The unique partnership between root-dwelling microbes and the plants they inhabit can reduce drought stress.

Plants and animals have a close connection to the microbes like bacteria living on them. The microbes, the creatures they inhabit, and the environment they create all play a critical role for life on Earth.

«We know that microbiomes, which are the communities of microorganisms in a given environment, are very important for the health of plants,» said Devin Coleman-Derr.

Coleman-Derr, a scientist at University of California, Berkeley, studies how drought impacts the microbiome of sorghum. He recently presented his research at the virtual 2020 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting.

Findings show that certain bacteria living in the roots of sorghum, a crop commonly grown for animal feed, work together with the plant to reduce drought stress. This unique pairing leads to overall plant success.

«Plants have hormones, which help plants decide how to spend their energy,» says Coleman-Derr. «Microbes can manipulate the system and cause the decision-making process of plants to be altered.»

Some bacteria and fungi are destined to inhabit certain plants. And, bacteria want the roots they inhabit to be their dream homes. If a bacterium partners with a plant to help it grow during dry weather, it is essentially building a better home for itself.

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Materials provided by American Society of Agronomy. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.