About this Research Topic
Plants represent an important source of water and nutrients for microbes, as well as microbes strongly contribute to plant adaptation and fitness. The advances in high-throughput sequencing techniques have rapidly improved our understanding of the beneficial and pathological roles of microbes for hosts. Plant-microbe interactions involve a great variety of microbes - from bacteria to fungi and protists. Among the beneficial impacts of plant-microbe interactions, many studies have demonstrated the role of root microbiota in promoting plant growth and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Recently, an ever-increasing interest in plant bacteria interactions with associated microbiomes has been manifested by scholars working in various fields - from basic research on pathogenic bacteria, microbial symbioses and molecular signalling to applications in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity preservation.
Among the most known and investigated models of plant-microbe interactions are rhizobia - facultative legume symbionts that colonize, invade and establish chronic infections within their plant hosts, and fix nitrogen that directly or indirectly boosts nutrient interchange, thus empowering plants to combat with phytopathogens. However, the plant-bacteria relationship is immensely complex and dynamic. And despite the advancements in omics, approaches, and technology in this field of research, some mechanisms behind this interaction remain obscure.
This Research Topic will highlight the genomics, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology associated with the pathogenic, symbiotic, and associative interactions of microbes with plants. The main objective is to contribute to crop improvement by inviting scientists and experts to submit their original research articles and reviews that improve our understanding of plant-microbe interactions. Studies that combine multi-disciplinary approaches to characterize these interactions are encouraged.
Recently, an ever-increasing interest in plant bacteria interactions with associated microbiomes has been manifested by scholars working in various fields - from basic research on pathogenic bacteria, microbial symbioses and molecular signalling to applications in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity preservation.
Among the most known and investigated models of plant-microbe interactions are rhizobia - facultative legume symbionts that colonize, invade and establish chronic infections within their plant hosts, and fix nitrogen that directly or indirectly boosts nutrient interchange, thus empowering plants to combat with phytopathogens. However, the plant-bacteria relationship is immensely complex and dynamic. And despite the advancements in omics, approaches, and technology in this field of research, some mechanisms behind this interaction remain obscure.
This Research Topic will highlight the genomics, genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology associated with the pathogenic, symbiotic, and associative interactions of microbes with plants. The main objective is to contribute to crop improvement by inviting scientists and experts to submit their original research articles and reviews that improve our understanding of plant-microbe interactions. Studies that combine multi-disciplinary approaches to characterize these interactions are encouraged.
Keywords: plant-associated microbial communities, plant microbiota, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), antagonistic bacteria, symbiosis, nitrogen fixation, phytopathogenic bacteria
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