Phage-Resistant Bacteria Reveal a Role for Potassium in Root Colonization

Abstract

was primarily through modification of the phage receptor. However, this type of resistance reduced the ability to colonize the root. From a line that survived phage infection while retaining the ability to colonize the root, we identified a new phage resistance mechanism involving potassium (K+) ion influx modulation and enhanced biofilm formation. Furthermore, we show that potassium serves as a stimulator of root colonization among diverse growth-promoting bacilli species, with implications for plant health.

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