Plant Virus Research and Biotechnology-Based Resistance Strategies—In Honor of Professor Andrew Otis Jackson
A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Viruses of Plants, Fungi and Protozoa".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 7 July 2026 | Viewed by 62
Special Issue Editors
2. Department of Biology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
Interests: molecular plant virology; plant-virus interactions; virus cell-to-cell movement; antiviral resistance; viral vector
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: plant-virus interactions; geminiviruses; potyviruses
Special Issue Information
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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Keywords
- viral pathogenicity
- virus movement
- viral replication
- virus induced gene silencing
- RNA silencing suppressor
- molecular plant-virus interaction
- host factor
- antiviral defense response
- virus-vector interaction and transmission
- virus evolution
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