This groundbreaking discovery was made by scientists from Mendel University in Brno and their colleagues from the University of Cologne. The scientific team focused on the role of volatile organic compounds, which serve as signaling molecules between bacteria and plants. In response to these signaling molecules, plants change the composition of substances secreted by their roots into the soil and at the same time suppress the production of defensive molecules. This affects how easily bacteria can settle on the roots and form mutually beneficial interactions with the plant. The discovery could make a significant contribution to sustainable agriculture and ecology. The research results were published in the prestigious journal Plant Communications.
Previous research has mostly examined individual bacterial strains and their volatile compounds. The new project focused on complex interactions within entire bacterial communities. “Communities influence plant growth, but no one knew what substances bacteria secrete. We have managed to identify these volatile substances produced by bacteria. When these substances were subsequently applied to plants, it was found that they increase their growth and possible resistance,” explains Miroslav Berka from the Institute of Molecular Biology and Radiobiology.
Scientists have discovered a number of compounds that affect plants, including volatile sulfur compounds, which have a significant stimulating effect. The discovery may contribute to the further development of sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. “This opens up new possibilities for applying this knowledge in sustainable agriculture and ecology. The results can be used, for example, to reduce the use of pesticides in nature. We will continue our research, as we are interested in how exactly the individual substances affect plants and whether they can be applied to fields independently,” adds Miroslav Berka.
Scientists from Mendel University in Brno also played a significant role in the international research led by their German colleagues. The results of the research were published in Plant Communications, one of the most prestigious journals focused on plant sciences. “We and our colleagues from Germany are very excited about the results because our findings are beneficial not only for applied research but also for a basic understanding of the interactions between plants and microorganisms. The discovery significantly expands our knowledge of how microbial communities influence plant growth and events in the rhizosphere—the root environment—through volatile compounds,” adds the scientist.