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As the human gut microbiome improves human health, a similar microbiome around plant roots improves plant health and growth. Some of the tiny guards within this microbiome can actually transform the character (phenotype) of a plant such that it becomes disease resistant.

These guards, or beneficial microbes, may provide a natural alternative for chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Agricultural crop yields are a huge economic factor in the Netherlands. On a global scale, the Netherlands is the 2nd largest exporter of agricultural products, and we’re among the top 3 producers of fruits and vegetables. The symbiotic relationship between plants and microbes described above may thus be highly valuable to our economy. Moreover, by decreasing the use of harmful chemicals, they will be beneficial to both human health and the environment.

My first exposure to plant biology was unexpected as I joined a plant lab for my bachelor’s thesis, where the sheer enthusiasm of my supervisor coaxed me into the world of plants. To me, one of the great things about plant science is that I believe that it’s a way of finding a more sustainable and durable way of life.

Unearthing plant root genetics

Research into growth-promoting microbes has greatly increased over the past few decades, however, the plant genetics that govern crosstalk between a plant and its protective coat of microbes is still relatively unknown.

We’ve generated a snapshot of gene activity of the 5 major cell types of the roots upon exposure to a beneficial microbe. We’re currently analyzing our data and have found clear differences in the numbers and types of genes activated across the different cell types. Our collaborator at Duke ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ, USA, is now checking plants in which one of these genes is nonfunctional to find mutants that respond differently to the bacteria and to thus get an idea of the roles of the different genes.

Understanding the fundamental cellular processes that guide the interplay between a plant and its microbe helpers may prove valuable to the growth and survival of our crops

There may be a link between iron and immunity

Interestingly, one set of genes activated by the beneficial bacterium is also activated by a seemingly independent stress factor: iron deficiency. Iron is an essential nutrient for almost all organisms. We humans make use of this by withholding iron from invading pathogens to starve them to death. Similarly, there seems to be an association between iron and immunity in plants and we’re trying to understand what this is.

Enhancing growth and survival of our agriculture

Understanding the fundamental cellular processes that guide the interplay between a plant and its microbe helpers may prove valuable to the growth and survival of our crops. It also raises equally important questions such as: does the use of fertilizers with iron impact plant immunity and the root microbiome? By unraveling these secrets, we hope that one day, we’ll be able to quickly screen for beneficial plant-microbe interactions. This will decrease costs of producing beneficial microbes and increase their use in the field. Ultimately, this will hopefully reduce the use of harmful chemicals and increase food production.

Eline Verbon, PhD candidate
Promotor: Professor Corné Pieterse
Faculty of Science 
Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ