The combination of isotopic tracers with root phenotyping reveals specific patterns in photosynthate allocation. These patterns are reflected in rhizodeposition and result in spatially distinct microbiomes within the plant root system.

Eliza Loo

Soils are highly heterogeneous and dynamic systems, experiencing a constant flow of plant root exudates and moisture fluctuations that affect nutrient distribution, soil physicochemical properties, a...

In controlled greenhouse conditions, Arabidopsis thaliana plants with a hyperactive allele of the ACD6 gene have stronger pathogen defenses but are smaller and make fewer seeds, in a classic fitness t...

Microbial communities are frequently organized into complex spatial structures, shaped by intrinsic cellular traits, interactions between community members, initial growth condition or environmental factors. Under- standing the mechanisms that drive these spatial patterns is essential for uncovering fundamental principles of microbial ecology and for developing applications. Using genetic engineering and synthetic microbial communities allows us to decipher how specific parameters influence spatial organization. In this review, we highlight recent studies that leverage synthetic microbial communities to deepen our understanding of microbial spatial ecology. We begin by exploring how initial conditions, such as cell density and relative species abundance, influence spatial organization. We then focus on studies that examine the role of individ- ual microbial traits, such as cell shape and motility. Next, we discuss the impact of contact-dependent and long-range interactions, including metabolite exchange and toxin release. Furthermore, we highlight the in- fluence of environmental factors on spatial dynamics. Finally, we address the current limitations of synthetic approaches and propose future directions to bridge the gap between engineered and natural systems.

Background Field inoculation of crops with beneficial microbes is a promising sustainable strategy to enhance plant fitness and nutrient acquisition. However, effectiveness can vary due to environment...

Endophytic fungi colonize healthy plant tissues without disease. Ujimatsu et al. reveal that the fungal transcription factor CtBOT6 triggers the virulence of a root-associated beneficial endophyte by ...

Establishment of the apoplastic root barrier known as the Casparian strip occurs early in root development. In legumes, this area overlaps with nitrogen-fixing nodule formation, which raises the possi...

Beneficial plant-microbe interactions are common in nature, but direct evidence for the evolution of mutualism is scarce. Here, Li et al. experimentally evolve a rhizospheric bacterium and find that i...

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) is essential for life, and plant cells monitor Pi availability by sensing inositol pyrophosphate (PP-InsP) levels. In this work, we describe the hijacking of plant phosphate s...