Root exudates protect rhizosphere from water stress.

Arid and semi-arid regions, which account for over 40% of global land area, are affected by fluctuations in temperatures and rainfall. In these environments, plants recruit beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms to mitigate stress and enhance survival. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms by which 2-79, a rhizobacterium associated with wheat grown in arid regions, adapts to water stress through its interaction with root exudates. We found that water-stressed wheat root exudates contain elevated levels of choline and glycine betaine, which serve as osmoprotectants for 2-79. Exposure to these exudates upregulated genes involved in the uptake and catabolism of these quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), enhancing the bacterium's ability to cope with osmotic stress. Mutants lacking QAC transporters displayed reduced growth under osmotic stress, highlighting the importance of these pathways in rhizosphere competence. Furthermore, the study revealed that 2-79 also produces biofilms containing protective exopolysaccharides, such as alginate and Psl, which aid in stress resilience. Overall, our findings provide insights into how root exudates shape bacterial adaptation to the water-stressed rhizosphere and highlight the role of QAC metabolism and biofilm formation in microbial survival and plant-microbe interactions under drought conditions.IMPORTANCEThis study advances our understanding of plant-microbe interactions in water-stressed environments by revealing how rhizobacteria adapt to osmotic stress through metabolic responses to plant-derived exudates. The utilization of compatible solutes such as choline and glycine betaine, which are abundant in water-stressed plants, contributes strongly to microbial survival and colonization of the dryland rhizosphere. By uncovering the molecular mechanisms underlying this adaptation, including the upregulation of QAC transporters and biofilm formation, the study highlights the potential to leverage beneficial microbes in sustainable agricultural practices. Understanding these interactions offers valuable insights for improving drought resilience in crops and developing microbiome-based strategies to enhance plant productivity in water-limited conditions.