Possible effect of herbivorous insects on the alteration of rhizosphere microbial composition through differential secretion of proteins and phytochemicals in Arabidopsis thaliana
The role of plant root systems in physiological mechanisms that ensure the absorption and acquisition of soil nutrients essential for plant survival, as well as their function as storage organs in some plant families, is already well established. However, knowledge about the role of proteins present in root exudates in mediating interactions with soil microorganisms potentially inducing systemic resistance in plants remains limited. Considering that the expression of root metabolites is modified according to the plant s developmental stage and its need to increase resistance, an interesting line of research emerges: to investigate whether the presence of herbivorous insects can also induce changes in the secretion of signaling compounds that alter the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome. In other words, it raises the question of whether root exudates could enable the selective recruitment of beneficial microorganisms, thereby enhancing plant defense against herbivore attack. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the molecular defense mechanisms of plants when attacked by insects, particularly through alterations in the soil microbiome driven by different metabolites present in root exudates. Demonstrating and elucidating these plant defense mechanisms mediated by the rhizosphere microbiome, in response to herbivore attack in a model plant, may ultimately reveal new strategies to enhance resistance in cultivated plants and, consequently, increase food productivity.