Root microorganisms help plants resist environmental degradation

climate change is changing the growth and development mechanism of plants, and has become an important subject in ecological science research.
Recently, Qian Haifeng, a professor at Zhejiang University of Technology's School of Environment, and Zhu Yong official, a researcher at the Institute of Urban Environment of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other collaborators published their latest research results in Microbiome, analyzing the important mechanisms by which root microorganisms affect the growth and development of plants.
previous studies have not taken into account the plant microbiome, especially the root microbiome. The root microorganisms here refer to the microorganisms that are closely attached to the soil particles between the roots, mainly bacteria, the general number is several times to dozens of times more than outside the root.
between root microorganisms and plants is an intergenerational relationship, interacting with plant roots and promoting each other. Microorganisms gather around the root system in large numbers, turning organic matter into inorganics to provide effective nourishment for plants, while microorganisms can also secrete vitamins, growth stimulators, etc. to promote plant growth.
Qian Haifeng told China Science Daily: "We can make an analogy that gut bacteria are involved in the whole life process of human growth, development and aging. Similarly, intergenerational microorganisms are essential for plant growth and development, and their composition changes with plant hosts, helping plants resist external stress.
study by Qian Haifeng's team found that while plant root secretions reshape the intergenerational microorganisms, the root microorganisms can regulate plant growth and flowering by regulating soil nitrogen circulation and secreting plant hormones (e.g. pyridine, IAA).
the study, it is possible for humans to effectively regulate plant growth and reproduction by altering the parts of the root microorganisms, while helping them resist adverse environmental changes such as high temperatures, droughts, and high salts. While revealing the new signal transmission pathways of plants and microorganisms, the research also provides a theoretical basis for the development of new agricultural microbial agents. (Source: Shen Chunlei, China Science Journal)