Fungal-Nematode-Insect Interactions

Dear Colleagues,

Interactions between fungi, nematodes and insects are universal in nature, and fungal–insect symbiosis benefits both fungus and insects greatly. Many fungi from different phyla are known to infect and kill insects and nematodes. Fungal pathogens can modify insect behavior to their benefit. In turn, insects can modify their behavior to prevent or minimize fungal infections. Little information is available on nematodes. Advances in research on fungal pathogen evolution and host adaptation, the underlying molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity (receptors, adhesives, enzymes, secondary metabolites, effectors) and immunity (melanisation) have been made due to comparative functional genomics studies on fungi, nematode and insects. Fungal pathogens of insects are used for sustainable management of pests in agriculture but can also be used to control insect vectors of animal and human pathogens. Nematophagous fungi are similarly applicable for a variety of uses, but they are less developed than their entomopathogenic counterparts. Therefore, enhancing our knowledge of infection and defense in fungus–insect interactions will help us to advance the development of this system for efficient biocontrol and cell factory sourcing of useful bioactive compounds. The relationship of nematophagous and entomopathogenic fungi with plants is fascinating. Fungi can act as biofertilizers and enhance the growth and development of both model plants and crops. The cellular, agronomical and molecular basis of this component of the biology of these biocontrol fungi is just emerging.

The Special Issue will cover all aspects of fungal–nematode–insect interactions. Topics to be addressed include, but are not limited to, biology, physiology, genetics and the -omics of nematophagous and entomopathogenic fungi, fungal–insect symbiosis, fungal infection and pathogenesis in insects, insect/nematode immunity to fungal infection and insect/nematode biocontrol with fungi. Authors may submit basic (laboratory), as well as applied (field), studies. Both reviews and original research articles discussing recent progress and advances in the field are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Luis Vicente López-Llorca
Dr. Federico Lopez-Moya
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. Journal of Fungi 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.

• nematophagous fungi
• entomopathogenic fungi
• fungal "omics"
• insect immunity
• biocontrol
• pathogenesis

• Fungal-Insect Interactions in Journal of Fungi (3 articles)