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Updated: Apr 1, 2026
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A Hydroponic Co-cultivation System for Simultaneous and Systematic Analysis of Plant/Microbe Molecular Interactions and Signaling
Published on: July 22, 2017
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Signaling in the phytomicrobiome: breadth and potential
Donald L Smith1, Sowmyalakshmi Subramanian1, John R Lamont1
1Plant Science Department, McGill University/Macdonald Campus, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC Canada.
Frontiers in Plant Science
|October 7, 2015
Summary
Plants and microbes communicate using molecular signals, forming a crucial phytomicrobiome. Understanding this plant-microbe signaling enables phytomicrobiome engineering for eco-friendly crop production and improved resilience.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Microbiology
- Ecology
Background:
- Higher plants harbor a complex phytomicrobiome, a community of associated microbes.
- Plant-microbe interactions are mediated by molecular signaling, crucial for plant development and productivity.
- Established examples include legume-rhizobia symbiosis and mycorrhizal associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of molecular communication in the plant-phytomicrobiome.
- To highlight the potential of understanding these signals for developing sustainable agriculture.
- To introduce the concept of phytomicrobiome engineering.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical analyses
- Genomic studies
- Proteomic analyses
- Metabolomic studies
Main Results:
- Molecular signals mediate plant-microbe communication, influencing plant development and architecture.
- Inter-microbial communication (quorum sensing) is also a key mechanism within the phytomicrobiome.
- Plant immune systems detect microbial signals, activating defense responses.
Conclusions:
- Understanding plant-microbe signaling advances knowledge of the phytomicrobiome.
- This knowledge facilitates the development of effective, low-cost, eco-friendly crop inputs.
- Phytomicrobiome engineering can enhance crop productivity and resilience to environmental stresses.
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