Symbiotic and Pathogenic Interactions in Plants

Plants interact with a multitude of microorganisms in their environment. These microorganisms act alone or in communities. They can have negative or positive effects on plants, their growth, their nutrition, and their health. In this module, we will present the various forms these biotic interactions can take (symbiosis, parasitism, and pathogenicity), drawing on well-known biological examples (mycorrhizal and nitrogen-fixing symbioses, and diseases caused by various microorganisms). This will also be an opportunity to introduce emerging concepts in the field, such as the microbiome and the holobiont.

Understand the major types of biotic interactions

Understand, in general terms, the mechanisms employed by the plant during the initial stages and chronic phases of a biotic interaction.

Know how to inoculate a plant with a bacterium or fungus and monitor the onset of symptoms (growth / disease / impaired root development)