Calcium, a crucial macronutrient for plants, is a noteworthy component of early signaling pathways involved in plant–biotic interactions. Pest/pathogen attacks trigger the generation of calcium signatures in plants, which serve as a signal. These signals are perceived by calcium sensors and transmitted further to downstream signaling components to activate the defense mechanism. Our understanding of molecular and biochemical components of calcium signaling such as calmodulin (CaM), CaM-related proteins (CML), Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBL), calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), and their transporters viz Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNGCs), Two pore channels (TPCs), Annexins, Glutamate-like receptor channels, Ca2+/cation exchangers (CCXs), Ca2+-ATPases, Ca2+/H+ exchangers (CAXs), has advanced recently.

We aim to compile articles presenting novel data and unique information underlining the significance of calcium signaling during plant-biotic interactions. With this special issue, we wish to showcase new research findings highlighting the role of calcium signaling in plant defense to enrich our knowledge in the field. An advanced understanding of calcium signaling and components of the pathway involved in plant defense will allow scientists to manipulate the pathway by utilizing genome editing and genetic engineering to raise plants with better tolerance against pests and pathogens.

Therefore, we invite reviews, minireviews as well as original research articles on the research topic focusing on the below-mentioned aspects but not limited to:

- Role of calcium signaling during plant-bacteria interaction

- Role of calcium signaling during plant- fungi interaction

- Role of calcium signaling during plant-virus interaction

- Role of calcium signaling during plant- pest interaction

- Involvement of calcium transporters during biotic interactions

- Recruitment of calcium sensors and calcium responders during biotic interactions

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Frontiers in Plant Science

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