Researchers Unravel Plants' "Cry for Help" Response in Fighting Disease
The discovery was published in the Nature Communications journal.
Researchers used a series of modified nonpathogenic bacteria to simulate pathogen attacks. They found that these "mild" bacteria can trigger a "cry for help" response, leading plants to assemble multiple microbiomes around the narrow zone between their roots and the soil. The effect can even last for several planting cycles, providing long-lasting protection for plants, Science and Technology Daily reported.
They also found that when a plant sends out a "cry for help" signal, a microorganism known as Devosia can respond quickly and multiply in the plant's rhizosphere to defend it from pathogens.
A polypeptide component of Devosia can trigger further response and strengthen the interaction between plants and microorganisms. This interaction could be of great significance to the growth and health of plants.
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