Advances in Plant Sciences: Climate-Smart Innovations for Sustainability and Resilient Ecosystems

Dear Colleagues,

Plants are essential to life on Earth, supporting food systems, ecosystems, and economies worldwide. However, with climate change and limited resources increasingly affecting our environment, there is a growing need for innovative solutions in plant science to tackle urgent issues like food security, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management. This Special Issue brings together the latest research and creative approaches that connect plant science advancements with sustainability. Topics covered include the following: the development of climate-resilient crops that can thrive in extreme conditions like drought, heat, and salinity; improving resource efficiency through better nutrient management and precision agriculture; and using plant–microbe relationships to promote healthier soils and reduce the need for chemicals. This Special Issue also explores strategies for protecting biodiversity, boosting pollination, and combating climate change through methods like carbon capture and bioenergy production. By combining scientific breakthroughs with practical solutions, this Special Issue promotes a holistic vision for sustainable development. It highlights the powerful role plant science can play in creating resilient ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and systems that thrive in balance with the environment. We hope it sparks meaningful collaboration toward a more sustainable and fair future for all.

a. Focus

This Special Issue centers on the convergence of plant science and sustainability, tackling the pressing issues of climate change, resource limitations, and biodiversity decline. It examines innovative plant research and solutions that can help build more resilient, sustainable, and fair agricultural and environmental systems.

b. Scope

1. Climate-resilient crops: Research on developing crops that withstand extreme environmental conditions, such as drought, heat, and salinity;
2. Sustainable resource management: Innovations in nutrient efficiency, water use, and precision agriculture to reduce waste and optimize resources;
3. Soil health: Levering plant–microbe interactions to enhance soil quality, minimize chemical dependency, and promote long-term agricultural health;
4. Biodiversity conservation: Approaches to preserving plant diversity, protecting pollinators, and supporting ecosystem services;
5. Climate change mitigation: Exploring how plants can aid in carbon sequestration, bioenergy production, and other strategies to reduce the impact of climate change.

c. Purpose

The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approaches that integrate plant science with sustainable development goals. It aims to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and showcasing solutions that enhance food security, restore ecosystems, and ensure the long-term health of the planet. By connecting scientific advancements with practical real-world applications, this Special Issue seeks to inspire innovation and action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

This Special Issue supports the journal’s mission to tackle sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary research and practical insights. It covers a range of topics, including methods for defining and quantifying sustainability in plant-based systems, advances in monitoring technologies, and innovative tools for improving resource management and plant–microbe interactions. This Special Issue also explores policy frameworks that promote climate-smart agriculture and biodiversity conservation, while addressing the socio-economic impacts of plant science.

Dr. Constancio A. Asis
Dr. Guinto Danilo
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. Sustainability 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 2400 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.