From Lab to Field: Translating Research Findings into Practical Solutions for Plant Protection

Dear Colleagues,

Aim:

The aim of this Special Issue is to bridge the gap between laboratory-based research and practical implementation in the field of plant protection. It will showcase innovative research findings, methodologies, and technologies and their successful translation into effective practical solutions to address the challenges posed by the biotic and abiotic stresses that adversely affect plant growth and production. By highlighting successful examples of translating research outcomes into actionable strategies, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of how laboratory findings can be applied practically to ensure plant health and increase agricultural productivity.

Scope:

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles, case studies, and reviews that address laboratory research and practical applications for plant protection and transition. Its scope includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Research studies that demonstrate the integration of various pest management strategies, including plant genetic resistance, cultural practices, and chemical and biological control for minimizing the biotic and abiotic stresses that adversely impact plants in sustainable agriculture.
• Crop Resistance and Genetic Improvements: Studies that showcase the translation of genetic/ genomic research into the development of pest-resistant crop varieties, as well as the practical utilization of biotechnologies for promoting plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Development and application of cutting-edge diagnostic techniques, including molecular- and imaging-based methods, for the early and accurate detection of plant pests, leading to effective control measures for plant health.
• Biosecurity Measures: Research focused on preventing the introduction and spread of invasive pests and diseases through the implementation of biosecurity protocols, quarantine measures, and risk-assessment strategies.
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Research highlighting the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on scientific evidence, including the use of cover crops, crop rotation, and agroecological approaches, to mitigate pest and disease pressure.
• Technology Transfer and Extension Services: Case studies and reviews that examine successful models of technology transfer and extension services, fostering collaboration between researchers, extension agents, farmers, and policymakers to ensure the effective dissemination and application of research findings.
• Economic and Societal Impact: Analysis of the economic and societal benefits resulting from the practical application of research findings in plant protection, considering factors such as increased yield, reduced chemical input, and improved food security.
• Case Studies: In-depth case studies illustrating the journey of research findings from laboratory experimentation to real-world application, highlighting the challenges faced, lessons learned, and impacts achieved.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share their experiences, knowledge, and successes, ultimately fostering a better understanding of how scientific advancements can drive positive changes in the field of plant protection. Through this exploration of practical applications, this Special Issue seeks to inspire innovative solutions and foster collaborative efforts for the sustainable management of plant health.

Dr. Shouan Zhang
Dr. Romina Gazis
Dr. Xingbo Wu
Dr. Dakshina R. Seal
Dr. Geoffrey Meru
Dr. Kang Qiao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• plant protection
• integrated pest management (IPM)
• resistance breeding
• genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics
• pest diagnostics
• biosecurity
• economical and societal benefits of crop protection
• sustainable agriculture
• technology transfer
• extension
• translational research
• holistic approach
• transdisciplinary