About this Research Topic

Background

Advanced imaging methods have significantly enhanced our capacity to study and comprehend various aspects of plants. These techniques enable researchers to visualize and analyze plant structures, functions, and processes at diverse scales, ranging from the molecular to the whole organism. Imaging-based analyses find applications in various fields of plant research, including the investigation of beneficial plant-microbe interactions. These analyses offer valuable insights into plant developmental biology, anatomy, and microbial and environmental interactions. Given the pivotal role of plant-microbe interactions in agriculture and ecological systems, understanding the dynamics of these interactions is crucial for improving plant health, crop yield, and overall sustainability.

Imaging techniques have proven indispensable in visualizing and studying these interactions at varying spatial and temporal scales. Despite the advancements, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying these interactions, necessitating further research and innovation in imaging methodologies.

This research topic aims to compile a collection of articles on state-of-the-art technologies and imaging methodologies applied to study plant behavior via beneficial plant-microbe interactions. This goal includes showcasing the utilization of advanced techniques, such as live-cell imaging, confocal laser scanning microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, light-sheet microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, X-ray CT imaging, and electron microscopy. These cutting-edge imaging methods are revolutionizing plant biology research, empowering scientists to unravel complex biological processes, understand plant development and interactions, investigate stress responses, and enhance crop productivity.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of advanced imaging and beneficial plant-microbe interactions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Innovations in imaging technologies for plant research
• Visualization of plant-microbe interactions at molecular and cellular levels
• Imaging-based studies on plant developmental biology and anatomy
• Applications of imaging techniques in understanding plant stress responses
• Integration of imaging methods with other omics technologies
• Evaluation of plant-derived bioactive molecules using imaging techniques
• Environmental and ecological implications of plant-microbe interactions
• Advances in imaging software and data analysis for plant research

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: advanced imaging, beneficial plant-microbe interactions, crop productivity, microscopy

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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