i'll just leave these here
Review
The rhizosphere microbiome and plant health
Roeland L. Berendsen1, , Corné M.J. Pieterse1, 2, Peter A.H.M. Bakker1
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2012.04.001
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The diversity of microbes associated with plant roots is enormous, in the order of tens of thousands of species. This complex plant-associated microbial community, also referred to as the second genome of the plant, is crucial for plant health. Recent advances in plant–microbe interactions research revealed that plants are able to shape their rhizosphere microbiome, as evidenced by the fact that different plant species host specific microbial communities when grown on the same soil. In this review, we discuss evidence that upon pathogen or insect attack, plants are able to recruit protective microorganisms, and enhance microbial activity to suppress pathogens in the rhizosphere. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that govern selection and activity of microbial communities by plant roots will provide new opportunities to increase crop production.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology
Volume 27, June 2014, Pages 30–37
Energy biotechnology • Environmental biotechnology
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Metabolic potential of endophytic bacteria
Günter Brader, Stéphane Compant, Birgit Mitter, Friederike Trognitz, Angela Sessitsch
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2013.09.012
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Open Access funded by Austrian Science Fund (FWF)
Under a Creative Commons license
Open Access
Highlights
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Endophytes are a source of a plethora of biologically active substances.
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Endophyte-associated metabolites may be needed for the interaction with the plant.
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Some metabolites are produced jointly by plant and endophytes.
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Endophytes may stimulate or alter metabolite production by the plant.
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Metabolite functions include signalling and communication, nutrient acquisition and defense.
The bacterial endophytic microbiome promotes plant growth and health and beneficial effects are in many cases mediated and characterized by metabolic interactions. Recent advances have been made in regard to metabolite production by plant microsymbionts showing that they may produce a range of different types of metabolites. These substances play a role in defense and competition, but may also be needed for specific interaction and communication with the plant host. Furthermore, few examples of bilateral metabolite production are known and endophytes may modulate plant metabolite synthesis as well. We have just started to understand such metabolic interactions between plants and endophytes, however, further research is needed to more efficiently make use of beneficial plant-microbe interactions and to reduce pathogen infestation as well as to reveal novel bioactive substances of commercial interest.