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, nutrition, and health. In this module, we will present the different forms that these biotic interactions can take (symbiosis, parasitism, pathogenicity) based on popular biological models (mycorrhizal or nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, diseases caused by different microorganisms). This will also be an opportunity to introduce emerging concepts in the field, such as the microbiome and holobiont.

Knowing the main types of biotic interactions

Understand, in broad terms, the mechanisms implemented by plants during the initial stages and chronic phases of a biotic interaction.

Know how to inoculate a plant with bacteria or fungi and monitor the appearance of symptoms (growth/disease/alteration of root development).