Evolution and Genetics of Plant–Microbe Interactions

Dear Colleagues,

Ever since they first grew on land, plants and microorganisms have developed intricate and dynamic signaling systems to communicate and interact with each other efficiently. Indeed, thanks to these specific and strict associations, plants and their associated microbes can be considered a unique biological entity called the holobiont, the composition of which is shaped by selective pressure to improve plant fitness through the most robust mechanisms of cooperation.

The intimate interactions among plants and associated microorganisms can be beneficial for plants (i.e., synergy with rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi, and/or plant growth-promoting microorganisms—PGPMs), allowing improved assimilation of nutrients, such as essential minerals and fixed nitrogen; however, some interactions can be detrimental to plant fitness, such as interactions with invading pathogenic microbes that can be saprophytic and lead to necrotrophy in colonized plants.

Co-evolution among plant and microorganisms is a hallmark of both benefic and harmful interactions, since it largely depends on features of the genomes of the interacting partners.

Indeed, if evolution drives beneficial interactions among plants and associated microorganisms toward a mutual improvement in fitness, then, in detrimental interactions, the two partners obtain different advantages: for pathogens, genetic alterations enhance their ability to evade or suppress plant defenses, while plants benefit from innovations that strengthen their immune responses.

This Special Issue will collect scientific contributions on the evolution of plant–microbe interactions, highlighting the most important genetic features shaped by evolutionary processes. Possible topics include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) genetic and molecular explorations of partner selection, encompassing both beneficial and detrimental interactions; (ii) the genetic determinants involved in interkingdom relationships; and (iii) the evolutionary dynamics that shape the holobiont.

Dr. Alice Checcucci
Guest Editor

Dr. Agnese Bellabarba
Guest Editor Assistant

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• plant–microbe interaction
• microbiota
• holobiont
• evolutionary adaptation
• co-adaptation