Adaptation of plants to high-calcium content kart regions: possible involvement of symbiotic microorganisms and underlying mechanisms

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes can help their hosts absorb nutrients and regulate the levels of plant hormones. Moreover, they can modulate the expressions of host genes, assist hosts in eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and secreting volatile organic compounds. Therefore, rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes are considered as determinant factors driving processes involved in the growth of host plants. However, the physiological and ecological functions, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying the behavior of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes in their role in the adaptive capacity of host plants in the karstic high-calcium environment have not been systematically studied. This review summarizes the physiological and molecular mechanisms of rhizosphere microorganisms and endophytes which help host plants to adapt to various kinds of adverse environments. The adaptive capacities of plants growing in adverse environments, partly, or totally, depends on microorganisms co-existing with the host plants.</jats:p>

Features of Bacterial Microbiota in the Wild Habitat of Pulsatilla tongkangensis, the Endangered “Long-Sepal Donggang Pasque-Flower Plant,” Endemic to Karst Topography of Korea

“…The microhabitat soils of wild DPF plants were calcareous (> pH 7.5) but with low content of magnesium and sodium compared to the cultivated soils. A plant’s intake of calcium is related to the amount of exchangeable calcium in soil and high calcium content in soil can lead to reduced photosynthesis and transpiration of plants ( Li et al, 2020 ). The properties of soil also affected the root morphology and root exudation ( Neumann et al, 2014 ), which are crucial factors for surrounding bacterial community.…”

Functional Endophytes Regulating Plant Secondary Metabolism: Current Status, Prospects and Applications

“…In addition, the plant-associated microbiome protects plants from pathogens by producing antibiotics, lyases, and volatiles. Various microbial structures, such as secretory systems, flagella, and cilia, and proteins, including effector proteins, indirectly contribute to plant defense responses by triggering the induced systemic resistance response (ISR) [ 53 ]. At the same time, the microbial populations involved in the interactions within and between species also maintain a balance in the ecosystem to protect plants from pathogens, and the core endogenous bacteria can also amplify signals from the host, promoting microbiome restructuring to form the appropriate community structure in time and space under dynamic conditions to provide benefits to the plant [ 54 ].…”