In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese researchers have unveiled how plants use a \”cry for help\” mechanism to defend themselves against pathogenic invasions. The study, conducted by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, was recently published in Nature Communications.
The team simulated pathogen attacks by introducing modified nonpathogenic bacteria to plants. These \”mild\” bacteria triggered a distress response in the plants, leading them to assemble diverse microbiomes in the rhizosphere—the narrow region of soil influenced by root secretions. Remarkably, this defensive strategy not only protected the plants from immediate threats but also conferred long-lasting immunity over several planting cycles.
Central to this mechanism is the microorganism Devosia. When plants emit the \”cry for help\” signal, Devosia responds swiftly, proliferating in the rhizosphere to combat pathogens. A polypeptide component produced by Devosia further enhances this protective relationship, strengthening the interaction between plants and beneficial microbes.
This discovery holds significant implications for agriculture and sustainable farming practices. By understanding and harnessing this natural defense system, farmers and scientists can develop innovative strategies to improve crop health and resistance to diseases, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides.
This study not only sheds light on the intricate communication between plants and microorganisms but also opens new avenues for research into plant immunity and microbiome engineering.
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Researchers unravel plants' 'cry for help' in fighting disease
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