Current Research on Plant–Pathogen Interactions
A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 702
Special Issue Editors
Interests: plant–pathogen interactions; molecular diagnosis; plant immunity; plant resistance
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The intricate relationship between plants and microbes has shaped the evolution of plant defense mechanisms and refined pathogen strategies over millennia. This evolutionary arms race has led to the emergence of sophisticated defense responses, including effector-triggered immunity and the regulation of resistance genes. Conversely, pathogens have evolved equally complex strategies, such as effector secretion to suppress host immunity, the manipulation of host cellular processes, and rapid genetic diversification to evade recognition.
With global agricultural systems facing increasing challenges due to climate change and pathogen movement facilitated by global trade, we are launching this Special Issue to highlight cutting-edge research in plant–pathogen interactions, mainly at the molecular level. Understanding these intricate molecular interactions provides a foundation for developing pest-resistant crops. By leveraging insights into plant immune responses, researchers can design targeted strategies to enhance resistance, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and global food security.
This Special Issue will explore the latest breakthroughs in understanding plant viral diseases at both the molecular and cellular levels, contributing to the development of new and effective disease management strategies and biotechnological innovations for crop protection.
Original research articles, review papers, and case studies related to these core themes are encouraged. Additionally, other relevant studies within this field are welcome. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
- Molecular mechanisms behind plant immunity;
- Pathogen strategies for overcoming plant defenses;
- Advancements in pathogen detection: sensitivity and significance;
- Impacts of environmental factors on plant–pathogen interactions;
- Biotechnological and ecological strategies for disease management.
Dr. Ana Rita Varela
Prof. Dr. Hon Ho
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
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. Pathogens 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
- plant–microbe interactions
- plant immunity
- biotechnological innovations in crop protection
- pathogen virulence strategies
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