Social networking in crop plants: Wire and wireless cross-phytobiome
communications
Abstract
ants share the phytobiome with other members of the ecological community
by sharing their physiology. The phytobiome is a collective ecological
entity that senses external and internal stimuli via its member’s
sensing apparatus (senome). The activated senome generates
intercellular, and intra- and inter-organismal signals that induce
genetically and epigenetically dependent modifications of phytobiome
member transcriptomes. Ultimately, these genetic modifications alter the
phenotypes of the collective phytobiome members. Mycorrhiza, epiphytic
fungi, and dodder can physically transfer signals between kin and
non-kin plants. Phytobiome members can release infochemicals by
themselves, or modify plant volatile emissions and root exudates to act
as signals for plant–plant interactions. These signals can change plant
physiology and induce holobiont updates in receiver plants via a
facilitative or competitive mechanism. Receiver plants eavesdrop on
phytobiome cues and signals to anticipate responses to unfolding
challenges. An emerging body of information in plant–plant interactions
through inter-kingdom communication can be exploited in integrated crop
management under field conditions. However, a holistic view is crucial
for the manipulation of complex systems, such as the phytobiome, to
avoid potential butterfly effects.