Mitochondrial DNA Part B

Mitochondrial Genomics of Forest Tree-Pathogenic Fungi

Mitochondria play a central role in the biology, evolution, and adaptability of forest tree–pathogenic fungi. Unlike nuclear genomes, mitochondrial DNA is typically compact, uniparentally inherited, and evolves relatively rapidly, making it an ideal molecular marker for species identification, phylogenetic reconstruction, and population genetic studies. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled the assembly and analysis of complete mitochondrial genomes across a wide range of fungal pathogens that infect forest trees, providing valuable insights into their diversity, evolution, and ecological adaptation.

Understanding the mitochondrial genomics of forest tree–pathogenic fungi is crucial because mitochondrial DNA provides powerful markers for species identification, evolutionary analysis, and population tracking. This is particularly important for accurately distinguishing closely related or cryptic fungal species that may differ in virulence, host specificity, geographic distribution, or sensitivity to fungicides.

Mitochondrial genomes also offer valuable insights into how these pathogens adapt to diverse and often challenging environmental and host conditions within forest ecosystems. Such adaptations highlight the relevance of mitochondrial studies for improving disease detection, monitoring, and management strategies in forestry. Moreover, as forest health faces increasing threats from emerging pathogens, climate change, and the spread of invasive species, mitochondrial genomic data can support the development of more precise and sustainable approaches to disease control and forest conservation.

This collection aims to bring together recent research focusing on the mitochondrial genomics of forest tree–pathogenic fungi.

We invite submissions that explore complete mitochondrial genome sequencing, genome organization and structural variation, comparative genomics, and evolutionary dynamics among fungal pathogens affecting forest trees. Studies investigating mitochondrial markers for species identification, molecular diagnostics, epidemiology, and phylogeography of forest diseases are particularly encouraged. In addition, research addressing mitochondrial function, adaptation to diverse environmental and host conditions, fungicide resistance, and the role of mitochondrial genes in fungal pathogenicity will be highly valuable.

This collection welcomes particularly methodological advances in sequencing technologies, genome assembly, annotation, and data analysis, as well as the integration of mitochondrial genomic data with nuclear and transcriptomic datasets. By compiling diverse studies within forest pathology and mycology, this collection seeks to deepen our understanding of mitochondrial genome evolution and its implications for forest health, disease management, and ecosystem sustainability.

We encourage mitogenome reports, plastome-related studies where relevant to host–pathogen systems, methodological developments, reviews, and rapid communications that advance mitochondrial genomics in the context of forest tree diseases.

Keywords:

1. Mitochondrial genomics
2. Forest tree pathogens
3. Phylogenetics
4. Genome evolution
5. Plant–fungus interactions

Guest Advisors

Chitrabhanu Sharma Bhunjun specializes in molecular biology, with a focus on phylogenetics, and biodiversity studies. His work primarily explores the genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and ecological dynamics of parasites and other organisms using genomic and bioinformatic approaches. He has contributed to several studies involving genome characterization, species identification, and molecular systematics, supporting a better understanding of organismal evolution and disease-related processes. Through his research, he aims to advance knowledge in biodiversity conservation and the study of host–pathogen interactions. For further details about Dr. Bhunjun's professional profile, kindly refer to these links: https://en.mfu.ac.th/visitors/school-directory/sd-detail.html?tx_schooldirectory_list%5Baction%5D=show&tx_schooldirectory_list%5Bcontroller%5D=SDPerson&tx_schooldirectory_list%5BsDPerson%5D=812&cHash=13f855af738a102b73caa42323d81f0d or https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8098-3390.

Dr. Chayanard Phukhamsakda research focuses on taxonomy and biodiversity, with a particular focus on metabolite-producing fungi. Her research integrates morphological and molecular approaches to uncover fungal diversity, ecological roles, and evolutionary relationships, as well as the study of secondary metabolites with potential applications in biotechnology and medicine. Dr. Phukhamsakda has received several prestigious recognitions, including the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers and inclusion in the world’s top 2% scientists list. Her work continues to advance understanding of fungal biodiversity and its applications in ecology, natural products, and global research initiatives. For further details about Dr. Phukhamsakda's professional profile, kindly refer to these links: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/connect/explore-the-humboldt-network/singleview/1249899/dr-chayanard-phukhamsakda or https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1033-937X.

Disclosure Statement: Guest advisors declare no conflict of interest regarding this work.

All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo a full peer-review; the Guest Advisor for this Collection will not be handling the manuscripts (unless they are an Editorial Board member).

Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.

To submit your papers to this Article Collection, please:

1. Check "yes" for the question, "Are you submitting your paper for a specific special issue or article collection?"
2. Select the Article Collection ‘Mitochondrial Genomics of Forest Tree-Pathogenic Fungi’ from the drop-down menu under the question, "Special Issue or Article Collection Name."

Please contact Changluan Zhou at [email protected] with any queries and discount codes regarding this Article Collection.