Author(s): MENDES, R.

Summary: Microbial communities play a pivotal role in the functioning of superior organisms by influencing their physiology and development (1). While many members of the rhizosphere microbiome are beneficial to plant growth, also plant pathogenic microorganisms colonize the rhizosphere striving to break through the protective microbial shield and to overcome the innate plant defense mechanisms in order to cause disease (2). To infect root tissue, pathogens have to compete with members of the rhizosphere microbiome for available nutrients and microsites. In disease-suppressive soils, pathogens are strongly restricted in growth by the activities of specific rhizosphere microorganisms (3). Using metagenomics and metatranscriptomics studies we postulate that the invading pathogen induces, directly or via the plant, stress responses in the rhizobacterial community that lead to shifts in microbiome composition and to activation of antagonistic traits that restrict pathogen infection. Therefore, upon attack by a fungal root pathogen, plants can exploit microbial consortia from soil for protection against infections (4). In this context, we hypothesized that breeding towards resistance against soilborne pathogens influences the assembly of microbial communities and the abundance of specific functional traits associated with protection provided by the rhizosphere microbiome (5). Here, we will discuss recent discoveries on rhizosphere interactions and soilborne pathogens aiming to elucidate the role of the rhizosphere microbiome in reducing disease impacts.

Publication year: 2018

Types of publication: Abstract in annals or event proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Environment

Keywords: Biological control, Controle biológico, Doença de planta, Fauna microbiana, Microbial communities, Rizosfera, Suppressive soils