Summary
This laboratory study provides biochemical evidence that Arabidopsis roots selectively secrete l-malic acid, a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate, to recruit and signal the beneficial rhizobacterium Bacillus subtilis FB17. Root malic acid secretion is induced by foliar pathogen infection and elevated levels promote bacterial binding and biofilm formation. The findings establish a plant-mediated regulatory mechanism for recruiting beneficial soil microbes and highlight the sophistication of plant–microbial chemical signalling.
Regional applicability
This is a model organism (Arabidopsis) laboratory study with foundational mechanistic findings. Results are applicable to understanding plant–microbe signalling across cropping systems, but transfer to field conditions and commercial crops requires validation in soil-based systems and agronomic species relevant to United Kingdom farming.
Key measures
Root secretion of l-malic acid, dose-dependent recruitment of Bacillus subtilis FB17, biofilm formation on roots, response to Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato infection
Outcomes reported
The study demonstrated that Arabidopsis roots selectively secrete l-malic acid in response to foliar pathogen challenge, and that this root metabolite recruits and promotes biofilm formation of the beneficial rhizobacterium Bacillus subtilis FB17 in a dose-dependent manner.
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