Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a crucial cereal crop that faces numerous biotic and abiotic stresses, significantly impacting its quality and yield. Among the most critical diseases affecting barley are net blotch, spot blotch, scald, Ramularia leaf spot, crown rot, common root rot, barley stripe, leaf rust, stripe rust, stem rust, Fusarium head blight, bacterial leaf streak, cereal cyst nematodes, and barley yellow dwarf virus. The preferred strategy for managing these diseases is through genetic resistance. Wild barley species, such as Hordeum spontaneum and Hordeum bulbosum, along with barley landraces, have been identified as valuable sources of disease resistance. However, the extensive use of common barley cultivars has led to a narrowed genetic base, necessitating the exploration and utilization of these diverse genetic resources to enhance disease resistance in barley. Despite significant progress in identifying resistance loci, the evolving virulence of pathogens continues to pose a challenge, highlighting the need for ongoing research in this field.

This Research Topic aims to investigate the mechanisms of disease resistance in Hordeum species, including Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum spontaneum, and Hordeum bulbosum. The primary objectives are to understand the genetic basis of resistance, explore the interactions between barley plants and pathogens, and identify new sources of resistance from wild barley and landraces. Specific questions to be addressed include: What are the genetic loci responsible for resistance to various pathogens? How do changes in pathogen virulence affect these resistances? What are the underlying mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions in barley?

To gather further insights into the genetic and mechanistic aspects of disease resistance in Hordeum species, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Identification and characterization of resistance loci in barley
- Exploration of wild barley and landraces as sources of disease resistance
- Mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions in barley
- Pathogen virulence and its impact on resistance
- Genetic and molecular approaches to enhance disease resistance
- Breeding strategies for developing disease-resistant barley cultivars
- Environmental factors influencing disease resistance in barley

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Frontiers in Agronomy

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