Mycorrhizal Signaling and Strigolactone-Mediated Plant Defense: Advances in Beneficial Plant–Microbe Interactions

Beneficial plant–microbe interactions play a fundamental role in improving plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Among these interactions, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish one of the most widespread and evolutionarily conserved symbioses with plants. Recent advances have highlighted the central role of mycorrhizal signaling and strigolactones in regulating the establishment of these symbiotic associations and coordinating plant defense responses. Beyond facilitating AMF colonization, these signaling pathways influence rhizosphere microbial communities, activate defense-related mechanisms, and enhance plant adaptation to environmental challenges. A deeper understanding of these interconnected processes is essential for developing sustainable, microbiome-based strategies that improve crop productivity, strengthen disease resistance, and reduce dependence on chemical inputs in modern agriculture.The increasing frequency of climate change-related stresses, emerging plant diseases, and the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices highlight the urgent need for innovative, microbiome-based solutions to improve crop resilience. Although significant progress has been made in understanding individual plant–microbe interactions, the molecular mechanisms linking mycorrhizal signaling, strigolactone-mediated communication, and plant defense remain incompletely understood. This Research Topic aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for advancing knowledge on the role of beneficial microorganisms in enhancing plant health and stress tolerance. By bringing together studies on mycorrhizal symbiosis, strigolactone signaling, rhizosphere microbiomes, microbial communication, and biological control, this collection seeks to promote the development of sustainable strategies that strengthen crop protection, improve agricultural productivity, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs under changing environmental conditions.This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, mini reviews, perspectives, methods, and opinion papers that advance our understanding of mycorrhizal signaling and strigolactone-mediated plant defense. We particularly encourage submissions addressing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, beneficial plant–microbe interactions, rhizosphere microbiomes, microbial signaling, plant immunity, biological control, induced systemic resistance, plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, microbiome engineering, and sustainable crop protection. Studies integrating molecular, physiological, ecological, microbiological, and omics-based approaches, as well as innovative technologies with practical applications for sustainable agriculture, are especially encouraged. Contributions that bridge fundamental research and field applications to improve crop resilience and productivity are highly welcome. Topic editors: Dr. Gökhan Boyno, Marika Pellegrini, Younes Rezaee Danesh, Semra Demir Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85208/mycorrhizal-signaling-and-strigolactone-mediated-plant-defense-advances-in-beneficial-plant-microbe-interactions