Characterizing rhizosphere microbial communities associated with tolerance to aboveground herbivory in wild and domesticated tomatoes.

ABSTRACT: Root-associated microbial communities are well known for their ability to prime and augment plant defenses that reduce herbivore survival or alter behavior (i.e., resistance). In contrast, the role root microbes play in plant tolerance to herbivory, an evolutionarily sustainable alternative to resistance, is overlooked. In this study, we aimed to expand our limited understanding of what role rhizosphere microbial communities play in supporting tolerance to insect damage. Using domesticated tomatoes and their wild ancestors (Solanum spp.), we first documented how tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) herbivory impacted tomato fruit production in order to quantify plant tolerance. We then characterized the bacterial and fungal rhizosphere communities harbored by high and low toleran

SUBMITTER: Tronson E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9515613 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature