Possible Biological Control of Ash Dieback Using the Mycoparasite Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus Mitovirus 2.

Invasive fungal diseases represent a major threat to forest ecosystems worldwide. As the application of fungicides is often unfeasible and not a sustainable solution, only a few other control options are available, including biological control. In this context, the use of parasitic mycoviruses as biocontrol agents of fungal pathogens has recently gained particular attention.

Using transects to disentangle the environmental drivers of plant-microbiome assembly.

Environmental heterogeneity is a major driver of plant-microbiome assembly, but the specific climate and soil conditions that are involved remain poorly understood. To better understand plant microbiome formation, we examined the bacteria and fungi that colonize wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) plants in North American and European populations. Using transects as replicates, we found strong overlap among the environmental conditions that best predict the overall similarity and richness of the plant microbiome, including soil nutrients that replicate across continents.

Characterizing both bacteria and fungi improves understanding of the Arabidopsis root microbiome.

Roots provide plants mineral nutrients and stability in soil; while doing so, they come into contact with diverse soil microbes that affect plant health and productivity. Despite their ecological and agricultural relevance, the factors that shape the root microbiome remain poorly understood. We grew a worldwide panel of replicated Arabidopsis thaliana accessions outdoors and over winter to characterize their root-microbial communities.