Variations in plant's cry for help evidenced by modifications of rice root microbiota induced by blast or brown spot diseases.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plants can recruit specific microbes to help them defend themselves against phytopathogens in a process known as "cry for help". In this study, we investigated whether a plant species modulates its root-associated microbiome differently - i.e. "cries out differently" - depending on the diversity of fungal pathogens attacking its leaves. To address this question, we monitored changes in the root microbiome of Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare following infection with two fungal pathogens: Pyricularia oryzae (leaf blast) and Bipolaris oryzae (brown spot), under controlled conditions and using the same soil.

Results

Our results support the "cry for help" hypothesis, suggesting that pathogen-induced stress drives the recruitment of beneficial microbes. While the composition

SUBMITTER: Jobert L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12505648 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature