Recent Advances in Phage-Plant Interactions

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Viruses of Plants, Fungi and Protozoa".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2025) | Viewed by 1649

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: molecular plant pathology; plant–microbe interactions; phage–plant interactions; nanobiotechnology; molecular genetics; metagenomics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: molecular plant pathology; nanobiotechnology; plant physiology; phage–plant interactions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bacteriophages (phages) have gained increasing attention as promising biocontrol agents for plant pathogens, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. Recent research has uncovered new insights into the intricate interactions between phages and the plant microbiome, paving the way for the development of effective phage-based strategies to combat plant diseases. One key area of progress has been the characterization of phage-mediated interactions with plant-associated bacteria, both pathogenic and beneficial. Researchers have also explored the mechanisms by which phages can modulate plant immunity and enhance disease resistance, with certain phages found to induce systemic acquired resistance in plants, priming their defenses against subsequent pathogen challenges. In the realm of application, successful phage-based treatments have been demonstrated in both greenhouse and field settings, effectively controlling bacterial diseases in various crop plants. The ability to isolate and characterize phages from a local plant microbiome has facilitated the development of tailored phage cocktails that are better suited to target environments. As the field continues to evolve, the integration of phage technology with other plant protection tools holds promise for a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by modern agriculture, paving the way for sustainable and environmentally friendly plant disease management. The proposed Special Issue will attract a diverse audience of researchers and professionals working on various aspects of plant pathology, virology, microbiology, agriculture, and biotechnology.

Prof. Dr. Bin Li
Dr. Temoor Ahmed
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • bacteriophages
  • phage–plant interactions
  • biocontrol agents
  • plant pathogenic bacteria
  • selective targeting
  • systemic acquired resistance
  • tailored phage cocktails
  • integrated disease management
  • plant disease resistance
  • plant–pathogen interactions
  • nanopesticides

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 8330 KiB  
Article
Genomic Characterization of Phage ZP3 and Its Endolysin LysZP with Antimicrobial Potential against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
by Muchen Zhang, Xinyan Xu, Luqiong Lv, Jinyan Luo, Temoor Ahmed, Waleed A. A. Alsakkaf, Hayssam M. Ali, Ji’an Bi, Chengqi Yan, Chunyan Gu, Linfei Shou and Bin Li
Viruses 2024, 16(9), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091450 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1114
Abstract
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a significant bacterial pathogen responsible for outbreaks of bacterial leaf blight in rice, posing a major threat to rice cultivation worldwide. Effective management of this pathogen is crucial for ensuring rice yield and food security. In this [...] Read more.
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a significant bacterial pathogen responsible for outbreaks of bacterial leaf blight in rice, posing a major threat to rice cultivation worldwide. Effective management of this pathogen is crucial for ensuring rice yield and food security. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel Xoo phage, ZP3, isolated from diseased rice leaves in Zhejiang, China, which may offer new insights into biocontrol strategies against Xoo and contribute to the development of innovative approaches to combat bacterial leaf blight. Transmission electron microscopy indicated that ZP3 had a short, non-contractile tail. Genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that ZP3 had a double-stranded DNA genome with a length of 44,713 bp, a G + C content of 52.2%, and 59 predicted genes, which was similar to other OP1-type Xoo phages belonging to the genus Xipdecavirus. ZP3’s endolysin LysZP was further studied for its bacteriolytic action, and the N-terminal transmembrane domain of LysZP is suggested to be a signal–arrest–release sequence that mediates the translocation of LysZP to the periplasm. Our study contributes to the understanding of phage–Xoo interactions and suggests that phage ZP3 and its endolysin LysZP could be developed into biocontrol agents against this phytopathogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Phage-Plant Interactions)
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