About this Research Topic

Background

Small fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, and currants), also called “superfoods” are cultivated on all continents. Due to the nutritional properties and bioactive principles of their fruits, they play a very important role in human nutrition and health. The global production of small fruits is increasing to fulfill the demands of fastidious consumers and buyers. Small fruits are also hosts of numerous pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas) that endanger their production.

Pathogens decrease yields and fruit quality in sensitive species and cultivars or may destroy entire orchards. Prompt detection and characterization of the present pathogens is crucial in order to manage and control the disease they cause. Increased international trade of the planting material have led to the emergence of the new pathogens and variants into the new areas threatening production. Additionally, rapid climate changes have a strong influence on the disease occurrence and severity in small fruit orchards.

The goal of this Research Topic is to present the latest research, and perspectives on small fruits diseases. These fruits are exposed to existing and emerging pathogens as a result of increased areas under small fruits across the world. Detection and characterization of these pathogens is challenging, but during the wide application of novel technologies has significantly facilitated this task.

This Research Topic provides an excellent opportunity to publish research articles discussing the various aspects of small fruits diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas. Recent findings and solutions will help to improve old and to develop new control strategies for the diseases they cause.

We welcome: Original Research, Systematic Review, Methods, Reviews, Mini Reviews, Perspectives and Case Reports.

Specific topics may include:

− Methods for detection and diagnosis of small fruits pathogens

− Genetic diversity and population genetics of small fruits pathogens

− Emerging and re-emerging diseases of small fruits

− Pathogen-host-vector interaction

− Plant quarantine, nursery inspection, and certification

− Management strategies of small fruits diseases

Keywords: Small fruits, viruses, fungi, bacteria, disease management

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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