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Plants
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Plant–Microbe Interaction
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Plant–Microbe Interaction

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 6223

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Gennady V. Pogorelko

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Interests: plant biochemistry; plant genetics; plant pathology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Effector proteins are secreted by a variety of pathogens including plant pests. Dozens of such effector proteins produced in different parasitic species have been identified. Published reports confirm that effector proteins, delivered to the infection site, target distinct cellular compartments such as nuclei, cytoplasm and the apoplast, where they execute virulence functions by interacting with host factors. Evidence of host proteins being targeted by effectors to perform virulence functions has been well documented. Although the discovery of effector-interacting host proteins has shed light on the intricate molecular interactions between the host and pathogens, we are still at an early stage of understanding this complex phenomenon, as many of the effectors remain uncharacterized and without predicted functions. Therefore, the study of these key elements of infection process remain very actual.

Dr. Gennady V. Pogorelko
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • host–pathogen interaction
  • plant immunity
  • effector proteins
  • pathogen-triggered immunity
  • effector-triggered immunity
  • biotic stress resistance

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1624 KiB  
Article
Infection Patterns of Albugo laibachii and Effect on Host Survival and Reproduction in a Wild Population of Arabidopsis thaliana
by Ignacio Taguas, François Maclot, Nuria Montes, Israel Pagán, Aurora Fraile and Fernando García-Arenal
Plants 2025, 14(4), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14040568 - 13 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 615
Abstract
Albugo spp. are biotrophic parasites that cause white rust in Brassicaceae species, with significant crop losses. The generalist A. candida and the specialist A. laibachii infect Arabidopsis thaliana, and the pathosystem Albugo–Arabidopsis is a model for research in molecular genetics of plant–pathogen [...] Read more.
Albugo spp. are biotrophic parasites that cause white rust in Brassicaceae species, with significant crop losses. The generalist A. candida and the specialist A. laibachii infect Arabidopsis thaliana, and the pathosystem Albugo–Arabidopsis is a model for research in molecular genetics of plant–pathogen interactions. The occurrence of infection by Albugo in wild populations of Arabidopsis and data on the genetics of resistance-susceptibility are compatible with a hypothesis of host–pathogen coevolution. However, the negative impact of Albugo infection on Arabidopsis—a requirement for coevolution—has not been shown under field conditions. To address this question, we analysed the demography and the dynamics of Albugo infection in a wild Arabidopsis population in central Spain and measured plant fitness-related traits. Infection increased mortality by 50%, although lifespan, the fraction of plants that reproduced and seed production were reduced only in plants from the spring cohorts. Despite these negative effects, simulations of demographic dynamics showed that the population growth rate remained unaffected even at unrealistically high infection incidences. The lack of negative effects in autumn–winter cohorts suggests compensatory mechanisms in longer-lived plants. Results support the hypothesis of Albugo–Arabidopsis coevolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Microbe Interaction)
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22 pages, 3697 KiB  
Article
Plant Growth-Promoting and Herbicidal Bacteria as Potential Bio-Based Solutions for Agriculture in Desertic Regions
by Patricio Muñoz-Torres, Wilson Huanca-Mamani, Steffany Cárdenas-Ninasivincha, Yola Aguilar, Antonio Quezada and Franco Bugueño
Plants 2025, 14(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010009 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 577
Abstract
The region of Arica and Parinacota hosts unexplored remote sites with unique characteristics suitable for developing novel agricultural bioproducts. Notable locations include Jurasi Hot Springs, Polloquere Hot Springs, and Amuyo Lagoons, featuring open pools fed by thermal mountain springs. These geothermal sites harbor [...] Read more.
The region of Arica and Parinacota hosts unexplored remote sites with unique characteristics suitable for developing novel agricultural bioproducts. Notable locations include Jurasi Hot Springs, Polloquere Hot Springs, and Amuyo Lagoons, featuring open pools fed by thermal mountain springs. These geothermal sites harbor bacteria with plant growth-promoting activities, particularly interesting to the strains J19, TP22, A20, and A3. These bacteria possess in vitro plant growth-promoting traits, the ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes, and the capacity to inhibit phytopathogenic fungi. Moreover, they can tolerate different concentrations of NaCl and boron, making them suitable for developing new agricultural bioproducts for arid environments. The bacterial strains A3 and A20 have a positive effect on the growth of the aerial part of tomato plants (increased stem length, fresh and dry weight), with a significant increment in proline concentration and chlorophyll A and B content under saline conditions. Meanwhile, the strains J19 and TP22 exhibit herbicidal activity against Cenchrus echinatus by reducing root elongation and germination of the weed. These strains possess plant growth-promoting traits and improve plant resistance to salinity stress. They are promising candidates for developing innovative bio-based agricultural products suited to arid and semi-arid regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Microbe Interaction)
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28 pages, 4082 KiB  
Article
Phenotypic and Genomic Analysis of Enterobacter ludwigii Strains: Insights into Mechanisms Enhancing Plant Growth Both Under Normal Conditions and in Response to Supplementation with Mineral Fertilizers and Exposure to Stress Factors
by Ekaterina Alexeevna Sokolova, Olga Viktorovna Mishukova, Inna Viktorovna Hlistun, Irina Nikolaevna Tromenschleger, Evgeniya Vladimirovna Chumanova and Elena Nikolaevna Voronina
Plants 2024, 13(24), 3551; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243551 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1422
Abstract
In this research study, we investigated four strains of Enterobacter ludwigii that showed promising properties for plant growth. These strains were tested for their ability to mobilize phosphorus and produce ammonium, siderophores, and phytohormones. The strains exhibited different values of PGP traits; however, [...] Read more.
In this research study, we investigated four strains of Enterobacter ludwigii that showed promising properties for plant growth. These strains were tested for their ability to mobilize phosphorus and produce ammonium, siderophores, and phytohormones. The strains exhibited different values of PGP traits; however, the analysis of the complete genomes failed to reveal any significant differences in known genes associated with the expression of beneficial plant traits. One of the strains, GMG_278, demonstrated the best potential for promoting wheat growth in pot experiments. All morphological parameters of wheat were improved, both when GMG_278 was applied alone and when combined with mineral fertilizer. The combined effect we observed may suggest various mechanisms through which these treatments influence plants. The amount of pigments and proline suggests that bacterial introduction operates through pathways likely related to stress resilience. A study on the genetic mechanisms behind plant resilience to stress has revealed a significant upregulation of genes related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) defense after bacterial exposure. It is important to note that, in the initial experiments, the strain showed a significant production of salicylic acid, which is a potent inducer of oxidative stress. In addition, the synthesis of some phytohormones has been restructured, which may affect root growth and the architecture of root hairs. When combined with additional mineral fertilizers, these changes result in a significant increase in plant biomass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Microbe Interaction)
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14 pages, 5615 KiB  
Article
CaWRKY22b Plays a Positive Role in the Regulation of Pepper Resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum in a Manner Associated with Jasmonic Acid Signaling
by Lanping Shi, Yuemin Fan, Yingjie Yang, Shuangshuang Yan, Zhengkun Qiu, Zhiqin Liu and Bihao Cao
Plants 2024, 13(15), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152081 - 27 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1595
Abstract
As important transcription factors, WRKYs play a vital role in the defense response of plants against the invasion of multiple pathogens. Though some WRKY members have been reported to participate in pepper immunity in response to Ralstonia solanacearum infection, the functions of the [...] Read more.
As important transcription factors, WRKYs play a vital role in the defense response of plants against the invasion of multiple pathogens. Though some WRKY members have been reported to participate in pepper immunity in response to Ralstonia solanacearum infection, the functions of the majority of WRKY members are still unknown. Herein, CaWRKY22b was cloned from the pepper genome and its function against R. solanacearum was analyzed. The transcript abundance of CaWRKY22b was significantly increased in response to the infection of R. solanacearum and the application of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Subcellular localization assay in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana showed that CaWRKY22b protein was targeted to the nuclei. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in pepper leaves indicated that CaWRKY22b overexpression triggered intensive hypersensitive response-like cell death, H2O2 accumulation, and the up-regulation of defense- and JA-responsive genes, including CaHIR1, CaPO2, CaBPR1, and CaDEF1. Virus-induced gene silencing assay revealed that knock-down of CaWRKY22b attenuated pepper’s resistance against R. solanacearum and the up-regulation of the tested defense- and jasmonic acid (JA)-responsive genes. We further assessed the role of CaWRKY22b in modulating the expression of JA-responsive CaDEF1, and the result demonstrated that CaWRKY22b trans-activated CaDEF1 expression by directly binding to its upstream promoter. Collectively, our results suggest that CaWRKY22b positively regulated pepper immunity against R. solanacearum in a manner associated with JA signaling, probably by modulating the expression of JA-responsive CaDEF1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Microbe Interaction)
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15 pages, 6668 KiB  
Article
CaMAPK1 Plays a Vital Role in the Regulation of Resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum Infection and Tolerance to Heat Stress
by Lanping Shi, Wei Shi, Zhengkun Qiu, Shuangshuang Yan, Zhiqin Liu and Bihao Cao
Plants 2024, 13(13), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131775 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1376
Abstract
As an important member of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, MAPKs play an important role in plant defense response against biotic and abiotic stresses; however, the involvement of the majority of the MAPK family members against Ralstonia solanacearum and heat stress (HS) remains [...] Read more.
As an important member of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, MAPKs play an important role in plant defense response against biotic and abiotic stresses; however, the involvement of the majority of the MAPK family members against Ralstonia solanacearum and heat stress (HS) remains poorly understood. In the present study, CaMAPK1 was identified from the genome of pepper and its function against R. solanacearum and HS was analyzed. The transcript accumulations of CaMAPK1 and the activities of its native promoter were both significantly induced by R. solanacearum inoculation, HS, and the application of exogenous hormones, including SA, MeJA, and ABA. Transient expression of CaMAPK1 showed that CaMAPK1 can be targeted throughout the whole cells in Nicotiana benthamiana and triggered chlorosis and hypersensitive response-like cell death in pepper leaves, accompanied by the accumulation of H2O2, and the up-regulations of hormones- and H2O2-associated marker genes. The knock-down of CaMAPK1 enhanced the susceptibility to R. solanacearum partially by down-regulating the expression of hormones- and H2O2-related genes and impairing the thermotolerance of pepper probably by attenuating CaHSFA2 and CaHSP70-1 transcripts. Taken together, our results revealed that CaMAPK1 is regulated by SA, JA, and ABA signaling and coordinates responses to R. solanacearum infection and HS in pepper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Microbe Interaction)
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