Plant-Microbe Interfaces

The Plant-Microbe Interfaces (PMI) Science Focus Area aims to develop a predictive understanding of dynamic plant-microbe-environment interactions, with a focus on Populus and its microbiome under environmental stresses such as heat and drought. These interactions are critical for plant performance, yet key knowledge gaps remain across genomic, physiological, and ecological scales. Addressing these gaps will enhance our ability to interpret complex biological systems and support sustainable energy solutions. Grounded in genomic sciences, PMI integrates systems biology, plant science, ecology, and microbiome research to study how Populus-microbe-environment relationships evolve and function. Populus serves as a powerful model due to its ecological significance, bioenergy potential, extensive genomic resources, and potential for critical material accumulation. Leveraging over 1,500 resequenced Populus trichocarpa genotypes, an expanding set of P. deltoides genotypes, and more than 5,000 microbial isolates, PMI explores stress responses across species and populations through three objectives. Objective 1 investigates how Populus genetic variation shapes microbial associations that enhance heat and drought tolerance. Objective 2 examines how bacterial and fungal microbiota colonize roots and influence microbiome structure and host performance. Objective 3 assesses how soil variation affects plant-microbiome interactions and outcomes. Using integrated multi-omics, field and greenhouse studies, high-resolution environmental analyses, and machine learning approaches, PMI will identify the genetic and environmental drivers of plant-microbe systems. This work will inform predictive models of stress resilience, and support development of plant- and microbial-based biotechnologies to boost plant productivity, produce chemicals and biomaterials, sequester critical materials, and advance energy security.