The response of plants to simultaneous biotic and abiotic stress
This study explores the combined effects of high light intensity and nematode infection on tomato seedlings. It reveals that these conditions enhance the plant's photosynthetic yield and trigger robust defense responses. Despite being shielded from light, roots undergo significant molecular changes. The study also finds that light has a dominant influence on gene expression and that combined stressors induce more changes than individual ones. The findings underscore the need for integrated approaches to develop crops that can withstand multiple stresses.