Coordination between microbiota and root endodermis supports plant mineral nutrient homeostasis

Microbes modify plant root permeability The provides mineral nutrients and water to the plant. Diffusion barriers seal root, preventing loss of internal nutrients. Salas-González et al. found that microbes living on in roots model Arabidopsis thaliana influence diffusion barrier formation, which affects balance (see Perspective by Busch Chory). Plants with modified show altered bacterial community composition. tap into plant's abscisic acid hormone signals stabilize against perturbations environmental nutrient availability, thus enhancing stress tolerance. Science , this issue p. eabd0695 ; see also 125