The ecology of plant-microbial mutualisms

A diverse assemblage of plant-microbial mutualisms exists in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane. A primary focus of ecological research into plant-microbial mutualisms has been to understand the role that mutualistic symbioses play in promoting plant productivity. Recent research, however, has illuminated the fact that these symbioses likely function along a continuum, from mutualism to parasitism; this new view has enhanced our understanding of how plant communities are structured and may affect how mutualistic symbioses are exploited in agriculture and forestry. The ubiquity of mutualistic symbioses in the rhizosphere adn rhizoplane, as well as the high levels of microbial diversity and activity in general, guarantees that these regions are rich in interactions, many of which influence plant growth and fitness, community dynamics, and ecosystem functioning. A greater understanding of these interactions could allow us to better predict the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on the functioning of ecosystems and may lead to more effective microbial inoculants for use in agriculture and restoration.