Plant Virus Research and Biotechnology-Based Resistance Strategies—In Honor of Professor Andrew Otis Jackson

Dear Colleagues,

Plant viruses represent a persistent and significant threat to global agriculture, causing severe diseases that lead to substantial economic losses and endanger food security worldwide. Outbreaks of viral diseases can be catastrophic, particularly in staple crops, undermining both yield and quality. The successful establishment of viral infection is a consequence of intricate molecular interactions between the host plant and the invading pathogen. A deeper understanding of these processes is therefore essential for developing effective and sustainable disease management strategies.

This Special Issue of Viruses aims to highlight cutting-edge research that advances the field of plant virology. We welcome original articles and reviews covering a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to:

• Molecular mechanisms of plant virus infection and pathogenesis
• Virus–plant interactions at the genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic levels
• Evolution, ecology, and diversity of plant viruses
• Biotechnology-driven approaches for virus control (e.g., RNAi, CRISPR, pathogen-derived resistance)
• Innovative methods for engineering genetic resistance in crops

This issue is dedicated to the memory of Professor Andrew Otis Jackson, a preeminent plant virologist who passed away on 7 July 2025. Prof. Jackson’s pioneering work profoundly advanced our understanding of plant virus biology and host–pathogen interactions. In honoring his legacy, we seek contributions that reflect his scientific rigor, innovation, and enduring impact on the virology community.

Dr. Aiming Wang
Prof. Dr. Fangfang Li
Dr. Jonathan Griffiths
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Viruses 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 2600 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.