Integrating Plant–Microbe–Pathogen Interactions into Breeding Strategies for Durable Disease Resistance

The field of plant pathology has increasingly recognized the intricate relationships among plants, their associated microbiomes, and the array of pathogens that threaten agricultural productivity. Traditional breeding strategies have primarily focused on selecting for resistance genes within the host plant, often overlooking the dynamic roles played by beneficial microbes and the broader ecological context. Recent studies now illustrate how plant–microbe–pathogen interactions underlie not only disease progression but also the resilience and adaptability of crops against evolving pathogen pressures. Despite the promise of microbiome-assisted approaches and the discovery of novel resistance mechanisms mediated by beneficial microbes, the integration of these insights into breeding programs remains limited. As agricultural systems face ever-growing threats from emerging plant diseases and shifting environmental conditions, it is critical to leverage the full complexity of these biological networks to breed for durable resistance.This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of how the interplay between plants, their microbiomes, and pathogens can be strategically utilized in breeding efforts to achieve long-lasting disease resistance. By combining insights from molecular biology, ecology, genetics, and breeding science, the objective is to identify actionable knowledge and tools that can be incorporated into next-generation crop improvement programs. Key questions include identifying the most influential microbial taxa in disease resistance, understanding the mechanisms driving beneficial plant–microbe–pathogen interactions, and elucidating the genetic architecture required in crops to recruit and maintain protective microbiomes.Research in this area will be limited to the integration of plant–microbe–pathogen interaction knowledge directly into breeding strategies, excluding studies focused solely on pathogen biology or microbiome cataloging without breeding implications. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:Mechanisms by which beneficial microbes enhance host resistance to pathogens- Genetic and molecular bases for plant recruitment of protective microbiomes- Systems biology approaches to unraveling complex interaction networks- Breeding strategies and technologies to select for or engineer durable resistance traits- Case studies demonstrating successful integration of microbiome or pathogen interaction data into crop improvement- The impact of environmental factors on plant–microbe–pathogen dynamics and implications for breeding- Methodological advancements in monitoring, modeling, and manipulating plant microbiomes in breeding contexts Topic editors: Basavantraya N Devanna, Yugander Arra, Ji-Yun Kim Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80296/integrating-plant-microbe-pathogen-interactions-into-breeding-strategies-for-durable-disease-resistance