New Frontiers in Plant Pathogen Diagnostics, Smart Detection Technologies, and Sustainable Biocontrol Strategies

Global agriculture is facing growing threats from emerging and re-emerging plant diseases, driven by climate change, intensified global trade, pathogen evolution, and the urgent need to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. In this rapidly changing context, timely pathogen detection and the development of sustainable disease management strategies are critical to safeguarding crop productivity, food security, and agroecosystem resilience. Rapid advances in molecular diagnostics, smart sensor technologies, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and sustainable biocontrol tools are transforming plant health management. These innovations offer powerful opportunities to move beyond traditional diagnostics toward integrated, real time detection and ecologically sound disease suppression.This Research Topic aims to showcase recent advances in the diagnosis, monitoring, and sustainable management of plant diseases. We welcome contributions that explore innovative molecular tools, imaging technologies, biosensors, AI-assisted diagnostic and monitoring systems, omics-based approaches, and biological control strategies that enhance our understanding of plant–pathogen interactions and support practical applications in the field. By bringing together interdisciplinary research across diagnostics, surveillance, and disease suppression, this collection seeks to promote the development of integrated, field-applicable solutions for sustainable crop protection.Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:o Innovations in plant pathogen diagnosticso Smart and next-generation detection technologieso Omics-driven and integrated detection approacheso Biocontrol agents, microbial consortia, and other sustainable disease suppression strategieso Eco-friendly disease managemento Biosecurity and plant health surveillanceo Integration of diagnostics and biocontrol in sustainable agricultureo AI-driven disease monitoring-------We welcome contributions from researchers across the field and are happy to support you as you prepare your submission. If you would like initial feedback on whether your planned manuscript aligns with the scope of this Research Topic, please reach out to us at plantscience@frontiersin.org before submitting. Early input can help ensure your work is a strong fit and save you time later in the process. If you would like to join us, simply click “Participate in this topic” at the top right of this page. This lets us know you plan to contribute, ensures you never miss key deadlines, and gives you access to helpful resources to guide you through the submission process. We very much look forward to your participation and to building a vibrant and cohesive Research Topic together. Topic editors: Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji, Stanley Edward Bellgard, Maxine Piggott Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81208/new-frontiers-in-plant-pathogen-diagnostics-smart-detection-technologies-and-sustainable-biocontrol-strategies