms 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.

• plant–microbe interaction
• innovative effector
• rhizosphere effector