Notable among these is the work by Million et al., which employs a systems genomics approach to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning quantitative resistance to Phytophthora sojae in Glycine max. Furthermore, Tun et al. elucidate the role of sucrose in promoting defense responses to blast fungus in rice through the preferential expression of defense-related genes.

In the study by Xu et al., the authors investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying iron (Fe)-mediated tobacco resistance to potato virus Y (PVY) infection. This study provides novel insights into the regulatory network of Fe-mediated resistance to PVY infection in plants. By elucidating the transcriptomic responses and identifying key candidate genes involved in PVY resistance, this research offers important theoretical bases for improving host resistance against PVY infection, thus contributing to the development of effective disease management strategies. Another contribution in the realm of plant-pathogen interactions is the study elaborated by Chang et al. which sheds light on the intricate dynamics of virus-virus interactions and their impact on mechanical transmissibility and host range alterations of begomoviruses. Their findings reveal how mixed infections can influence the transmission efficiency and host specificity of these pathogens, providing valuable insights for disease management strategies.

Zhao et al. investigate the responses of sugarcane to two strains of Xanthomonas albilineans differing in pathogenicity. By employing molecular analyses, they elucidate the differential modulation of salicylic acid and reactive oxygen species in the sugarcane defense response to pathogen attack. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenic diversity of X. albilineans and the molecular mechanisms underlying sugarcane defense strategies. Similarly, Gao et al. conduct a comparative transcriptome profiling of susceptible and tolerant citrus species infected with “Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus,” offering novel perspectives on citrus Huanglongbing disease management. Chen et al. characterize gene expression patterns in response to orthotospovirus infection between two diploid peanut species and their hybrid, shedding light on the genetic basis of virus resistance in peanut. In the publication led by Zhao et al., the authors explore genetic and morphological variants of Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae causing red stripe disease of sugarcane in China, offering insights into the genetic diversity and virulence mechanisms of this pathogen.

The Research Topic also encompasses studies addressing a range of other pathogens and stress factors. In the study by Lipps et al., the authors delve into the inhibition of ethylene and its role in resistance to Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) in maize. By employing a multifaceted approach combining genome-wide association studies, metabolic pathway analyses, and ethylene inhibition experiments, the researchers elucidate the complex interplay between genetic factors, metabolic pathways, and hormonal signaling in maize resistance to NCLB. This study not only identifies novel markers associated with NCLB resistance but also underscores the importance of ethylene in plant defense against fungal pathogens, paving the way for future investigations into the genetic basis of disease resistance. In addition, Yang et al. shed light on the pivotal role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tobacco defense against Phytophthora nicotianae, the causal agent of tobacco black shank. Through meticulous experimentation and genetic manipulation, the researchers demonstrate that overexpression of Nta-miR6155 enhances tobacco resistance to P. nicotianae infection by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, salicylic acid signaling, and the expression of key defense-related genes. Moreover, the study elucidates the regulatory role of Nta-miR6155 in tobacco growth and development, underscoring the multifaceted functions of species-specific miRNAs in plant stress responses.

The contribution to this Research Topic coming from Shang et al. explore the dynamic interplay between light intensity and soybean mosaic virus (SMV) infection in soybean. Through RNA-seq analysis and gene expression profiling, the researchers uncover the pivotal role of light in modulating soybean defense responses to viral infection. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-virus interactions and highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping plant defense strategies.

An original approach is presented by Li et al.. The authors investigate the potential of exogenous melatonin application in enhancing radish defense against Alternaria brassicae, the causative agent of radish blight disease. Through a combination of physiological assays and transcriptomic analyses, the researchers reveal the dose-dependent effects of melatonin on both host immunity and pathogen virulence. Their findings provide a mechanistic understanding of melatonin-mediated defense responses in radish, offering promising prospects for the development of melatonin-based strategies for disease control in vegetable crops.

Gauthier et al. contribute to our understanding of soil-borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) and Soil-borne cereal mosaic virus (SBCMV) infection in wheat by investigating the influence of soil properties and plant nutrition on virus infection rates. Through meticulous analyses of soil structure parameters, nutrient contents, and infection rates, the researchers reveal the intricate relationship between soil characteristics, plant nutrition, and virus transmission. These findings not only offer insights into the environmental factors influencing virus infection but also provide potential avenues for developing microenvironment-adapted agricultural practices to mitigate virus spread.