Rhizosphere-Associated Pseudomonas Suppress Local Root Immune Responses by Gluconic Acid-Mediated Lowering of Environmental pH (Current Biology)

Many plant-root-associated microbes can trigger plant defenses. Yu et al. show that the production of gluconic acid and its derivative 2-keto gluconic acid acidifies the plant growth medium, suppressing flg22-induced root immunity to facilitate colonization by beneficial root microbiota.