Emerging Plant and Fungal Viruses: Impacts, Detection, and Management in a Changing World

Plant viruses and viroids play critical roles in shaping ecosystems, affecting crop health, and influencing global food security. Production losses due to plant virus and virus-like diseases have been estimated at 15-45 billion €/year. Understanding their behavior, transmission, and adaptation in a changing world is essential. The number of newly discovered genomes of viruses and viroid-like agents linked to plants and/or fungi is constantly increasing, but our understanding of their biological significance in natural and agricultural ecosystems remains limited. This research topic builds upon existing knowledge and aims to provide a holistic view of the virosphere’s newly discovered members, their impact on plants, and their response to environmental shifts. The virosphere, encompassing plant and fungal viruses, viroids, and viroid-like RNAs, is rapidly changing due to numerous factors, including advancements in detection methods, intensified global trade, agricultural practices, and the impact of climate change. In recent decades, the emergence of new viruses and viroids has led to significant outbreaks with substantial production losses. Therefore, understanding their epidemiology and ecology is critical for developing appropriate management strategies within the context of integrated pest management. Despite recent advancements, we still need to understand the effects of recently identified viruses and viroid-like agents on plants. It is crucial to develop accurate and timely diagnostic methods and establish research models to comprehend their impact on ecosystems and effectively control diseases, if necessary. By constantly monitoring these changes and incorporating them into management strategies and detection methods, we can help protect global agriculture and ensure food security.

This Research Topic aims to explore the dynamic landscape of plant and fungal viruses, viroids, and viroid-like agents, focusing on new or improved diagnostic methods, the discovery of new agents, and studies on their ecology and epidemiology. The main objectives include understanding the behavior and transmission of these pathogens, developing accurate diagnostic methods, and establishing effective management strategies. Specific questions to be addressed include: What are the latest advancements in detection techniques? How do newly discovered viruses and viroids impact plant health and ecosystems? What are the best practices for managing these pathogens in agricultural settings?

To gather further insights into the molecular biology, ecology, and pathogenicity of plant viruses and viroids, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Application of high-throughput sequencing for the detection and identification of plant and fungal viruses, viroids, and viroid-like agents
- Epidemiological and ecological studies of these pathogens
- Development of new detection techniques
- Studies on the evolution and adaptation of plant and fungal viruses, viroids, and viroid-like agents
- Impact of climate change and global trade on the spread and emergence of these pathogens
- Integrated pest management strategies for controlling plant virus and viroid-related diseases