Coevolution between microbial communties and Brassica rapa plants
Interactions between plants and microorganisms are well studied and have revealed numerous beneficial microbes as well as keyand genetic determinants underlying these associations. However, the coevolutionary processes shaping plant–microbiome relationships remain poorly understood. In particular, little information exists on the dynamics of these interactions across successive plant generations, limiting our ability to evaluate the long-term effects of microbial inoculants. To address this gap, we developed a novel experimental evolution model coupling Brassica rapa fast-cycling plants, a fungal pathogen (Rhizoctonia solani), and ad hoc–designed microbial communities.