What are the Top 10 Unanswered Questions in Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions?

Area of Science:

• Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions (MPMI)
• Plant Pathology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Significant advancements in molecular plant-microbe interactions (MPMI) have been made.
• Current understanding allows for mechanistic detail previously unimaginable.
• A reassessment of fundamental, overarching questions in the field is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and present the top 10 unanswered questions in MPMI.
• To foster a community-driven approach to defining research priorities.
• To provide a framework for future research and inspire new insights.

Main Methods:

• A community-based approach was employed.
• Over 1,400 participants at the 2019 International Congress on MPMI were surveyed.
• A consensus was reached on ten fundamental research questions.

Main Results:

• A list of ten broad-reaching, fundamental questions in MPMI was generated.
• These questions represent key areas for future investigation.
• The identified questions will guide upcoming detailed reviews.

Conclusions:

• The identified top 10 questions provide a roadmap for the MPMI field.
• This collaborative effort highlights the critical unknowns in plant-microbe interactions.
• The initiative aims to inspire new researchers and novel avenues of inquiry.