In the field of agriculture, insect pests, and plant diseases are pivotal biotic constraints affecting global food production. Traditionally, the focus has been on their impact on crop yields. However, these stresses profoundly affect the nutritional, biochemical, organoleptic, and technological quality of food crops, a dimension of research that has not received adequate attention. Recent studies reveal that these biotic factors can cause direct damage to the visible parts of plants and indirect harm by altering plant metabolism through secretions and other mechanisms. Despite these insights, comprehensive understanding and effective management strategies are still needed to mitigate these influences under diverse agroecological conditions.

This Research Topic aims to deepen understanding of how field insect pests and plant pathogens affect the growth, physiology, and nutritional quality of significant food crops across different cropping systems and environmental contexts. Specifically, it seeks to incorporate control strategies that effectively address both yield and quality impacts. Central goals include exploring how these biotic factors influence plant metabolism and nutrient distribution, assessing their broader ecological interactions, and identifying genotype-dependent variations. Additionally, we aim to promote the integration of nutritional quality traits into breeding programs for improved plant resilience.

To gather further insights into the effects of these biotic stressors on food crops, we welcome articles not limited to, the following themes:

• Impact of field insect pests and plant diseases on the organoleptic, nutritional, and technological quality of crops
• Effects of various biotic stresses on plant growth, physiological functions, and biochemical pathways
• Indirect influence of insect salivary enzymes and pathogen metabolites on plant metabolism and nutrient dynamics
• Genotype-dependent variation in crop quality losses under biotic stress
• Ecological interactions among pests, pathogens, crops, and climate variables influencing crop quality
• Integration of nutritional quality traits into breeding programs for biotic stress resistance, including biofortification
• Sustainable and novel pest and disease management strategies ensuring optimal yield and quality

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Exploring the Multi-Faceted Impacts of Biotic Stresses on Crop Quality and Control Strategies