Underground Biological Internet: Common Mycelial Networks in Inter-Plant Signalling and Resistance to Pathogens

Zigmunds Orlovskis, Ph.D.

Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form common mycelial networks (CMN) that interconnect multiple plant hosts, potentially serving as a conduit for inter-plant signal exchange (communication) that may influence stress responses in receivers. We investigate the impact of known plant defence elicitors on pathogen tolerance of plants receiving signals via CMN by analysing leaf metabolites, emitted volatiles, and transcriptome data. Our findings emphasize the role of CMN in shaping plant responses to pathogens and suggest that the mechanisms of inter-plant signalling may influence genetic regulation of defence priming, offering new insights into plant-pathogen interactions as well as agricultural applications for enhancement of community level resistance in different crops.