Studying miRNAs in plants -- Regulation of plant miRNA biogenesis -- Technologies to address plant miRNA functions -- Strategies and resources for the identification of microRNAs in non-model plants -- miRNAs in the formation of epigenetic memory in plants -- miRNAs in plant development -- miRNA regulation of fruit development -- miRNAs in plant embryogenesis -- Emerging of microRNAs as key regulators in plant secondary metabolism -- miRNAs in vascular development -- miRNAs in plant abiotic and biotic stresses -- Regulation of high-temperature stress response by small RNAs -- Role of microRNAs in plant-fungus interactions -- Plant miRNAs regulate innate immunity through diverse mechanisms.

This book summarizes the latest findings on the functions of microRNAs in the regulation of plant development and responses to the surrounding environment. MicroRNAs are an important class of molecules that can be found in diverse groups of organisms, including plants and animals, and the investigation of their roles is a highly dynamic and "hot" research topic. The respective chapters address four main aspects, namely: microRNA investigation and annotation, the regulatory roles of microRNAs in various developmental processes, in response to abiotic factors, and in the context of biotic stress response regulation. Systematically reviewing the most important findings in this field, the book offers an essential guide for undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, and plant science researchers. Due to the potential applications of microRNAs in crop breeding and plant protection, it also represents a valuable resource for scientists in academia and the private sector alike. .