Root-associated microbiota drive phytoremediation strategies to lead of Sonchus Asper (L.) Hill as revealed by intercropping-induced modifications of the rhizosphere microbiome.

Intercropping or assistant endophytes promote phytoremediation capacities of hyperaccumulators and enhance their tolerance to heavy metal (HM) stress. Findings from a previous study showed that intercropping the hyperaccumulator Sonchus asper (L.) Hill grown in HM-contaminated soils with maize improved the remediating properties and indicated an excluder-to-hyperaccumulator switched mode of action towards lead.