Regulation of crop tillering mediated by root microbiota: From molecular mechanisms to sustainable agricultural applications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The root microbiota plays a vital role in plant growth and health. Recently, Zhang and colleagues demonstrated that the rhizobacterial strain Exiguobacterium R2567 produces cyclo(Leu-Pro), a cyclic dipeptide that regulates tillering by activating the rice strigolactone (SL) signaling pathway through binding to the SL receptor OsD14. This discovery provides an innovative strategy for optimizing crop architecture by harnessing the root microbiota for sustainable agriculture. It holds promise for achieving precision and environmentally friendly production through the application of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) or functional metabolites. However, practical implementation faces challenges, including the field stability of cyclo(Leu-Pro), competition from native microbial communities, and potential long-term ecological risks, which require further study to realize its full potential.
Source: New Crops
Authors: Yongyang Shi, Shidong He, Wenchong Shi, Zheng Gao, Xiang Li
Institution: Shandong Agricultural University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid:
OpenAlex ID: W4416415475