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Microbial-mediated induced resistance: interactive effects for improving crop health

Summary

This research explores how beneficial microbes like Trichoderma fungi and Bacillus bacteria can help plants naturally defend themselves against diseases. These microbes trigger the plant’s built-in immune system through chemical signals and molecular processes similar to how our immune system responds to threats. The approach offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting crops, though effectiveness varies depending on environmental conditions.

Background

Microbial-mediated induced resistance (MMIR) is a promising sustainable agriculture approach where beneficial microbes trigger plants’ innate defense mechanisms. Key microbial agents include Trichoderma species, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Bacillus species, and Pseudomonas species, which interact with plants to enhance disease resistance.

Objective

This review examines the mechanisms of MMIR and how beneficial microbes activate plant defense pathways to improve crop health and provide eco-friendly disease management. The paper synthesizes current understanding of molecular events and context-dependent factors affecting MMIR effectiveness under field conditions.

Results

The review identifies key mechanisms including priming, oxidative burst, callose deposition, Ca2+ ion influx, transcriptional factor activation, and secondary metabolite production. Multiple beneficial microbes from fungi and bacterial genera are documented to induce systemic resistance through jasmonic acid, ethylene, and salicylic acid signaling pathways.

Conclusion

MMIR shows significant promise for sustainable crop disease management, but its context-dependency remains a major challenge. The authors recommend either simulating field-like conditions during experimentation or developing environmentally stable commercial formulations based on secondary metabolites from beneficial microbes.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMC12497805, PMID: 41059055
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