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The Structural and Functional Diversities of Bacteria Inhabiting Plant Woody Tissues and Their Interactions with Fungi

Summary

Bacteria living in tree wood work together with fungi to break down wood and nutrients, which is important for forest health. Some bacteria can protect trees from harmful fungi by fighting them off, making them useful for controlling plant diseases. Understanding how bacteria and fungi interact in wood can help us grow healthier plants, manage tree diseases better, and improve wood decomposition processes.

Background

Bacteria and fungi coexist in woody plant tissues and form complex relationships that influence plant health and wood decomposition. While fungi have traditionally been considered the primary agents of wood decay, bacteria play significant roles through their metabolic versatility and ability to tolerate extreme environmental conditions.

Objective

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of bacterial profiles and functions in lignocellulosic plants, their interactions with fungal communities in woody tissues, and how understanding these tripartite plant-bacteria-fungi interactions can improve plant health and wood decomposition processes.

Results

The review documents diverse bacterial communities across different woody plant species and tissues, with dominant phyla including Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Bacteria demonstrate cellulolytic, xylanolytic, pectinolytic, and ligninolytic activities, with some showing synergistic relationships with fungi in wood degradation while others exhibit antagonistic effects against fungal pathogens.

Conclusion

Bacteria are integral components of woody plant microbiomes with important functional roles in wood degradation, nutrient cycling, and disease suppression. Better understanding of plant-bacteria-fungi interactions through continued research will enable improved management of plant health, wood decomposition, and disease prevention in woody plants.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11090652, PMID: 41003198
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