The microbiome orchestrates contaminant low-dose phytostimulation.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Plant Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Plant hormesis describes physiological responses to environmental contaminants.
• The plant microbiome critically influences plant stress responses.
• The role of microbes in plant hormesis is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of microbes in plant hormetic responses to subtoxic contaminants.
• To explore how contaminants affect plant-microbe interactions.
• To discuss the implications of these interactions for plant physiology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on plant hormesis and the microbiome.
• Analysis of contaminant effects on microbial communities.
• Synthesis of findings on plant-microbe symbiosis under stress.

Main Results:

• Subtoxic contaminants often promote beneficial microorganisms, including symbionts like mycorrhizae.
• Microbial symbiosis enhances nutrient uptake and plant physiological performance.
• Contaminants can directly and indirectly improve plant health via microbial pathways.

Conclusions:

• The plant microbiome is a key factor in mediating hormetic responses to environmental contaminants.
• Understanding plant-microbe interactions is crucial for predicting plant responses to pollution.
• Targeting microbial symbiosis could offer novel strategies for phytostimulation and remediation.