Plant Biotic and Abiotic Stresses: Issues of Plant Health and Sustainable Food Security

Dear Colleagues,

 As global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and environmental degradation intensify, the impact of biotic and abiotic stresses on plant health has become a critical concern for food security. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research that explores the mechanisms by which plants respond to these stresses, their implications for agricultural productivity, and innovative strategies for enhancing resilience in crops. The increasing frequency and intensity of biotic stresses (such as pests and diseases) and abiotic stresses (such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes) pose significant threats to global food production. These stresses not only compromise plant health but also affect the nutritional quality and yield of crops, leading to dire consequences for food security. Understanding the interplay between these stresses and plant responses is essential for developing sustainable agricultural practices.

The objectives of the current research topic:

• Explore mechanisms of stress response—investigate the molecular, physiological, and ecological mechanisms through which plants perceive and respond to biotic and abiotic stresses;
• Assess impacts on plant health—examine the effects of these stresses on plant health, development, and yield, highlighting the interconnectedness of stress factors;
• Innovative strategies for resilience—present novel approaches and technologies, including genetic, agronomic, and biotechnological strategies, to enhance plant resilience against stressors;
• The implications for food security—discuss the broader implications of plant stress responses for global food security, including socio-economic factors and policy considerations.

Topics of Interest

We invite contributions that cover, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• The molecular and physiological mechanisms of plant stress responses;
• The impact of climate change on biotic and abiotic stress interactions;
• The role of soil health and microbial communities in plant stress resilience;
• Economic assessments of stress impacts on food systems;
• Policy frameworks for addressing stress-related challenges in agriculture.

This Special Issue aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to address the critical challenges posed by biotic and abiotic stresses on plant health and food security. By disseminating innovative research and insights, we hope to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and improved resilience in food systems. 

We encourage researchers from diverse fields—including plant biology, agronomy, environmental science, and food security—to submit their work for consideration. Together, we can advance our understanding of the complex interactions between plants and their environments, ultimately contributing to global food security. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Ulhas Sopanrao Kadam
Dr. Bhagwat D. Nawade
Dr. Rupesh Deshmukh
Dr. Harshraj Shinde
Prof. Dr. Penna Suprasanna
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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