Plant-pathogenic interaction: flavonoid internetworking

Abstract

Plant-microbe interactions are fundamentally shaped by the exchange of chemical signaling molecules, among which flavonoids play a pivotal role. Flavonoids play a crucial role in mediating interactions between plants and microbes, significantly influencing plant growth, fitness, and resilience to environmental stresses. These compounds are essential for establishing beneficial relationships with various microbial communities in the rhizosphere, which is the area surrounding plant roots. The chapter emphasizes that while the biosynthesis and metabolism of flavonoids in plants have been well-studied, their multifaceted roles in host-microbe interactions remain largely unexplored. This includes understanding how flavonoids act as chemical signals that can influence the assembly and functioning of microbial communities. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..