Plant biotic interactions: From fundamental research toward sustainable agriculture

Plants not only provide food and natural materials for humankind, but also constitute an indispensable part of the ecological system of this planet:without plants, life as we know it would simply not be possible. Through their lifespans,plants interact with a plethora of other organisms, including beneficial microbes and potential pathogens. Dissecting the underlying mechanisms determining the outcome of plant biotic interactions is a cornerstone for the design of rational management strategies to secure global food production and ecological balance.