Role of Quorum Sensing Molecules in Plant-microbe Interaction for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
Yumkhaibam Sonia Shahni
Department of Plant Pathology. SAS, Nagaland University, India.
Khumukcham Priyobarta Singh
Department of Soil Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, 785013, India.
Shubham Pandey *
Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – 224229, India.
Chandan Kumar Panigrahi
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar - 751003, Odisha, India.
Nikita Das
Department of Nematology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-785013, Assam, India.
Narinder Panotra
Institute of Biotechnology, SKUAST, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
P.T. Sharavanan
Centre of Excellence in Millets, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Athiyandal-606603, Thiruvannamalai Dt, Tamil Nadu, India.
S. R. Mishra
Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – 224229, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS) is a pivotal communication mechanism employed by microorganisms to regulate collective behaviours such as biofilm formation, virulence, and symbiosis through the production and perception of signalling molecules. In plant-associated microbial communities, QS plays a dual role, modulating both pathogenic and beneficial interactions. This review explores the multifaceted impact of QS molecules, especially N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), autoinducer-2 (AI-2), and autoinducing peptides (AIPs), on plant-microbe communication. The cross-kingdom interactions between plants and microbes mediated by QS are integral to nutrient cycling, stress tolerance, and immune responses. Plants have evolved mechanisms to recognise and respond to QS signals, potentially manipulating microbial behaviour to their advantage. The paper discusses the role of QS in enhancing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilising bacteria, and the potential of quorum quenching to suppress phytopathogens. The application of QS principles in sustainable agriculture offers avenues for biofertilizer and biopesticide development. However, regulatory and ecological concerns remain, particularly regarding the use of genetically modified QS-based organisms. The integration of synthetic biology and omics technologies is expected to further advance the manipulation of QS systems for enhanced crop productivity, resilience, and reduced chemical dependency, making QS a cornerstone of future eco-friendly agricultural strategies.
Keywords: Quorum sensing, plant-microbe interaction, sustainable agriculture, biofertilizers, quorum quenching