Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, shaping microbial communities, driving biogeochemical cycles, and influencing their ecosystems in many ways. As environmental change accelerates (e.g. ocean warming, freshwater acidification, soil degradation, agricultural intensification, atmospheric shifts, and the emergence of space‑associated microbial habitats) the global virome is surely being affected – but how and to what extent remains largely unexplored.

This cross‑journal special Collection brings together research highlighting how viral diversity, ecology, function, and evolution are responding to our rapidly changing planet, maybe even impacting the change themselves and potentially acting as solutions to ameliorate some changes.

We would like to see submissions that go beyond describing the viral communities: we are looking for are studies that deepen our understanding of the roles viral communities play in our changing environments. Methodological advances (including metagenomics, multi‑omics, modelling, remote sensing, and experimental ecosystem approaches) are also encouraged. Through this Collection we would like to advance a holistic view of the planetary virome and its influence on life and the environment across our interconnected ecosystems.

Microbiome and Environmental Microbiome are calling for submissions to our Collection on the Apple Microbiome.

With world apple production estimated at 84 million tons, the microbiome of the apple has significant implications for agriculture, food security, and human health. Understanding the complex interactions between apple plants and their associated microbial communities can lead to improved crop management strategies, enhanced fruit quality and longevity, and sustainable agricultural practices. Recent advances have highlighted the role of specific bacteria and fungi in promoting plant health and resilience against specific pathogens. Moreover, detailed profiling of these microbial communities, revealing their diversity and functional potential facilitate exciting future developments, such as the identification of beneficial microbial consortia for biocontrol and the formulation of tailored probiotic treatments for both plants and humans. By advancing our collective understanding in this area, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

-Microbial diversity and function associated with apples

-Effects of soil health and rhizosphere interactions on apple production

-Impact of climate change on the apple microbiome

-Role of the apple microbiome in fruit quality

-Microbiome-driven strategies for disease resistance

This collection is open for submissions from all authors on the condition that the manuscript falls within both the scope of the collection and the journal it is submitted to.

All submissions in this collection undergo the relevant journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief of the relevant journal. As an open access publication, participating journals levy an article processing fee (Microbiome, Environmental Microbiome). We recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief of the journal where the article is being submitted.