The Role of Symbiotic and Pathogenic Microbes in Insect-Host Plants Interactions—2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues, 

Plants in agriculture/forestry systems face biotic or abiotic challenges constantly, among which insect pests are by far the most devastating eukaryotic organisms globally for a number of species, in biomass and in damage. Over the last few decades, a series of studies have shown that the success of insect pests has depended in part on their myriad ecological and physiological relationships with their associated microorganisms. On the other hand, numerous studies revealed the detrimental effects of pathogenic microbes on host insects, many of which have the potential to be explored as next-generation control agents against pests to protect plants. These microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, yeasts and fungi, co-exist with insects in their body, thriving in insects’ intestinal tracks, surface, specialized body structures or constantly acquired from their surroundings. Despite tremendous efforts to identify the ecological roles of the microbiota, there are still a number of questions which need to be answered in this research field considering the great abundance and diversity of both pests and microbes. Emerging technologies, including omics, have revolutionized the field of microbial ecology, which is also being developed with the potential to transform our knowledge of multi-trophic interactions among pests, microbes and host plants. This proposed research topic will provide an up-to-date overview of innovative and informative research studies to highlight this emerging theme in the context of interactions among pests, associated microbes and host plants, with a special focus on symbiotic and entomopathogenic microbe-mediated interactions between pests and host plants. To cover this broad thematic field comprehensively, we welcome original research articles, reviews and opinions and commentaries.

Dr. Letian Xu
Dr. Wei Zhang
Dr. Zhanghong Shi
Guest Editors

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• microbiome
• symbiotic microbe
• entomopathogen
• insect pest
• insect–plant interaction
• multi-tropic interaction

• The Role of Symbiotic and Pathogenic Microbes in Insect-Host Plants Interactions in Agronomy (5 articles)