Emerging Research

Symbiotic and Pathogenic Interactions in the Rhizosphere​ 

This Focus Issue​ of Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions^® brings together 14 research and review articles that explore the complex system of relationships that shape plant health in the rhizosphere. The studies span beneficial associations such as plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria and symbiotic microbes, as well as pathogenic interactions involving bacteria, fungi, oomycetes, and plant-parasitic nematodes. Collectively, these contributions highlight emerging concepts in microbial recognition, immune regulation, microbial community assembly, and effector-mediated host manipulation. By integrating perspectives from molecular genetics, functional genomics, microbiology, and ecology, this special issue highlights recent advances in our understanding of rhizosphere interactions and illustrates how these findings may inform new strategies for improving crop resilience and sustainable agricultural production. Read the Focus Issue Overview to learn more.

Thank you to Focus Issue Guest Editors Tarek Hewezi, Hari B. Krishnan, Kevin Garcia, and Mina Ohtsu​.​