New publication from INTERACT - minireview

Title: Back to our roots: exploring the role of root morphology as a mediator of beneficial plant–microbe interactions

Authors: Courtney Horn Herms , Rosanna Catherine Hennessy, Frederik Bak , Dorte Bodin Dresbøll and Mette Haubjerg Nicolaisen

Abstract

Plant breeding for belowground traits that have a positive impact on the rhizosphere microbiome is a promising strategy to sustainably improve crop yields. Root architecture and morphology are understudied plant breeding targets despite their potential to significantly shape microbial community structure and function in the rhizosphere. In this review, we explore the
relationship between various root architectural and morphological traits and rhizosphere interactions, focusing on the potential of root diameter to impact the rhizosphere microbiome structure and function while discussing the potential biological and ecological mechanisms underpinning this process. In addition, we propose three future research avenues to drive this research area in an effort to unravel the effect of belowground traits on rhizosphere microbiology. This knowledge will pave the way for new plant breeding strategies that can be exploited for sustainable and high-yielding crop cultivars.

Reference to the full publication:

Herms CH, Hennessy RC, Bak F, Dresbøll DB, and Nicolaisen MH (2022). Minireview - Back to our roots: exploring the role of root morphology as a mediator of beneficial plant–microbe interactions. Environmental Biology, doi:10.1111/1462-920.15926. https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1462-2920.15926