From Signals to Solutions: Molecular Dialogues in Plant-Microbe Interactions

Stefania Vitale 
Dipartimento di Agraria - Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II - Italy

December 03, 2025 (11:30-12:30)
Webinar Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19:meeting_NThmMmYwZmYtMDFjOC00MWNkLTgwNGMtYjJkMjRhODcyMDRj@thread.v2/0?context={"Tid":"34c64e9f-d27f-4edd-a1f0-1397f0c84f94","Oid":"5c443de4-e07f-440f-b8d5-381ff6d1e444"}

Abstract: Plant-microbe interactions involve complex molecular communication systems that determine the success or failure of these associations in agricultural environments. Understanding these chemical dialogues is crucial for developing innovative and sustainable crop protection strategies. By using the plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum as a model system, we investigate both endogenous fungal signals and host-derived chemical cues that mediate plant-microbe communication. Our research focuses on deciphering how pathogens use their own signaling molecules to coordinate growth and infection processes, and how plants respond to external insults by modulating the rhizosphere and its interactions. From the generated knowledge we have learned that pathogen self-communication systems can be hijacked to efficiently suppress key physiological processes. Additionally, we found that plants actively modulate their root chemical signatures to influence microbial community composition, repelling harmful organisms while attracting beneficial ones. Notably, resistant plant varieties constitutively produce chemical compounds that interfere with pathogen recognition and attraction. These findings demonstrate that plant-microbe interactions operate through intricate bidirectional chemical communication networks. By understanding both pathogen endogenous signals and host responses, we can develop targeted strategies that exploit natural communication pathways to enhance crop protection and promote sustainable agricultural practices

Author's Info: https://www.docenti.unina.it/stefania.vitale