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Host and resident bacteria join forces to control fungi in plant roots

A complex microbial community comprising bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes is beneficial for plant growth. Inactivation of the plant innate immune system shifts this balance, making the fungal load a primary cause of disease. Bacterial partners residing in roots provide an additional layer of protection.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2021

For a fungus, the right “accessories” can make or break a relationship with a plant

A new study explores how plants respond differently to useful and harmful microbes, revealing that accessory chromosomes from fungal strains dictate these responses. Most plant genes are expressed similarly in response to both beneficial and pathogenic fungi, but with key differences occurring just 12 hours after interaction.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Clover growth in Mars-like soils boosted by bacterial symbiosis

Researchers found that clover grown with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria in Martian regolith experienced significant 75% more root and shoot growth compared to uninoculated plants. However, the regolith showed no excess production of nitrogen compounds, suggesting a potential role for these microbes in terraforming Mars soils.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

How do pathogens evolve novel virulence activities and why does it matter?

Scientists are still unraveling how pathogens adapt to changing conditions, including climate change and global trade. Genome sequencing and big data technologies have revealed that dramatic events like hybridization between pathogen species can lead to rapid evolution of virulence on new host plants.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2021

Methods in belowground botany

Current research in belowground botany is advancing our understanding of plant root systems, their structure, and function. New technologies like digital imaging of root traits are enabling scientists to study root systems more effectively.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateJun 18, 2019