The significant effects of Strigolactones on plant growth and microbe interactions: a review
Misbah Naz, Muhammad Rahil Afzal, Muhammad Ammar Raza, Muhammad Tariq, Mengting Yan, Zhicong Dai, Shanshan Qi, Daolin Du
Abstract
Strigolactones (SLs) function as both hormones within plants and signaling molecules in the rhizosphere, interacting with mycorrhizal fungi and certain weeds. While SLs are known to regulate plant growth and development, their role in interactions with harmful microbes, such as fungi, remains poorly understood. This review explores how SL-based approaches could transform pest and disease management by promoting soil health, with SLs influencing microbial populations depending on their type, profile, and concentration in different plant species. We also address how factors like plant morphology, root structure, environmental conditions, and soil types shape SL-microbe interactions. A deeper understanding of SL biosynthesis pathways across plant species could provide insights into their impact on microbial communities and plant resilience. Key to advancing research is understanding SL signaling pathways, including downstream components and physiological mechanisms, which could be elucidated using techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 . These tools offer the potential to explore the genetic basis of SL effects on plant-microbe interactions. Additionally, pure SLs, rather than racemic mixtures, are crucial for studying their specific effects, as isomers of SLs can trigger different signaling pathways. This paper highlights the influence of SLs on plant germination and growth through their interactions with microbes and suggests that SL-based technologies could offer sustainable solutions for enhancing plant health and managing soil ecosystems.