Developmental programming refers to the process by which early-life environmental factors influence the long-term health outcomes of an individual, including susceptibility to diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Epigenetic modifications, which involve changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, have been increasingly recognized as key mediators of developmental programming. These modifications include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as stress, nutrition, toxins, and other environmental exposures during critical periods of development. Notably, epigenetic changes may be heritable, leading to transgenerational effects on health.

This Collection aims to explore the growing body of research examining the connection between developmental programming and epigenetics, with a focus on how exposures during critical period of development can impact gene expression and contribute to disease risk across the lifespan. We invite contributions that advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying developmental programming and epigenetic regulation, and that offer insights into potential therapeutic approaches for mitigating adverse health outcomes linked to early-life exposures.

Potential topics for this Collection include, but are not limited to:

Mechanisms of developmental programming: How early-life environmental exposures (e.g., nutrition, toxins, stress) induce epigenetic changes and influence long-term health.

DNA methylation and histone modification in developmental programming: Insights into how these epigenetic marks regulate gene expression during critical periods of development.

Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: Evidence and mechanisms by which epigenetic changes are passed from one generation to the next, affecting offspring health.

The role of non-coding RNAs in developmental programming and epigenetic regulation.

The impact of prenatal and early-life exposures on metabolic programming, neurodevelopment, and immune system function.

The influence of the maternal environment on epigenetic modifications and developmental outcomes.

The potential of epigenetic biomarkers in predicting disease risk and therapeutic interventions for early-life programming.

Epigenetic plasticity and interventions to mitigate the impact of harmful exposures (e.g., lifestyle changes, pharmacological approaches, and environmental modifications).

Keywords: developmental programming, epigenetic modifications, early-life exposures, transgenerational inheritance, disease risk

The long-term use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has resulted in numerous negative consequences, including the rise of resistant plant pathogens, environmental pollution, and harm to non-target organisms. Growing awareness of these issues has led to a critical demand for eco-friendly, sustainable alternatives. This collection will highlight recent advances in biological control strategies and natural metabolite-based disease management approaches as promising tools to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

Biological control agents (BCAs)—such as beneficial bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes, and predatory organisms—offer targeted suppression of pathogens with minimal ecological disruption. In parallel, plant-derived metabolites and microbial secondary compounds have demonstrated potent antimicrobial and signalling activities that enhance plant defences and resilience. Together, these approaches form a strong foundation for sustainable plant protection within integrated pest management (IPM) systems.

Plant biotechnology plays a vital role in strengthening the debate around plant-derived metabolites and microbial secondary compounds by enabling their targeted production, enhancement, and regulation. These bioactive molecules exhibit strong antimicrobial properties and boost natural plant defences, reducing dependency on synthetic pesticides. This supports sustainable plant protection strategies, improves crop resilience, and ensures environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Plant biotechnology provides powerful tools for sustainable crop protection by harnessing microbial metabolites and plant-derived natural products with proven antimicrobial and defence-enhancing properties. Several studies highlight the potential of beneficial microbes such as Burkholderia gladioli and Bacillus mojavensis, which produce bioactive compounds effective against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. These findings demonstrate how microbial metabolites can act as biocontrol agents, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

In parallel, plant essential oils and their constituents, such as those from Origanum vulgare, Salvia hispanica, and Mediterranean aromatic species, were shown to exhibit strong antifungal and antibacterial activity against postharvest pathogens. Moreover, advanced approaches, including the use of chitosan nanoparticles and WRKY-gene expression induction, reveal how natural compounds can be optimized through biotechnology to enhance plant innate defences. Other studies emphasize innovative strategies such as the synergistic application of Trichoderma harzianum with remediation technologies, or the identification of secondary metabolites from rhizospheric actinomycetes with growth-promoting and antifungal effects.

Collectively, these works illustrate the crucial role of plant biotechnology in integrating microbial metabolites and natural products for eco-friendly, effective, and sustainable plant protection.

The main objectives:

• Highlight recent breakthroughs in the discovery, formulation, and application of BCAs and natural metabolites.

• Explore the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying biocontrol and pathogen suppression.

• Compare the effectiveness of eco-safe alternatives to conventional chemical treatments under lab and field conditions.

• Discuss regulatory, scalability, and commercialization challenges for broader adoption of these technologies.

• Showcase successful case studies that demonstrate practical field applications and socioeconomic benefits.

This collection aims to bring together interdisciplinary research that bridges innovation with implementation, contributing to a resilient and environmentally responsible future for plant disease management.

Keywords: Biological Control Agents; Natural Metabolites; Plant Pathology; Sustainable Disease Management; Integrated Pest Management (IPM)