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Updated: May 29, 2026
12:05
A Workflow for the Quantitative Assessment of the Endophytic and Epiphytic Bacterial Microbiomes of the Bark of Populus trichocarpa
Published on: June 27, 2025
Yeast species interactions and composition modulate leaf rust severity in Populus trichocarpa.
María-José Romero-Jiménez1, Eduardo Pérez-Pazos1, Devin R Leopold2
1Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
Summary
Plant yeasts can protect trees from rust, but their interactions and community composition are key. Higher yeast diversity doesn't always mean better disease protection.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Microbial ecology
- Forest science
Background:
- Plant microbiomes are crucial for defense against pathogens.
- The role of microbial interactions and community structure in plant disease is under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of individual foliar yeasts, their interactions, and community diversity on plant disease severity.
- To determine if yeast richness or diversity enhances disease resistance in Populus trichocarpa.
Main Methods:
- In planta greenhouse experiments with Populus trichocarpa and Melampsora × columbiana leaf rust.
- Testing individual yeasts, yeast combinations, and varying yeast richness/diversity.
- In vitro experiments to assess interspecific yeast competition.
Main Results:
- Individual yeasts had varied effects, some antagonizing, others facilitating rust.
- Yeast interactions altered disease outcomes; a rust facilitator was neutralized by other yeasts.
- Increasing yeast richness with a rust antagonist paradoxically increased disease severity.
- No overall correlation found between yeast richness/diversity and disease severity.
Conclusions:
- Microbial interactions and community composition significantly influence plant disease severity.
- Plant microbiome richness or diversity is not inherently protective against disease.
- Interspecific competition among yeasts can explain complex interactions and disease modulation.
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