Diversified alternaria pathogenicity alters plant-soil feedbacks through leaf-root-microbiome dynamics in...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Plant Pathology
• Soil Science

Background:

• Interspecific interactions are crucial for ecosystem stability.
• The role of foliar pathogens in plant-soil feedback (PSF) within diverse ecosystems is often overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of foliar pathogen pathogenicity diversity on PSF.
• To understand the influence on rhizosphere microbial communities in an agroforestry system.

Main Methods:

• Assessed effects of foliar *Alternaria panax* infection.
• Analyzed plant defense responses (jasmonic acid-mediated).
• Examined rhizosphere microbial community assembly and PSF.

Main Results:

• Moderate *A. panax* infection activated shoot-to-root defense via jasmonic acid (JA).
• This enhanced 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid secretion, promoting disease-suppressive microbes and positive PSF.
• Excessive infection localized JA defense in leaves, disrupting microbial enrichment and causing negative PSF.

Conclusions:

• Foliar pathogen intensity critically modulates plant-soil feedback.
• Understanding pathogen effects is key for agroforestry sustainability.
• Plant defense signaling pathways influence rhizosphere interactions and soil health.