Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Activate Lignin-Based Defense Through Metabolic Reprogramming to Improve Salt Tolerance in Poplar.
- Open access
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi boost salt tolerance in poplar by increasing lignin biosynthesis and strengthening cell walls, reducing sodium entry and oxidative stress.
- Why it matters: Salt stress severely hampers plant growth and survival, and understanding natural defense mechanisms can help develop more resilient crops.
- What they did: The study examined how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reprogram transcription and metabolism in poplar, focusing on lignin production and cell wall reinforcement.
- The result: Fungal colonization enhances salt tolerance by activating lignin-based defenses, which limit sodium influx and mitigate oxidative damage, offering potential strategies for improving plant resilience.