The Gram-positive side of plant-microbe interactions

Environ Microbiol. 2010 Jan;12(1):1-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2009.01989.x. Epub 2009 Jul 9.

Abstract

Plant growth and development are significantly influenced by the presence and activity of microorganisms. To date, the best-studied plant-interacting microbes are Gram-negative bacteria, but many representatives of both the high and low G+C Gram-positives have excellent biocontrol, plant growth-promoting and bioremediation activities. Moreover, actinorhizal symbioses largely contribute to the global biological nitrogen fixation and many Gram-positive bacteria promote other types of symbioses in tripartite interactions. Finally, several prominent and devastating phytopathogens are Gram-positive. We summarize the present knowledge of the beneficial and detrimental interactions of Gram-positive bacteria with plants to underline the importance of this particular group of bacteria.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / growth & development*
  • Plant Development
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology*
  • Plants / microbiology*
  • Soil Microbiology
  • Symbiosis*