Plant Defense against Pathogens: Micro- to Molecular Insights

Dear Colleagues,

Food quality, yield, and global food security are greatly impacted by severe epidemics of diseases caused by soilborne and foliar pathogens on many cash crops. Plants display basal defense mechanisms—of structural and biochemical nature—against many pathogens with different lifestyles (e.g., biotrophic, hemibiotrophic, and necrotrophic). The diversity of defense strategies [antimicrobial metabolites (e.g., soluble phenolics and phytoalexins), pathogenesis-related protein expression (e.g., chitinase, glucanase, and PR-1), and modifications in cell wall composition (e.g., lignification and suberization)] allow plants to defend themselves better agronomic performance in their environment. Interestingly, certain pathogens cannot infect some plant species due to their intrinsic capacity for defense, known as non-host resistance. It is possible to raise the level of defense of a particular cultivar, with good agronomic traits but susceptible to most diseases, using different types of inducers of resistance. Mineral nutrition is another approach that will allow plants to build a more robust defense response against pathogens, considering the role played by some nutrients in the cell wall fortification, signaling pathways, and co-factors of many enzymes. Plant defense mechanisms are highly dynamic and can vary between plant species and even within the same species. The interplay between preformed and induced defenses allows plants to protect themselves effectively against various pathogens. Understanding the response of plants against pathogen infection from the cell to the organ level is of detrimental importance to gaining more insights into disease control. This knowledge can be obtained using the different techniques available to explore the physiological, biochemical, and molecular outcomes of the host–pathogen interaction that requires investigation. We invite those working on host–pathogen interaction to contribute to this Special Issue. It will be a great opportunity to share your scientific contributions with those interested in learning more about how plants defend themselves against pathogen infection and how we can help them overcome this process more efficiently toward more sustainable agriculture.

This Special Issue, entitled “Plant Defense against Pathogens: Micro,” presents a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge research in the field of plant–pathogen interaction. Recognizing the critical importance of understanding the intricate defense mechanisms deployed by plants, this Special Issue aims to bring together high-impact contributions that delve into the micro- to molecular aspects of plant immunity.

Authors are invited to submit original research articles and reviews that elucidate the sophisticated strategies plants employ in response to pathogenic challenges. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the molecular signaling pathways, biochemical responses, and microscopic alterations involved in plant defense mechanisms. The Special Issue seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the dynamic interplay between plants and pathogens, providing a platform for the dissemination of valuable insights that contribute to the advancement of plant science and agricultural resilience.

Researchers, academics, and practitioners in the field are encouraged to contribute their expertise to this Special Issue, thereby enriching the scientific discourse surrounding plant defense mechanisms. The editorial team looks forward to assembling a collection of impactful contributions that will serve as a valuable resource for the global scientific community.

Prof. Dr. Fabrício Ávila Rodrigues
Dr. Leandro J. Dallagnol
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Plants 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 2700 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.

• host–pathogen interaction
• host defense mechanisms
• molecular signaling pathway in host–pathogen interaction
• plant resistance against diseases
• pathogen recognition by plants
• antimicrobial compounds
• cellular responses
• histopathology of infected plant tissues
• physiological changes in plants infected by pathogens
• microscopical aspects of host–pathogen interaction
• signal transduction
• genetic regulation
• antioxidative metabolism
• host nutrition and pathogen infection