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​​​Concurrent Sessions​

This session aims to highlight advancements in identifying crop resistance and susceptibility genes, and understanding their mechanism. It will cover novel resistance gene discoveries through pan-genome and multi-omics approaches, durable resistance trait stacking, innovative genome engineering strategies, and integration into breeding programs.

Plants rely on both short- and long-distance immune signaling networks to halt and prevent microbial infections. However, these networks are frequently targeted by mutualistic and pathogenic microbes to facilitate infections. Recent advancements have even suggested the existence of a connection between peptides produced in the roots, which are associated with plant growth and nutrition status, and leaf immune responses. This further expands the scope of questions regarding inter-organ signaling in both pathogenic and mutualistic interactions. In this session, we aim to present our current understanding of local and inter-organ signaling in plant immunity, encompassing both priming the host immune system against future pathogenic infections and enhancing plant nutrition through mutualism. ​

Microbe-mediated plant-insect interactions are a complex and rapidly expanding field of research. Soil microbial communities influence trophic interactions above and below ground, shaping plant, herbivore, and microbial dynamics. Beneficial soil microbes can enhance plant pest resistance, while insect herbivory induces root-exuded chemicals that attract specific microbes. Microbes associated with phytophagous insects further modulate insect-plant interactions by altering immune signaling, stress-related phytohormones, and inter-kingdom communication, as well as detoxifying plant defense compounds. These intricate interactions reveal the critical roles of microbes in shaping plant and insect ecology, emphasizing their broader ecological and evolutionary significance.

This session explores the diverse strategies which microbes employ to establish interactions with plants, whether as pathogens or beneficial partners. Beyond defence suppression, it could investigate microbe-targeted plant pathways for nutrient acquisition, manipulation of plant signaling networks, and adaptation towards niche colonization. The session also invites abstracts to cover, how microbes balance resource competition and host compatibility, revealing the ecological dynamics of infection strategies and vector-borne diseases. Presentations will highlight cutting-edge research that unravels these mechanisms and their evolutionary drivers, as well as potential applications in sustainable agriculture.

MPMI research in the past few decades has focused on elucidating the genetic and biochemical mechanisms in plants and/or microbes. Looking ahead, an important area that needs increased attention is the poorly understood interplays between abiotic and biotic signaling pathways, which gate the effectiveness of plant-microbial interactions and often play a decisive role in shaping disease or symbiosis outcomes in natural settings. This concurrent session will highlight this important topic by discussing the impact of abiotic conditions on disease and symbiosis development. To feature the newest results, most presentations will be selected from abstracts.

The session "Plant-virus Interactions (including Viromes, Evolution & Vectors)" strives to strengthen integration of plant virology with other fields in the plant-microbe interactions community while highlighting the most exciting discoveries on the topic and the most pressing questions that remain to be addressed. The study of plant viruses is of huge importance both because of their negative impact on crop production and because of their utility as tools to investigate molecular biological processes. This session will highlight groundbreaking discoveries on virus-host interactions, viral evolution, and vector biology, as well as the use of viruses as tools to study molecular mechanisms in plants. By fostering connections between virology and the broader molecular plant-microbe interactions (MPMI) community, we aim to spark cross-disciplinary collaborations, inspire young talent, and address pressing questions that will shape the future of plant virology and agriculture.

The session "RNA on the Move: Advances in Cross-Species Communication & Translational Research" will explore the pivotal role of RNA molecules in mediating communication across species boundaries, particularly in plant-microbe and host-pathogen interactions. Leading experts will present cutting-edge research on mobile RNAs, including dsRNAs, tRNAs, small RNAs and mRNAs, highlighting their roles in signaling, defense, and pathogenicity. The session will also emphasize translational applications, such as RNA-based technologies for crop protection and enhanced agricultural sustainability. By bridging fundamental discoveries with innovative solutions, this session aims to foster discussions on leveraging RNA biology to address global challenges in agriculture and ecosystem health.

Plant-microbe interactions are heterogeneous due to the diversity of cell types within tissues, the uneven distribution of microbial niches, and the asynchronous nature of individual cellular interactions. This heterogeneity can obscure fundamental principles of cellular interactions when analyzed at the tissue scale. This session will bring together researchers–across geography, career stages and experimental systems–interested in discerning the heterogeneity at the plant-microbe interface in space and time. In addition, it will be of particular interest to those interested in exploring the potential of the latest imaging and genomics techniques, including single-cell and spatial omics technologies, in advancing MPMI research.

Subcellular dynamics and signalling play a pivotal role in shaping host-microbe interactions, ranging from symbiotic to pathogenic. Host cells respond to microbial cues through intricate signalling pathways, driving changes in subcellular molecular dynamics that either favour the accommodation of symbionts or halt pathogenic infections. Microbes, in turn, manipulate host processes to ensure their survival, colonization, or immune evasion. This session aims to present the latest advances in uncovering how molecular signals and subcellular trafficking, or compartmentalization of key signalling components, orchestrate host defence mechanisms, pathogen strategies, and symbiotic relationships.

Mutualistic symbioses between plants and fungi or bacteria are based on the exchange of nutrients and are characterized by reciprocal benefits and close physical interaction, including in most cases accommodation of the microbes inside host cells. This requires fine-tuned signaling and cellular remodeling of both partners to reach and maintain compatibility, and to terminate the interaction in a timely manner to prevent parasitism. In this session we highlight recent findings on signaling, development, regulation, functioning, molecular diversity and evolution of mutualistic plant-microbe symbioses.​