The Rise of Emerging and Re-emerging Plant Viruses: Causes and Consequences

Plant virology is a rapidly evolving discipline that has taken on new urgency with the increasing emergence and resurgence of plant viruses impacting both cultivated and wild crops. In today’s interconnected world, the early detection and accurate characterization of pathogens is integral to safeguarding yield and ensuring food security. The complexity of virus transmission is amplified by myriad biotic and abiotic factors—ranging from insect vectors and environmental conditions to cultural practices—that collectively shape disease outbreaks. Recent studies highlight that more than 90% of plant viruses are insect-borne, creating intricate interactions among plant hosts, viruses, and their vectors. Despite advances in molecular diagnostics and surveillance, our knowledge of virus prevalence and the dynamics of vector populations in natural contexts is still incomplete. This limits our ability to predict and mitigate the spread of viral diseases, especially as climate change and globalization accelerate the pace of virus emergence and adaptation.This Research Topic aims to elucidate the underlying causes and wide-ranging consequences associated with the rise of emerging and re-emerging plant viruses. Core objectives include exploring the factors that promote virus evolution and emergence, mapping transmission dynamics, and evaluating the vulnerabilities within agroecosystems. There is particular interest in understanding how triadic interactions—among plant, virus, and vector—drive new outbreaks and complicate control measures. The research also seeks to assess integrated approaches to disease management, especially innovative technologies and molecular tools that can facilitate rapid identification, containment, and prevention. Contributions are encouraged that fill knowledge gaps about epidemiology, host-pathogen-vector relationships, and practical strategies to enhance resilience in food production systems globally.The scope of this Research Topic encompasses both cultivated and non-cultivated crops, focusing on viral pathogens and their complex ecological contexts. We particularly encourage submissions that leverage omics approaches, innovative IPM methodologies, and precision agriculture solutions. To gather further insights, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Evolution and emergence mechanisms of plant viruses• Vector biology and virus transmission networks• Impact of environmental and cultural factors on virus outbreaks• Integrated management strategies and precision agriculture for virus control• Advances in diagnostic technologies for early virus detection• Epidemiological modelling and surveillance of plant virus spread• Virus diversity and host adaptability in wild versus cultivated systems• The role and impact of plant breeding for virus resistanceWe welcome original research articles, review articles, perspectives, and opinion pieces. Topic editors: Manish Kumar, Sneha Yogindran, Pranav Pankaj Sahu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76665/the-rise-of-emerging-and-re-emerging-plant-viruses-causes-and-consequences