Plant-Microbe-Pest Interactions: Ecological Implications and Defense Mechanisms

Dear Colleagues,

Plant–Microbe–Pest interactions are of global importance to agriculture. In recent years, the beneficial interactions of microorganisms and plants with other organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, nematodes, insects, other herbivores, etc., have interested many scholars. Plants and insects have intricate and very diverse relationships with microbes. Many studies have shown that microorganisms are important in the interaction between plants and insects, and the interaction between the three is of great significance to plant defense and the stability of the ecological environment.

In addition, plants and insects develop different types of relationships with their microbial partners that can influence the outcomes of the interactions. Insects need to evolve strategies to overcome plant defenses, and plants often reduce herbivore attacks through a variety of mechanisms. Despite progress in the characterization of the microbial diversity associated with plants and insects, the specific role of microbial communities for plant or insect herbivores remains uncertain. Various biotechnological approaches developed in recent years have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the three. This Special Issue seeks to gather knowledge and deepen our understanding of 1) the impact of plant–microbe–insect interactions on ecosystems; 2) microbes that modulate plant metabolism or their defenses against insect attack; 3) plant and insect host microbes; 4) microbial communities related to insects and plants; 5) ecological and evolutionary patterns of plant–microbe interactions, etc. Articles (original research papers, perspectives, hypotheses, opinions, reviews, and methods) focusing on biochemistry, physiology, molecules, proteins, metabolites, nutrition, and environment at all levels, comprising omics studies; whole-plant studies; field studies in model plants, crops, and trees; and native species are welcomed.

Prof. Dr. Yuanyuan Song
Prof. Dr. Rensen Zeng
Dr. Jorge Alberto Zavala
Guest Editors

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• host–microbe interactions
• plant–insect interactions
• herbivores
• microbial-induced responses, plant defenses
• ecological implications
• plant interactions with fungi and insects
• plant interactions with rhizobia and insects
• phytophagous insects
• induced resistance
• mycorrhiza
• chemical ecology