Optical Sensing Technologies to Elucidate the Interplay between Plant and Microbes

Abstract

Plant-microbe interactions are critical for ecosystem functioning and driving rhizosphere processes. To fully understand the communication pathways between plants and rhizosphere microbes, it is crucial to measure the numerous processes that occur in the plant and the rhizosphere. The present review first provides an overview of how plants interact with their surrounding microbial communities, and in turn, are affected by them. Next, different optical biosensing technologies that elucidate the plant-microbe interactions and provide pathogenic detection are summarized. Currently, most of the biosensors used for detecting plant parameters or microbial communities in soil are centered around genetically encoded optical and electrochemical biosensors that are often not suitable for field applications. Such sensors require substantial effort and cost to develop and have their limitations. With a particular focus on the detection of root exudates and phytohormones under biotic and abiotic stress conditions, novel low-cost and in-situ biosensors must become available to plant scientists.

Exploring the connectivity between rhizosphere microbiomes and the plant genes: A way forward for sustainable increase in primary productivity

“…One application of AI in this area includes analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data to identify genes and pathways that are involved in plant–microbe interactions (Caudai et al, 2021). Interestingly, remote sensing can also play an important role in linking rhizosphere microorganisms to functional genes in plants by providing a noninvasive method for analyzing plant–microbe interactions and identifying potential avenues that may benefit from targeted interventions (Neelam & Tabassum, 2023). Remote sensing application has the potential to provide new insights into the complex interactions between plants and microorganisms and to guide targeted interventions that can promote productivity.…”

A Hybrid Multifunctional Physicochemical Sensor Suite for Continuous Monitoring of Crop Health

“…SA and JA are the two primary phytohormones released during systemic acquired resistance (a mechanism of protection against a wide variety of stresses), while ethylene and other phytohormones modulate the overall plant response [8][9][10][11] . Alternating levels of SA, JA, and ABA have been proven to be an indicator of drought, salt, and temperature stresses in plants [12][13][14][15][16] . Likewise, plants release ethylene and terpenoids under abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature variations, and biotic stresses such as pests, herbivores, or microbe attacks [17] .…”