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Plants
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Integrating Plant Immunity and Ecological Strategies for Sustainable Disease Management
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Integrating Plant Immunity and Ecological Strategies for Sustainable Disease Management

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 4468

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Xianchao Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
Interests: plant immunity; plant disease management
Prof. Dr. Lisong Ma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, College of Horticulture, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
Interests: molecular plant pathology; plant resistance gene; effectors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant diseases remain one of the most pressing threats to global food security and agricultural sustainability. With the increasing challenges posed by emerging pathogens, climate change, and reduced efficacy of traditional chemical controls, it is imperative to develop innovative strategies that integrate plant immunity with ecological approaches for disease management.

Plant immunity research has advanced our understanding of host–pathogen interactions at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels, revealing complex defense mechanisms ranging from pathogen-triggered immunity to systemic acquired resistance. Meanwhile, ecological control emphasizes the utilization of biodiversity, beneficial microbes, natural products, and agro-ecological practices to reduce disease incidence while promoting environmental sustainability. The integration of these two perspectives offers a holistic pathway toward durable crop protection and resilient agroecosystems.

This Special Issue is dedicated to original research and review articles covering all aspects of plant immunity and ecological disease control, including but not limited to molecular mechanisms of plant defense, host–pathogen co-evolution, microbiome-mediated resistance, ecological interactions shaping plant health, and plant disease indentification and sustainable strategies for its protection. By bringing together insights from molecular biology, ecology, and applied agriculture, this issue aims to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and contribute to the development of innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for plant disease management.

Prof. Dr. Xianchao Sun
Prof. Dr. Lisong Ma
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. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • plant immunity
  • plant–microbe interactions
  • ecological disease management
  • sustainable crop protection
  • biocontrol agents
  • agroecology

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2413 KB  
Article
Investigation of Pine Wilt Disease in Chongqing: From Field Occurrence and Genetic Diversity to Endophytic Microbial Composition and Functional Analysis
by Haorong Yang, Lan Jiang, Xu Hu, Shan Chen, Fan Jia, Guanhua Ma, Kuo Huang, Ziqin Bai, Yang Zheng and Guokang Chen
Plants 2026, 15(5), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15050775 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 416
Abstract
Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a destructive forest disease leading to rapid mortality. Although Chongqing is a major epidemic region in China, the population genetic structure of B. xylophilus and the ecological interactions among nematode occurrence, blue stain [...] Read more.
Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a destructive forest disease leading to rapid mortality. Although Chongqing is a major epidemic region in China, the population genetic structure of B. xylophilus and the ecological interactions among nematode occurrence, blue stain formation, and microbial community dynamics remain insufficiently clear. This study systematically surveyed nematode incidence and performed morphological and molecular identification, revealing strong correlations between nematode presence, blue stain, and insect infestation (p < 0.0001). Within Monochamus alternatus, nematodes were mainly distributed in the abdomen and thorax (p < 0.0001). High-throughput sequencing showed significantly higher fungal (e.g., Leptographium) and bacterial (e.g., Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia) diversity in diseased than healthy pinewood, indicating pronounced microbial shifts during disease progression. mtCOI-based genetic analyses of 162 nematodes from 11 populations revealed five haplotypes, with Hap1 shared across all populations. AMOVA indicated that over 80% of genetic variation occurred within populations, and neutrality and mismatch analyses suggested recent expansion in some populations (Beibei, Jiangbei, Rongchang). These findings clarify nematode epidemiology, microbial shifts, and genetic characteristics in Chongqing, providing a scientific basis for precise sampling, rapid detection, and integrated management of PWD, and suggest that microbial community changes may contribute to rapid pine decline. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Plant Immunity and Ecological Strategies for Sustainable Disease Management)
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14 pages, 4184 KB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of LysX and LysP Endolysins Against Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis
by Belén Díaz, Pamela Córdova, Alan Zamorano, Melisa Alegría-Arcos, Carlos J. Blondel, Camila Gamboa, Nicola Fiore, Nicolás Tobar, Carolina Ilabaca-Díaz, Assunta Bertaccini and Gastón Higuera
Plants 2026, 15(3), 431; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030431 - 30 Jan 2026
Viewed by 505
Abstract
Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis are the causal agents of bacterial canker in cherry and walnut blight, respectively, which cause significant production losses worldwide. These diseases have traditionally been controlled by copper-based agrochemicals and, more recently, antibiotics. However, the [...] Read more.
Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis are the causal agents of bacterial canker in cherry and walnut blight, respectively, which cause significant production losses worldwide. These diseases have traditionally been controlled by copper-based agrochemicals and, more recently, antibiotics. However, the prolonged use of these compounds has led to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. The search for new, efficient, and environmentally friendly biocontrol alternatives has intensified. Phages are promising candidates due to their ability to specifically infect and lyse bacterial pathogens. Endolysin enzymes are responsible for bacterial cell wall degradation, and although they have been extensively studied in medical and veterinary contexts, their application in agriculture remains limited. In this study, 17 putative endolysins were identified from bacteriophages infecting X. arboricola pv. juglandis and P. syringae pv. syringae. Based on conserved domain analyses, 12 were classified as glycosidases, four as amidases, and one as an endopeptidase. From these, a recombinant amidase (LysP) and a recombinant glycosidase (LysX) were expressed in E. coli, purified, and evaluated as pure enzymes. Both endolysins exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, reducing P. syringae pv. syringae viability by 62–78.3% and X. arboricola pv. juglandis viability by 51.5–53.1%, respectively. These findings highlight these recombinant endolysins as promising candidates for the development of biocontrol strategies against bacterial plant pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Plant Immunity and Ecological Strategies for Sustainable Disease Management)
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24 pages, 11450 KB  
Article
Identification and Management of a Novel Brown Spot Disease in Plums (Prunus salicina Lindl.)
by Yaqi Luo, Yanhui Yang, Liguo Huang, Changyun Liu, Xinrui Du, Lulu Guo, Haoyue Ma, Meimei Long, Shanshan Li, Shanzhi Wang, Xianchao Sun and Guanhua Ma
Plants 2026, 15(3), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030369 - 24 Jan 2026
Viewed by 828
Abstract
Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.), belonging to the genus Prunus in the Rosaceae family, is one of the most widely cultivated deciduous fruit trees globally. Plums are renowned for their round, sweet fruits, which are rich in a variety of bioactive compounds and [...] Read more.
Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.), belonging to the genus Prunus in the Rosaceae family, is one of the most widely cultivated deciduous fruit trees globally. Plums are renowned for their round, sweet fruits, which are rich in a variety of bioactive compounds and are deeply loved by consumers. However, in 2021, alarming reddish-brown–dark brown sunken lesions appeared on the fruits of Qingcui plums in Wanzhou, Chongqing, China. The pathogens were identified as Colletotrichum nymphaeae, Fusarium sulawesiense, and Fusarium pernambucanum. The present study further describes the growth patterns and pathogenic differences of these strains in different environments, elucidating their infection mechanisms and pathogenic characteristics; these findings provide a theoretical basis for the efficient management of plum brown spot disease. Additionally, we determined that fluazinam is the most effective control agent against the plum brown rot caused by these pathogens. Notably, this study is the first to document plum brown spot disease induced by C. nymphaeae in China. These findings are intended to provide a vital theoretical framework for the scientific management and control of plum brown spot; furthermore, they underscore the necessity of proactive prevention strategies in agricultural settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Plant Immunity and Ecological Strategies for Sustainable Disease Management)
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22 pages, 3714 KB  
Article
ALKBH1L Is an m6A Demethylase and Mediates PVY Infection in Nicotiana benthamiana Through m6A Modification
by Jue Zhou, Shuocong Sun, Jingtao Yuan, Li Dong, Xinhua Wang, Chenchen Jing, Muhammad Amjad Nawaz, Ruimin Tang, Hui Cao, Bihua Nie and Xue Feng
Plants 2025, 14(24), 3796; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14243796 - 13 Dec 2025
Viewed by 683
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes, is also present in plants and is known to influence plant–virus interactions. However, its specific role in regulating Potato virus Y (PVY; Potyvirus yituberosi) infection, a major pathogen [...] Read more.
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes, is also present in plants and is known to influence plant–virus interactions. However, its specific role in regulating Potato virus Y (PVY; Potyvirus yituberosi) infection, a major pathogen of potatoes, remains unclear. This study identified 16 potential m6A regulator genes in Nicotiana benthamiana through homology screening of Arabidopsis thaliana AlkB family members. Based on expression profiles in leaves at various developmental stages and following PVY infection, NbALKBH1L was selected for further analysis. Enzyme assays confirmed its m6A demethylase activity. Experiments with NbALKBH1L mutants, using RT-qPCR and m6A-IP-qPCR, demonstrated that it regulates PVY infection via the m6A pathway. Further investigation revealed that NbALKBH1L interacts with the PVY-encoded cylindrical inclusion (CI) protein. An interaction network constructed through immunoprecipitation–mass spectrometry (IP-MS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) suggested that NbALKBH1L may serve as a central node in plant antiviral immunity, potentially linking metabolic processes with the regulation of viral infection. In summary, this study advances our understanding of plant m6A modifications in antiviral defense and provides valuable insights for future antiviral breeding strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Plant Immunity and Ecological Strategies for Sustainable Disease Management)
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18 pages, 4116 KB  
Article
Characterization and Construction of Full-Length cDNA Infectious Clone of a Novel BCMV Isolate in Pathogroup III
by Jinglei Zhang, Li Dong, Jue Zhou, Sifan Huo, Haixu Feng, Chenchen Jing and Xue Feng
Plants 2025, 14(21), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14213359 - 2 Nov 2025
Viewed by 906
Abstract
Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV; Potyvirus phaseovulgaris) is one of the primary viruses that severely impacts the yield and quality of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and has a worldwide distribution. Utilizing small RNA sequencing and RT-PCR validation, this study identified [...] Read more.
Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV; Potyvirus phaseovulgaris) is one of the primary viruses that severely impacts the yield and quality of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and has a worldwide distribution. Utilizing small RNA sequencing and RT-PCR validation, this study identified widespread co-infection by multiple viruses in field-collected common bean samples, with BCMV being the dominant viral species. A novel isolate, designated DY9, was obtained from these field samples. Pathotype characterization confirmed DY9 as pathotype PG-III, while previous studies reported all other PG-III members as Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV). Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that DY9 was genetically closer to BCMV and diverged significantly from known PG-III isolates. Based on these findings, we constructed an infectious clone of DY9. To address the genetic instability of Potyvirus in the Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression system, we discovered that inserting Intron 2 (derived from the NiR gene of P. vulgaris, GenBank: U10419.1) at position 2431 of the HC-Pro gene and targeting Intron 1 (derived from the ST LS1 gene of Solanum tuberosum, GenBank: X04753.1) at position 4240 of the CI gene significantly improved the stability of the cloning vector. The clone was verified to systemically infect common bean plants and induce typical mosaic symptoms. Infectivity was validated through RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and transmission electron microscopy. This study represents the first successful construction of an infectious clone for pathotype PG-III BCMV, providing a critical reverse genetics tool for dissecting viral pathogenesis and identifying resistance genes. These findings not only expand the genetic diversity of BCMV but also offer a methodological reference for constructing infectious clones of Potyvirus species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Plant Immunity and Ecological Strategies for Sustainable Disease Management)
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Review

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16 pages, 1122 KB  
Review
The Multifaceted Functions of Plant Asparagine Synthetase: Regulatory Mechanisms and Functional Diversity in Growth and Defense
by Gang Qiao, Siyi Xiao, Jie Dong, Qiang Yang, Haiyan Che and Xianchao Sun
Plants 2026, 15(3), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030362 - 24 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 754
Abstract
Asparagine synthetase (AS) is a key enzyme in plant nitrogen metabolic network. Beyond its canonical role as a major nitrogen transport and storage molecule, asparagine also serves critical functions in plant immunity and tolerance to environmental stresses. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics [...] Read more.
Asparagine synthetase (AS) is a key enzyme in plant nitrogen metabolic network. Beyond its canonical role as a major nitrogen transport and storage molecule, asparagine also serves critical functions in plant immunity and tolerance to environmental stresses. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics of the core AS-mediated asparagine biosynthesis pathway and two other minor pathways in plants. It details the distribution of the AS gene family, protein structure, and evolutionary classification. The mechanisms governing AS expression are analyzed, revealing tissue-specific patterns and precise regulation by nitrogen availability, abiotic stresses, and exogenous hormones, mediated through an interactive network of cis-acting elements and transcription factors. Furthermore, the biological functions of AS are multifaceted: it influences plant biomass and nitrogen use efficiency by regulating nitrogen uptake, transport, and recycling during growth and development; it contributes to abiotic stress tolerance by synthesizing asparagine to maintain cellular osmotic balance and scavenge reactive oxygen species; and it indirectly enhances antibacterial and antiviral capacity by activating the SA signaling pathway and modulating programmed cell death. Current knowledge gaps remain regarding the crosstalk between AS-mediated signaling pathways, the upstream transcriptional regulatory network, and the balance between nitrogen utilization and disease resistance in crop breeding. Future research aimed at addressing these questions will provide a theoretical foundation and molecular targets for improving crop nitrogen use efficiency and breeding resistant cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Plant Immunity and Ecological Strategies for Sustainable Disease Management)
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