As Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Crop Health since February 2023, I would like to briefly introduce myself. For 30 years I have been working on plant pathology with focus on host-parasite interactions. My early research interests were on biotrophic plant pathogens as powdery mildew and rust fungi, now the emphasis is on diseases and pests of legumes, another focus on soil borne diseases.

The Journal of Crop Health is currently an international scientific journal covering applied topics on biotic and abiotic stress of crop plants. It is well known to many readers under the German name “Gesunde Pflanzen”. It was first published 75 years ago in January 1949 under this name and was managed by the National Plant Protection authority of the Federal Republic of Germany. Originally, the journal aimed to provide guidance and advice for practitioners with a focus on management of plant diseases, pests and weeds.

In a changing world, the health of plants is increasingly affected by abiotic types of stress. Therefore, the journal’s subject range has been adapted and expanded: Journal of Crop Health is publishing papers of original research and reviews on the topics of biotic and abiotic stress in crop plants. The wide range of topics also led to a broad international authorship. Consequently, contributing in English became increasingly popular in recent years, although German-language manuscripts are still accepted.

The journal is doing well. The Editorial Assistant Vanessa Keinert has made a major contribution to this success. She pre-checks and selects the large number of incoming manuscripts. The success of the journal also relies on the efforts of the outstanding team of the Editorial Board. The excellent scientific standard of the editorial team ensures high quality of published work. The large number of submissions will be met by further expanding the editorial team.

The Journal of Crop Health will continue to seek high quality research papers that contribute to the development of crop protection concepts and their application in the field. In addition, to improve plant health, together with the biology of plants and their interacting organisms we also need to understand their response to the environment. Our journal covers these highly topical research issues and will continue to publish relevant articles.

Christine Struck

Editor-in-Chief

Journal of Crop Health