Plant Virus Evolution

Plant viruses cause significant economic losses in agriculture and affect natural ecosystems by infecting a wide range of plant hosts. The study of plant virus evolution has become increasingly relevant as agricultural practices and global trade accelerate the spread of viral pathogens to new regions and host species. Advances in sequencing technology have illuminated the vast genetic diversity of plant viruses, uncovering their rapid mutation rates and complex evolutionary processes. These technological innovations have also led to the discovery of endogenous viral elements (EVEs) embedded in plant genomes. These viral 'fossils' offer valuable insights into the evolutionary pathways of various plant virus families, providing clues about ancient virus-host interactions and long-term viral adaptation. A deeper understanding of these evolutionary dynamics is crucial for predicting future outbreaks, guiding crop breeding for resilience, and developing effective, sustainable strategies to control plant viral diseases.

The goal of this Research Topic is to address critical challenges in understanding plant virus evolution and to explore how evolutionary insights can shape effective plant protection strategies. We aim to uncover the drivers of viral diversity, adaptation, and cross-species transmission, with a focus on host-pathogen co-evolution and environmental pressures that influence these processes. By tracing the evolutionary pathways that have shaped plant viruses over time, we seek to gain a deeper understanding of their current forms, behaviors, and impacts on plant health. This Research Topic will also highlight recent technological advancements that enable precise viral genome analysis and the reconstruction of complex evolutionary histories.

Through a multidisciplinary approach that includes genetic, ecological, epidemiological, genomic, structural, and phylogeographic perspectives, we will investigate key aspects such as recombination events, the role of farming practices, climate change, plant resistance mechanisms, and interactions with plant microbiomes. By integrating these diverse lenses, our goal is to create a comprehensive framework that enhances our ability to manage plant viral diseases in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.

To capture comprehensive insights into the ongoing and emerging dynamics of plant virus evolution, our research will focus on:

• Genetic, ecological, and epidemiological approaches

• The latest genomic, structural, and phylogeographic methodologies

• Viral genome evolution

• Host-pathogen interaction mechanisms

• Cross-species virus transmission

• Adaptation strategies of viruses to various pressures

• Impact of viral evolution on agricultural sustainability

Research may utilize methods in bioinformatics, genomics, molecular biology, paleovirology, and field research to uncover fundamental evolutionary mechanisms affecting both agricultural and natural settings. Contributions can range from original research to comprehensive reviews, each adding a valuable angle to our understanding of plant virus genetics and evolution.

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... 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
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: plant virus, viral evolution, endogenous viral elements, host-virus coevolution, viral adaptation, virus speciation, RNA viruses, geminiviruses, viral phylogenetics, evolutionary dynamics

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.