Guest Editors
Dr. Qiang-Sheng Wu, College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, CHINA
Dr. Sajid Ali, Department of Horticulture and Life Science, Yeungnam University, Daegu, KOREA
Summary
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the intricate relationships between plants and microorganisms, particularly within the context of the plant microbiome. Comprising a diverse array of microorganisms inhabiting various plant tissues and the rhizosphere, the plant microbiome plays a crucial role in shaping plant health, growth, and productivity. Two major components stand out within the vast landscape of plant-microbe interactions: beneficial plant microbiome interactions and plant pathogen interactions. Beneficial plant microbiome interactions encompass symbiotic relationships between plants and beneficial microbes, such as rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting bacteria, which contribute to nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and overall plant fitness. Conversely, plant pathogen interactions involve dynamic encounters between plants and microbial pathogens, leading to disease development and detrimental effects on plant growth and yield. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying both beneficial and pathogenic interactions is essential for unraveling the complexities of the plant microbiome and devising strategies for sustainable agriculture and crop protection. In this special issue, we aim to explore the multifaceted aspects of plant microbiome interactions, shedding light on the mechanisms governing both beneficial and pathogenic relationships and their implications for plant health and agriculture.
Keywords
plant microbiome, beneficial microorganisms, plant-microbe interactions, symbiosis, rhizosphere, plant growth promotion, plant pathogens, disease resistance, molecular mechanisms, sustainable agriculture, endophytes (fungal endophytes, bacterial endophytes, microbial plant biostimulants)
Published Papers