Evolution of micro-symbionts of cultured plants: experimental and mathematical models

Abstract

Formation of the cultured flora resulted in a decrease of plant symbiotic potential based on interactions with beneficial microorganisms. This decrease leads to transformation of plant micro-symbionts into the non-adaptive forms caused by: а) blocking the selection in favor of mutualistic strains; б) horizontal gene transfer in the microbial communities resulted in formation of virulent “symbiotic cheaters”. Mathematical simulation suggests that these tendencies may be overcome by formation of the optimal population structures in symbiotic system which should possess a high integrity and specificity of partners’ interactions as well as by a tolerance to the invasions of non-active aboriginal strains from the local soil populations. 

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Provorov N.A., Vorobyov N.I.