Bibliometric analysis of global research trends on Phytomonas for insights into future direction

Abstract Phytomonas species are parasites that affect economically important plants, thereby constituting significant economic loss and a threat to food security. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on Phytomonas literature to assess the current state, focal points, and trends of research, aimed at offering a comprehensive overview of Phytomonas research development and providing future research directions in the area. The study examined 234 documents indexed in the Scopus database covering the period from 1938 to 2023. The years 1995 and 2000 were found to have the highest research output on Phytomonas , with 13 publications each. This could be linked to scientific advancements in molecular techniques, the growing awareness of biodiversity, and increased interest in the ecological roles of these parasitic organisms around this period. Brazil emerged as the leading contributor to Phytomonas research, with the “Journal of Protozoology” emerging as the source with the highest publications and impact. “Dollet M” and “Camargo EP” stood out as the most prolific and impactful authors in Phytomonas research, respectively. Paucity of research on Phytomonas from Australia, Africa, and Asia was revealed by the study, necessitating further deliberate actions from these regions. Notably, subjects such as “ Phytomonas serpens ” and “phylogeny” garnered considerable attention, highlighting critical research areas within the field. Furthermore, “antiprotozoal activity” emerged as the latest trending topic in the field, reflecting a shift toward addressing the lack of specialized treatments and robust chemical control strategies. These results offer valuable insights into the trajectory of Phytomonas research and provide researchers with useful guidance for future exploration of this domain.