Plants produce an extraordinary array of phytochemicals that are essential for their survival, ecological interactions, and the diverse benefits they provide to humans. Over the past decades, scientists have uncovered remarkable chemodiversity among plant-derived metabolites, revealing their central roles not only in plant physiology and evolution but also in a wide range of human applications. Of particular interest is the use of chemotaxonomy and chemical biomarkers, which have become valuable tools for elucidating evolutionary relationships within the plant kingdom, from the species level to higher taxonomic ranks. The functional versatility of these compounds extends to agriculture, industry, and medicine; for example, many phytochemicals are being harnessed for crop improvement, natural product synthesis, and as sources of novel therapeutics. In parallel, advances in in vitro production techniques and genetic engineering have accelerated efforts to optimize the biosynthesis of valuable secondary metabolites. Recent attention has also turned to the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals against pathogens, opening new avenues for drug discovery and development. Furthermore, studies using model plants are shedding light on how phytochemical adaptations contribute to stress resilience, particularly in the context of changing climatic conditions.

This research topic seeks to advance our understanding of phytochemicals by exploring their roles in plant biology, ecology, and their wider applications. We focus on the potential of chemical biomarkers to enhance plant classification and illuminate the vast diversity of phytochemicals and their functionality in agriculture, medicine, and industry. Innovative approaches in biotechnology and genetic engineering are highlighted for optimizing the production of valuable secondary metabolites. Additionally, by examining how phytochemicals contribute to plant resilience and therapeutic potential, we aim to bridge fundamental research with practical solutions supporting biodiversity conservation, health, and food security under global change.

This research topic seeks high-quality research and review articles that explore the multifaceted roles of plant secondary metabolites, especially those that focus on:

• Chemotaxonomy and novel chemical biomarkers for plant classification (from species to higher taxa)

• Chemical diversity of phytochemicals and their applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry

• Biotechnological advances and in vitro production, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology of secondary metabolites

• Therapeutic potential of phytochemicals against pathogens, with emphasis on drug discovery and design

• Climate resilience mechanisms mediated by phytochemicals in model and crop plants under abiotic/biotic stress

• Chemotaxonomy and chemical biomarkers of kingdom plantae, taxa, genera and species

• Chemical diversity and multiple purpose uses of phytochemicals

• In vitro production of secondary metabolites and genetic engineering

• The role of phytochemicals diversity in the treatment of pathogens and the opportunities for drug design discoveries

• Model organisms and Phytochemicals roles in resilience of plant crops under extreme climatic scenario conditions

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Exploring the Role of Plant Phytochemical Diversity in Biodiversity and Beyond