Summary
This study reveals a molecular mechanism by which cereal plants shape their rhizosphere microbiota and influence plant performance and herbivore interactions across generations through root exudates. Root-derived benzoxazinoids—specifically their breakdown product MBOA—alter the composition of root-associated microbial communities, which indirectly suppresses plant growth, enhances plant defences via jasmonate signalling, and reduces herbivore damage in subsequent plant generations. The work demonstrates plant-mediated chemical signalling as a key driver of plant-soil feedbacks with potential implications for understanding cereal crop performance and natural enemy-mediated pest control.
UK applicability
The findings are directly relevant to UK cereal production (wheat and maize) and may inform understanding of soil microbial dynamics in intensive arable systems. However, the laboratory-based nature of the study requires validation under field conditions typical of UK climates and soil types to assess practical applicability to crop management and integrated pest management strategies.
Key measures
Root-associated fungal and bacterial community composition (via profiling); plant growth metrics; jasmonate signalling levels; plant defence phenotypes; herbivore performance; MBOA soil accumulation; effects of soil sterilisation and microbial complementation
Outcomes reported
The study measured changes in root-associated fungal and bacterial communities, plant growth, jasmonate signalling, plant defence responses, and herbivore performance across plant generations following exposure to benzoxazinoid metabolites. Complementation experiments demonstrated the sufficiency and necessity of the benzoxazinoid breakdown product MBOA in triggering these phenotypic changes.
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