Detection, Diagnostics and Management Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens

Dear Colleagues,

Plant pathogens are a major cause of significant economic losses in global food production, affecting a wide variety of crops. Early detection, accurate diagnostics, and effective control measures are critical to minimizing these losses and ensuring food security. Traditional methods of pathogen control, such as chemical treatments, have often led to undesirable consequences, including environmental contamination, health risks to agricultural workers, and negative impacts on non-target organisms such as beneficial insects, pollinators, and soil microbiota.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches for managing plant pathogens. These include advanced diagnostic technologies, bio-based solutions, and integrated management strategies that minimize the use of synthetic chemicals. Molecular tools, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and CRISPR-based technologies have revolutionized pathogen detection, allowing for the early and precise identification of pathogens, even before the appearance of symptoms. In addition, novel biocontrol agents, including beneficial microorganisms and natural compounds, are being developed to target specific pathogens without harming the surrounding ecosystem.

This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research on the detection, diagnostics, and control of plant pathogens. We welcome original scientific contributions that explore innovative technologies, molecular diagnostics, early detection methods, and sustainable pathogen control strategies. Studies focused on both laboratory and field applications are encouraged, with particular attention being paid to research that provides comprehensive and conclusive results.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Novel diagnostic tools and molecular methods for pathogen detection;
• Integration of omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in pathogen identification;
• Advances in rapid and early detection systems for plant diseases;
• Development and application of biocontrol agents for pathogen suppression;
• The role of microbial communities in pathogen resistance and disease control;
• Sustainable and integrated pest management approaches;
• Innovative technologies for monitoring pathogen spread and epidemiology.

We invite contributions that provide insights into these topics and propose solutions that enhance our understanding of plant–pathogen interactions and control mechanisms.

Prof. Dr. Rachid Lahlali
Dr. Moussa El Jarroudi
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. Agriculture 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.

• plant diseases
• pathogens
• detection
• diagnostic
• biocontrol