Interaction between Plants, Microorganisms, and Soils in Different Ecosystems

Dear Colleagues,

Plants are colonised by an extremely high number of organisms, which can reach cell density much greater than the number of cells in the plant itself. In addition, the number of genes of microorganisms inhabiting the rhizosphere significantly exceeds the number of plant genes. Plants act as a link between communities of microorganisms, insects, and other invertebrate and vertebrate animals occurring both above and below the soil surface. In the natural environment, abiotic and biotic factors have an indirect or direct impact on plants. The root system of a plant works like a factory that produces a huge amount of chemicals to communicate effectively with the microorganisms around it. At the same time, micro-organisms can use these compounds as an energy source. The variety of microorganisms associated with plant roots is enormous, amounting to tens of thousands of species. This complex microbial community, also called the second plant genome, is essential for plant health and productivity. Over the last few years, there has been significant progress in research into the structure and dynamics of the microbial sphere of the rhizosphere. It has been proven that plants shape the composition of microorganisms by synthesizing root secretions. On the other hand, microorganisms play a key role in the functioning of plants through their positive impact on their growth and development. In general, rhizosphere microorganisms promote plant growth directly by providing plants with minerals such as nitrogen and phosphorus and by synthesizing growth regulators, as well as indirectly, by inhibiting the development of various plant pathogens. Researchers use novel technologies including next-generation sequencing, the use of soil profiling and microprobes for genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics studies to conduct informative studies in the soil rhizosphere, and the role of plants and microorganisms in these interactions.

This Special Issue intends to improve our understanding of the “Interaction between the Plant Rhizosphere and Soil Organisms”. Submissions could consist of research on topics including but not limited to:

• Diversity of soil microorganisms;
• Soil microorganisms in forest ecosystems;
• Rhizosphere diversity;
• Interaction between plants and their microbial communities;
• Functions of rhizosphere microorganisms;
• Microorganisms synthesizing plant growth regulators;
• Biological plant protection;
• Genetic diversity among soil microbial communities;
• Novel bioactive compound isolation and identification in plants and soil.

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome the submission of research articles, reviews, as well as technical notes and communications, on these related topics.

Prof. Dr. Anna Gałązka
Dr. Łukasz Pawlik
Guest Editors

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