Microbial small molecules - weapons of plant subversion

Area of Science:

• Plant-microbe interactions
• Microbial biochemistry
• Agricultural science

Background:

• Plants host numerous microbes, some beneficial, others pathogenic, impacting crop yield and food security.
• Both beneficial and pathogenic microbes modulate plant immunity to colonize plant tissues.
• Molecular communication via small molecules is crucial for establishing plant-microbe relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review microbe-derived small molecules involved in plant growth, health, and pathogen invasion.
• To analyze the small molecule biosynthetic capabilities within the Pseudomonas genus using comparative genomics.
• To explore the fading distinction between detrimental and beneficial microbes.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microbe-derived signaling compounds.
• Comparative genomics of the Pseudomonas genus to assess biosynthetic potential.
• Analysis of microbial small molecule biosynthesis and activity.

Main Results:

• Microbial small molecules act as signaling compounds, promoting plant health or facilitating pathogen invasion.
• The Pseudomonas genus exhibits significant small molecule biosynthetic capabilities, with both beneficial and pathogenic species.
• Genomic analysis reveals extensive potential for small molecule production within microbial populations.

Conclusions:

• The distinction between beneficial and detrimental microbes is increasingly blurred due to shared molecular mechanisms.
• Knowledge of microbial small molecule biosynthesis and activity can drive the development of biological agents for sustainable crop resilience.
• This understanding offers pathways for pathogen inhibition and eradication in agriculture.