The biology and chemistry of a mutualism between a soil bacterium and a mycorrhizal fungus.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (e.g., Rhizophagus species) recruit specific bacterial species in their hyphosphere.

Deciphering the distinct biocontrol activities of lipopeptides fengycin and surfactin through their differential impact on lipid membranes.

Lipopeptides produced by beneficial bacilli present promising alternatives to chemical pesticides for plant biocontrol purposes. Our research explores the distinct plant biocontrol activities of lipopeptides surfactin (SRF) and fengycin (FGC) by examining their interactions with lipid membranes. Our study shows that FGC exhibits a direct antagonistic activity against Botrytis cinerea and no marked immune-eliciting activity in Arabidopsis thaliana while SRF only demonstrates an ability to stimulate plant immunity.

Pectic homogalacturonan sensed by acts as host associated cue to promote establishment and persistence in the rhizosphere.

isolates are among the most promising plant-associated beneficial bacteria used as biocontrol agents. However, various aspects of the chemical communication between the plant and these beneficials, determining root colonization ability, remain poorly described. Here we investigated the molecular basis of such interkingdom interaction occurring upon contact between and its host via the sensing of pectin backbone homogalacturonan (HG).

Surfactin Stimulated by Pectin Molecular Patterns and Root Exudates Acts as a Key Driver of the -Plant Mutualistic Interaction.

Bacillus velezensis is considered as a model species belonging to the so-called Bacillus subtilis complex that evolved typically to dwell in the soil rhizosphere niche and establish an intimate association with plant roots. This bacterium provides protection to its natural host against diseases and represents one of the most promising biocontrol agents. However, the molecular basis of the cross talk that this bacterium establishes with its natural host has been poorly investigated.