Call for papers: Advances in microbial biocontrol: Utilizing microorganisms to combat invertebrate pests in agriculture

Microbial biocontrol is an essential approach to managing invertebrate pests in agriculture. This special issue explores recent advancements in microbial agents, focusing on novel strains of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more with biocontrol potential. Topics cover the mechanisms of action, improved application methods, integration into pest management, and the environmental benefits of reducing synthetic pesticides. Additionally, innovative approaches such as genetic modification, microbial consortia, and advancements in formulation and delivery are included. This issue aims to present a comprehensive overview of microbial biocontrol, highlighting its potential to enhance agricultural sustainability and productivity.

Guest editors:

Diego Sauka
Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina

Leopoldo Palma
Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Johannes Jehle
Julius Kühn-Institut, Institute for Biological Control, Quedlinburg, Germany

Special issue information:

Microbial biocontrol represents an important strategy for controlling invertebrate pests that impact agricultural productivity and biodiversity. This special issue could aim to explore recent advancements in utilizing microorganisms as biocontrol agents, focusing on their diverse mechanisms of action, application methods, and integration into pest management programs. The issue might encompass a broad range of topics, starting with the identification and characterization of novel microbial strains with biocontrol potential. This includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms exhibiting insecticidal, nematicidal, and antifungal properties. Research articles could explore the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying these activities, providing insights into how these microorganisms interact with and affect target pests. Additionally, the issue could address innovative approaches to enhancing the efficacy of microbial biocontrol agents. Topics may include genetic modifications, the development of microbial consortia for targeting multiple pests simultaneously, and advancements in formulation and delivery systems, such as encapsulation and bio-based carriers. The practical application of microbial biocontrol in different agricultural settings, from large-scale commercial farms to smallholder systems, could also be covered. Case studies demonstrating the successful integration of microbial biocontrol into integrated pest management programs could highlight its potential to reduce dependence on chemically synthesized pesticides. The economic and environmental benefits, including improved crop yields and reduced pesticide residues, could also be discussed. Contributions could address the safety of microbial biocontrol agents for non-target organisms, such as beneficial insects, humans, and the environment. Finally, the special issue could explore future directions in microbial biocontrol, including the potential role of biotechnological advancements like CRISPR and gene-editing technologies in enhancing the precision and efficacy of microbial agents. The significance of microbiomes in pest control and the concept of using microbial communities for managing pest populations could also be discussed. This special issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in microbial biocontrol and identify key areas for future research and development.

Manuscript submission information:

Submission deadline: May 8, 2025

You are invited to submit your manuscript at any time before the submission deadline. For any inquiries about the appropriateness of contribution topics, please contact Dr. Diego Sauka via sauka.diego@inta.gob.ar.

The special issue will accept all types of articles, including original articles, reviews, and short communications, among others. You can see the information related to types of articles in Guide for Authors.

The journal’s submission platform (Editorial Manager®) is now available for receiving submissions to this Special Issue. Please refer to the Guide for Authors to prepare your manuscript, and select the article type of “VSI: Advances in microbial biocontrol” when submitting your manuscript online. Both the Guide for Authors and the submission portal could be found on the Journal Homepage here.

All the submissions deemed suitable to be sent for peer review will be reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. Upon its editorial acceptance, your article will go into production immediately. It will be published in the latest regular issue, while be presented on the specific Special Issue webpage simultaneously. In regular issues, Special Issue articles will be clearly marked and branded.

Why publish in this Special Issue?

• Special Issue articles are published together on ScienceDirect, making it incredibly easy for other researchers to discover your work.
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• Special content articles attract 20% more citations in the first 24 months than articles published in regular issues.
• All articles in this special issue will be reviewed by no fewer than two independent experts to ensure the quality, originality and novelty of the work published.

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