This detailed collection focuses on current methodologies for studying various crop diseases. The book explores phytopathogen detection, host-pathogen interactions at the earliest stages of colonization, RNA-seq analyses, as well as host responses downstream of, or coincidental to, gene expression and a newly established protocol for gene editing of Medicago sativa. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.