Fungal-Plant Dynamics: Unveiling Mutualism and Parasitism through Integrative Identification

The study of fungal-plant dynamics is a burgeoning field that delves into the multifaceted interactions between fungi and their plant hosts. These interactions range from mutualistic to parasitic relationships, impacting plant health, growth, and adaptation. Recent progress in molecular techniques, including DNA barcoding, has transformed our understanding of fungal diversity and systematics. Despite these strides, complexities in fungal classification and the nuanced nature of plant-fungi interactions continue to pose significant challenges. Key questions remain around accurately identifying and differentiating species, understanding the roles they play in various ecosystems, and determining the mechanisms underlying these symbiotic relationships. Current research has made headway in identifying DNA markers for fungal classification and exploring how fungi influence plant physiology and ecology. Yet, our grasp of the eco-physiological roles of fungi, particularly in their natural habitats, and the full spectrum of their interactions with plants is far from complete. Addressing these gaps is vital, as fungi play pivotal roles both in promoting plant health and in being responsible for plant diseases, affecting agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability.

This Research Topic aims to leverage integrative and polyphasic approaches to enhance our understanding of fungal identification and their interactions with plants. By refining fungal classification systems and dissecting the eco-physiological roles of individual species, this research endeavours to illuminate the balance between mutualism and parasitism in plant hosts. Central goals include addressing questions around how fungi contribute to the health and disease resilience of plants, and how their interactions can be strategically managed in agricultural systems. By coupling molecular data with advanced identification techniques like LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) and MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry), insights can be gained into the adaptive strategies fungi employ in varying ecological contexts.

To gather further insights into the roles of fungi in plant ecosystems, and to refine the existing frameworks around their classification and interactions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Development and application of integrative methods for fungal identification

o Case studies on plant-host specific fungal interactions

o Advances in molecular techniques for analysing fungal diversity

o Contributions of fungi to plant disease and health resilience

o Interplay between fungal communities and environmental factors in plant ecosystems

A detailed exploration in this field holds implications for advancing sustainable agricultural practices, improving plant resilience against pathogens, and contributing to global biodiversity and conservation goals. Article types of interest include Original Research, Review, and Perspective.

Article types and fees

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

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

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Integrative fungal identification, Fungal-plant symbiosis, Molecular techniques in mycology, Sustainable agriculture practices, Plant-microbe interactions

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.