A groundbreaking study published in Phytopathology Research (2025) uncovers how maize plants harness natural microbial allies to defend against Bipolaris maydis, the fungus responsible for Southern Corn Leaf Blight (SCLB).
The research team, led by Jing Zhao and colleagues at Yunnan Agricultural University, found that fungal infection on maize leaves triggers changes in root metabolites—chemicals secreted by roots into the soil. These changes specifically attract beneficial Pseudomonas bacteria, particularly strain CMS27, which in turn enhance the plant’s disease resistance.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses showed that infection or treatment with methyl jasmonate (a plant defense hormone) increased the secretion of key compounds such as oleamide, quinic acid, lauric acid, butyl oleate, and palmitoleic acid. These metabolites stimulated Pseudomonas CMS27’s chemotaxis, growth, and biofilm formation—strengthening the rhizosphere defense barrier.
When Pseudomonas CMS27 was applied to maize roots, either alone or in combination with oleamide and palmitoleic acid, plants showed significantly reduced leaf lesions caused by B. maydis. Moreover, foliar spraying with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) mimicked this defense effect by triggering jasmonic acid (JA)-dependent signaling pathways.
This study demonstrates a fascinating “aboveground-belowground” communication: leaf infections modify root exudates, recruiting protective microbes to the rhizosphere. The findings offer a foundation for eco-friendly crop protection—using microbial consortia or JA-based biostimulants to reduce dependence on chemical fungicides and enhance plant resilience naturally.
Reference
Zhao, J., Zhao, C., Li, Y. et al. Bipolaris maydis foliar infection modifies maize root metabolites to recruit Pseudomonas for host resistance. Phytopathol Res 7, 74 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42483-025-00364-y
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