Mutations in legume genes that influence symbiosis create a complex selective landscape for rhizobial symbionts.

ABSTRACT: In the mutualism between leguminous plants and rhizobial bacteria, rhizobia live inside root nodules, creating potential for host genes to shape the rhizobial selective environment. Many host genes that affect symbiosis have been identified; however, the extent to which these genes affect selection acting on rhizobia is unknown. In this study, we inoculated 18 Medicago truncatula symbiotic mutants (including mutants that alter Nodule Cysteine-Rich (NCR) peptide production, plant defence, and nodule number regulation) with a mixture of 86 Sinorhizobium meliloti strains. Most mutations resulted in reduced host benefits, but the effects on rhizobial benefit (i.e. relative strain fitness) varied widely, revealing widespread host-by-strain fitness interactions. Genome-wide association analyses

SUBMITTER: Guha S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12904279 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature