title: Symbiotic microorganisms, a key for ecological success and protection of plants.
abstract: Plant-associated microbial diversity encompasses symbionts, protecting their host against various aggressions. Mycorrhizal and rhizospheric microorganisms buffer effects of soil toxic compounds and soil-borne pathogens. Endophytic bacteria and fungi, some of which are vertically inherited through seeds, take part in plant protection by acting directly on aggressive factors (mainly pathogens and herbivores) or by enhancing plant responses. Plant protective microbial symbionts determine the ecological success of plants; they drastically modify plant communities and related trophic webs. This review suggests approaches to improve the inventory of diversity and functions of in situ plant-associated microorganisms.
authors.affiliation: UMR CNRS 7138 Systématique, adaptation et évolution, Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, 43, rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France. ma.selosse@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: Marc-André
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Selosse
authors.forename: Ezékiel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baudoin
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vandenkoornhuyse
mesh_terms: D004463:Ecology; D038821:Mycorrhizae / Q000502:physiology; D018514:Plant Structures / Q000382:microbiology; D010944:Plants / Q000382:microbiology*; D013559:Symbiosis