The Expanding Impact of Bacterial Volatile Organic Compounds in Plant–Microbe–Pathogen Interactions

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in plant–microbe–pathogen systems have emerged as crucial signaling molecules within the plant-soil-microbe continuum. In recent years, bacterial VOCs (bVOCs) have gained significant attention for their ability to diffuse through soil and air, thereby influencing plant physiology, pathogen virulence, and microbiome assembly. This area of research addresses the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to chemical crop protection amidst growing concerns about environmental health and food security. Notably, current studies have demonstrated that bVOCs can activate plant immune responses, deter or inhibit a variety of pathogens, restructure rhizosphere communities, and fortify plant resilience against abiotic stresses. Despite these advances, fundamental questions remain about the breadth of bVOC diversity, the molecular mechanisms underlying their actions, and their ecological relevance in natural and agricultural settings. A key limitation in this field is the relatively fragmented understanding of bVOCs compared to plant-derived VOCs, as well as the need for systemic approaches to profiling, mechanistic study, and application.This Research Topic aims to drive forward the comprehensive understanding of how bacterial VOCs mediate interactions among plants, beneficial microbes, and pathogens, with a strong focus on sustainable crop protection strategies. The objectives include elucidating the molecular pathways by which bVOCs influence plant immunity and microbiome structure, clarifying how these volatiles suppress plant pathogens, and exploring how knowledge from volatilomics and analytical chemistry can be integrated with plant physiology, microbial ecology, and pathology. Central questions to be addressed involve identifying the chemical diversity and biosynthetic regulation of bVOCs, their roles in plant defense priming, and the translational potential of these compounds in applied agricultural systems. By consolidating multidisciplinary perspectives and innovative methodologies, this Research Topic aims to foster significant strides toward the deployment of bVOC-based bioprotectants, rhizosphere engineering practices, and field-ready applications for crop health.The scope of this Research Topic is intentionally broad but remains focused on the ecological, molecular, and applied dimensions of bacterial VOC-mediated plant–microbe–pathogen interactions in the context of sustainable disease management. Studies that address the full continuum from basic mechanisms to translational applications are especially encouraged. To gather further insights in the biology, chemistry, and application of bVOCs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Chemical diversity, biosynthesis, and regulation of bacterial VOCs• Signaling pathways, plant immunity, and defense priming induced by bVOCs• Inhibition of pathogens and remodeling of microbiome dynamics in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere• Methodological advances in volatilomics and analytical workflows (e.g., SPME–GC–MS)• Applied research on bVOC-producing biocontrol agents, delivery systems, microbial consortia, and field-based implementation• Integration of bVOCs in sustainable agriculture and environmental impact assessments• Innovations in rhizosphere engineering and bioformulation for disease managementThis Research Topic welcomes Original Research, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Perspectives, Methods, and Technology Reports. Topic editors: Abderrahim AASFAR, Giuliano Bonanomi, Mohamed Idbella Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77142/the-expanding-impact-of-bacterial-volatile-organic-compounds-in-plant-microbe-pathogen-interactions