The Interactions between Plants and Root Microbiome in Arabidopsis and Rice

The evolution of multiple plant traits is linked to the diverse microbe-rich soil environment. Numerous microorganisms participate in the biogeochemical transformation of soil nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, which are essential for plant productivity. Plant roots selectively recruit defined root microbiota from soil in both model and crop plants. It has been reported that root microbiota are determined by the rhizocompartment, soil type, geographical location, nutrient status, developmental stage and host genotype. However, variation in the root microbiota among a plant population and the linked plant genetic basis are not yet clear. We use Arabidopsis and rice as models, and found that triterpene metabolites selectively modulate root microbiome members and plants coordinate root microbiome to utilize soil nitrogen.