Plant Nematode Resistance: Molecular Mechanisms, Gene Identification, and Breeding Strategies

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 939

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Hampton University, Hampton, VA 23666, USA
Interests: plant nematologist; biochemistry; molecular biology; physiology; genetics; functional genomics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Parasitic nematodes present significant challenges to crop growth and productivity, representing a serious threat to agricultural sustainability. The phenomenon of plant resistance to these nematodes is complex, involving a wide array of interactions that range from physical barriers to intricate molecular mechanisms. At the molecular level, plants meticulously regulate their gene expression, activating a complex network of signal transduction pathways. These pathways function like conductors, orchestrating the plant's response to the threat of parasitic nematodes. By carefully controlling the expression of numerous genes, plants can establish an advanced defense system that effectively counters these pathogens.

We welcome original research papers, perspectives, opinions, and reviews that focus on the molecular mechanisms of plant resistance to nematodes, gene identification, and breeding strategies that help plants fight nematode attacks. By studying these mechanisms in depth, we can ensure more effective disease prevention and control strategies for agricultural production and promote the healthy growth and sustainable development of crops.

Dr. Naoufal Lakhssassi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • plant–pathogen interaction
  • nematodes
  • plant/pathogen resistance mechanism
  • gene discovery
  • resistance mechanism
  • molecular breeding/breeding by design
  • gene pyramiding

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 1189 KB  
Communication
A Three-Tier In Vitro Strategy for Accelerated Pine Breeding and Resistance Research Against Pine Wilt Disease
by Zi-Hui Zhu, Yan-Fei Liao, Yang-Chun-Zi Liao, Hui Sun, Jian-Ren Ye and Li-Hua Zhu
Plants 2026, 15(2), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15020246 - 13 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 573
Abstract
Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a globally destructive threat to coniferous forests, causing severe ecological and economic losses. Conventional resistance breeding is critically hampered by long life cycles of trees and field evaluation [...] Read more.
Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a globally destructive threat to coniferous forests, causing severe ecological and economic losses. Conventional resistance breeding is critically hampered by long life cycles of trees and field evaluation challenges. To address these limitations, we developed a three-tier biotechnology pipeline with a dual-output goal (generating both resistant germplasm and mechanistic insights) designed to bridge the in vitro–field gap. This strategy is founded upon the resolution of a longstanding pathogenesis debate, which established aseptic PWNs as a standardized research tool. The pipeline integrates high-throughput in vitro cellular screening (Tier 1), whole-plant validation via organogenesis (Tier 2), and scaled production coupled with mechanistic investigation through somatic embryogenesis (Tier 3). Tier 1 enables rapid phenotypic screening, Tier 2 validates resistance in whole plants, and Tier 3 facilitates mass production and in-depth study. It operates as a closed-loop, knowledge-driven system, simultaneously accelerating PWN-resistant germplasm development and empowering molecular mechanism discovery. Validated across Pinus massoniana and P. densiflora, this work provides a concrete, community-usable model system that directly addresses a core methodological bottleneck in forest pathology. This strategy effectively bridges the in vitro–field gap, offering a replicable model for perennial crop breeding and contributing to resilient forest management. Full article
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