By Jamie Martin
A recent study suggests that microbes living near plant roots play a key role in helping crops handle heat stress. These microbes form the rhizosphere microbiome, an important part of plant health.
Traditionally, scientists studied how plant genetics and environmental factors interact. This concept is known as Genotype by Environment interactions. Now, researchers at North Carolina State University have added a third factor, the rhizosphere microbiome, creating a new model called GERM.
The research examined microbes from maize and sorghum grown under both normal and high temperatures. Results showed that plant genetics and heat conditions influenced microbial activity. These microbial changes were linked with how plants reacted to heat stress.
Nate Korth, lead author and postdoctoral fellow, said heat seems to trigger plants to activate certain genes. These genes help plants manage stress and are usually not active. Microbes may play a role in turning on these important genetic responses.
The study also points to communication between plants and microbes. However, researchers are still unsure which comes first. It is not clear whether plants signal microbes or microbes trigger plant responses.
Photo Credit: pexels-greta-hoffman
Categories: National