Elucidating the mechanisms by which the plant rhizosphere microbiome modulates systemic plant defenses

*我的研究计划的目标是了解植物与微生物群落(“微生物群”)之间联系的基因和机制。植物和动物依靠相关微生物进行病原体保护、新陈代谢以及正常生长和生理。植物根际微生物群落中的微生物可以调节植物的生长和防御。了解控制植物与有益根际菌株相互作用的分子机制对于利用天然植物伴生细菌进行农业改良的潜力至关重要。*本研究方案侧重于了解密切相关的根际细菌修改植物系统防御系统的机制。一些与根相关的细菌可以诱导对叶片病原菌的系统抗性(ISR)，但到目前为止，ISR一直不是取代或增强传统农用农药的有效工具。此外，我们还发现与ISR菌株密切相关的细菌可以诱导对病原体的系统性敏感性(ISS)。我们的初步数据表明，ISR和ISS细菌分别影响植物对铁和氮的吸收。目标是弄清楚营养吸收和植物防御之间的分子联系。由于植物营养含量和抗病能力对食品质量和安全至关重要，了解这些联系有助于通过减少对农用化学品的需求来促进食品安全。

*The goal of my research program is to understand the genes and mechanisms that underlie plant associations with microbial communities (“microbiomes”). Plants and animals depend on their associated microbes for pathogen protection, metabolism, and normal growth and physiology. Microbes in the plant root-associated (“rhizosphere”) microbiome can modulate plant growth and defenses. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern plant interactions with beneficial rhizosphere strains is essential to harness the potential of naturally plant-associated bacteria for agricultural improvement.*** *This research proposal focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which closely related rhizosphere bacteria modify systemic plant defenses. Some root-associated bacteria can induce systemic resistance (ISR) against leaf pathogens; however, ISR has thus far been an ineffective tool to replace or augment traditional agronomic pesticides. Additionally, we have found that bacteria closely related to ISR strains can induce systemic susceptibility (ISS) to pathogens. Our preliminary data indicates that ISR and ISS bacteria affect plant uptake of iron and nitrogen respectively. The goal is to figure out the molecular links between nutrient uptake and plant defenses. Because plant nutrient content and disease resistance are of utmost importance for food quality and security, understanding these connections can help promote food safety by reducing the need for agrochemicals.**