Barbara Kraigher

Introduction Plant–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions in the rhizosphere determine plant health and productivity (Mauchline & Malone, 2017). Beneficial microorganisms are common in rhizosphere soils. Some can endophytically colonize plants, frequently improving plant nutrition and plant growth, and protect plants from disease and abiotic stresses through a wide variety of mechanisms (Timmusk et al., 2017; Pozo et al., 2021).

Abstract Potato is exceptionally sensitive to a wide range of stresses. Its successful interaction with beneficial symbionts would allow for environmentally friendly plant protection. We investigated the processes involved in colonisation of potato with beneficial Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract Cooperative behaviors in human, animal, and even microbial societies are vulnerable to exploitation. Kin discrimination (KD) has been hypothesized to help stabilize cooperation. However, the mechanisms that sustain cooperative behavior remain poorly understood. We here investigate the role of KD in limiting the rise of cheats during surfactant dependent cooperative swarming over surfaces by bacterium Bacillus subtilis as a model organism.