New Challenges on Plant–Microbe Interactions

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

As we continue to unravel the intricate tapestry of life on Earth, the domain of plant–microbe interactions stands out as a frontier that is ripe with untapped potential and novel discoveries. The symbiotic, commensal, and antagonistic relationships between plants and microorganisms play pivotal roles in ecosystem functioning, agricultural productivity, and human health. In recognition of this dynamic and ever-evolving field, we are excited to announce a Topic on "New Challenges on Plant–Microbe Interactions". We invite you to contribute your groundbreaking research, innovative perspectives, and thought-provoking reviews that address the latest advancements, emerging challenges, and future directions in this fascinating area. Whether you are exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying plant–microbe communication, developing novel strategies for biotic and abiotic resistance in crops, or investigating the impact of microbial communities on plant growth and nutrition, your contributions will be invaluable in advancing our understanding and harnessing the potential of plant–microbe interactions. We look forward to your participation in this exciting endeavor.

Dr. Wenfeng Chen
Dr. Junjie Zhang
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Applied Microbiology applmicrobiol	-	2.8	2021	13.3 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Microbiology Research microbiolres	2.2	2.8	2010	20.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.2	7.7	2013	15.2 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	9.0	2000	20.5 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
International Journal of Plant Biology ijpb	-	3.0	2010	19.6 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Plants plants	4.1	7.6	2012	17.7 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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All Applied Microbiology Microbiology Research Microorganisms IJMS IJPB Plants

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Open AccessArticle

Screening and Application of Highly Efficient Rhizobia for Leguminous Green Manure Astragalus sinicus in Lyophilized Inoculants and Seed Coating

by Ding-Yuan Xue, Wen-Feng Chen, Guo-Ping Yang, You-Guo Li and Jun-Jie Zhang

Plants 2025, 14(15), 2431; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152431 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 269

Abstract

Astragalus sinicus, a key leguminous green manure widely cultivated in Southern China’s rice-based cropping systems, plays a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil organic matter sequestration, improving rice yield, and elevating grain quality. The symbiotic nitrogen-fixing association between A. sinicus [...] Read more.

Astragalus sinicus, a key leguminous green manure widely cultivated in Southern China’s rice-based cropping systems, plays a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil organic matter sequestration, improving rice yield, and elevating grain quality. The symbiotic nitrogen-fixing association between A. sinicus and its matching rhizobia is fundamental to its agronomic value; however, suboptimal inoculant efficiency and field application methodologies constrain its full potential. To address these limitations, we conducted a multi-phase study involving (1) rhizobial strain screening under controlled greenhouse conditions, (2) an optimized lyophilization protocol evaluating cryoprotectant (trehalose, skimmed milk powder and others), and (3) seed pelleting trails with rhizobial viability and nodulation assessments over different storage periods. Our results demonstrate that Mesorhizobium huakuii CCBAU 33470 exhibits a superior nitrogen-fixing efficacy, significantly enhancing key traits in A. sinicus, including leaf chlorophyll content, tiller number, and aboveground biomass. Lyophilized inoculants prepared with cryoprotectants (20% trehalose or 20% skimmed milk powder) maintained >90% bacterial viability for 60 days and markedly improved nodulation capacity relative to unprotected formulations. The optimized seed pellets sustained high rhizobial loads (5.5 × 10³ cells/seed) with an undiminished viability after 15 days of storage and nodulation ability after 40 days of storage. This integrated approach of rhizobial selection, inoculant formulation, and seed coating overcomes cultivation bottlenecks, boosting symbiotic nitrogen fixation for A. sinicus cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Challenges on Plant–Microbe Interactions)

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