Rice varietal intercropping mediates resistance to rice blast (Magnaporthe Oryzae) through core root exudates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rice blast (caused by Magnaporthe oryzae) severely limits rice production worldwide and poses an ongoing threat to food security. Intercropping of rice varieties shows effective rice blast control but the role of root interactions in mediating resistance remains unclear.

Results

Here we show that intercropping a susceptible and a resistant variety enhances disease resistance in both varieties under field and greenhouse conditions through root-secreted metabolites that activate defense pathways. Transcriptome analysis further showed that intercropping triggered a broad immune response. Metabolome profiling identified systemic changes in root exudate composition, including enrichment of flavonoid/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways and antifungal metabolites. Corr

SUBMITTER: Han GY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12729205 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature