About this Research Topic
Plant-Microbe interactions are central to understanding how plants engage in symbiotic, commensal, or antagonistic relationships with microorganisms. These interactions, often occurring in the rhizosphere, are critical for nutrient acquisition, plant growth, stress resistance, and overall ecosystem function. Genomic studies have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms that govern these complex associations, shedding light on the genetic pathways that facilitate beneficial microbial colonization or trigger plant defense against pathogens.
Key plant genes, such as those involved in the recognition of microbial signals (e.g., Nod factors in legumes), are essential for establishing symbiotic relationships, such as those seen in nitrogen-fixing bacteria or mycorrhizal fungi. Advances in transcriptomics and metagenomics have enabled the identification of plant genes and regulatory networks that influence microbial community composition in the rhizosphere. These genetic determinants regulate the release of root exudates, which shape the microbial communities by attracting beneficial microbes or repelling harmful ones.
On the microbial side, genomic tools have revealed the genetic capabilities that enable microbes to communicate with plants, evade plant defenses, and form lasting associations. For example, microbes harbor specific genes that code for the production of biofilms or secondary metabolites that promote plant growth or enhance stress tolerance.
By understanding these plant-microbe interactions, we can manipulate these relationships to improve plant health, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices. These insights can also help restore ecological balance in natural environments by supporting plant adaptation to climate change and other stressors. Therefore, this research topic seeks to present a comprehensive, up-to-date collection of studies focusing on Plant-Microbe Interaction. We invite contributions in the form of Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Commentaries, Data Notes, and Technical Notes. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Investigating how plants use root exudates to attract beneficial microbes and influence soil microbial communities.
• Exploring the genetic basis of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between plants and bacteria, such as Rhizobium species in legumes.
• Understanding how plants differentiate between symbiotic microbes and pathogens at the molecular level.
• Investigating how plant-associated microbial communities contribute to soil fertility, carbon cycling, and overall ecosystem function.
• Investigating how beneficial microbes can be used as biocontrol agents to protect crops from pests and diseases.
Key plant genes, such as those involved in the recognition of microbial signals (e.g., Nod factors in legumes), are essential for establishing symbiotic relationships, such as those seen in nitrogen-fixing bacteria or mycorrhizal fungi. Advances in transcriptomics and metagenomics have enabled the identification of plant genes and regulatory networks that influence microbial community composition in the rhizosphere. These genetic determinants regulate the release of root exudates, which shape the microbial communities by attracting beneficial microbes or repelling harmful ones.
On the microbial side, genomic tools have revealed the genetic capabilities that enable microbes to communicate with plants, evade plant defenses, and form lasting associations. For example, microbes harbor specific genes that code for the production of biofilms or secondary metabolites that promote plant growth or enhance stress tolerance.
By understanding these plant-microbe interactions, we can manipulate these relationships to improve plant health, increase agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices. These insights can also help restore ecological balance in natural environments by supporting plant adaptation to climate change and other stressors. Therefore, this research topic seeks to present a comprehensive, up-to-date collection of studies focusing on Plant-Microbe Interaction. We invite contributions in the form of Original Research Articles, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Perspectives, Commentaries, Data Notes, and Technical Notes. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
• Investigating how plants use root exudates to attract beneficial microbes and influence soil microbial communities.
• Exploring the genetic basis of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between plants and bacteria, such as Rhizobium species in legumes.
• Understanding how plants differentiate between symbiotic microbes and pathogens at the molecular level.
• Investigating how plant-associated microbial communities contribute to soil fertility, carbon cycling, and overall ecosystem function.
• Investigating how beneficial microbes can be used as biocontrol agents to protect crops from pests and diseases.
Keywords: Plant-Microbe Interactions, Plant Genomics, Rhizosphere, Mycorrhizal Fungi
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