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

*我的研究项目的目标是了解植物与微生物群落（“微生物组”）联系的基因和机制。植物和动物依靠它们的相关微生物来保护病原体、进行新陈代谢、正常生长和生理机能。植物根相关（根际）微生物组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相关细菌的潜力进行农业改良至关重要。*** *本研究计划的重点是了解密切相关的根际细菌改变系统植物防御的机制。一些根相关细菌可以诱导对叶片病原菌的系统性抗性；然而，到目前为止，ISR还不是替代或增加传统农用农药的有效工具。此外，我们发现与ISR菌株密切相关的细菌可以诱导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。目标是找出营养吸收和植物防御之间的分子联系。由于植物营养成分和抗病性对食品质量和安全至关重要，了解这些联系可以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.**