Several other plant-microbe symbioses could benefit from high-resolution spatial mapping of nutrient transfer and assimilation within plant cells and tissues to enhance our understanding of their interactions and optimize agricultural practices. Some examples include:
Rhizobia-Legume Symbiosis: Similar to the Gd-maize interaction, studying the subcellular distribution of nitrogen fixation in legume nodules can provide insights into how rhizobia transfer fixed nitrogen to plant cells. Understanding the spatial dynamics of nutrient transfer within nodules can improve the efficiency of nitrogen fixation and enhance crop productivity.
Mycorrhizal Associations: Mapping the uptake and transport of nutrients, especially phosphorus, in mycorrhizal fungi-plant symbioses can elucidate the mechanisms underlying nutrient exchange between the symbiotic partners. This knowledge can help optimize the use of mycorrhizae in agriculture to improve nutrient uptake and plant growth.
Endophytic Bacteria in Crop Plants: Investigating the subcellular localization of nutrient uptake by endophytic bacteria in various crop plants can shed light on how these microbes contribute to plant nutrition and growth. Understanding the spatial distribution of nutrient assimilation can aid in developing targeted strategies for enhancing nutrient availability to plants.
By applying high-resolution spatial mapping techniques to these plant-microbe symbioses, researchers can uncover novel insights into nutrient transfer mechanisms, symbiotic interactions, and plant-microbe communication, leading to more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.