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Connecting the pieces: uncovering the molecular basis for long‐distance communication through plant grafting
Author(s) -
Thomas Hannah R.,
Frank Margaret H.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.15772
Subject(s) - multicellular organism , biology , sequoia , abiotic component , ecology , function (biology) , grafting , organism , evolutionary biology , botany , paleontology , chemistry , genetics , organic chemistry , gene , polymer
Summary Vascular plants are wired with a remarkable long‐distance communication system. This network can span from as little as a few centimeters (or less) in species like Arabidopsis, up to 100 m in the tallest giant sequoia, linking distant organ systems into a unified, multicellular organism. Grafting is a fundamental technique that allows researchers to physically break apart and reassemble the long‐distance transport system, enabling the discovery of molecular signals that underlie intraorganismal communication. In this review, we highlight how plant grafting has facilitated the discovery of new long‐distance signaling molecules that function in coordinating developmental transitions, abiotic and biotic responses, and cross‐species interactions. This rapidly expanding area of research offers sustainable approaches for improving plant performance in the laboratory, the field, the orchard, and beyond.