Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 171-180 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 171 Research Perspective Open Access Microbial Symbionts: Molecular Codes and Ecological Significance of Tree-Rhizosphere Microbe Interactions Shusheng Liu, Fumin Gao Tropical Microbial Resources Research Center, Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: fumin.gao@hitar.org Molecular Microbiology Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/mmr.2024.14.0019 Received: 20 May, 2024 Accepted: 05 Jul., 2024 Published: 22 Jul., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Liu and Gao, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu S.S., and Gao F.M., 2024, Microbial symbionts: molecular codes and ecological significance of tree-rhizosphere microbe interactions, Molecular Microbiology Research, 14(4): 171-180 (doi: 10.5376/mmr.2024.14.0019) Abstract The rhizosphere is a critical interface between plant roots and soil, where symbiotic relationships between trees and microbes thrive. This study explores the diversity of microbial symbionts in the rhizosphere, including mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and their interactions with trees. It provides an in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions, with a focus on signal exchange, symbiosis formation pathways, and the genetic basis of symbiotic compatibility. These symbionts play crucial roles in ecosystems, from nutrient acquisition and recycling to enhancing tree resilience to environmental stress and promoting soil health. Case studies highlight the importance of these relationships in forest ecosystems, agroforestry, and extreme environments. This study underscores the importance of integrating multidisciplinary approaches in future research to fully harness the potential of symbiotic microbes for sustainable ecosystem management. Keywords Rhizosphere; Symbiotic microbes; Mycorrhizal fungi; Nutrient acquisition; Molecular mechanisms 1 Introduction The rhizosphere, the narrow region of soil influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms, is a hotspot for microbial activity and interactions. This zone is critical for plant growth and productivity due to the complex microbial communities it harbors, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea. These microorganisms form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, which can be mutualistic, commensal, or pathogenic. For instance, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and rhizobia bacteria are well-known symbionts that enhance nutrient uptake and nitrogen fixation, respectively (Tsiknia et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020). The dynamic interactions within the rhizosphere are influenced by root exudates, which can shape the microbial community composition and function (Zhalnina et al., 2018). Understanding these interactions is essential for comprehending the ecological and evolutionary processes that govern plant health and soil fertility. Tree-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere are particularly significant due to their long-term impact on forest ecosystems and their role in carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and soil structure maintenance (Bulgarelli et al., 2015; Shi et al., 2016). Trees, with their extensive root systems, interact with a diverse array of microorganisms that can influence their growth, health, and resilience to environmental stresses. For example, the symbiotic relationships between trees and mycorrhizal fungi are crucial for nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance. The microbial communities associated with tree roots can act as a barrier against pathogens, enhancing the tree's immune responses (Li et al., 2021). By studying these interactions, researchers can develop strategies to improve forest management, enhance tree productivity, and mitigate the effects of climate change. This study will provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms and ecological significance of tree-microbiome interactions, analyzing the diversity and functions of microbial communities in the tree rhizosphere. It will explore the molecular codes and signaling pathways involved in tree-microbiome symbiosis and discuss the ecological impacts of these interactions on forest ecosystems, as well as their potential
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