Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
11:16
A Hydroponic Co-cultivation System for Simultaneous and Systematic Analysis of Plant/Microbe Molecular Interactions and Signaling
Published on: July 22, 2017
14.6K
Chemical Communication Between Plant and Microbe in the Phyllosphere
Xuanxuan Ma1, Li Ling1, Bo Wang1
1Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Precise Breeding of Future Crops, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for the Development Biology and Environmental Adaptation of Agricultural Organisms, South China Institute for Soybean Innovation Research, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|December 2, 2025
Summary
The phyllosphere
Area of Science:
- Plant science
- Microbiology
- Chemical ecology
Background:
- The phyllosphere, the environment on plant leaves, is a vast habitat for microbes but its chemical ecology is understudied.
- Plant leaves harbor diverse microbial communities influenced by plant traits and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in metabolite-mediated communication within the phyllosphere.
- To explore how chemical signals shape phyllosphere microbiome assembly, function, and plant-microbe interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing recent research on phyllosphere chemical ecology.
- Analysis of plant-derived signals (primary/secondary metabolites, phytohormones) and microbial feedback mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Plant traits and environmental factors create specific chemical niches influencing microbial communities.
- Bidirectional chemical exchanges between plants and microbes regulate immunity, growth, and competition.
Conclusions:
- Understanding phyllosphere chemical ecology is crucial for developing strategies like microbial probiotics and breeding for beneficial plant-microbe consortia.
- Key challenges include signal attribution, microbiota stabilization, and understanding community-level interactions for sustainable agriculture.
Related Concept Videos
02:11The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
46.5K
Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.
46.5K
01:25Cell Signaling in Plants
6.1K
Plant cells communicate to coordinate their cycle of growth, flowering and fruiting, and activities in roots, shoots, and leaves in response to the changing environmental conditions. Plant signaling is distinct from animal signaling. Plants primarily utilize enzyme-linked receptors, whereas the largest class of cell-surface receptors in animals are G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Unlike animals, receptor tyrosine kinases are rare in plants. Instead, plants have a diverse class of...
6.1K
01:20Plasmodesmata
3.7K
In a multicellular organism, cells must communicate to work together in a coordinated manner. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and...
Intercellular junctions are a feature of fungal, plant, and animal cells. However, different types of junctions are found in different kinds of cells. Intercellular junctions found in animal cells include tight junctions, gap junctions, and...
3.7K
02:32Plasmodesmata
34.9K
The organs in a multicellular organism’s body are made up of tissues formed by cells. To work together cohesively, cells must communicate. One way that cells communicate is through direct contact with other cells. The points of contact that connect adjacent cells are called intercellular junctions.
34.9K
01:30Bacterial Signaling
40.0K
Bacterial signaling can occur within bacteria (intracellular) or between bacteria (intercellular). At times, a group of bacteria behaves like a community. To achieve this, they engage in quorum sensing, the perception of higher cell density that causes changes in gene expression. Quorum sensing involves both extracellular and intracellular signaling. The signaling cascade starts with a molecule called an autoinducer (AI). Individual bacteria produce AIs that move out of the bacterial cell...
40.0K
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
29.4K
Plants present a rich source of nutrients for many organisms, making it a target for herbivores and infectious agents. Plants, though lacking a proper immune system, have developed an array of constitutive and inducible defenses to fend off these attacks.
29.4K